Songs You Know with Toby Gad

Latest Episodes:

The Producer Duo Behind Every Song Ever Made | Stargate #020 Apr 08, 2025

Show notes

Mikkel Erikson is one half of the legendary production duo, Stargate. The duo are behind hits like Rihanna’s 'Only Girl in the World', Katy Perry's 'Firework' and Ne-Yo’s 'So Sick', as well as producing tracks for Beyoncé, Wiz Khalifa and Coldplay.

From Mikkel’s journey growing up on the quiet coast in Norway to relocating to New York in the early 2000s, Mikkel shares Stargate's creative process and how they shaped anthems like Wiz Khalifa's 'Black and Yellow'', Beyoncé's ‘Irreplaceable’ and Rihanna's 'Diamonds'. Mikkel also dives deep into Stargate's pursuit of excellence, their early influences from jazz and electronic music and how he met his collaborative partner Tor Erik Hermansen.

On Patreon this week, a fan calls in via the Patreon and exclusively asks Toby and Stargate questions!

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The Music Mogul Behind P!nk & David Guetta | Billy Mann #019 Apr 01, 2025

Show notes

One of the most prolific names in the music industry, Billy Mann has worked with P!nk & David Guetta, to just name a few. From a struggling artist to an award-winning songwriter, producer, and music executive, Billy Mann's story is one of determination and hard work.

Delving deep into the business behind music, Billy reveals the untold stories behind hit songs, how the industry has revolutionised in the last 50 years and what it really takes to build a lasting career. Billy also shares his insight on how to break into the industry, a masterclass on creativity and how to always stay relevant.

On Patreon this week, Zhone exclusively breaks down his song 'Rush' that he wrote with Troye Sivan!

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How Charli XCX, Psychedelics & Troye Sivan Changed My Life | Zhone #018 Mar 25, 2025

Show notes

From producing tracks for artists like Troye Sivan, Kesha and Charli XCX to teaching high school students in Baltimore, Zhone's rise to success is one of risk, reinvention and relentless creativity. Zhone delves deep into how using magic mushrooms changed his life, breaks down how he made 'Rush', reveals the unexpected connection between Celtic harps and hefty club beats and how he ended up producing dance-pop anthems in LA.

On Patreon this week, we have some behind-the-scenes footage from an upcoming podcast with the one and only Jessie J!

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Jason Derulo, Selena Gomez & Demi Lovato Wouldn't Be The Same | Lindy Robbins #017 Mar 18, 2025

Show notes

Lindy Robbins is one of the most successful songwriters in pop music, writing massive hits like Demi Lovato’s 'Skyscraper', One Direction’s 'Summer Love', and Jason Derulo’s 'Want to Want Me'. From her early days of struggling to break into the industry to how 'Skyscraper' almost didn't happen and why 'A Year Without Rain' was written, Lindy Robbins reveals all.

Lindy shares her creative process of how she writes songs in record time, never prepares and writes from the heart, as well as giving her thoughts on the ever-changing music industry and why songwriters are now fighting for a share of master recordings. Lindy also delves deep into some of the most suprising and awkward studio moments with artists like One Direction, Jason Derulo and Selena Gomez, to name a few.

On Patreon this week, we want your questions for our next podcast guest. Become a member and have your say in what to ask!

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Listen on:

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What Happened to Pixie Lott | #016 Mar 11, 2025

Show notes

Singer, songwriter, actress, mentor and mother, Pixie Lott opens up about the highs and lows of fame. From her early days as a teenage pop sensation to her journey of self-discovery, she talks about the stories behind her biggest hits and why it took 10 years to release a new album.

Pixie reveals the magic of songwriting, the lessons she's learned from the music industry, and her dedication to mentoring young artists. She also dives into her experience as a judge on The Voice Kids and how motherhood has changed her perspective on life and creativity.

On Patreon, this week Toby shares an exclusive story about Pixie! Join the community here:

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Apple podcast - https://apple.co/3UX4VnF

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Pixie Lott links:

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Marisha Wallace EXPOSES the Truth About Celebrity Big Brother & Broadway | #015 Mar 04, 2025

Show notes

An acclaimed Broadway and West End performer, singer, songwriter and two-time Olivier Award nominee, Marisha Wallace has starred in major productions like Dreamgirls, Aladdin, Hairspray, Oklahoma!, Guys and Dolls, and The Book of Mormon.

