And The Writer Is...with Ross Golan

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.

Today’s guest is a musical architect whose fingerprints are on some of the most emotionally resonant and sonically rich records of the last decade. He’s not the loudest in the room—but when he’s in the studio, every note, every tone, every beat matters. A multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and producer with an unmatched intuition, he brings out the soul in every song, guiding artists to their most authentic performances. From Grammy-winning collaborations with Kacey Musgraves to shaping records across indie, country, rock, and beyond, he’s the quiet force behind the soundtracks to our lives. All the way from Nashville, Tennessee, this master of nuance proves that subtlety can be a superpower. And the writer is… Ian Fitchuk!0:00 – Intro: Sobriety, Fear & Creativity 0:55 – NMPA Sponsor Message 3:25 – Growing Up in the Chicago Suburbs 6:15 – Musical Upbringing: Classical Roots & Church Influence 9:05 – Early Influences: CDs, Cassettes & Graceland 12:05 – Bear Killer, Drums & Songwriting Beginnings 17:30 – From Church Bands to Writing Real Songs 20:50 – Leaving Home & Moving to Nashville 27:30 – First Touring Gig & Life Lessons 30:50 – Discovering Production via the Christian Music Scene 35:50 – A Decade of Struggle Before the Breakthrough 40:50 – Why Ian Never Quit (Even With Kids) 45:00 – Golden Hour Era: Writing With Kacey 50:50 – Making Golden Hour Using Logic Stock Sounds  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s guest is a genre-defying vocal powerhouse who’s been taking the music world by storm. Raised in the South with a love for soul, country, R&B, and rock, he blended these influences into an unmistakable style that’s all his own. With a voice that’s as powerful as it is emotive, he doesn’t just sing—he connects, turning raw, soulful covers into hits and proving he’s more than just a voice. He’s a true artist and songwriter who’s crafted songs about love, loss, and everything in between, resonating with millions around the world. Oh, and did we mention he’s one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet? If you haven’t heard his music yet, trust us, you’ll want to.And the writer is... Teddy SwimsTimestamp | Chapter Title00:00 | Quick Message from Our Sponsor01:43 | Meet Your Host: Ross Golan02:39 | Teddy Swims: From Georgia to Global03:30 | Leaving Football Behind for Music08:00 | Finding His Voice Through Theater12:30 | Tattoos, Identity, and Early Reinvention17:00 | First Bands, Bad Songs, and Growing Up21:50 | Sponsor Break22:00 | The Dark Side of Touring and Mental Health26:30 | Why Teddy Started Therapy (and How It Changed Him)31:00 | Songwriting Camps, Magic, and the "Elf Theory"35:30 | How Teddy Learned to Choose Songs Like a Pro40:00 | The Origin of "Teddy Swims" (and a Crazy Early Tour)44:00 | How Covers Blew Up Teddy’s Career During the Pandemic47:00 | Signing with Warner: Building a Real Career50:00 | Losing Faith, Rebuilding, and Finding His Sound53:00 | Breaking Out with "Lose Control"56:00 | What It Takes to Really Make It (Lessons Learned)58:00 | 5 for 5: Teddy Swims Rapid Fire Q&A Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re excited to announce a special bonus interview with Sung Cho, the CEO & Founder of our incredible sponsor, Chartmetric. Ross recently sat down with Sung to discuss how his company is building the world’s best analytics team in the music industry. Read below to find out more about Chartmetric and listen to this conversation on any platform you find your podcasts!Chartmetric is the all-in-one platform for artists and music industry professionals, providing comprehensive streaming, social, and audience data. Since 2016, Chartmetric has strived to ensure everyone can have a successful career in music. Their easy-to-understand and powerful analytics on over 10 million artists and 100 million tracks will help answer all of your questions, from tracking your stats to discovering new talents. From playlist placements to stream counts to follower demographics and much more, it’s never been easier to understand how your artists fit in the music industry, and how they can grow. What’s even better is that Chartmetric does the work for you, providing actionable insights and beautiful visuals on their up-to-date global data from over 15 different social and streaming platforms. Find out more at chartmetric.com! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s guest is a true jack-of-all-trades—part artist, part entrepreneur, and full-on icon. From nurturing a die-hard fanbase to dominating the charts across genres, he’s built an empire over the course of his incredible career. This diamond certified superstar is the pride of Pittsburgh and has proven time and time again that you can do it all—and do it well. And The Writer Is…Wiz Khalifa! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s guest is a lyrical powerhouse who’s been shaping the sound of pop, country, indie, and electronic music with her signature style. She started her songwriting journey in church before taking a leap of faith to Nashville, where she quickly became the go-to writer for heartfelt, unforgettable lyrics. From crafting hits for the biggest names in music to lighting up every room she enters, her talent and spirit are unmatched. Hailing from the Show Me State, she’s shown us how to turn a dream into a career. With her one-of-a-kind voice (on and off the page), this songwriter proves that faith, passion, and a little bit of Missouri grit can take you anywhere.And The Writer Is…Steph Jones! