Songs You Know with Toby Gad
by Songs You Know
Welcome to Songs You Know, a podcast that takes you behind the scenes of the songs you love, hosted by legendary hitmaker Toby Gad. Known for unforgettable hits like John Legend’s "All of Me" and Beyoncé’s "If I Were a Boy," Toby invites some of the most talented and influential voices in music to share their stories. Each week, Toby sits down with incredible guests — artists, songwriters, and producers who’ve shaped the soundtrack of our lives. From Josh Groban and Victoria Justice to Bon Jovi’s John Shanks, Songs You Know offers intimate conversations with the creators behind iconic hits, revealing the untold stories and inspiration behind each track. If you want a deeper look at the music you know from the people who made it possible, listen to Songs You Know for new episodes every week. We can’t wait for you to join us on this journey! IG: @songsyouknowpodcast TT: @songsyouknowpodcast Hosted on Aca
Episodes
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Overcoming Anxiety and Depression In the Music Industry | Jon Levine #051
Today we have Jon Levine, an amazing record producer, songwriter and musician who has made music for some of the biggest names in pop. Our conversation goes through his transition from being a drummer to a pianist, tips for aspiring producers, and how he overcame anxiety and depression while...
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His Music Made Him $60,000 In High School | Elijah Blake #050
Today, we have Elijah Blake on the pod! Elijah is a 2x Grammy-award winner who started writing songs as a teen. His hits include his song "I Just Wanna" with Dej Loaf, "Climax" by Usher, and "No Love Allowed" by Rihanna. In this episode, we talk about his upbringing in Haiti and the tough...
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He Produced Mariah Carey’s BIGGEST Hit | Walter A #049
Today we're talking with Walter A! Born in Brazil and moved to the states when he was 5, Walter A is a legendary hitmaker with iconic songs such as "My Heart Will Go On" and "All I Want For Christmas" under his belt. We talk to him about his methods as a producer to get the best vocal…
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The Untold Story of "I Will Always Love You" | David Foster #048
Today we're talking with legendary hitmaker David Foster ! His iconic discography includes "I Will Always Love You" by Whitney Houston, "The Prayer" by Celine Dion , and "After the Love Has Gone" by Earth Wind and Fire . David's songs are known for their beautiful lyrics, key changes, and...
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Revealing the Secret Behind Pentatonix's Success | Scott Hoying #047
Today we are talking with Scott Hoying! Scott is most known for his successful a capella group, Pentatonix, who were the winners of the reality show "The Sing Off" and have since won 3 Grammys. In this episode, we talk about what it was like growing up as a queer kid in Texas, finding his…
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AI Music Will Change the Industry FOREVER | Oak Felder #045
This week we have Oak Felder on the podcast! Oak is a Grammy-award winning, multi-platinum record producer and songwriter. He is the man behind Demi Lovato's hit "Sorry Not Sorry," Alessia Cara's "Here," and Sabrina Carpenter's "Sue Me." In this episode, we dig into the actual recording sessions…
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Continuing A Legacy of Philanthropy and Activism | Julian Lennon #044
Julian Lennon is an activist, musician, author, and philanthropist who's non-profit, The White Feather Foundation, has been working for almost 20 years to help those in need. His award-winning documentary work with the Mirning tribe of Australia and his role as a Global Ambassador for the Lupus...
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Do Your Demos Suck? Watch This Video | Ask Toby Anything Ep #3
Toby Gad is a Grammy-award winning songwriter who has worked with everyone from Beyonce to John Legend to Miley Cyrus. Today, he listens to YOUR demos and gives his professional advice and opinion on what your song needs to stand out above the rest and shine! Our fans also submitted questions…
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"I Was Working 90 Hours A Week" | Autumn Rowe #043
Autumn Rowe is a Grammy Award-winning songwriter and producer. Best known for her work on We Are by Jon Batiste, winner of the 2022 Grammy Award for Album of the Year, she has built an influential career writing and producing for artists including Dua Lipa, Diana Ross, Ava Max, FKA Twigs, Leona...
