Stay ConnectedEvery week, we sit down with an acclaimed and venerable songwriter to intimately discuss what happens behind closed doors in the music industry. There are millions of singers, thousands of artists, and only 40 top songs per genre at a time… this podcast is about the people who make them. Produced by Joe London & Ross Golan in association with Big Deal Music & Mega House Music. And The Writer Is… ™
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Copyright: © And The Writer Is
Today's guest is quite literally one of the greatest songwriters of all time.
He also happens to be one of the biggest artists of all time. Imagine that.
This legend needs no introduction...
And the writer is... Ed Sheeran!
Presented by our friends at NMPA.
A huge thank you to our sponsors.
NMPA fights for songwriters' rights, ensuring fair pay and protection.
Check them out at NMPA.org and follow them on social media at @NMPAorg
Splice is the industry’s top sample library—royalty-free for all. It empowers creators with its incredible library and ethical AI tools, supporting original artists every step of the way.
Download Splice today and follow them on social media at @splice
Chapters:
00:00:00 - Intro
00:02:05 - Ed and Ross Reconnect
00:04:41 - From Rap Battles to Shaping His Songwriting
00:07:07 - Painting as Creative Outlet
00:09:13 - Emotional Ties to Songs, Writing Honest Songs for Himself and Others
00:12:05 - Childhood Music: Beatles, Dylan, and Irish Trad Influences
00:15:07 - Fatherhood’s Impact: Balancing Music and Family
00:16:26 - Ed Sings His First Song!
00:18:30 - Ed Sings, Ross Tests His Song Memory
00:20:27 - The Key to Confidence Starts With....
00:22:10 - Advice: Navigating the Music Industry’s Challenges
00:24:20 - Where Ed Gets His 'Buzz' From Music
00:25:50 - The Thing That Made His Songwriting 'Stick'
00:28:35 - No Plan B: Why He Never Gave Up
00:30:04 - Discovery by Jamie Foxx: Breaking into the Scene
00:36:14 - Mid-Roll Ad: NMPA Fighting for Songwriters
00:36:52 - Mid-Roll Ad: Splice Supporting Creators with AI
00:44:11 - First Cuts: Writing for Olly Murs and One Direction
00:46:58 - Creative Process
00:52:12 - The Lawsuit That Changed Everything
00:55:49 - Protecting Songwriters: Why No Union Exists
01:05:57 - Making "Perfect" to Prove Himself After the Lawsuit
01:12:49 - Advice to Young Songwriters...
01:14:03 - Legacy Songs: What Ed Wants His Grandkids to Hear
01:15:23 - Family Over Fame: Being a Present Dad
01:20:38 - Songs Ed’s Jealous Of
01:23:46 - Closing: Ed’s Gratitude and Future Plans
And The Writer Is...
Hosted by Ross Golan
Executive produced by Joe London and Jad Saad
Follow us on socials at @andthewriteris
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Today's guest is one of the most sought-after hitmakers of the last decade. A Grammy-winning producer, songwriter, and guitarist whose genre-bending work has shaped the sound of modern music. From rock legends to pop superstars, he’s collaborated with Justin Bieber, Post Malone, Ozzy Osbourne, The Rolling Stones, Dua Lipa, Miley Cyrus, and more — earning The Recording Academy’s Producer of the Year award and cementing his status as one of the most in-demand hitmakers on the planet.
And the writer is... Andrew Watt!
In this episode, Watt opens up to Ross about the relentless drive, bold creative leaps, and collaborative ethos that fueled his journey from bar gigs and $100-a-week tours to producing global anthems.
