And The Writer Is...with Ross Golan

Today’s guest is the mastermind behind some of the biggest songs on earth – a creative force whose melodies have shaped generations. From crafting timeless anthems with Beyoncé, Adele, and Taylor Swift to leading OneRepublic to global dominance, he’s not just a hitmaker – he’s an architect of modern music.In this conversation, Ryan Tedder rips the veil off fame and fortune, revealing the hidden costs of success, the brutal truths no one talks about, and his unfiltered blueprint for building wealth, longevity, and creative mastery in a world obsessed with trends. He dives deep into why most artists fail, how boredom became his superpower, and what it actually takes to build a legacy that lasts.This isn’t an interview. It’s a wake-up call for every creator chasing relevance in 2025 and beyond.And The Writer Is… Ryan Tedder! (Part 3)Produced by Joe London, Ross Golan, & Jad SaadChapters:00:00 Intro 00:52 His Morning Routine That Changed Everything02:06 How Boredom Made Him Creative03:40 The Hidden Dark Side of Fame05:50 Justin Timberlake’s Brutal Warning10:15 Fame is a Prison: Stories from the Top14:14 Why He Hid His Singing Talent as a Kid17:25 Lady Gaga’s Secret Ambition Revealed20:55 Money Makes You a Target23:02 His Dream: Rich But Unknown25:26 Investing Millions Outside Music27:05 Why Famous Artists Go Broke31:02 Getting Dropped Saved His Career36:13 What $50 Million a Year Really Means39:22 NMPA Sponsor Break41:01 Labels Want You Wild & Broke44:40 Can You Win Without Flexing?47:12 Managers Who Destroy Artists’ Careers50:52 Why Tate McRae Is Built Different53:37 OneRepublic’s Secret to Longevity57:12 Sync Deals vs Streaming: Where Money Really Is01:00:52 His Songwriting Secrets & ‘God Moments’01:05:00 How He Stays Creative After 20+ Years01:09:00 The Role of Trust in Hit-Making01:13:00 Stories of Working With DJs & Pop Stars01:17:00 The Future of Music & AI’s Impact01:21:00 His Philosophy on Work Ethic & Success01:25:00 Final Words: Advice to Creators01:29:00 Outro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s guest is a fearless storyteller whose voice is as raw as her lyrics—bold, emotional, and unapologetically real. A first-generation Colombian-Canadian, she turned hustle into art, weaving her experiences into songs that hit like truth bombs. Whether she’s penning heart-wrenching ballads or delivering razor-sharp verses alongside icons like Eminem and Beyoncé, her work is grounded in authenticity and fire. She’s busked, she’s bartended, she’s broken through. And now, with her third studio album, she continues to push boundaries—proving that vulnerability, grit, and honesty never go out of style. From Toronto to the world… And the writer is… Jessie Reyez!Produced by Joe London, Ross Golan, and Jad SaadSpecial thank you to our season sponsor NMPA!Chapters:00:01:36 – Start Here: Why This Episode Will Change You00:02:37 – How Jessie Met Eminem and Earned His Respect00:09:50 – What Jessie Learned Giving Back to Songwriters00:16:52 – Jessie’s First Song Ever (It’s Cringey… and Brilliant)00:18:28 – Jessie’s Crazy Lyric Memory & Why It Matters00:18:51 – From Choir Rooms to Stadiums: Where It All Began00:27:57 – The Moment She Gave Herself One Year 00:31:12 – How Her Mom’s Brutal English Drills Made Jessie a Genius00:35:35 – What Happens After the Hit? Jessie Tells All00:37:11 – The Exact Moment She Knew Her Life Was Changing00:42:36 – The Video That Changed Everything (She Almost Didn't Post)00:45:14 – How a $50 Bus Ride Got Her Into the Remix Project00:48:18 – Why She Stayed Up 14 Hours Editing Her First Video00:50:12 – The Brave Story Jessie Told That Changed Everything00:51:17 – Writing 'Figures' — The Raw, Drunken, Real Truth00:56:44 – The Writing Camp That Sparked Her Breakthrough Hit00:57:11 – How 'Figures' Was Really Written (And Why It Still Hurts)01:00:00 – Gatekeeper: Calling Out Sexism in the Music Industry01:01:42 – What MeToo Missed — And What Jessie Risked to Say01:02:58 – The Heavy Cost of Telling the Truth01:05:43 – Why Being Vulnerable is Jessie’s Greatest Superpower01:06:20 – Jessie on Drake, Bieber, The Weeknd & Canadian Greatness01:07:14 – Why So Many GOATs Come Out of Canada01:08:11 – From Open Mics to Eminem: The Legacy She’s Building01:18:14 – The Insane Calvin Harris Story (You Won’t Believe This One) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week’s guest is one of the most successful independent artists in modern music.He’s a rapper, singer, songwriter, and producer who built his career from the ground up. in this rare conversation, he opens up about the side of the journey we don’t usually hear:The emotional weight of ownership, the mental toll of doing it all alone, and the belief system that kept him going when no one else did.This is a blueprint for any creative who wants to build something real without losing their peace.And The Writer Is... Russ!Chapters00:00 – Intro02:14 – How Russ Beat the System Without Selling His Soul04:16 – Childhood Chaos, Cop Cars & Creative Spark07:06 – Soulja Boy, Pep Rallies & Atlanta Music Culture08:19 – Rock Ballads & Soul Roots You Didn’t Expect10:11 – The Guitar That Started It All11:49 – GarageBand & Making Beats for Friends12:41 – Wayne, Wiz & Folk Rock: A Weird Musical Diet13:56 – Why Russ Doesn’t Sound Like Anyone Else15:29 – Publishing Wars: