Madonna Songbook Podcast

  Madonna is finally almost here with Confessions 2, and in this episode Giulio Mazzoleni breaks down all info available about the new album. From the studio reunion with Stuart Price to the evolving campaign, Easter eggs, previews, features, and the deluxe tracklist, this episode explores the songs, collaborators, meanings, and sonic clues behind Madonna’s new era. In this track-by-track preview,...

​In this episode of Madonna Songbook, the guest is Tony Shimkin, co-writer and studio collaborator with Madonna and Shep Pettibone on songs like Vogue, Rescue Me, Erotica, Deeper and Deeper, and BadGirl. Tony shares rare stories from the studio, explains how Madonna’s remixes became new productions, and reflects on the creative energy behind her early 1990s work. The conversation also covers Sound...

In this episode of Madonna Songbook Podcast, Giulio Mazzoleni breaks down Madonna’s new single “Bring Your Love”, looking at the sound, the credits, the duet with Sabrina Carpenter, and the club-ready energy that connects it to Madonna’s dance legacy. The episode also discusses the rollout of Confessions 2, the earlier teaser “I Feel So Free,” the Coachella performance, streaming momentum, BBC Rad...

Madonna is back with I Feel So Free, a thrilling new track that opens the conversation around the next era, Confessions on a Dance Floor 2. In this episode, Giulio Mazzoleni breaks down the song’s lyrics, dance-floor imagery, production credits, sampling references, streaming response, and what the release may tell us about the upcoming album. Giulio also explores the role of Stuart Price, Arca, t...

In this episode of Madonna Songbook, Giulio Mazzoleni welcomes legendary DJ, producer, and remixer Tracy Young for a deep conversation about Madonna’s music, creative process, and the power of reinvention. Tracy reflects on her path from radio and club DJing to becoming one of Madonna’s most important remix collaborators, sharing stories behind Music, Don’t Tell Me, What It Feels Like for a Girl,...

“Into the Groove” is back in the UK Top 20 thanks to a TikTok trend – but how did this song even happen, and why does it still work on dancefloors today? In this episode of Madonna Songbook, host Giulio Mazzoleni sits down w ith legendary songwriter and producer Stephen Bray, who created the song with Madonna, to revisit the low‑tech kitchen recording that became one of Madonna’s most loved tracks...

Guitarist and songwriter Paul Pesco joins Madonna Songbook host Giulio Mazzoleni to share his story of working with Madonna from her earliest days in music to their world tours together. Paul recalls Madonna’s 1979 audition for Patrick Hernandez, her rise from New York’s club scene, and his role in shaping early recordings like “Everybody,” “Aint No Big Deal,” “Burning Up,” and “Lucky Star.” He al...

A very rare, candid interview with producer Andre Betts, who made with Madonna the mega hit Justify My Love and some songs from the Erotica album in 1990, 1991 and 1992. Find out all the secrets behind the making of songs like Justify My Love with Lenny Kravitz, The Beast Within, Where Life Begins, Waiting, Secret Garden, Did You Do It and the unreleased track Dear Father. Betts discusses his jour...

Madonna’s song Thief of Hearts is at the center of a TikTok trend bringing the 1992 song back to life. Host Giulio Mazzoleni analyzes the background of the song and the making of the album Erotica. With guest Graham Gremore from QUEERTY, he discusses the value of the song, Madonna’s songwriting, the essence of 90s dance music, her influence on contemporary artists, activism, and the resurgence of...

In this episode host Giulio Mazzoleni discusses with singer, songwriter and legendary Madonna backup vocalist Donna De Lory about recording sessions with Madonna. The conversation highlights Madonna's leadership in the production process and the collaborative nature of vocal layering. Donna De Lory and Giulio Mazzoleni also discuss the enduring legacy of other iconic female artists before Madonna...

In this podcast episode, Giulio Mazzoleni discusses Madonna's new song 'La Bambola' and her collaboration with Dolce & Gabbana. The episode provides insights into the background of the song, its significance, and the context of its release as part of a special campaign.

In this engaging conversation with host Giulio Mazzoleni, Tomi Martin shares his experiences working with Madonna, delving into the creative process behind her music, particularly the Bedtime Stories album and the Untold Chapter EP. The discussion highlights the importance of storytelling in music, the evolution of Madonna's sound, and the personal influences that shape artistic expression. Tomi r...

In this final episode of Madonna Songbook Podcast’s season 1, host Giulio Mazzoleni celebrates Madonna's cover songs with special guest Keith Caulfield from Billboard Magazine. The conversation delves into specific covers like 'Fever' and 'I Want You', discussing their origins and the artistic choices behind them. The episode also highlights ‘Santa Baby’ and ‘Don’t Cry For Me Argentina (Miami Mix)...

In this episode, Giulio Mazzoleni and Steve Blame – former MTV Europe News Editor and podcaster of Pop The History Makers – delve into Madonna's seduction songs, exploring iconic tracks like 'Justify My Love' , 'Erotica' and many more. They discuss the cultural impact of these songs, Steve's personal experiences interviewing Madonna, and her evolution as a political artist. The conversation highli...

In this episode, Giulio Mazzoleni and guests Parri and Augustine from Aregentinian podcast SantaMadonna explore Madonna's Latin songs, focusing on 'La Isla Bonita' and 'Medellín'. They discuss the cultural significance of these tracks, their impact on pop music, and how Madonna's work reflects her fascination with Latin culture. The conversation highlights the evolution of her music and the themes...

In this episode, host Giulio Mazzoleni and guest Edward Russell from Inside The Groove  delve into Madonna's iconic dance songs, focusing on 'Vogue' and 'I Don't Search, I Find.' They explore the cultural significance of these tracks, the evolution of Madonna's music, and the impact she has had on the dance music scene and LGBTQ rights. The conversation highlights the artistry behind Madonna's wor...

In this episode of Madonna's Songbook, host Giulio Angelo Mazzoleni and guest Guy Guido ivestigate the emotional depths of Madonna's music, focusing on her songs that explore family themes. They analyze 'Promise to Try' and 'Oh Father,' discussing the complexities of loss, love, and the impact of family dynamics on Madonna's artistry. The conversation highlights the significance of these songs in...

In this episode with guest Stefan Mreczko from MLVC The Madonna Podcast, host Giulio Mazzoleni discusses the songs Madonna has dedicated to having fun and getting together, from Holiday to Celebration, through a whole playlist of other titles that you can stream for great fun time on Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6I4pKtRtP18VE8Z5OxCj35?si=hslKMHTtSt-izo9nL45qjg&pi=uKbaQMqmQvKyd⁠...

Giulio Mazzoleni and Madonna biographer Lucy O' Brien explore Madonna's evolution as an artist through her ballads. The focus is on This Used to Be My Playground and Take a Bow, with brief moments on other ballads like Bad Girl, Love Tried to Welcome Me, Easy Ride, Paradise, The Power of Goodbye . The discussion highlights the influence of Karen Carpenter on Madonna's work, the emotional depth of...

In the first episode of Madonna Songbook, host Giulio Mazzoleni and guest Matthew Rettenmund delve into the world of Madonna's soundtrack songs, focusing on iconic tracks like 'Into the Groove' and 'Causing a Commotion.' They explore the cultural impact of these songs, the songwriting process behind them, and the personal connections fans have with Madonna's music. The conversation also touches on...