Sweet Song Podcast

Midge Ure looks back on the unexpected Concorde flight that took him to the U.S. to join Thin Lizzy, then reflects on the Band Aid Trust and the impact of aid cuts. He also discusses creating Man of Two Worlds during lockdown, moving between songwriting and instrumental work, and the message behind “Just Words,” a song about the age of cruelty and the importance of acting for others. Plus: his SWE...

In this episode of the Sweet Song Podcast, host Kristi York Wooten sits down singer-violinist Wendy Bevan to pull back the curtain on her latest collaboration with Duran Duran's Nick Rhodes, Alone with the Unknown. Rhodes chimes in with his "Sweet Song" and the pair reveal when a pandemic-induced pivot birthed their massive 52-track ambient project Astronomia, how that massive undertaking forged a...

Amanda Sudano Ramirez and Abner Ramirez of JOHNNYSWIM talk about life in motion—parenting four kids, touring, and opening their musical One Day in London—while reflecting on the songs that best reveal who they are. At the center of it all is a big idea: honest songs last longer, and music can create real communion between strangers. In this episode, they open up to Sweet Song Podcast host Kristi Y...

Host Kristi York Wooten sits down with 21-year-old folk singer Stella Prince to discuss what folk music means today, why young artists need to write about their generation’s realities, and how Stella is shaping her debut album. Stella breaks down her SWEET SONG, her new single RUBY BOOTS co-written with Nashville legend Matraca Berg, her takes on Simon & Garfunkel, Bob Dylan, and the women art...

In a personal conversation with Sweet Song Podcast host Kristi York Wooten just ahead of what would have been jazz saxophone icon John Coltrane's 100th birthday, Branford Marsalis opens up about his first memories of hearing Coltrane, revealing the pivotal moments that shaped his musical direction and the Branford Marsalis Quartet's new Blue Note album, Dedicated to You. The album features inimita...

In this deep conversation with host Kristi York Wooten, Roland Orzabal from Tears for Fears shares the profound connection between astrology, music, and life. Discover how cosmic cycles influence creativity, relationships, and the timeless appeal of hits like 'Everybody Wants to Rule the World.' Hear how the band's music was transformed by singer Oleta Adams, and Orzabal's thoughts on why the moon...

Singer-songwriter Patrick Droney joins host Kristi York Wooten to talk about his third full-length album, Made You Look, and the deeply personal season that shaped it. The conversation revolves around fatherhood, identity, genre, storytelling, and why music still matters as a place to feel grounded in a distracted world. In this episode, Kristi and Patrick discuss the art of paying attention, the...

In this episode, Glenn Tilbrook of Squeeze discusses the band's new album Trixies, the influence of Stevie Wonder, and the enduring power of music and friendship with collaborators, including songwriting partner Chris Difford. Tune in for deep dives into hit songs, Glenn's Sweet Song reveal, and memorable moments from a legendary career.  

In this engaging interview with host Kristi York Wooten, Liverpool singer-songwriter MT Jones discusses his dynamic brand of British soul music, songwriting process, influences, and experiences touring in the US. Discover how authentic instrumentation and emotional storytelling shape songs from his debut album, Joy, including "I Don't Understand," "Why I Cry," "Gentle Reminder," and more. Will he...

In this special Recast Edition of the Sweet Song Podcast, Kristi York Wooten speaks with Grammy-winning singer Amy Grant about her health journey after heart surgery and a serious bicycle accident, which inspired the songs on her 2026 album, The Me That Remains. Grant reveals her working relationship with husband Vince Gill, her sweet songs from the latest album, and how she weaves vulnerability,...

In this episode, Kristi Wooten interviews Philip Oakey and Susan Ann Sulley of the Human League, exploring their musical journey, the meaning behind their iconic songs, working with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis and their thoughts on AI and humanity. Discover behind-the-scenes stories, song insights, and reflections on their impact on pop and electronic music.

In this episode of the Sweet Song Podcast, host Kristi York Wooten engages in an insightful conversation with legendary guitarist Mike Campbell, whose storied career spans decades with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Fleetwood Mac, and his own band, the Dirty Knobs. The discussion traverses Mike Campbell's Southern roots, the evolution of his musical identity, the making of the Dirty Knobs' lates...