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From Cancer Survivor to Eurovision Finalist | Delta Goodrem #042
Today we're talking with Delta Goodrem! She is an Australian singer, songwriter, actress, and now Eurovision finalist! She talks about her journey of being a child actor, getting cancer at age 18, and how she stays inspired to write. She has 9 number one singles, 17 top-ten hits on the ARIA…
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"I Wrote My Biggest Songs In A Day" | Jason Evigan #041
From growing up surrounded by music to carving out his own path as a hitmaker, Jason Evigan dives into the journey that shaped his career, sharing how he transitioned from artist to one of the industry’s most in-demand songwriters and producers. From early struggles and creative breakthroughs to...
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Why Your Fans Matter More Than Getting Signed | Jesse Thomas #040
In this episode, we are talking with Jesse Thomas, a Kentucky-born, stand-up comedian turned LA-based, platinum songwriter, and music scene curator. She talks about her struggles of being a solo artist, discovering the magical, hidden world of songwriting, and what it takes to create and maintain…
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Why I Walked Away at the Peak of My Career | Ask Toby Anything Ep #2
From being the #3 songwriter in the country to walking away from it all, Toby Gad opens up about losing—and rediscovering—his love for music. In this episode of Ask Toby Anything, Toby answers your questions on AI-generated songs (Team Human 👀), creative burnout, songwriting mistakes, and what...
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From American Idol to Queer Icon | David Archuleta #039
You may know David Archuleta as the 16 year-old singing sensation that was the runner-up for season 7 of American Idol, but he has since blossomed into the most authentic and unapologetic version of himself yet. In this episode, he tells us about his journey of accepting his queerness, separating...
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"They Asked ME To Be An Artist" | NEFF-U Pt. 2 #038
NEFF-U is a preacher's son and producer that has worked with music legends such as Michael Jackson, Eminem, and Jay-Z. In part 2 of our interview with him, he talks about his sound therapy company, Neuromonics, the importance of self-love, meeting Stevie Wonder, and more.
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Michael Jackson called HIM | Neff -U #037
Working with icons like Eminem, Jay-Z, Mary J. Blige and Michael Jackson, today’s guest has played a key role in shaping some of the biggest records in hip-hop, R&B, and pop. In this episode, NEFF-U shares behind-the-scenes stories from working with music legends, how those collaborations came...
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Ask Toby Anything | Episode #1
Switching things up for this episode, Toby takes a seat on the other side of the conversation—answering questions directly from listeners and diving into everything from his early journey in the music industry to the mindset that’s shaped his career. Toby shares insights into his songwriting...
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"I was broke, I Had Nothing" | Bonnie McKee Pt. 2 #036
Welcome to part 2 of our interview with Bonnie Mckee! In this episode, we dive into the lore of how she wrote two of Katy Perry’s biggest hits: “Wide Awake” and “Roar” as well as Britney Spears’ “Femme Fatale” album. We talk about the struggles of being a woman in the music industry and she gives...
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She wrote FIVE Hit Songs in A Year! | Bonnie McKee #035
Bonnie Mckee is one of those songwriters that you can’t escape. Whether it’s Katy Perry, Britney Spears, Kesha, or Taio Cruz, you’ve heard her words sung in everywhere from the Superbowl to the grocery store. With hits like “Teenage Dream,” “California Girls,” and “Dynamite,” Bonnie Mckee is…
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From Couch Surfing to Crowd Surfing | Danny O'Donoghue #034
Singer, Songwriter, and front man of The Script, Danny O'Donoghue, walks us through his life discovering music through hardship, pursuing his dreams when the money had run out, and tells the stories behind some of his biggest hits like Hall of Fame, Breakeven, and The Man Who Can't Be Moved.