Russ vs. Drum Programmers26:18 – Why Songwriters Are Fighting for the Wrong Money29:32 – The $850K Sample Mistake30:21 – Power, Control & Protecting His Business34:05 – Why He Still Handles His Own Deals35:11 – A Wake-Up Call to Songwriters: Keep Your Records39:03 – When a Song Hits Mid-Dinner, You Leave41:44 – Burnout, Collaboration & Creative Revival45:11 – The Line He’ll Never Cross in Rap48:01 – Turning Fights Into Hits (Literally)50:07 – Writing in the Shower & Whispering Hooks at 2AM54:14 – Harmonizing with His Partner—In Music and Life56:02 – When He Doesn’t Create, Everything Unravels57:09 – The 20% Rule That Changed His Sanity58:07 – How Columbia Let Him Stay Indie (Kind Of)61:06 – Ownership, Spending, and Where the Real Money Is63:56 – What Russ Would Do If He Had to Start Over65:19 – Vulnerability vs. Confidence: The Real Inner Battle66:07 – Why He Samples Even Though He Can Write Anything66:38 – Burnout & Building a Life Outside of Music67:52 – Being Your Own Engine (and Breaking Down)69:25 – The Hidden Prison of Fame70:38 – Panic Attacks, Depression & Healing72:01 – Therapy, Faith & Finding Balance75:17 – Music as Medicine (and a Mental Trap)78:42 – Dopamine Detox & Spiritual Warfare81:11 – Why He Hates LA82:22 – “I Can Make a Hit in 20 Minutes”—But Should I?83:33 – Escaping the Productivity Hamster Wheel84:38 – A $25M Lesson Every Artist Should Hear86:51 – Love, Identity, and the Power of a Creative Partner89:09 – Real Talk on Timing, Trust, and Tension90:54 – What Actually Grounds Russ (That You Don’t See Online)92:33 – What He Hopes to Be Remembered For94:10 – For the Dreamer Who’s Almost Out of Gas96:22 – Why Gratitude Isn’t Optional97:47 – Ego vs. Purpose: The Shift That Saved His Career99:21 – Navigating Hate, Criticism & Longevity102:06 – Owning Your Story Without Needing a Comeback104:33 – Faith, Flow & Letting Go107:18 – Redefining Wealth: What Energy Are You Leaving Behind?109:55 – Art as Therapy: Why He’ll Never Stop Writing112:11 – Leaving a Legacy Without Forcing It115:03 – What He Still Doesn’t Feel Comfortable Sharing117:12 – A Final Message to Artists Who Feel Alone120:10 – Outro: What Russ Hopes You Take From This Episode Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special episode, Ross Golan sits down with David Israelite, the influential President and CEO of the National Music Publishers Association (NMPA). A fierce and tireless advocate for songwriters, David has spent nearly two decades fighting for the rights, recognition, and fair compensation of music creators in an ever-evolving industry.From spearheading groundbreaking legislation like the Music Modernization Act to navigating complex battles over streaming royalties and copyright protections, David shares a behind-the-scenes look at the work that goes into defending the value of songwriting. With unique insights into policy, publishing, and the business of music, this candid conversation reveals why David is one of the most pivotal figures working on behalf of songwriters today.If you care about music creators and the future of songwriting, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.00:00 – Intro: Why This Episode Matters More Than Ever03:40 – How Songwriters Get Paid (Explained Like You’re 15)05:19 – The Truth About Songwriter Pay: 75% Controlled by the Government07:28 – The Music Modernization Act: Progress or Political Cover-Up?09:13 – The Broken System: Why Songwriters Can’t Say No12:01 – Artists vs. Songwriters: The Industry's Unspoken Divide13:50 – Ghostwriting, Publishing Abuse & The Elvis Tax Nobody Talks About20:16 – Why Unionizing Won’t Save Songwriters (And What Might)23:55 – What the CRB Is — And Why It Still Screws Creators26:22 – Free Market vs. Rigged Game: Labels Win, Songwriters Lose28:33 – Why Songwriters Have No Real Political Power31:01 – Consent Decrees Explained: The 1940s Laws Holding Music Back33:19 – Selective Withdrawals: A Strategy That Could Change Everything39:10 – Are Big Publishers Quietly Crippling Independent Writers?45:25 – The Power of ‘No’: The One Tool Songwriters Don’t Actually Have46:25 – Are Labels and Publishers Working Against Each Other?49:45 – The Billion-Dollar Boom: Why Everyone’s Selling Their Catalogs54:37 – Final Word: Gratitude, Hope & the Fight Ahead Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s guest is an artist whose voice cuts through like a blade—sharp, emotional, and unforgettable. Emerging from the shadows of alternative R&B and electro-pop, she’s crafted a sonic identity that’s both intimate and cinematic. Her lyrics are deeply confessional, fearless in their vulnerability, and her production choices push boundaries while staying rooted in undeniable emotion. From viral beginnings to critical acclaim, she’s stayed true to her vision, building an aesthetic that’s dark, empowering, and always evolving. All the way from Los Angeles, California—this is the sound of raw artistry at its finest. And the writer is… BANKS!00:00 - Intro 01:07 - Growing Up in L.A. 03:52 - Music as Math? 06:16 - 100% Songs, No Concept First 08:08 - First Song Became a Jack Collab 10:04 - Social Anxiety + Going Out Hard 12:06 - Fans, Fame & Divine Feminine Energy 15:41 - Jillian vs. BANKS 18:10 - Stage Fright to Frontwoman 21:13 - Regrets & Album Titles That Got Away 22:28 - Streaming Era Beginnings 27:02 - Indie Artist Real Talk 31:12 - Viral Hits vs. Tour Culture 34:09 - “Don’t Try To Write a Hit” 36:04 - Underrated BANKS Songs 38:05 - Why This Album, Why Now 39:28 - How “I Hate Your Ex” Happened 41:24 - Voice as a Shape-Shifter 42:02 - Collaboration Energy Shift 43:03 - Studio Magic Stories 44:14 - Writing for Other Artists? 