SONG DIVING - An American Songwriter Podcast

We get into the stories behind songs like “Second Chance,” “In Memory,” “Fly from the Inside,” and new songs like “Young Again” and “Searchlight.”And talk about the years-long journey that led to Shinedown, writing hundreds of songs before finally breaking through, and the determination it took to keep going. Along the way, we explore the music and voices that shaped how Brent hears and writes son...

We dive in with Jason Mraz to talk about songs like “I’m Yours,” “I Won’t Give Up,” “Lucky,” and “The Remedy (I Won’t Worry),” and we get into songwriting as meditation, creative prompts as a doorway into inspiration, and the joy and doubt that can come with a song that suddenly arrives all at once. We also geek out on the music and voices that shaped the way he hears and writes songs, from Michae...

We dive in with Taj Mahal to talk about songs like “Queen Bee,” “Loving in My Baby’s Eyes,” and “Mailbox Blues,” and how they grow out of the lineage of African and American music. Along the way, we explore the artists who shaped how he hears and writes, from Ray Charles to Jimmy Reed to Etta James to Mississippi John Hurt. We talk about finding your own voice, trusting instinct, and why tempo can...

We dive in with Andrew Farriss of INXS to talk about songs like “Need You Tonight,” “New Sensation,” and “Never Tear Us Apart,” and how those songs came together during the making of their album Kick, which went on to sell over 20 million records. Along the way, we explore the music and voices that shaped how he hears and writes songs, from The Beatles, who he saw live as a kid before they broke b...

We dive in with Hiss Golden Messenger to talk about songs like “Cracked Windshield,” “It Will If We Let It,” and “Heavy World” from his new album “I’m People.”Along the way, we explore the music and voices that shaped how he hears and writes songs, from Eric B. & Rakim and Low to Waylon Jennings and Curtis Mayfield. We talk about how groove became a foundation early on, writing toward the question...

We dive in with Steve Earle, singer-songwriter known for songs like “Guitar Town,” “Copperhead Road,” and “Transcendental Blues.”Along the way, we explore the music and voices that shaped how he hears and writes songs, from Bruce Springsteen and Bob Dylan to Townes Van Zandt and Guy Clark. Steve talks about chasing songs across Texas and Nashville, and what he learned as a student and peer of the...

We dive in with José González, singer-songwriter known for songs like Crosses, Heartbeats, and Killing for Love. Along the way, we explore the music and voices that shaped how he hears and writes songs, from Silvio Rodríguez and The Beatles to Bob Marley and Simon & Garfunkel. We talk about writing across languages, finding simplicity in songmaking, and how repetition and rhythm drive his guitar p...

We dive in with I’m With Her, the trio of Sarah Jarosz, Aoife O’Donovan, and Sara Watkins, whose voices and playing intertwine on songs like “Overland,” “Ancient Light,” and “Mother Eagle.”Along the way, we explore the music that shaped their sound, from Joni Mitchell and Dan Fogelberg to the classic trio blend of Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris, and Linda Ronstadt. We talk about discovering their so...

We dive in with Langhorne Slim, singer, songwriter, and relentless live performer behind songs like “Diamonds and Gold,” “Morning Prayer,” and “Dance On Through,” and go deep into the songs he’s written. Along the way, we explore the music that shaped his creative voice, from Nirvana and Captain Beefheart to Otis Redding and Toots and the Maytals. We talk about obsessively watching Bob Dylan on VH...

We dive in with Dan Wilson, Grammy-winning songwriter, producer, and frontman of Semisonic, to talk about the songs he’s written, including “Closing Time,” “Not Ready to Make Nice” by The Chicks, “Someone Like You” by Adele, and “White Horse” by Chris Stapleton. Along the way, we explore the music that shaped his creative voice, from The Beatles and Bob Marley to Bonnie Raitt and Randy Newman, and...

We dive in with AJ Croce, son of the late Jim Croce and the driving force behind the Croce plays Croce tour, a live show that blends his own songs with his father’s classics. We talk about the songs he’s written, the legacy of Jim Croce, and the music that shaped how AJ hears and writes, from Ray Charles and Little Richard to Fats Waller and Billie Holiday. It’s a conversation rooted in history, c...

We dive in with Ani DiFranco to talk about the songs she’s written, including 32 Flavors, Genie, and This Bouquet, along with the music and voices that shaped how she hears and writes songs, from Suzanne Vega to Betty Carter to Baaba Maal. Ani talks about her new book "The Spirit of Ani," learning patience in her songmaking, collaborating with spirit, and the impossible work of finding words to de...

We dive in with Billy Corgan of The Smashing Pumpkins to talk about the songs he’s written, including “Tonight, Tonight,” “Cherub Rock,” and “Cupid de Locke,” and the music that shaped how he hears and writes songs, from The Beatles to Bob Dylan to Bad Brains to Black Sabbath. Billy talks about letting the song take you like a child by the hand and lead you where it wants to go. He also reflects o...

We dive in with Cooper Alan to explore the songs he’s written and the music that shaped his creative voice. We talk about the two sides of his personality and artistry, the heartfelt and emotionally grounded side and the fun, wild, and humorous side, and how both show up in his songwriting. Cooper also reflects on the wide-ranging music he drew from while learning to entertain bar crowds before he...

We dive in with Grammy-nominated songwriter and singer Adam Wright to explore the songs he’s written and the music that shaped his creative voice — from the moment Chuck Berry changed everything to The Judds, AC/DC, Mark Knopfler, and more. Adam reflects on growing up with music coming through his bedroom wall, the permission it takes to follow a song simply because it asks you to, and the role li...

We dive in with Adam Duritz of Counting Crows to explore the songs he’s written, including “Round Here,” “A Long December,” and “Butterfly in Reverse,” and the music that shaped his creative voice from R.E.M. to Richard Thompson to Run DMC. Adam reflects on returning to songwriting after a long quiet stretch, the instincts and influences that guide his work, and the moments when you realize a song...

We dive in with Marc Roberge of O.A.R. to explore the songs he’s written and the songs that wrote him. Marc reflects on the instincts and early influences that shaped his creative voice, tracing a path from starting as a band in eighth grade to selling out Madison Square Garden—and what it takes to stay connected to the work. A relaxed, honest look at a band built on curiosity, chemistry, and the...

We dive in with Rufus Wainwright to explore the songs he’s written and the songs that wrote him. Rufus reflects on the listening moments that shaped his creative voice—from childhood records to a life-changing Nina Simone album—along with songwriting, ambition, and the long arc of a body of work at the crossroads of pop, opera, folk, and the great American songbook. A thoughtful, revealing look at...

We dive in with Old 97’s frontman Rhett Miller to explore the songs he’s written and the songs that shaped him. Rhett shares the wild origin of “Our Love,” reflects on Dylan, creative theft, vulnerability, and more. A sharp, funny, and revealing look at one of Americana’s most enduring songwriters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this rare interview with Ray Lamontagne, Ray goes deep into writing the songs on his remarkable debut album “Trouble,” celebrating its 20th anniversary. And he talks about the songs that wrote him including Everly Brothers, Paul Simon, and Metallica. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices