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The Hardest Part

Author: Palm Tree Island

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Hosted by Kieron Banerji, The Hardest Part dives deep into the most challenging songs ever written. Every two weeks, an artist joins Kieron in the studio to break down the struggles, breakthroughs, and raw emotions behind their toughest songwriting experiences. From overcoming creative blocks to tapping into painful memories, these conversations reveal the delicate balance between self-expression and self-protection.


Each episode wraps with an exclusive live performance of the song—raw, real, and sometimes heard this way for the first time.


Follow the Hardest Part wherever you get your podcasts, and watch footage from the show on our YouTube and socials.

13 Episodes
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Amahla: "Apathy"

2025-02-2021:16

In this episode of The Hardest Part, host Kieron Banerji is joined in the studio by Amahla to explore the creation of her song "Apathy." The conversation delves into the deeply personal journey behind the track, touching on themes of emotional overwhelm, detachment, and the vices people turn to when life becomes too difficult. Influenced by folk and gospel music, Amahla shares her process of finding her voice and the guilt that comes with tuning out from the world's problems. She also reflects on the song’s lyrics, the creative blocks she faced during its composition, and the profound impact of artists like Nick Drake and Lauryn Hill on her music. The episode concludes with a stripped-back performance of "Apathy." Artist: Amahla Song: "Apathy" Host and Producer: Kieron Banerji Recording Engineer: Max Walker Creative Team: Callum Baker and Giovanni Almonte Recording Studio: The Thin White Duke, LondonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Canty: "hahaha"

2025-02-1414:47

In this episode of The Hardest Part, host Kieron Banerji sits down with Canty to explore the emotional depth behind his track "hahaha." Canty opens up about the personal struggles he faced during this period, from navigating the challenges of the music industry to dealing with personal health issues. He shares how these experiences shaped the song, which captures a paradoxical blend of joy and seriousness. The conversation delves into the ways laughter can mask deeper emotions and how music became both a coping mechanism and a source of strength for him. The episode concludes with a special performance of the track. Artist: Canty Song: "hahaha" Host and Producer: Kieron Banerji Recording Engineer: Max Walker Creative Team: Callum Baker and Giovanni Almonte Recording Studio: The Thin White Duke, LondonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode of The Hardest Part, host Kieron Banerji sits down with singer-songwriter Molly Payton to explore the journey behind her song "You're On Your Own This Time, Again." Molly opens up about the deeply personal inspiration for the track, which reflects on her father’s arrest when she was 18. She shares how finishing the song years later became a cathartic process, allowing her to navigate complex emotions and understand its impact on both her relationships and music career. The conversation offers an intimate look at Molly’s creative process and emotional resilience. The episode concludes with a special performance of this deeply heartfelt track. Artist: Molly Payton Song: "You're On Your Own This Time, Again" Host and Producer: Kieron Banerji Recording Engineer: Max Walker Creative Team: Callum Baker and Giovanni Almonte Recording Studio: The Thin White Duke, LondonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode of The Hardest Part, host Kieron Banerji sits down with Rosie Lowe to explore the story behind her song "Gratitudes." Rosie recounts the intense and challenging journey of creating the track during a session in Berlin with her collaborator D'Monk. She shares the frustration of losing the original session due to a power cut and the eventual acceptance that led to creating something entirely new. Reflecting on this experience, Rosie discusses the valuable life lessons it taught her about gratitude and moving forward. The conversation also delves into her creative process, the significance of morning rituals, and the transformative impact of motherhood on her music. The episode concludes with a stripped-back performance of "Gratitudes," offering listeners a deeper connection to the lyrics and the emotions behind them. Artist: Rosie Lowe Song: "Gratitudes" Host and Producer: Kieron Banerji Recording Engineer: Max Walker Creative Team: Callum Baker, Dylan Roberts, and Giovanni Almonte Recording Studio: The Thin White Duke, LondonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kiioto: "Wild Geese"

2024-12-1725:51

In this episode of The Hardest Part, host Kieron Banerji is joined by Rohan and Lou from the band Kiioto to discuss the challenges behind their song "Wild Geese." The conversation explores the complexities of balancing individual creativity within both a romantic and professional partnership. Rowan and Lou share how the song evolved from its initial concept, "Goldfinch," into the final version of "Wild Geese," showcasing their dynamic and collaborative creative process. The episode also highlights the intricacies of their songwriting, the importance of creating space within their music, and the diverse themes they explore beyond personal relationships. Artist: Kiioto Song: "Wild Geese" Host and Producer: Kieron Banerji Recording Engineer: Max Walker Creative Team: Callum Baker and Giovanni Almonte Recording Studio: The Thin White Duke, LondonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode of The Hardest Part, host Kieron Banerji sits down with singer-songwriter Lexie Carroll to discuss her track "laundry detergent." Lexie opens up about the challenges she faced in creating the song, delves into her songwriting process, how she collaborates with her producer, and the real-life events that inspired her heartfelt lyrics. Recorded at Thin White Duke Studios in Soho, London, the episode concludes with a full performance of "laundry detergent." Artist: Lexie CarrollSong: "laundry detergent"Host and Producer: Kieron BanerjiRecording Engineer: Max WalkerCreative Team: Callum Baker and Giovanni AlmonteRecording Studio: The Thin White Duke, LondonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