Listeners will learn:
Chapters
0:00 - Andrew Watt: The Hitmaking Legend
1:12 - From Bieber to Ozzy: Watt’s Epic Journey
2:20 - Studio Sparks: Watt’s Energy vs. Cirkut’s Chill
4:47 - Rock Gods: Producing Pearl Jam & Stones
8:02 - Post Malone Meets Ozzy: A Game-Changer
9:31 - Rainbow Bar Magic: Ozzy & Post’s Collab
14:54 - Greece Hustle: $100/Week Tour Life
19:14 - Why Watt Never Quit Music
24:44 - Guitar to Glory: Cody Simpson to Bieber
27:01 - Music Truth: Results Are Everything
28:52 - “Let Me Love You”: Bieber’s Wild Ride
39:52 - Pop Hits: “Havana” & “Wolves” Secrets
42:02 - Dream Team: Ali, Brian & Pop Gold
46:21 - “Havana” Moment: Camila’s Mic Drop
48:27 - Post Malone: Instant Bond & Real Talk
50:06 - Imposter Syndrome: Honesty in the Studio
51:17 - “Stay”: Post’s Non-Pop Masterpiece
56:22 - “Peaches”: Justin’s Jam with Shawn & Hailey
58:38 - Demos That Hit Hard: Watt’s Emotions
1:00:36 - Lady Gaga: Crafting a Visual Epic
1:02:15 - Bruno & D’Mile: “Die with a Smile” Magic
1:06:34 - Prank Call Chaos
1:12:11 - Prank Aftermath
1:19:17 - Heartfelt Loss: Watt’s Tribute to a Friend
1:20:16 - Ozzy’s Advice: Be Kind on the Way Up
This season of And The Writer Is… is presented by the National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA) — the voice of American songwriters, composers, and music publishers.
And The Writer Is...
Hosted by Ross Golan
Executive Produced by Joe London and Jad Saad
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Today’s guest is more than a hitmaker — she’s a creative force who has shaped the sound of a generation. From penning chart-toppers like “Thank U, Next” (Ariana Grande), “High Hopes” (Panic! at the Disco), and “Love Lies” (Khalid & Normani) to building her own label, publishing company, and artist career, her story is a masterclass in reinvention, resilience, and longevity.
And the writer is… Tayla Parx!
In this episode, Tayla sits down with Ross to unpack how she’s navigated more than a decade at the top of the music industry — from her start in Hairspray to writing with Babyface, to becoming one of the few Black women with a #1 country song. She opens up about:
For every songwriter, artist, or creative grinding to build a career that lasts — this is the blueprint.
🎧 Listen now and learn how Tayla Parx keeps writing hits… again and again.
Chapters
0:00 Teaser – Why Longevity Matters in Music
1:37 Intro: And The Writer Is… Tayla Parx!
8:33 From Dallas Kid to Hairspray & Nickelodeon Star
12:49 Finding Songwriting & Learning From Babyface
14:07 Leaving Acting Behind to Chase Music Full-Time
24:53 The Warner Chappell Era: Building a Writer Community
27:15 Breakthrough Hits: “Thank U, Next” & “High Hopes”
31:38 NMPA Ad – Fighting for Songwriter Rights
32:45 Inside the Story of “Thank U, Next”
39:37 How to Build a Catalog That Pays for Decades
40:55 “Love Lies” & Crossing Genres as a Hitmaker
50:34 Advocating for Women, Black Creatives & LGBTQ+ Voices
52:00 Why Tayla Still Releases Her Own Music
53:20 From Bieber to John Legend to Country #1
55:32 Exploring Jazz, R&B, and Children’s Music
59:34 Song Splits, Collaboration & Session Dynamics
1:03:41 Why Collaboration Matters (and When to Write Alone)
1:11:38 The Secret to Longevity & Reinvention
1:16:25 Closing Reflections & Legacy
And The Writer Is… is presented by The National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA) — advocating for songwriters, music publishers, and their essential rights.
Learn more at NMPA.org
Hosted by Ross Golan
Executive Produced by Joe London and Jad Saad
Watercolor by Michael White
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Today’s guest is nothing short of a phenomenon.
With roots in Iceland and China, raised in a family of classical musicians, she grew up between symphony halls and jazz records — and has now become the defining voice of her generation.
Her music is a breathtaking blend of timeless jazz, classical elegance, and modern storytelling that has captivated millions around the world. From posting standards online during college to headlining the Hollywood Bowl, she’s built a movement — proving that jazz not only lives, but thrives in the hands of a new generation.
Her Grammy-winning sophomore album, Bewitched, cemented her as an international force. And now with her brand-new release, A Matter of Time, she dives deeper into emotional vulnerability and sonic ambition — pushing jazz, classical, and folk influences into a sound that feels both cinematic and intimate.
Named one of Time’s Women of the Year, celebrated by critics and adored by fans, she is redefining what it means to be an artist in the modern age.
And The Writer Is… Laufey!
And The Writer Is… is hosted by Ross Golan and executive produced by Joe London and Jad Saad.
