Songfacts Podcast

On this episode of the Songfacts Podcast, host Stephanie R. Myers sits down with Wolfgang Van Halen — the musician, songwriter, and driving force behind Mammoth — to talk about his new album The End. Already being celebrated as his most confident and cohesive work yet, The End finds Wolf refining his sound and stakes in a way that feels like a real artistic milestone. We dig into how the record ca...

Ring in the season with us with our 6th Annual Holiday Episode! Each year, we invite some podcast friends from the Pantheon Podcast Network to join us and share the songs that help soundtrack their holidays. You’ll hear from: I’m In Love With That Song My Weekly Mixtape Play That Rock n’ Roll Prisoners of Rock and Roll Ugly American Werewolf in London What Difference Does It Make From classic rock...

On this new episode of the Songfacts Podcast, host Stephanie R. Myers is joined by one of the true architects of funk: the legendary Bootsy Collins. His sound is unmistakable — the cosmic basslines, the deep pocket, the joyful energy that defines generations of funk. Bootsy walks us through his new project, Album of the Year: #1 Funkateer, which he describes as a statement of “what funk is.” We ta...

Jim Keller has lived more than one musical life. He first made his mark as a guitarist and co-writer in Tommy Tutone — yes, the band behind “867-5309/Jenny.” But that was just the beginning. After years on the road, Jim shifted gears and built a remarkable career behind the scenes, managing artists like Philip Glass and helping shape the business side of some of modern music’s most distinctive voi...

In this episode, singer-songwriter Pete Droge joins us—a distinctive ’90s alt-folk voice known for jangly guitars, sharp humor, and melodies that stay with you long after the song ends. You might remember him best for his breakthrough single, “If You Don’t Love Me (I’ll Kill Myself),” a tongue-in-cheek anthem of romantic volatility that quickly became a cult favorite. But Pete’s creative journey h...

In this episode, we're interviewing the talented jazz vocalist and songwriter Andy James. Known for her expressive phrasing and flamenco-inspired flair, Andy has carved out a unique space in contemporary jazz, and her latest album, Happy People, is a radiant, genre-blending celebration of just that: joy, connection, and groove. Andy’s musical journey has taken her across the globe and into the stu...

Eric Bass has spent the last 15 years shaping the sound of Shinedown, not just as their bassist, but as the producer behind their albums Attention Attention and Planet Zero. Now with his solo album I Had a Name, he brings us a sprawling, cinematic solo debut that marks a major shift. Written, performed, and produced entirely by Eric, the album is a dystopian concept record that plays like a rock o...

In this episode, we're speaking with an artist whose musical journey is as compelling as his sound: A.J. Croce. While many recognize the name Croce from his father, the legendary singer/songwriter Jim Croce (who wrote classics like "Operator," "Time in a Bottle," "Bad Bad Leroy Brown," and many more), A.J. has carved out his own distinct path in the music world. With a career spanning over three d...

In this episode of the Songfacts Podcast, we interview Steve Bardwil, who’s releasing his debut album Nothing But Time - a soulful, genre-blending record produced by 11-time Grammy winner Joe Chiccarelli. With tracks like “Wonder of It All,” Bardwil brings a reflective, heartfelt sound that’s clearly rooted in real experience. What makes his journey even more compelling is the path he took to get...

For our 5th Annual Holiday Episode, we’re keeping the festive spirit alive with a special treat for you. We’ve invited some of our friends from across the Pantheon Network to join the celebration and share their favorite holiday songs. From deep dives into rock history to quirky musical explorations, these podcasts each bring a unique perspective to the songs we love. You’ll hear from:  Play That...

Noel Paul Stookey is a legendary figure in American folk music. As one-third of the iconic trio Peter, Paul, and Mary, Noel helped shape the soundtrack of the 1960s, delivering timeless hits like "Puff, the Magic Dragon" and "If I Had a Hammer." Beyond the trio, his solo career has been equally impactful, notably with "The Wedding Song (There Is Love)," a piece that has become a staple at countles...

Debora Iyall burst onto the post-punk music scene with her band Romeo Void's seminal hit, "Never Say Never," with her infectious and magnetic frontwoman energy. Debora’s powerful lyrics and distinct vocal style challenged conventions and gave voice to those who often went unheard in the post-punk scene of the early '80s.  But Debora’s journey as an artist didn’t stop with Romeo Void. She’s continu...