46:18 - Why Artists Look to BANKS 48:06 - 3 Life-Changing Decisions 49:40 - Five-for-Five Lightning Round 53:08 - Music + Visuals Are One 54:16 - Ross on BANKS’ Legacy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s guest is one of the most original minds in modern music—a genre-defying powerhouse who returns to this podcast six years after his first unforgettable visit. Hailing from Long Island, this producer, performer, and lyrical architect has built a sonic universe entirely his own. He’s the mastermind behind cinematic pop records that blur the line between the underground and the mainstream, with a resume that spans from crafting platinum hits for chart-toppers to delivering soul-baring solo projects that redefine authenticity. Now a father of three, his creativity has only deepened, as he balances vulnerability and virtuosity with relentless hustle. He’s not just a hitmaker—he’s a visionary, a builder, and a storyteller for a generation that craves depth. And the writer is… Jon Bellion!Episode Timestamps:0:00 Bellion’s Return & Industry Fire 0:36 Ross ATWI Intro2:05 Supporting Songwriters’ Rights 2:41 Jon Bellion Returns After 6 Years 3:56 Jon vs. the Algorithm 6:56 AI, Effort & Meaning 9:22 Craft Over Convenience 11:57 Identity, Process & Philosophy 18:21 Credit, Ego & Industry Power 25:32 Sponsor Message from NMPA27:09 Staying Dangerous with Purpose 32:06 Becoming the Label 45:07 Removing Ego from the Process 50:41 Returning to Joy in Creation 54:58 Art vs. Math in Production 57:23 Hits Beyond the U.S. 1:05:16 On Raising Creative Kids 1:07:52 Jon's Words of Advice to His Younger Self1:18:06 Grief, Healing & Writing Through Loss 1:22:32 What Success Really Means in 2025 1:25:00 Writing vs. Recognition 1:47:58 ATWI Credits & Closing Reflections Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s guest is a genre-shifting phenomenon who’s redefining what it means to break through in music today. With a sound that fuses indie, alt-pop, R&B, and emo influences, he’s crafted a raw, emotionally charged catalog that’s connected with a generation—and he did it all from his sister’s closet on a phone. In just a few years, his music has racked up billions of streams, topping global charts and earning him a fiercely loyal fanbase. But beyond the numbers, he’s an artist who leads with vulnerability, reshaping how young creators think about art, success, and authenticity. He’s not just making songs—he’s shifting culture, and sharing how at the same time.And the writer is… D4vd!0:00 Trailer Hook — Billion Streams Surprise 1:32 Intro — From Phone to Playlist 3:15 Growing Up — Early Life and Music Influences 8:45 First Uploads — BandLab, YouTube, and Finding His Sound 13:20 Going Viral — The Moment Everything Changed 17:50 Pressure and Expectations — How He Handled the Blow-Up 20:42 My Process — How I Make Music on a Phone 23:10 Behind the Hits — How ‘Here With Me’ + ‘Romantic Homicide’ Happened 26:17 What SZA Told Me That Changed Everything 34:08 Advice for Young Artists — Make Music Nobody Wants 36:09 Beyond Music — Directing, Acting, Manga Dreams 43:35 Disrupting the Industry — Freaking Out the Business 44:40 Validation Moment — Sitting Where Legends Sit Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s guest is a Latin music powerhouse whose pen has changed the game globally. With a genre-defying catalog that spans regional Mexican, reggaeton, pop, and bachata, he’s crafted chart-topping hits that cross borders and break records. His work has earned him 26 Grammy wins, making him one of the most decorated writers in the industry today. But beyond the accolades, he’s a true musical chameleon—effortlessly fusing cultural roots with modern sounds to create melodies that resonate worldwide. He brings heart, hustle, and authenticity to everything he touches.And the writer is… Edgar Barrera!Timestamp | Chapter Title00:00 | Intro and Sponsor00:45 | Meet Your Host: Ross Golan01:08 | Follow @AndTheWriterIs01:17 | Presented by NMPA02:09 | Guest Introduction: Edgar Barrera03:00 | How Edgar Became a Hitmaker06:30 | Global Success and Crossover Hits10:00 | Writing for Regional Mexican Artists15:00 | Secrets Behind Chart-Topping Songs19:00 | Challenges and Pressure of Success23:00 | Building a Cross-Cultural Career28:00 | The Power of Simplicity in Songwriting32:00 | Lessons from Collaborating with Legends37:00 | How Edgar Approaches Artist Development42:00 | Staying Grounded Amid Global Fame47:00 | Behind The Scenes of Major Hits52:00 | Edgar’s Advice to the Next Generation57:00 | Wrapping Up: Gratitude and Staying Inspired Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s guest is the mastermind behind some of the most captivating sounds in modern R&B and pop. With an ear for creating melodies that feel as intimate as they do expansive, he’s responsible for shaping hits that make you feel everything from joy to heartbreak. Whether he's behind the boards or penning the perfect lyrics, his ability to blend vulnerability with irresistible hooks has