Originally from a small town in North Carolina, Marisha’s powerhouse vocals and undeniable stage presence have made her a force in musical theater, touring with Simply Red and collaborating with musical legends alike. Marisha also delves deep into what it's like competing in Celebrity Big Brother and how Simon Cowell rejected her. Now, using her passion for storytelling and songwriting, Marisha is forging her own path as a recording artist and creative visionary.

Marisha headlines the Adelphi Theatre in London on the 11th March, alongside Lucie Jones and Laura Baldwin.

Tickets are available here: https://www.cuffeandtaylor.com/all-events/marisha-wallace-tickets-ae1281933

On Patreon this week, members get exclusive access to our upcoming list of guests. Join the community here:

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Listen on:

Apple podcast - https://apple.co/3UX4VnF

Spotify - https://spoti.fi/40Uul9g

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Marisha Wallace links:

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From American Idol to The Greatest Showman - Loren Allred's Rise To Global Stardom | #014 Feb 25, 2025

Show notes

From headlining stages worldwide to working with legends like Michael Bublé, Andrea Bocelli and David Foster, Loren Allred is the powerhouse vocalist behind The Greatest Showman's 'Never Enough' and a successful songwriter.

After being rejected from American Idol at 18 and then being coached by Adam Levine on The Voice in 2012, Loren earned her comeback in the music industry. Cast as the singing voice for Rebecca Ferguson's character Jenny Lind in The Greatest Showman and receiving Simon Cowell's Golden Buzzer on Britain's Got Talent, Loren's story highlights the importance of determination and perseverance in the music industry.

Now, gracing the stages of Madison Square Garden and Carnegie Hall, Loren is an independent artist, releasing her own original music and reimagining songs that defined her career.

On Patreon this week, Greg Wells give us a behind-the-scenes studio tour, from his first guitar that he learnt on to marimbas made in California. Join the community here:

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Listen on:

Apple podcast - https://apple.co/3UX4VnF

Spotify - https://spoti.fi/40Uul9g

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Loren Allred links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lorenallred

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Legendary Songwriter Meets Madonna, Icon Behind His #1 Hit - It Goes Wrong | Billy Steinberg #013 Feb 18, 2025

Show notes

Writing chart toppers like Madonna's 'Like a Virgin', Cyndi Lauper's 'True Colours', Whitney Houston's 'So Emotional' and The Bangles 'Eternal Flame', Billy is behind some of the biggest hits in music's history.

As a Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee, Billy shares his incredible behind-the-scenes stories, what it's really like working with music legends, the creative process behind writing musical classics and his journey from being a humble grape farmer to one of the world's most decorated songwriters.

Listen on:

Apple podcast - https://apple.co/3UX4VnF

Spotify - https://spoti.fi/40Uul9g

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https://www.patreon.com/c/SongsYouKnowPodcast

Billy Steinberg links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billy_steinberg/

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4gHndkR

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The Secret Genius Behind Justin Bieber's Biggest Hits | Nasri #012 Feb 11, 2025

Show notes

Grammy-winning songwriter, producer, and frontman of MAGIC!, Nasri shares his journey from being an aspiring artist to writing 'Rude', Justin Bieber's 'As Long As You Love me', Chris Brown's 'Crawl', as well as writing for Pitbull and John Legend to name just a few!

Nasri dives deep into being a young R&B singer-songwriter from Canada to writing chart-topping hits, crafting MAGIC!’s signature reggae-pop sound, and evolving as a solo artist. He also shares his creative process and the key to writing songs that resonate with people worldwide.

Listen on:

Apple podcast - https://apple.co/3UX4VnF

Spotify - https://spoti.fi/40Uul9g

Nasri links:

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/nasriatweh/en

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4hSGosU

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Prince’s True Personality, Whitney’s Superbowl, & The REAL Michael Jackson | Rickey Minor #011 Feb 04, 2025

Show notes

From leading the Oscars, Grammys, Super Bowl, and American Idol to working with Whitney Houston, Beyoncé, Prince, and Stevie Wonder, Emmy-winning music director, composer, and producer Rickey Minor reveals the unforgettable stories of success.

Rickey talks about how he shaped some of music’s most iconic performances, the lessons he’s learned from legends, and the power of just 12 notes. With decades of experience conducting for the world's biggest stages, Rickey is one of the most notable names in the music industry.

Listen on:

Apple podcast - https://apple.co/3UX4VnF

Spotify - https://spoti.fi/40Uul9g

Rickey Minor links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rickeyminor/en

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