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"My Album was #1 in Mexico and I Didn't Even Know It" | Drake Bell #033
Songwriter, actor, and musician Drake Bell reflects on the unexpected global journey of his music, revealing how one of his albums quietly hit #1 in Mexico without him even realizing at the time. He also revisits his early rise through Drake & Josh, unpacking how growing up on a hit TV show…
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I Spent $47k On The Demo For The Olympic Anthem And It Paid Off | Stephan Moccio #030
Composer and producer Stephan Moccio shares the stories behind Earned It by The Weeknd, Miley Cyrus’s Wrecking Ball, and his Olympic anthem I Believe, reflecting on his creative process, classical roots, and what makes a song timeless.
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How Matteo Boecelli Went From Never Performing Publicly to Selling Out Arenas | #029
Singer-songwriter Matteo Bocelli reflects on his journey from debuting alongside his father Andrea Bocelli to performing on some of the world’s most iconic stages. He shares stories about collaborations with Ed Sheeran and David Foster, memories of singing for Pope Francis and President Biden…
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The Man Behind James Bond's Most Iconic Soundtracks | Don Black #028
Academy award winning lyricist, Don Black CBE, known for his work on various James Bond films such as classics like Diamonds Are Forever, Thunderball, Tomorrow Never Dies, The Man With The Golden Gun and The World Is Not Enough reveals the stories behind the films and their legendary music. He…
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How Sigala Went From Bedroom DJ to 5 Billion Streams | #027
From being hungry for fame in the music industry and working at a second-hand store to achieving 5 billion stream, 7 global platinum singles, and 12 top-ten airplay hits in just ten years, Sigala shares his origin story of his first number one 'Easy Love' which famously samples the Jackson 5's...
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Freya Ridings Was Rejected for 10 years—Then Went Viral | #26
Hailing from North London, Freya Ridings is a singer-songwriter with hits like 'Lost Without You' & 'Castles'. From her dad being the voiceover for Daddy Pig in Peppa Pig to her musical journey and growing up around instruments, Freya shares her side of writing music and the industry. Freya…
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Jessie J: Story Behind 'Price Tag', Writing for Miley Cyrus & Why She's Ready To Be Cancelled | #025
From writing Miley Cyrus' 'Party in the USA' to chart topping singles like 'Price Tag', 'Bang Bang' and 'Domino', Jessie J dives deep into her musical career, revealing the truth behind performing at the London Olympics with Queen, what it's really like working with Nicki Minaj and Ariana Grande...
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Jon Shave Unpacks Logic Sessions for Charli XCX’s “BRAT” Album | #24
From working on the Brat album alongside Charli XCX to being nominated for Grammys and having multiplatinum hits, Jon Shave delves deep into his musical career, sharing the unseen original demos as well as revealing what it’s really like to work with Iggy Azalea. Jon also talks about how he wrote...
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How MNEK Wrote Hits for Madonna, Beyoncé and Zara Larsson | #023
The mastermind behind tracks for Beyoncé, Madonna, Zara Larsson, Jax Jones, Joel Corry and so many more, MNEK shares his insights into songwriting, production and finding your own voice in a saturated industry. MNEK reveals how he wrote his first song at aged eight on paper to navigating major...
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The DJs Behind TikTok’s Most Viral Sounds | Billen Ted #022
From playing in death metal bands to producing dance hits like “Man in Finance” and “Wellerman”, Billen Ted delve into their creative process, their experiences working with artists such as Anne-Marie and Jess Glynne and what it takes to go viral every single time. They also share their thoughts…
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The Genius Behind Mac Miller, Hozier & Beyoncé | Jeff Gitty #021
One of the world's biggest producers, Jeff Gitty is behind the global hits by Hozier, Beyoncé, Mac Miller, Jelly Roll, Teddy Swims and many, many more. From Gitty's exploration of musical truth and vulnerability to his experiences working with some of the biggest names in the industry, Jeff…
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The Producer Duo Behind Every Song Ever Made | Stargate #020
Mikkel Erikson is one half of the legendary production duo, Stargate. The duo are behind hits like Rihanna’s 'Only Girl in the World', Katy Perry's 'Firework' and Ne-Yo’s 'So Sick', as well as producing tracks for Beyoncé, Wiz Khalifa and Coldplay. From Mikkel’s journey growing up on the quiet...