made him a go-to collaborator for some of the biggest names in music. From soulful ballads to undeniable bangers, his tracks are the ones that never leave your head—and always leave you wanting more. And the producer and songwriter is...Dernst "D'Mile" Emile II!00:00 - Cold Open: Gaga, Bruno & a Midnight Session 00:28 - Intro: Welcome to And The Writer Is  01:22 - How D’Mile Got His Name  05:10 - Growing Up with Jazz, Gospel & Biggie  10:30 - Producing His First Song at Age 6  12:15 - Almost Signed to Universal at 19  16:45 - Rodney Jerkins & Darkchild Studio Era  21:05 - 9 Creatives in a 3-Bedroom Apartment  25:30 - Inspiration vs. Competition in the Come-Up  27:20 - D’Mile Nearly Quit Music in 2017  34:17 - The Comeback: Lucky Daye & Victoria Monét  38:16 - How Silk Sonic Started from One Song  46:44 - Making “Leave the Door Open”  50:18 - “Die With A Smile” feat. Gaga & Bruno  51:58 - Producing the Artist’s Soul  59:00 - Copy-Paste Industry vs. Timeless Records  01:01:08 - Final Thoughts: Doing It His Way Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s guest is the definition of a songwriting legend! With a record-breaking 76 #1 hits (and counting), 10 ASCAP Songwriter of the Year awards, and the title of NSAI Songwriter of the Decade for 2010-2019, he’s set a standard that’s hard to match. His songs have dominated the charts and sound-tracked lives, earning him Grammy, CMA, and ACM nominations and wins along the way. But behind the stats is a humble, hardworking collaborator whose passion for music and dedication to the songwriting community make him one of the most respected names in the game. He’s the guy behind the hits and the inspiration behind the hustle.And The Writer Is…Ashley Gorley! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Every week, And the Writer Is brings you the most important news moving through the music industry — straight, sharp, and no fluff. This week: Maryland just passed the RAP Act, making it illegal to use rap lyrics as courtroom evidence, potentially setting the stage for federal law. Suno's licensing negotiations with Sony and Universal have stalled, leaving major AI royalty questions unresolved. And Pershing Square submitted a $64 billion bid for Universal Music Group, revealing just how undervalued the music industry is to outside investors. Plus: Ticketmaster's face value integration, HYBE's new Indian girl group audition, and moves at Warner. Follow us on socials and don't miss our new episodes every Tuesday — the hottest conversations in music, with the people making it.This week:Maryland passes the RAP Act — rap lyrics can no longer be used as courtroom evidencePershing Square submits a $64B bid for Universal Music GroupSuno's licensing talks with Sony and Universal stall over AI royaltiesTicketmaster partners with Cash or Trade on face value resale integrationHYBE auditions for a new Indian girl group as Asian streaming dominance growsMyles Gersh promoted at Warner — the exec who signed Zach BryanTaylor Swift resigns with Warner ChappellLasso signs to Interscope Records Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's guest is the Irish troubadour who sold out arenas across the world and built one of the most durable careers in modern music, entirely on his own terms.From Dublin street corners and busking for strangers to headlining Madison Square Garden, this conversation is about what that actually costs to build the slow, deliberate construction of a career that answers to no one, yet resonates with millions around the world.He carries three things simultaneously that most artists never figure out how to hold at once: the ambition of someone who was never going to settle for Ireland only, the sensitivity of a songwriter who writes for his whole community, and the creative instincts of a kid who grew up on hip hop and folk and refused to let either one fully win.This is one of the more honest conversations about what a creative life actually looks like from the inside — not the version that gets posted, the version that gets lived.And The Writer Is... Dermot Kennedy!In this episode of And The Writer Is...We go deep on:• His whole journey• The moment he realized the audience could feel how hard he was trying — and why that was the problem • How to carry ambition, sensitivity, and creative instinct in the same body without one of them destroying the other• Building an international career without a viral hit — and what that reveals about how the industry actually works• The busking years, and the secrets for how he survived• Why he deliberately toured smaller venues on his last run — and what that decision says about success• Imposter syndrome, insecurity, and the reality of growing a career from 0-100.And much more...Hit subscribe and turn on notifications.Every week, we go deep with the most interesting creatives in music.Follow us on socials: @andthewriterisA special thank you to our sponsors...Our lead sponsor, NMPA — the National Music Publishing Association. Your support means the world to us.And @splice — the best sample library on the market. Period.Chapter timestamps:0:00 Intro3:30 The 3 Sides Every Creative Has to Balance4:30 You Shouldn't Rinse Your Shows. It's a Sacred Thing.5:00 What Dermot Beats Himself Up About On Stage5:30 Anxiety After the Show Starts, Not Before6:00 The Struggle of