Singer/songwriter Danielia Cotton's new album Charley's Pride: A Tribute to Black Country Music, showcases her take on Charley Pride's songs as well as original material. Danielia is an acclaimed singer-songwriter whose music is a powerful blend of rock, blues, country, and soul. She was raised in the small town of Hopewell, N.J., and her journey as a musician began at an early age, heavily influe...

In this interview, we sit down with the immensely talented Jumaane Smith, a celebrated trumpeter, pianist, and vocalist, to discuss his remarkable musical journey and the inspirations behind his latest work. We delve into the creative process of his forthcoming LP, "Come on Home." Jumaane shares insights from his years as Michael Bublé's lead trumpeter and his experiences performing with legends l...

Singer/songwriter Tano Jones has captivated audiences with his innovative blend of genres, and his journey in the music industry has been a fascinating one. In this interview, we delve into his latest ventures, including his exciting work with his new band, Tano Jones Revelry, and their critically acclaimed album album, "Spinning North." The band has captivated audiences with an innovative blend o...

Jesse Colin Young is a revered figure in the American folk-rock scene. In The Youngbloods, which blended folk, rock, blues, and jazz elements, widespread acclaim came from their iconic 1967 hit single, "Get Together," a song that became an anthem for peace and brotherhood during the turbulent 1960s. The song's enduring message of unity and love continues to resonate with audiences today, cementing...

Singer/songwriter Erica Falls' incredible voice and electrifying stage presence have solidified her as a prominent figure in the music industry. Hailing from the vibrant musical landscape of New Orleans, Erica's journey in music began at an early age, shaped by the sounds of jazz, soul, and funk that permeate the city streets. With a career spanning over two decades, Erica has honed her craft, wor...

José James is a groundbreaking singer/songwriter known for seamlessly blending jazz, soul, hip-hop, and R&B into a distinctive and captivating musical style. José rose to prominence in the mid-2000s with the release of his debut album, "The Dreamer" (2008), which garnered widespread acclaim for its fusion of jazz improvisation with soulful melodies and hip-hop-inspired rhythms. Throughout his care...

Singer/songwriter Zada is only 20 years old, but she has already carved out a name for herself in the music industry. Born in Ethiopia and based in Vancouver, Zada showcases a full range of influences in her singing and songwriting.  She released her debut album, Water in the Desert, on March 1, and it's already gaining critical acclaim. We caught up with Zada and had a conversation about her appr...

Calling Narada Michael Walden a "musical powerhouse" would be a severe understatement. A former member of the legendary Mahavishnu Orchestra, he's also a prolific producer, has been the drummer for Journey, co-wrote the classic Aretha Franklin song "Freeway of Love," and now has a new album, "Euphoria," with the single "The More I Love My Life," featuring Carlos Santana, Sting, and Stevie Wonder....

Legendary songwriter Mike Stoller, of the songwriting team Leiber and Stoller, is speaking with us in this episode. Together with Jerry Leiber, Mike Stoller wrote a breathtaking number of classics for Elvis Presley, The Coasters, The Drifters, Peggy Lee, LaVern Baker, Ben. E. King, and more, including "Jailhouse Rock," "Hound Dog," "Santa Claus Is Back in Town," "Stand By Me," "Love Potion #9," "Y...

Every year we ask the hosts at the Pantheon podcast network to tell us their holiday favorites and break down the songs. This year, we hear about Alanis Morissette's cover of "Last Christmas," Barbra Streisand's "Jingle Bells," and a few songs we've never heard before, from the likes of Charles Brown, Captain Sensible and the Fuzztones. Here's our list of Christmas songs on Songfacts Learn more ab...

You won't find many bass players on the jam band scene more respected than Oteil Burbridge. He's best known for his time in The Allman Brothers Band, where he served from 1997 until the group ended their storied career in 2014. Before that, Burbridge was in the Aquarium Rescue Unit, a group founded by former wrestling manager Colonel Bruce Hampton that was known for blending top-tier musicianship...

In August 2023, Metallica launched an official podcast, The Metallica Report, hosted by two longtime members of their camp: Renée Richardson and Steffan Chirazi. Renée runs the band's All Within My Hands foundation and has been interviewing and covering the band since her days as a DJ in San Francisco; Steffan is a British journalist who started covering the band for Sounds in the '80s and was lat...

Aaron Lee Tasjan, a terrific singer-songwriter who was a guest on the Songfacts Podcast in 2021, turned me on to Julia Cannon, another very gifted songwriter who also produces, sings and plays multiple instruments. Cannon is highly introverted, so her promotion is mostly word-of-mouth. Once you hear what she has to offer, you'll probably spread the word too. "How many issues can I blame on my abse...