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The Music Mogul Behind P!nk & David Guetta | Billy Mann #019
One of the most prolific names in the music industry, Billy Mann has worked with P!nk & David Guetta, to just name a few. From a struggling artist to an award-winning songwriter, producer, and music executive, Billy Mann's story is one of determination and hard work. Delving deep into the…
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How Charli XCX, Psychedelics & Troye Sivan Changed My Life | Zhone #018
From producing tracks for artists like Troye Sivan, Kesha and Charli XCX to teaching high school students in Baltimore, Zhone's rise to success is one of risk, reinvention and relentless creativity. Zhone delves deep into how using magic mushrooms changed his life, breaks down how he made 'Rush',...
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Jason Derulo, Selena Gomez & Demi Lovato Wouldn't Be The Same | Lindy Robbins #017
Lindy Robbins is one of the most successful songwriters in pop music, writing massive hits like Demi Lovato’s 'Skyscraper', One Direction’s 'Summer Love', and Jason Derulo’s 'Want to Want Me'. From her early days of struggling to break into the industry to how 'Skyscraper' almost didn't happen…
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What Happened to Pixie Lott | #016
Singer, songwriter, actress, mentor and mother, Pixie Lott opens up about the highs and lows of fame. From her early days as a teenage pop sensation to her journey of self-discovery, she talks about the stories behind her biggest hits and why it took 10 years to release a new album. Pixie reveals...
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Marisha Wallace EXPOSES the Truth About Celebrity Big Brother & Broadway | #015
An acclaimed Broadway and West End performer, singer, songwriter and two-time Olivier Award nominee, Marisha Wallace has starred in major productions like Dreamgirls, Aladdin, Hairspray, Oklahoma!, Guys and Dolls, and The Book of Mormon. Originally from a small town in North Carolina, Marisha’s...
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From American Idol to The Greatest Showman - Loren Allred's Rise To Global Stardom | #014
From headlining stages worldwide to working with legends like Michael Bublé, Andrea Bocelli and David Foster, Loren Allred is the powerhouse vocalist behind The Greatest Showman's 'Never Enough' and a successful songwriter. After being rejected from American Idol at 18 and then being coached by...
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Legendary Songwriter Meets Madonna, Icon Behind His #1 Hit - It Goes Wrong | Billy Steinberg #013
Writing chart toppers like Madonna's 'Like a Virgin', Cyndi Lauper's 'True Colours', Whitney Houston's 'So Emotional' and The Bangles 'Eternal Flame', Billy is behind some of the biggest hits in music's history. As a Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee, Billy shares his incredible behind-the-scenes...
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The Secret Genius Behind Justin Bieber's Biggest Hits | Nasri #012
Grammy-winning songwriter, producer, and frontman of MAGIC!, Nasri shares his journey from being an aspiring artist to writing 'Rude', Justin Bieber's 'As Long As You Love me', Chris Brown's 'Crawl', as well as writing for Pitbull and John Legend to name just a few! Nasri dives deep into being a...
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Prince’s True Personality, Whitney’s Superbowl, & The REAL Michael Jackson | Rickey Minor #011
From leading the Oscars, Grammys, Super Bowl, and American Idol to working with Whitney Houston, Beyoncé, Prince, and Stevie Wonder, Emmy-winning music director, composer, and producer Rickey Minor reveals the unforgettable stories of success. Rickey talks about how he shaped some of music’s most...
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How Johnny Orlando Went from YouTube Covers to Global Stardom | #010
Viral sensation and multi-talented artist Johnny Orlando, winner of four consecutive MTV Awards for Best Canadian Act, shares the inside story of his career. Starting with YouTube covers recorded on a laptop, Johnny quickly rose to stardom with millions of fans worldwide. Johnny shares his…
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Good Luck Babe, The Untold Story Behind the 7x Grammy-Nominated Hit | Justin Tranter #009
One of the most decorated names in music, Justin Tranter is a multi-platinum songwriter, singer and activist. From working with Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez and Britney Spears to Linkin Park, Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande and Demi Lovato, Justin shares how their personal experiences and bold...