As always, we’d like to thank our friends at the National Music Publishers’ Association. The NMPA is dedicated to protecting the rights of songwriters and music publishers, ensuring that the creators behind the songs we love are fairly represented and compensated. We’re grateful for their continued support of this show and our community of writers.
Learn more at NMPA.org
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Today’s guest began on YouTube — a teenager posting bedroom covers to a handful of viewers.
Now, his songs have been streamed billions of times across the globe.
He’s headlined sold-out arenas on multiple continents, become a global fashion force, and built one of the most devoted fanbases of his generation.
He’s collaborated with legends like Max Martin, while never losing the raw honesty that made his music essential in the first place.
He’s not just a rising star — he’s already one of pop’s defining voices.
And with his new album, he proves that even at the biggest scale, vulnerability is still his superpower.
And the writer is… Conan Gray!
Follow us on socials! @andthewriteris
Thank you to NMPA for sponsoring this season, and fighting for songwriters as well as this podcast.
00:00 – This Is Conan Gray (teaser)
01:00 – Singing Disney With Ross 🎶
02:00 – From Bedroom Dreams to Billions
02:59 – Growing Up Lonely, Writing to Survive
04:45 – The Music Video That Rewired His Brain
06:30 – When Adele Proved Bedroom Songs Were Possible
07:30 – Uploading at Age 9 (Before He Knew the Internet)
14:15 – “Nothing Sounded Like Me”
15:45 – Panic Attacks → Falling in Love With Touring
21:15 – Dropping Out & Betting Everything on Music
23:20 – The Moment His Sister Realized He Was Famous
24:30 – Turning Heartbreak Into Healing on Stage
26:00 – The Nightmare of Empty Venues
28:30 – Dan Nigro: The Producer Who Changed Everything
30:15 – Why Conan Refuses to Believe He’s ‘Made It’
33:22 – Ad Break – Support Songwriters (NMPA)
34:00 – ‘Maniac’: The Shower Song That Hit a Billion 🚿
35:45 – Heather: The Song Everyone Slept On… Until They Didn’t
40:32 – Found Heaven: His Public Bootcamp
43:23 – Max Martin’s Biggest Lesson (That Changed His Writing)
47:00 – Rediscovering Himself on Wishbone
50:05 – The Falsetto High Note That Almost Broke Him
52:07 – Cornell: The Song Too Honest to Ignore
53:00 – Why Radical Honesty Is His Only Rule
55:00 – Why His Art Isn’t Just Music
56:00 – The Three Songs That Define His New Era
01:03:15 – What He’d Tell 12-Year-Old Conan
01:07:00 – Ross: “You Wrote a Song I Wish Was Mine”
Hosted by Ross Golan
Executive Produced by Joe London and Jad Saad
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
He believed before anyone else did.
Before the Grammys.
Before the 39 billion streams.
Before Say My Name changed the sound of radio forever.
He was just a kid on a New Jersey bus, chasing a dream no one else could see.
In this episode, legendary producer Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins shares how faith, fire, and pure conviction took him from a basement studio to shaping the sound of a generation. From Michael Jackson to Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, and Sam Smith, Rodney opens up about the mindset behind the music — and why belief is still the most powerful tool a creator has.
You’ll hear about the reset that saved his career, the changing landscape of songwriting in the AI era, and the stories behind some of the most iconic records of the last 25 years.
And The Writer Is... Rodney Jerkins.
Topics:
Sponsored by:
SONA, DIMA, Amazon Music, and YouTube Songwriters.
Thank you for supporting us and protecting the future of songwriting!
Produced by Ross Golan, Joe London, and Jad Saad
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What does it really take to become irreplaceable in music?
This is more than a lesson in music. It’s a masterclass in how to make yourself essential in any room you enter.
In this episode, Ryan Tedder shares a raw, unfiltered blueprint for building a career that stands the test of time.
