Songs You Know with Toby Gad

Latest Episodes:

Why Your Fans Matter More Than Getting Signed | Jesse Thomas #040 May 05, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, we are talking with Jesse Thomas, a Kentucky-born, stand-up comedian turned LA-based, platinum songwriter, and music scene curator. She talks about her struggles of being a solo artist, discovering the magical, hidden world of songwriting, and what it takes to create and maintain a thriving, in-person, music community in today's digital world.

If you're an artist or musician that's struggling to make friends and meet collaborators or if you want pro-tips on how to have a healthy mindset in this industry, then this is the episode for you!

Why I Walked Away at the Peak of My Career | Ask Toby Anything Ep #2 Apr 29, 2026

Show notes

From being the #3 songwriter in the country to walking away from it all, Toby Gad opens up about losing—and rediscovering—his love for music.

In this episode of Ask Toby Anything, Toby answers your questions on AI-generated songs (Team Human 👀), creative burnout, songwriting mistakes, and what really kills a session. He also shares advice on collaboration, writing stronger choruses, and building your sound. Plus, Toby reviews your demos with real-time feedback and breaks down stories behind hits like “Skyscraper” and writing for Hannah Montana. If you’re a songwriter, producer, or artist finding your voice—this one’s for you.

📩 Submit your demos & questions to be featured in the next episode: askme@tobygad.com

🔔 Subscribe & turn on notifications so you never miss an episode!

From American Idol to Queer Icon | David Archuleta #039 Apr 21, 2026

Show notes

You may know David Archuleta as the 16 year-old singing sensation that was the runner-up for season 7 of American Idol, but he has since blossomed into the most authentic and unapologetic version of himself yet.

In this episode, he tells us about his journey of accepting his queerness, separating from the mormon church, and reconnecting with his Latin roots. He also talks about his new book, "Devout: Losing My Faith to Find Myself," his new music, and what his relationship with God is like now.

"They Asked ME To Be An Artist" | NEFF-U Pt. 2 #038 Apr 14, 2026

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NEFF-U is a preacher's son and producer that has worked with music legends such as Michael Jackson, Eminem, and Jay-Z. In part 2 of our interview with him, he talks about his sound therapy company, Neuromonics, the importance of self-love, meeting Stevie Wonder, and more.

Michael Jackson called HIM | Neff -U #037 Apr 09, 2026

Show notes

Working with icons like Eminem, Jay-Z, Mary J. Blige and Michael Jackson, today’s guest has played a key role in shaping some of the biggest records in hip-hop, R&B, and pop. In this episode, NEFF-U shares behind-the-scenes stories from working with music legends, how those collaborations came together, and what it takes to create hits at the highest level.

Ask Toby Anything | Episode #1 Mar 31, 2026

Show notes

Switching things up for this episode, Toby takes a seat on the other side of the conversation—answering questions directly from listeners and diving into everything from his early journey in the music industry to the mindset that’s shaped his career.

Toby shares insights into his songwriting process, how he approaches collaboration, what makes a song truly connect, and the realities of building a sustainable career as an artist. He also opens up about creative challenges, staying inspired, and the lessons he’s learned from working at the highest level—offering honest, practical advice straight from the questions fans have been wanting answered.

"I was broke, I Had Nothing" | Bonnie McKee Pt. 2 #036 Mar 24, 2026

Show notes

Welcome to part 2 of our interview with Bonnie Mckee! In this episode, we dive into the lore of how she wrote two of Katy Perry’s biggest hits: “Wide Awake” and “Roar” as well as Britney Spears’ “Femme Fatale” album. We talk about the struggles of being a woman in the music industry and she gives advice to aspiring songwriters. But what does Bonnie Mckee do when she’s not writing hit songs? Watch to find out!

She wrote FIVE Hit Songs in A Year! | Bonnie McKee #035 Mar 17, 2026

Show notes

Bonnie Mckee is one of those songwriters that you can’t escape. Whether it’s Katy Perry, Britney Spears, Kesha, or Taio Cruz, you’ve heard her words sung in everywhere from the Superbowl to the grocery store. With hits like “Teenage Dream,” “California Girls,” and “Dynamite,” Bonnie Mckee is *the* blueprint for how to write the PERFECT pop record.

From Couch Surfing to Crowd Surfing | Danny O'Donoghue #034 Jan 28, 2026

Show notes

Singer, Songwriter, and front man of The Script, Danny O'Donoghue, walks us through his life discovering music through hardship, pursuing his dreams when the money had run out, and tells the stories behind some of his biggest hits like Hall of Fame, Breakeven, and The Man Who Can't Be Moved.

"My Album was #1 in Mexico and I Didn't Even Know It" | Drake Bell #033 Jan 22, 2026

Show notes

Songwriter, actor, and musician Drake Bell reflects on the unexpected global journey of his music, revealing how one of his albums quietly hit #1 in Mexico without him even realizing at the time. He also revisits his early rise through Drake & Josh, unpacking how growing up on a hit TV show shaped his musical identity and set the foundation for his career beyond acting. In this episode, Drake breaks down the creative process behind the album, the cultural connection that propelled it to the top of the Mexican charts, and what the experience taught him about audience reach, timing, and making music beyond borders.Listen on:Apple podcast - https://apple.co/3UX4VnFSpotify - https://spoti.fi/40Uul9gSubscribe to our Patreon: / songsyouknowpodcast FOLLOW ►Instagram: / songsyouknowpodcast TikTok: / songsyouknowpodcast

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