In this lively conversation about reunions and songwriting, Sweet Song Podcast host Kristi York Wooten chats with Nick Heyward and Graham Jones from the beloved British pop group Haircut 100, which also includes members Les Nemes and Blair Cunningham. The guys share their thoughts about snoring on the tour bus, favorite Depeche Mode songs, their new album Boxing the Compass, and upcoming U.S. tour...

In this emotional conversation with Sweet Song host Kristi York Wooten, Emma Swift shares her musical journey from Australia to Nashville, her influences from Linda Ronstadt to Gillian Welch, and her transition from interpreting others' songs to her own songwriting. Discover insights into Americana, her new album the Resurrection Game, her creative process, and personal resilience during challengi...

KristiYork Wooten welcomes Jason Narducy to the podcast for a conversation about R.E.M. Narducy is known for his guitar work with Bob Mould, Superchunk, Sunny Day Real Estate and Eddie Vedder as well as his own bands and projects. He's currently on tour with actor Michael Shannon celebrating the 40th anniversary of R.E.M.'s fourth full-length album, Lifes Rich Pageant. Jason shares what R.E.M.'s m...

In this delightful conversation with host Kristi York Wooten, Colin Devlin discusses The Devlins' career and music catalog, breaking out in the music industry of the 1990s with the hit song "Waiting," recording with his brother Peter and bandmates, the impact of fellow Irish musicians U2, touring with Lilith Fair arists, how song placements in TV and film helped the Devlins find success, the band'...

In this fun conversation, Kristi Wooten hosts R.E.M. bassist Mike Mills and international concert violinist Bobby McDuffie, exploring their parallel musical journeys since they met in middle school, the impact of rock and classical music on their lives, and the importance of collaboration and friendship in the industry. Georgia music, new supergroup Howl Owl Howl, and Taylor Swift pop up in this c...

In this engaging conversation, Buddy Red joins Kristi York Wooten to shares his unique journey as a musician, discussing his name, musical influences, and the impact of his family background. He reflects on the vibrant music scene in Atlanta, the creative process behind his Sweet Song, "Sold His Soul," and the growth that comes from stepping out of one's comfort zone. The discussion also touches o...

In this episode, Mike Mantione of Five Eight joins host Kristi York Wooten to explore the journey this Athens, Ga. rock band that faced a breakup but found renewed success through radio play and opportunities to tour with major acts like REM. A 2025 documentary about Five Eight, Weirdo, was released this fall, and their new album Help A Sinner is due in March 2026.

In this fun conversation with host Kristi York Wooten, Jon Regen shares his journey as a musician, discussing his recent appearance on BBC Radio with Jules Holland, the challenges of defining his musical identity across genres, and the impact of parenthood on his songwriting. He reflects on the importance of gratitude in his career, the joy of collaboration with other artists, and the essence of h...

In this episode of the Sweet Song Podcast, host Kristi Wooten goes deep with the musical duo HuDost, Moksha Sommer and Jemal Wade Hines, discussing their latest album 'Monkey and the Crown' and the evolution of their music since 'Anthems of Home'. They explore themes of personal growth, the challenges of balancing parenthood and creativity, and the importance of community engagement and activism....

Robert Schwartzman joins host Kristi York Wooten to discuss his journey as a musician and filmmaker, focusing on his directing of the documentary 'Hung Up on a Dream' about the iconic British band The Zombies. He reflects on his musical influences, the challenges of creating the documentary, and the personal stories that emerged during interviews with band members. Schwartzman also shares his expe...

In this episode of the Sweet Song Podcast, host Kristi York Wooten interviews legendary singer Colin Blunstone of The Zombies. They discuss the emotional journey of Blunstone's career, the impact of the documentary 'Hung Up on a Dream', and the evolution of The Zombies from an amateur band to a globally recognized act. Blunstone shares personal anecdotes about his experiences in the music industry...

In this episode, Kristi Wooten interviews 26-year-old singer Stella Cole, who shares her love for the Great American Songbook and the influences that shaped her artistry. Stella discusses her experiences performing classic songs, the challenges of making them her own, and the joy of connecting with multigenerational audiences during her tours. The conversation also delves into the nostalgia surrou...

In this episode of the Sweet Song Podcast, host Kristi York Wooten welcomes soulful singer Kristina Train for a fun discussion about her new album County Line, out Sept. 19, 2025, on Blue Elan Records. They explore Kristina's musical journey through Americana, jazz, and blues, touring with Herbie Hancock, covering her favorite outlaw country icons Waylon, Kris, and Willie, and her take on Cher's "...