Being Lucky Enough to Have a Career8:00 Childhood9:00 "I Know I'm Good. But I Feel Very Insecure in Other Ways."14:00 How Dermot Built a Career With No Algorithm and No Social Pressure18:00 Why He Doesn't Play Music for People19:19 How He Started Busking20:15 Why Most People Couldn't Busk — and the Genius Who Changed Everything21:00 The Importance of Branding When Selling Anything22:00 How to Make Real Money Busking26:00 How Dermot Built His Name and Started Playing Shows29:00 Into the Music Business — and the Most Successful He's Ever Felt31:00 Being Sought After and Avoiding Bad Record Deals32:40 How to Build Out Your Team36:00 A Note About Touring: Enjoy Where You're At38:23 His Advice to His 15-Year-Old Self: Find Your Contentment39:23 How Dermot Kennedy Built a Worldwide FanbaseCredits:Hosted by Ross GolanProduced by Joe London & Jad SaadEdited by Jad SaadPost-Production VFX by Pratik KarkiWatercolor Art by Michael White Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s guest is one of the most quietly enduring artists in modern pop — a songwriter and performer who’s spent over a decade growing up in public, learning how to separate perception from identity.She was discovered online as a teenager and quickly thrust into an industry that had already decided who she was.But behind the headlines, she was doing the real work — writing, refining her sound, and slowly building a career on her own terms.This is a conversation about perception vs reality, creative control, and what it actually takes to become yourself in an industry that benefits from misunderstanding you.And The Writer Is… Madison Beer!What you'll learn:• What it actually feels like to grow up in the public eye• The gap between how artists are perceived vs who they really are• Why longevity in music requires emotional resilience• How Madison developed her sound and creative identity over time• The pressure of early success — and rebuilding from it• Why being misunderstood can either break you or sharpen youThis episode is brought to you by the NMPA — supporting songwriters and protecting the value of music.And by Splice — the world’s largest library of sounds and samples, built for creators.Chapters:0:00 Intro1:42 Madison’s favorite songs of hers3:00 Lyrics or melody first?4:30 Ross meeting Madison at 136:00 Madison’s childhood, early memories7:00 Going through parent’s divorce in early childhood9:45 Why singing the national anthem is hard10:00 Her family’s early encouragement11:00 Madison’s first song13:00 Starting her career at 1018:40 Getting discovered overnight from a Justin Bieber tweet.19:11 Contracts in music industry19:58 Meeting Justin Bieber21:46 Why getting dropped is a blessing24:00 Struggling with early music identity26:00 Why she felt she couldn’t fight back on creative control early on28:00 finding her power through social media31:55 Reclaiming creative control33:50 writing reckless35:28 Home with you36:25 the importance of your collaborators 39:12 the original demo to Reckless41:13 being easier to write dark songs than happy songs41:40 the challenge of writing her new album41:54 NMPA42:36 Splice43:26 Going back into the label system45:00 her first tour in lockdown46:50 Madison’s touring non negotiables52:00 the story of Home to another one53:41 Writing darker songs while in a happy relationship55:55 Setting boundaries for mental health56:55 “Showed Me” as an interpolation58:37 Her mental health struggles and path to healing1:01:54 How her album locket Freed her1:03:25 the unlikely story of bittersweet1:05:30 what writing a song with strangers is like1:09:00 loneliness and missing out on a normal childhood1:12:00 Dealing with constant criticism and how she manages it1:12:47 Surviving the lowest point of her life1:16:30 how she currently manages her mental healthHosted by Ross GolanProduced by Joe London and Jad SaadEdited by Jad SaadPost Production VFX by Pratik Karki Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s world builder builds worlds worldwide to make her own universe! Dark and whimsical meets bubblegum grunge when this artist broke out on the scene to create her own cult following. When doors didn’t open, she built her own. And The Writer Is……Melanie Martinez!In this episode, Melanie opens up about:• Materializing ideas and her entire creative process• Why she never approached music as a game• The reality behind shows like The Voice• How she built her identity before the industry caught up• Her philosophy on songwriting and the importance of your truth• Protecting your creative voice in a commercial system• Why being yourself is still the most important advantage• And much more…Hit the subscribe button and turn on notifications.Every week, we go deep with the most interesting creatives in music.Follow us on socials: @andthewriterisA special thank you to our sponsors…Our lead sponsor, NMPA — the National Music Publishing Association. Your support means the world to us.And @splice — the best sample library on the market. Period.Chapters:0:00 Intro2:00 The Real Meaning Behind “Disney Princess”4:30 Introversion vs Performance6:00 The Magic of Creating and Materializing Ideas7:45 Her Creative Process — Titles, Concepts, and Staying Inspired12:00 The Songs That Defined Her Early Career12:48 Growing Up Writing — Her First Songs and Backstory16:45 World-Building and