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David Guetta, Lady Gaga and Enrique All Fought Over THIS Song | Lauren Christy #008
Grammy-nominated producer and songwriter Lauren Christy, known for producing hits with Avril Lavigne, Dua Lipa and Korn, talks about what it's like working with the world's biggest artists and how she became a member of the iconic songwriting trio The Matrix. Steeped in Grammy nominations and...
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From Avicii to 'I Need a Dollar': Aloe Blacc's Unorthodox Journey | #007
Global superstar Aloe Blacc tells us his side of the stories, from how he sang Avicii's 'Wake Me Up', to his solo success of 'I Need a Dollar' and 'The Man'. With multiple Grammy nominations, Aloe reveals the advice Quincy Jones gave him, how he becomes inspired and what it's really like working...
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Clip 11: The Truth Behind X Factor U.S and Simon Cowell
Full conversation: https://youtu.be/-9OHRYmNx_0?si=3C2eQhT4QeOxPWp_ John Shanks and Toby Gad reflect on their joint experiences working on X Factor with Simon Cowell for the US version of the series. Listen on: Apple podcast - https://apple.co/3UX4VnF Spotify - https://spoti.fi/40Uul9g John…
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Clip 10: Josh Groban Talks About the Most Embarrassing Moment of His Career
Full conversation: https://youtu.be/junq5ta7Cjg?si=3sDGIvB4IpZyerkZ Josh Groban talks about his most embarrassing moments, including him burping on stage and a woman touching his leg whilst performing. Listen on: Apple podcast - https://apple.co/3UX4VnF Spotify - https://spoti.fi/40Uul9g Josh...
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Clip 09: "Apologize" by OneRepublic Was Nearly SCRAPPED
Full conversation: https://youtu.be/L6A01CPl-rg?si=ab2vMaHySNMnc2Ue Greg Wells talks about how he produced OneRepublic's 'Apologize' and how he worked with Ryan Tedder to convince the band to finish it. Listen on: Apple podcast - https://apple.co/3UX4VnF Spotify - https://spoti.fi/40Uul9g Greg...
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Clip 08: How Delilah Montagu Won TWO Grammys
Full conversation: https://youtu.be/SBLDqiSOrPg?si=uRd8-wB6_IKB5h7i Delilah Montagu has won 2x Grammys in her career so far. Here she talks about what it's like working with David Guetta and Black Coffee. Listen on: Apple podcast - https://apple.co/3UX4VnF Spotify - https://spoti.fi/40Uul9g…
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Guess That Song with Josh Groban, Victoria Justice, Delilah Montagu and Eg White (Season 1 Compilation)
In our first season of the podcast, we've had guests from Josh Groban, to Victoria Justice, Delilah Montagu and more. This fun segment is where guests try to work out which song Toby is playing from just a few notes. play along at home, and let us know in the comments how many you get right! Find...
About this show
Welcome to Songs You Know, a podcast that takes you behind the scenes of the songs you love, hosted by legendary hitmaker Toby Gad. Known for unforgettable hits like John Legend’s "All of Me" and Beyoncé’s "If I Were a Boy," Toby invites some of the most talented and influential voices in music to share their stories.
Each week, Toby sits down with incredible guests — artists, songwriters, and producers who’ve shaped the soundtrack of our lives. From Josh Groban and Victoria Justice to Bon Jovi’s John Shanks, Songs You Know offers intimate conversations with the creators behind iconic hits, revealing the untold stories and inspiration behind each track.
If you want a deeper look at the music you know from the people who made it possible, listen to Songs You Know for new episodes every week. We can’t wait for you to join us on this journey!
IG: @songsyouknowpodcast
TT: @songsyouknowpodcast
Hosted on Aca
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Songs You Know
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