Sodajerker On Songwriting

Brandon Flowers of The Killers joins Sodajerker to discuss his new solo album Thrasher , a country record cut live at Nashville's RCA Studio A. Brandon explains how the album returns him to the music his father raised him on, and the lessons that still underpin his fighting spirit today. He also discusses how U2 informed 'Mr. Brightside', what he learned about pre-choruses from Oasis, and writing on the piano Elton John sent to his house.

On Friday 4 September 2026 we're running the first Sodajerker Songwriting Lab at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, with acclaimed songwriters Sacha Skarbek and Ben Parker of the Skarbek Songwriting Academy. The workshop will feature a live Sodajerker interview with our guests, then a day of writing in small groups with guidance and feedback from Sacha and Ben. Places are limited, so have a listen to the announcement and decide whether you'd like to join us! To enrol for the Sodajerker Songwriting Lab visit https://sodajerker.com/lab

On this very special episode, the legendary Phil Collins joins Sodajerker to mark the 45th anniversary of his solo debut Face Value , which arrives as a deluxe reissue in September. Phil explains how songs like 'In the Air Tonight' grew out of "mucking about" in his home studio, and why intuition counts for more in his writing than formal technique. He also discusses writing with Genesis, working with Brian Eno, Lamont Dozier, and the Earth, Wind & Fire horns, and creating the Oscar-winning 'You'll Be in My Heart' for Disney's Tarzan .

Singer-songwriter and producer Beth Orton joins Simon and Brian for a conversation about the writing of her latest record The Ground Above . Beth shares how she turns instinctive first ideas into finished songs, the independence that came with producing her own records, and the influence of two formative relationships: her early collaborations with William Orbit and her guitar lessons with Bert Jansch.

Songwriter and producer Linda Perry discusses Let It Die Here , her first solo album in over 25 years, and its accompanying documentary, which offers a candid look at her life and creative process. Linda explains the ways that grief and the loss of her mother are bound up in the work, the role of vulnerability in songwriting, and what she's looking for when she collaborates with an artist in the studio.

Sean Ono Lennon joins Sodajerker to discuss The Great Parrot Ox and the Golden Egg of Empathy , the new sci-fi concept album from the Claypool Lennon Delirium. Sean talks about collaborating with Les Claypool, creating characters and mythology for the record, and exploring the dangers of artificial intelligence. We also examine the duo's use of wordplay, Sean's eclectic musical influences, and the lessons he absorbed from his parents.

The The's Matt Johnson joins Simon and Brian to discuss his new book Cognitive Dissident , the idea of "method songwriting", and the way grief and personal loss have shaped his music. Along the way, this candid conversation touches on topics like memory, identity, authenticity and new frontiers of technology.

Acclaimed Irish singer-songwriter Glen Hansard joins Simon and Brian to discuss his new live retrospective Don't Settle (Vol. 1 - Transmissions East) and his creative life. The Oscar-winning artist talks about writing songs that have a beating heart, why music should be both messy and true, but never clever, and the liberating experience of burning his notebooks.

Mumford & Sons' Marcus Mumford and Ben Lovett talk about the writing of the band's latest record, Prizefighter . The pair reflect on working with producer Aaron Dessner, the trust required to take creative risks as a band, and how collaborations with the likes of Hozier, Gracie Abrams, Chris Stapleton and Justin Vernon shaped the final record.

Glenn Tilbrook and Chris Difford of Squeeze join us for a special episode to discuss Trixies , a remarkable concept album centred on a fictional London nightclub and built from songs the pair first wrote as teenagers. During the conversation, Chris and Glenn reflect on the experience of revisiting the work of their younger selves, and how their celebrated songwriting partnership has continued to evolve.

Guitar maestro and Vulfpeck collaborator Cory Wong chats about his new solo album Lost In The Wonder . The virtuoso musician, songwriter, and producer explains his approach to collaboration, how voice memos help him capture fleeting musical ideas, and why he believes in sharing more of the creative process with fans.

The fabulous Jill Scott sits down with Sodajerker to discuss her expansive new album To Whom This May Concern . The singer, songwriter and poet talks about the creative discipline behind the record, how her relationship with poetry continues to anchor her writing, and why the songs evolve every time she performs them live.

Ryan Tedder, songwriter to artists including Taylor Swift, Adele, and Beyoncé, and frontman of OneRepublic , talks to Sodajerker about tracking cultural shifts, writing at scale, and staying competitive in a saturated market. Drawing on his Nashville training and his apprenticeship with Timbaland, he breaks down his belief in craft, persistence, and instinct, and explains why writer's block only has power if you let it.

Jason Williamson and Andrew Fearn of Sleaford Mods talk to Sodajerker about their new album The Demise of Planet X . They discuss creating interplay between their words and music, making pop culture references work in songs, and integrating guest contributions from artists such as Aldous Harding and Gwendoline Christie.

At Anti Social Camp in November 2025, we recorded two special live conversations with music greats Jamie Cullum and Billy Bragg . It's a rare chance to hear a pair of brilliant and very different songwriters reflect on their craft in front of an audience of songwriters and musicians. Jamie talks about working with the Royal Shakespeare Company, the creative discipline of working to a brief, and how collaboration can unlock ideas you would never find alone. Billy shares his belief in songwriting as a way of building connection and empathy, drawing on a career shaped by honesty, community, and lived experience. Together, these conversations offer a warm, generous look at how songs are made, why voice matters, and how music continues to bring people together.

Dave Bayley of Glass Animals joins Sodajerker in London for a live episode recorded in November 2025 at the UK debut of Anti Social Camp , the world's largest songwriting camp. The singer-songwriter and producer reflects on the highs and lows of music-making, the strange magic of late-night ideas, and why vulnerability still matters in pop music.

Multifaceted British writer, actor, podcaster and musician Adam Buxton ushers in the 2025 holiday season with Sodajerker by chatting about his delightful record, Buckle Up , produced by Joe Mount of Metronomy. From the challenges of writing jingles to the heartfelt themes in songs like 'Pizza Time' and 'Standing Still', Adam reveals the personal stories behind his catchy tunes and the unique blend of the trivial and profound that defines his work.

Snarky Puppy mastermind Michael League talks to Sodajerker about the band's new record, Somni , an exploration of the dream state through music. The decorated bassist, composer and producer discusses writing for a large ensemble, the balance between complexity and accessibility in his compositions, and his collaborations with legendary artists like David Crosby.

Madness frontman Suggs sits down with Simon and Brian to talk about the band's new Hit Parade compilation and the writing of their classic hits. From the whimsical charm of 'Baggy Trousers', to the poignant storytelling of 'Embarrassment', Suggs reflects on the balance of joy and pathos in songwriting, the influence of London's rich cultures, and the serendipitous moments that have shaped his artistic expression.

The Last Dinner Party 's Abigail Morris chats with Sodajerker about the band's new record, From The Pyre , and their songwriting process. The dynamic frontwoman explores the challenges of songwriting on the road, the evolution of their sound, and the collaborative spirit that drives their creativity.