Creating a True Artistic Identity18:30 Rejection, Independence, and Dollhouse20:00 “Blind Dating” in the Music Industry24:00 Stage Fright and Early Creative Influences26:00 What She’d Tell Her Younger Self26:45 Advice for Artists Trying to Break Through27:30 Hitchhiking to The Voice — And What It Really Was30:00 The Reality of Music Competition Shows31:42 NMPA — Our Lead Sponsor This Season32:23 Splice33:00 Ross on Music Competition TV34:00 Performing Live and Managing Nerves36:00 Finding Herself Through Dollhouse37:20 The Story Behind Dollhouse38:00 Fighting for Her Creative Vision40:00 Where Her Ideas Come From42:00 How She Builds Albums and Story Arcs44:20 Writing Honestly Without Overthinking It45:00 What Songwriters Get Wrong About Meaning49:30 Are You Happy?51:30 The Priorities That Changed Everything54:00 Final Advice55:00 Portals57:47 Hades — A Dystopian World1:00:20 The Utopian Album to Come1:00:51 Her Favorite Songs on the Album1:01:50 The Story of “Weight Watchers”1:06:00 An Emotional Reflection — Her Message to Others1:07:30 Her Inspirations1:09:00 Social Media, AI, and Staying HumanHosted by Ross GolanProduced by Joe London & Jad SaadEdited by Jad SaadPost-Production VFX by Pratik KarkiWatercolor Art by Michael White Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s guest is one of the defining voices in modern pop — a songwriter, producer, and artist behind some of the biggest records of the last decade.His songs have been streamed billions of times worldwide.He came to Los Angeles to write for others.Instead, he became a globally identifiable artist — before fully becoming himself.Now, he’s building something that’s truly his.And The Writer Is… Charlie Puth!In this episode, Charlie opens up about:• His early journey• The moment “See You Again” came together, and why it still feels unexplainable• How early success shaped his career before his identity caught up• Why the best songs often come from discomfort, not control• The role of collaboration in pushing him beyond his instincts• Sessions with legendary artists — and what those moments actually feel like• The importance of staying human in an increasingly synthetic world• And much more…Hit the subscribe button and follow us on socials @andthewriterisEvery week, we go deep with the most interesting creatives in music.A special thank you to our sponsors…Our lead sponsor, NMPA — the National Music Publishing Association. Your support means the world to us.And @splice — the best sample library on the market. Period.Chapters:0:00 Intro2:46 Charlie Demos the Theme Song5:00 The “Mouth Phone” Trick7:00 His Secret Involvement in Dangerous Woman9:00 “Stay” — The Power of Collaboration (Justin Bieber, Kid Laroi)13:00 “Are You Where You Want to Be?”16:00 Where His Best Work Comes From16:53 The Story of See You Again20:43 Wiz Khalifa’s Defining 'See You Again' Moment23:02 When the Industry Didn’t Know What to Do With Him27:22 The Song No One Believed In (We Don’t Talk Anymore)29:52 Ross’s Philosophy on Sending Music31:04 The Song That Changed Everything34:09 Authenticity, Vulnerability, and Letting People In39:00 Why It’s More Important to Be Human Than Ever45:05 NMPA — Our Lead Sponsor This Season45:56 Splice46:38 Conflict, Collaboration, and Making the New Album51:11 Coffee With Kenny G and Michael McDonald55:39 Chris Stapleton's Songwriting Advice1:02:05 The Artists and Producers He Studies1:08:00 His Lowest Point1:31:51 Charlie Shares Drum SamplesHosted by Ross GolanProduced by Joe London & Jad SaadEdited by Jad SaadPost-Production VFX by Pratik KarkiWatercolor Art by Michael White Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s guest is one of the fastest-rising voices in modern country — a songwriter whose honesty, wit, and emotional precision have turned deeply personal stories into songs heard everywhere. She just became the 10th woman of the century to top the Billboard 200.Before the sold-out shows and chart-topping records, she was a college student playing small gigs with her dad and brother, trying to figure out where music might fit into her life.One honest song at a time, she began building a catalog that feels both timeless and unmistakably her own.Now, with a growing fanbase and a string of hits helping shape the sound of modern country, she’s writing the next chapter of her career in real time.And The Writer Is… Megan Moroney!In this episode of And The Writer Is… Megan opens up about:• The unexpected moment that pushed her toward learning guitar• Growing up around music and playing early shows with her family• The traumatic accident that jumpstarted her music career• Finding her voice in the Nashville songwriting community• Why honesty and humor are essential to her writing• How she stood out in early co-writes• And much more…Hit subscribe and turn on notifications.Every week, we go deep with the most interesting creatives in music.Follow us on socials: @andthewriterisA special thank you to our sponsors…Our lead sponsor, NMPA — the National Music Publishing Association. Your support means the world to us.And @splice — the best sample library on the market. Period.Chapters0:00 Intro5:00 Moving to Nashville: The First Steps6:00 Working in the Music Industry Before Releasing Music7:00 The Advice That Started Her Career10:00 Growing Up Around Music in Georgia13:50 “I Went to School