From mastering guitar, piano, and production to writing two songs a day, Ryan unpacks why versatility, humility, and relentless work ethic are the hidden currencies of longevity. He breaks down the mindset shifts that separate fleeting success from lasting impact, and why assuming everyone is more talented than you might just be your greatest advantage.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 Saad
Chapters:
00:00 Intro
00:52 His Morning Routine That Changed Everything
02:06 How Boredom Made Him Creative
03:40 The Hidden Dark Side of Fame
05:50 Justin Timberlake’s Brutal Warning
10:15 Fame is a Prison: Stories from the Top
14:14 Why He Hid His Singing Talent as a Kid
17:25 Lady Gaga’s Secret Ambition Revealed
20:55 Money Makes You a Target
23:02 His Dream: Rich But Unknown
25:26 Investing Millions Outside Music
27:05 Why Famous Artists Go Broke
31:02 Getting Dropped Saved His Career
36:13 What $50 Million a Year Really Means
39:22 NMPA Sponsor Break
41:01 Labels Want You Wild & Broke
44:40 Can You Win Without Flexing?
47:12 Managers Who Destroy Artists’ Careers
50:52 Why Tate McRae Is Built Different
53:37 OneRepublic’s Secret to Longevity
57:12 Sync Deals vs Streaming: Where Money Really Is
01:00:52 His Songwriting Secrets & ‘God Moments’
01:05:00 How He Stays Creative After 20+ Years
01:09:00 The Role of Trust in Hit-Making
01:13:00 Stories of Working With DJs & Pop Stars
01:17:00 The Future of Music & AI’s Impact
01:21:00 His Philosophy on Work Ethic & Success
01:25:00 Final Words: Advice to Creators
01:29:00 Outro
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this powerful 10-minute blueprint, Russ breaks down what every artist needs to know to build a real career in today’s music industry. From his mindset of delusional self-belief to strategic release plans and business truths, this clip will change the way you approach your music journey forever.
Subscribe for more industry insight and give us a rating if you enjoyed this! It helps us keep this show free forever, which is our commitment to the industry and our audience.
Presented by NMPA
Chapters:
0:00 Why Songs Don’t Blow Up
0:15 Is Inspiration Overrated?
0:33 Writing Big Songs While Uninspired
1:05 How Russ Would Start From Zero Today
1:24 Stockpiling Songs & Posting Strategy
1:57 Do You Want Success Bad Enough?
2:01 Russ’ Duality: Confidence vs. Doubt
2:21 The Power of Delusional Self-Belief
3:02 Why Songwriters Should Stop Giving Songs Away
3:51 Why Most Artists Stay Broke
5:06 Taking Control of Your Music Business
6:38 The Purity of Creating Without an Audience
7:04 The Audience Picks The Hits
8:07 Russ’ Song-a-Week Strategy Explained
8:39 When a Song Flops: Russ on Bankrupt
9:13 Why It’s Okay If It’s Not The One
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 Saad
Special thank you to our season sponsor NMPA!
Chapters:
00:01:36 – Start Here: Why This Episode Will Change You
00:02:37 – How Jessie Met Eminem and Earned His Respect
00:09:50 – What Jessie Learned Giving Back to Songwriters
00:16:52 – Jessie’s First Song Ever (It’s Cringey… and Brilliant)
00:18:28 – Jessie’s Crazy Lyric Memory & Why It Matters
00:18:51 – From Choir Rooms to Stadiums: Where It All Began
00:27:57 – The Moment She Gave Herself One Year
00:31:12 – How Her Mom’s Brutal English Drills Made Jessie a Genius
00:35:35 – What Happens After the Hit? Jessie Tells All
00:37:11 – The Exact Moment She Knew Her Life Was Changing
00:42:36 – The Video That Changed Everything (She Almost Didn't Post)
00:45:14 – How a $50 Bus Ride Got Her Into the Remix Project
00:48:18 – Why She Stayed Up 14 Hours Editing Her First Video
00:50:12 – The Brave Story Jessie Told That Changed Everything
00:51:17 – Writing 'Figures' — The Raw, Drunken, Real Truth
00:56:44 – The Writing Camp That Sparked Her Breakthrough Hit
00:57:11 – How 'Figures' Was Really Written (And Why It Still Hurts)
01:00:00 – Gatekeeper: Calling Out Sexism in the Music Industry
01:01:42 – What MeToo Missed — And What Jessie Risked to Say
01:02:58 – The Heavy Cost of Telling the Truth
01:05:43 – Why Being Vulnerable is Jessie’s Greatest Superpower
01:06:20 – Jessie on Drake, Bieber, The Weeknd & Canadian Greatness
01:07:14 – Why So Many GOATs Come Out of Canada
01:08:11 – From Open Mics to Eminem: The Legacy She’s Building
01:18:14 – The Insane Calvin Harris Story (You Won’t Believe This One)
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