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we highlight a live panel for APG’s 20th anniversary, hosted by Ross Golan. The event honors not just a company, but a community of artists, songwriters, producers, and all those who believe in the power of music to inspire, challenge, and connect us.Twenty years ago, APG set out with a bold vision: to be an independent powerhouse for both music publishing and artist development. Founded by Mike Caren, APG has grown into a unique space where creativity thrives and where artists can build their brands and realize their visions on their own terms. It’s been a launchpad for incredible talent like Charlie Puth, Kehlani, Kevin Gates, Ava Max, and so many others. But more than that, it’s been a platform where music creators are empowered to succeed on every level—whether it’s securing partnerships across film, TV, and advertising, or finding the best possible collaborations with writers and producers who help bring their music to life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s guest is the ultimate overachiever in pop music—producer, songwriter, artist, and, let’s face it, the reason half your favorite albums sound the way they do. From crafting massive hits with Taylor Swift, Lorde, and Lana Del Rey to fronting his own band, Bleachers, he’s a master at blending raw emotion with anthemic hooks that stick. Whether he’s digging into suburban nostalgia or redefining modern pop, his fingerprints are all over the sound of the last decade. Oh, and did we mention he’s a three-time Producer of the Year Grammy winner? No big deal. And as if that’s not enough, we couldn’t think of a better guest to celebrate our 200th episode. He’s the heart, the brain, and the relentless energy behind it all. And The Writer Is…Jack Antonoff! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week’s guest is one of the biggest names in the songwriting world. Her hard work, perseverance and reverence for songwriting have taken her from all an all-star to superstar. From nominations including Songwriter of the Year to multiple #1 songs with multiple artists, this writer’s current run is something few writers in the history of music have done. Not only that, this writer is also back to releasing her brilliant music as an artist. Inspiring songwriters everywhere, this guest is someone we all want to root for. And The Writer Is…Amy Allen! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week’s guest is a prolific pianist, composer, songwriter, and producer. Hailing from Canada, this writer began his piano studies at the ripe age of three years old. Raised by an Italian-Canadian father and a French-Canadian mother, our guest grew up with various musical influences. After studying performance and classical piano and completing a Bachelor of Arts degree in composition and piano performance, our guest began his career as a session musician, in-house producer, arranger, and composer. Known for his captivating piano skills, this writer is a sought-after collaborator who has worked with stars such as Celine Dion, Sarah Brightman, Josh Groban, and Miley Cyrus. And The Writer Is…Stephan Moccio! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s guest became hooked on music after he found a guitar in the trash, and taught himself how to play. This DIY attitude and fascination with music landed him in the Berklee College of Music where he honed his writing, production, and instrumental skills. After mastering the guitar and becoming immersed in record production, he started to tour and record with legendary artists such as Lauryn Hill, Alicia Keys, J. Cole, H.E.R., Mac Miller, and Anderson .Paak. One thing led to another, and our guest found himself producing and writing on massive records, becoming the go-to guitarist for stars, and locking in six Grammy nominations over the years. His story proves that passion and perseverance can take you far in the music industry. And The Writer Is…Jeff “Gitty” Gitelman! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s rising star has gracefully navigated the crazy world that is viral fame. Influenced by Jazz, Folk, R&B, and everything in between, this guest is a young master at storytelling. After posting her original releases and covers to SoundCloud, YouTube, and later TikTok, her career exploded. A few albums and critically acclaimed collaborations later, this guest has proved that she belongs in the conversation for music’s brightest star, and is a leader in the modern singer-songwriter movement. And the writer is…Lizzy McAlpine! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s guest is the secret weapon behind some of pop’s most heart-wrenching, scream-along anthems. With a knack for tapping into raw, soul-baring emotions, he’s crafted hits that feel like they’re ripped straight from your journal—if your journal had hooks that got stuck in everyone’s head. Whether he’s working with fresh voices or pop royalty, he knows exactly how to make songs that pull you in and don’t let go. He’s a master of making you cry, dance, and hit replay a thousand times. And The Writer Is…Dan Nigro! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.