to Be an Accountant”16:30 Musical Theatre and Feeling Out of Place18:56 The Accident That Started Everything24:01 The Sorority Event That Led to Georgia Theatre32:25 Learning the Business of Music in School33:00 The Internship That Changed Everything35:00 Creating the Tennessee Orange Cover Art on Her Phone38:45 Writing Every Day and Building a Network in Nashville40:20 NMPA — Our Lead Sponsor This Season41:00 Splice41:45 The Story of Tennessee Orange45:50 How Influencing Helped Pay the Bills47:10 Megan’s Writing Process52:15 Exploring the Studio54:10 Working With Ed Sheeran58:42 A Full-Circle Moment With Kacey Musgraves1:09:00 The Story of “Beautiful Things”1:15:55 Rapid Fire1:21:26 Megan Gives the Podcast FlowersHosted by Ross GolanProduced by Joe London & Jad SaadEdited by Jad SaadPost-Production VFX by Pratik KarkiWatercolor Art by Michael White Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s guest is the frontman of one of the most defining bands of the 2010s — a songwriter whose voice helped shape an era of alternative pop that still echoes today.Before arenas. Before permanence. Before “Sweater Weather” became cultural shorthand.Now, after over a decade of hits, reinvention, and evolution, he looks back on the long arc of The Neighbourhood with clarity — and with honesty about what success did and didn’t solve.And The Writer Is… Jesse Rutherford of The Neighbourhood!In this episode of And The Writer Is…, Jesse opens up about:• Growing up in the industry before he understood it• The unlikely formation and endurance of The Neighbourhood• His journey through childhood acting, getting discovered, + losing his dad on the brink of success• The advice he’d give himself before it worked• And much more…Hit subscribe and turn on notifications.Every week, we go deep with the most interesting creatives in music.Follow us on socials: @andthewriterisA special thank you to our sponsors…Our lead sponsor, NMPA — the National Music Publishing Association. Your support means the world to us.And @splice — the best sample library on the market. Period.Chapters:0:00 Intro2:09 I Never Wanted To Be Alternative
4:02 Why Thousand Oaks Produces Massive Bands7:39 Becoming a Child Actor at 6
8:35 “My Self-Worth Is Tied to Entertaining”
9:55 Discovered in a Movie Theater at 5
14:16 Reconnecting With His Dad Before He Passed
17:28 Success Without the Fame He Expected27:10 High School Metalcore Bands33:17 How The Neighbourhood Formed
36:06 The First Riff of “Sweater Weather”
40:00 Getting Discovered Online by Their Manager
44:23 His Manager’s Warning…47:20 Writing the Lyrics to “Sweater Weather”
48:42 Pop Writing Rules
55:23 Learning to Let Go of Instant Validation
59:32 Daddy Issues
1:02:30Watching Your Own Lyrics Affect Relationships
1:10:01 Why He Needs Alone Time1:10:23 Feeling Invisible, the “Chip Chrome” Era
1:11:17 Touring the Same Venues & The Plateau Feeling
1:12:31 Why Chip Chrome Became His Favorite Creative Risk
1:13:48 “You’ve Got to Get People to Look to Listen”1:16:00 Creative Direction as Identity Control
1:19:30 Self-Sabotage vs Reinvention
1:32:00 Band Brotherhood & Growing Up Together
1:36:00 Legacy, Impact & What Really Matters1:41:00 Advice to His Younger SelfHosted by Ross GolanProduced by Joe London & Jad SaadEdited by Jad SaadPost-Production VFX by Pratik KarkiWatercolor Art by Michael White Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s guest is a Grammy-winning songwriter, global pop architect, and one of the most quietly influential voices shaping modern music across borders.Before the world heard her voice, she spent years training inside the K-pop system — learning discipline, structure, and endurance long before recognition ever arrived. When the system didn’t know what to do with her, she pivoted. Slowly. Intentionally. And built a career that would eventually be heard everywhere.Now, as a songwriter whose work spans K-pop, pop, animation, and beyond — and as an artist stepping into her own voice — she represents a different kind of success: one built patiently, shaped by pressure, and defined by longevity rather than speed.And The Writer Is… Ejae!In this episode of And The Writer Is…, Ejae opens up about:The reality of the K-pop training system and what it actually teaches you about discipline and survivalRejection and why her voice didn’t fit the moment — and how that shaped her writingLearning to work alone after years inside a rigid systemHow songwriting became a safer, more powerful entry point than performingThe pivot that reframed her career and led to global successAnd much more…Hit the subscribe button and turn on notifications.Every week, we go deep with the most interesting creatives in music.Follow us on socials: @andthewriterisA special thank you to our sponsors…Our lead sponsor, NMPA — the National Music Publishing Association. Your support means the world to us.And @splice — the best sample library on the market. Period.Chapters:0:00 Intro1:30 Early life & finding music6:10 Inside K-Pop training9:00 Ejae's writing process...28:00 Rejection from auditioning to be a K-Pop Idol... and $5 Karaoke training to pass.41:00 Ejae sings her first song41:37 Sponsor Spotlight: NMPA42:18 Sponsor Spotlight: Splice14:45 Discipline, pressure, and identity23:20 Being let go by the system26:19 The truth about the K-Pop system30:40 Rebuilding in