SOFY: "Pirates"

2024-11-1422:36

In this episode of The Hardest Part, host Kieron Banerji welcomes singer-songwriter SOFY to discuss the personal journey behind her song "Pirates," featured on her upcoming 2025 record. Marking a shift in her songwriting approach, SOFY explains how "Pirates" moves from observational storytelling to a more autobiographical perspective. She opens up about the emotions that inspired the track, exploring the complexities of a friendship on the verge of becoming something more. SOFY also shares insights into her evolving creative process and the challenges she faces in refining her abundant material into a cohesive project. This episode offers an exclusive preview of "Pirates," concluding with a full performance that allows listeners to connect with the heartfelt lyrics and emotions that shape her work. Artist: SOFY Song: "Pirates" Host and Producer: Kieron Banerji Recording Engineer: Max Walker Creative Team: Callum Baker and Giovanni Almonte Recording Studio: The Thin White Duke, LondonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tim Atlas: "Out Cold"

2024-11-1216:44

In this episode of The Hardest Part, host Kieron Banerji sits down with Brooklyn-based singer, songwriter, and producer Tim Atlas to delve into the story behind his track "Out Cold" from his 2024 album Enchanté. Tim reflects on how the song took shape during his time in Brooklyn, weaving together themes of trust issues and the lingering effects of past relationship trauma. He shares the challenges he faced and insights into the creative process behind this deeply personal track. The episode wraps up with an intimate, stripped-back performance of "Out Cold." Be sure to subscribe and follow us on all major platforms to stay connected. Artist: Tim Atlas Song: "Out Cold"  Host and Producer: Kieron Banerji Recording Engineer: Max Walker Creative Team: Callum Baker and Giovanni Almonte Recording Studio: The Thin White Duke, LondonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode of The Hardest Part, host Kieron Banerji is joined by the multi-national band Los Bitchos to explore the evolution of their track "Don't Change." Formed in London in 2017, the band shares the intricate journey of refining one of their earliest demos over the course of four years. They discuss the challenges they faced in restructuring the song, collaborating with Alex Kapranos, and how the band’s creative process has evolved. The conversation highlights the unique balance of joyful and melancholic elements that define the sound of this track. The episode wraps up with a special live performance of "Don't Change" and some exclusive behind-the-scenes insights into their songwriting process.   Artist: Los Bitchos Song: "Don't Change"  Host and Producer: Kieron Banerji   Recording Engineer: Max Walker Creative Team: Callum Baker, Dylan Thomas, and Giovanni Almonte Recording Studio: The Thin White Duke, LondonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode of The Hardest Part, host Kieron Banerji is joined by Soph Nathan from the band Our Girl to explore the creative process behind their powerful track "Something About Me Being A Woman" from their 2024 release, The Good Kind. The conversation delves into the emotional intensity behind the song, which stems from frustration and anger. Soph shares insights into the songwriter's journey, balancing raw emotion with artistic integrity, the collaborative dynamics within the band, and their work with producer Fern Ford.  Artist: Our Girl Song: "Something About Me Being A Woman" Host and Producer: Kieron Banerji Recording Engineer: Max Walker Creative Team: Callum Baker and Giovanni Almonte Recording Studio: The Thin White Duke, London.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode of The Hardest Part, Loren Kramar joins host Kieron Banerji to explore the creative journey behind his music. The conversation focuses on the transformation of a personal monologue into the song "Hollywood Blvd" from the 2024 album Glovemaker. Loren shares insights on working with his producer Sean O'Brien, integrating live band elements, and the deeper themes of fame and self-worth woven into his work. Loren also touches on navigating artistic expression through personal experiences. The episode concludes with a live performance of the song. Artist: Loren Kramar Song: "Hollywood Blvd" Host and Producer: Kieron Banerji Musical Director & Guitar: Sean O'Brien Keys: Alex Casnoff Recording Engineer: Max Walker Creative Team: Callum Baker and Giovanni Almonte Recording Studio: The Thin White Duke, London.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The inaugural episode of The Hardest Part featuring musician Morgan Harper Jones explores the story behind her challenging songwriting process, especially for the song 'Main Character.' Hosted by Kieron Banerji, the episode delves into Morgan's battle with writer's block and the pressure of creating music under a deadline, which ultimately led to a raw, authentic outpour of her experiences and emotions. The conversation reveals her struggles with self-doubt, vulnerability, and the cathartic process of writing music from a place of personal truth. The episode concludes with a performance of "Main Character". Artist: Morgan Harper-Jones Song: "Main Character" Host and Producer: Kieron Banerji Recording Engineer: Max Walker Creative Team: Callum Baker and Giovanni Almonte Recording Studio: The Thin White Duke, London.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Welcome to "The Hardest Part," a new podcast from Palm Tree Island that’s all about peeling back the layers of some of the most challenging songs ever written.  In this show, host Kieron Banerji explores the challenges faced by artists in writing their most difficult songs. Each week features an artist who discusses and performs their hardest song to write, tackling themes like creative blocks, painful memories, and the courage to share their work. Available on all major platforms. Subscribe today.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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