isolation39:15 Discovering songwriting as power50:00 K-Pop's ultimate evaluation: Auditioning to debut50:37 Ejae's rejection and rock bottom... and the pivot that would change everything56:10 Global songs & delayed recognition1:00:00 How she wrote her first songs1:04:00 Writing her first song for film1:07:00 Writing 'Psycho' for Red Velvet at her first session1:13:00 K-Pop vs Pop music... And the reference to 'Psycho'1:14:00 K-Pop Demon Hunters1:20:00 The story behind 'Golden'1:26:00 The original 'Golden' voice memo...1:30:00 The process of co-writing the songs for K-Pop Demon HuntersHosted by Ross GolanProduced by Joe London & Jad SaadCreative Directed by Jad SaadPost-Production VFX by Pratik KarkiWatercolor Art by Michael White Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's guest is a festival headliner, Grammy-winning songwriter, and the architect of a sound that accidentally changed the course of folk, country, and alternative music forever.From singing as a family around a kitchen table to headlining arenas with banjos and mandolins, Marcus Mumford built something no one saw coming — and has spent years learning not to get in his own way once the stakes got real.Now, as a solo artist and band leader, he's as honest about the creative process as he is about the pitfalls of ego, overthinking, and the quiet ways success can sabotage itself.And The Writer Is... Marcus Mumford of Mumford & Sons!In this episode of And The Writer Is…, Marcus opens up about:His theory of "catching" songs rather than forcing themHow Mumford & Sons structured equal ownership to stay togetherWhat Bob Dylan said to him that he wants tattooed on his bodyThe Pharrell moment that reframed his entire relationship to successWhy showing up — again and again — is the only way judgment is earnedAnd much more...Hit the subscribe button and turn on notifications...Every week we go deep with the most interesting creatives in music.Follow us on socials at @andthewriterisA special thank you to our sponsors…Our lead sponsor, NMPA — the National Music Publishing Association. Your support means the world to us.And @splice — the best sample library on the market. Period.Chapters:0:00 Intro1:00 Desert Island Mix: Radiohead3:00 The Greatest Band of All Time?7:00 A Hilarious Story About Bob Dylan — His Songwriting Grandfather11:00 How Mumford & Sons Structured Equal Ownership13:35 How Mumford & Sons Writes Music17:00 Where Great Music Comes From18:35 His Songwriting Ethos: "Catching Fairies"22:00 Favorite Poetry and Getting Lost in Words Before Writing23:46 Childhood25:00 Growing Up in Church33:50 Why Drummers Make the Best Producers50:00 Testing Demos on the Road52:00 Working on His Solo Record58:00 The Empowering Pharrell Story1:03:00 The Chris Martin Story1:05:00 Rapid Fire Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's guest is a multi-platinum DJ, producer, and songwriter who turned personal devastation into one of electronic music's most emotionally resonant careers.From opioid addiction in high school to wilderness therapy at rock bottom, he rebuilt his entire life in Denver—sober, alone, and teaching himself music theory from scratch.Now 13 years clean, he's become a voice for mental health in a scene built on excess, collaborating with Jon Bellion, Halsey, Teddy Swims, and countless others to create music that connects survivors.His latest album, Odyssey, is a cinematic journey through heartbreak, recovery, and the sessions that saved his life.And The Writer Is... Illenium!In this episode of And The Writer Is…, Nick Miller (Illenium) opens up about:* Moving every two years as a kid and never having roots* Falling into opiates at 15 and hitting bottom by 2011* Moving to Denver alone and getting sober at 21* The Good Things Fall Apart session (and demo)* How music saved his life entirelyand much more...Hit the subscribe button and turn on notifications...Every week we go deep with the most interesting creatives in music.Follow us on socials at @andthewriterisA special thank you to our sponsors…Our lead Sponsor, NMPA— the National Music Publishing Association. Your support means the world to us.And @splice — the best sample library on the market. Period.Chapters:0:00 Intro1:00 Childhood and Moving Every Two Years5:00 Getting Into Music Through Tiesto's Album6:30 The Electronic Artist That Inspires Industry Musicians9:00 Getting Sober—His Rough Patch in 201110:00 Escapism and Addiction12:30 The Wilderness Program That Saved His Life16:30 Getting Lost in Music and How He Learned to Create17:30 Illenium's Roots18:00 Learning From Other Producers and YouTube20:00 Thinking of Sound as a Picture21:00 World Building and Finding His Brand… and His Purpose23:00 Ross Opens Up on How Music Saved Him24:00 The Personality Trait All Successful Creatives Have26:00 How He Popped Off31:00 Working With Unknown Artists and How He Picks Them33:00 How to Find Your Sound34:30 NMPA and Splice Midroll41:00 Touring—The Downs After a Show44:00 Good Things Fall Apart47:00 Collaboration in DJ Culture49:00 Why He Doesn't Chase Big Songs54:24 COVID1:13:00 Gaming on Tour1:17:00 Good Things Fall Apart DemoHosted by Ross GolanProduced by Joe London and Jad SaadCreative Direction by Jad SaadPost-Production VFX by Pratik KarkiGuest Watercolor Art by Michael White Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.