And The Writer Is...with Ross Golan

And The Writer Is
  • 4.9 (58)
  • MUSIC
  • UPDATED FORTNIGHTLY

Every week, we sit down with an acclaimed and venerable songwriter to intimately discuss what happens behind closed doors in the music industry. There are millions of singers, thousands of artists, and only 40 top songs per genre at a time... this podcast is about the people who make them. Produced by Joe London & Ross Golan in association with Big Deal Music & Mega House Music. And The Writer Is... ™ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. Ep. 219: Laufey | Redefining Jazz for a New Generation

    2 DAYS AGO

    Ep. 219: Laufey | Redefining Jazz for a New Generation

    Today’s guest is nothing short of a phenomenon. With roots in Iceland and China, raised in a family of classical musicians, she grew up between symphony halls and jazz records — and has now become the defining voice of her generation. Her music is a breathtaking blend of timeless jazz, classical elegance, and modern storytelling that has captivated millions around the world. From posting standards online during college to headlining the Hollywood Bowl, she’s built a movement — proving that jazz not only lives, but thrives in the hands of a new generation. Her Grammy-winning sophomore album, Bewitched, cemented her as an international force. And now with her brand-new release, A Matter of Time, she dives deeper into emotional vulnerability and sonic ambition — pushing jazz, classical, and folk influences into a sound that feels both cinematic and intimate. Named one of Time’s Women of the Year, celebrated by critics and adored by fans, she is redefining what it means to be an artist in the modern age. And The Writer Is… Laufey! And The Writer Is… is hosted by Ross Golan and executive produced by Joe London and Jad Saad. As always, we’d like to thank our friends at the National Music Publishers’ Association. The NMPA is dedicated to protecting the rights of songwriters and music publishers, ensuring that the creators behind the songs we love are fairly represented and compensated. We’re grateful for their continued support of this show and our community of writers. Learn more at NMPA.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 8m
  2. Ep. 218: Conan Gray | How a Bedroom Dreamer Became a Global Voice

    25 AUG

    Ep. 218: Conan Gray | How a Bedroom Dreamer Became a Global Voice

    Today’s guest began on YouTube — a teenager posting bedroom covers to a handful of viewers. Now, his songs have been streamed billions of times across the globe. He’s headlined sold-out arenas on multiple continents, become a global fashion force, and built one of the most devoted fanbases of his generation. He’s collaborated with legends like Max Martin, while never losing the raw honesty that made his music essential in the first place. He’s not just a rising star — he’s already one of pop’s defining voices. And with his new album, he proves that even at the biggest scale, vulnerability is still his superpower. And the writer is… Conan Gray! Follow us on socials!  @andthewriteris  Thank you to NMPA for sponsoring this season, and fighting for songwriters as well as this podcast. 00:00 – This Is Conan Gray (teaser) 01:00 – Singing Disney With Ross 🎶 02:00 – From Bedroom Dreams to Billions 02:59 – Growing Up Lonely, Writing to Survive 04:45 – The Music Video That Rewired His Brain 06:30 – When Adele Proved Bedroom Songs Were Possible 07:30 – Uploading at Age 9 (Before He Knew the Internet) 14:15 – “Nothing Sounded Like Me” 15:45 – Panic Attacks → Falling in Love With Touring 21:15 – Dropping Out & Betting Everything on Music 23:20 – The Moment His Sister Realized He Was Famous 24:30 – Turning Heartbreak Into Healing on Stage 26:00 – The Nightmare of Empty Venues 28:30 – Dan Nigro: The Producer Who Changed Everything 30:15 – Why Conan Refuses to Believe He’s ‘Made It’ 33:22 – Ad Break – Support Songwriters (NMPA) 34:00 – ‘Maniac’: The Shower Song That Hit a Billion 🚿 35:45 – Heather: The Song Everyone Slept On… Until They Didn’t 40:32 – Found Heaven: His Public Bootcamp 43:23 – Max Martin’s Biggest Lesson (That Changed His Writing) 47:00 – Rediscovering Himself on Wishbone 50:05 – The Falsetto High Note That Almost Broke Him 52:07 – Cornell: The Song Too Honest to Ignore 53:00 – Why Radical Honesty Is His Only Rule 55:00 – Why His Art Isn’t Just Music 56:00 – The Three Songs That Define His New Era 01:03:15 – What He’d Tell 12-Year-Old Conan 01:07:00 – Ross: “You Wrote a Song I Wish Was Mine” Hosted by Ross Golan Executive Produced by Joe London and Jad Saad Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 8m
  3. Ep. 217: Rodney Jerkins | How He Turned Belief Into Hits — And Changed Music Forever

    6 AUG

    Ep. 217: Rodney Jerkins | How He Turned Belief Into Hits — And Changed Music Forever

    He believed before anyone else did. Before the Grammys. Before the 39 billion streams. Before Say My Name changed the sound of radio forever. He was just a kid on a New Jersey bus, chasing a dream no one else could see. In this episode, legendary producer Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins shares how faith, fire, and pure conviction took him from a basement studio to shaping the sound of a generation. From Michael Jackson to Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, and Sam Smith, Rodney opens up about the mindset behind the music — and why belief is still the most powerful tool a creator has. You’ll hear about the reset that saved his career, the changing landscape of songwriting in the AI era, and the stories behind some of the most iconic records of the last 25 years. And The Writer Is... Rodney Jerkins. Topics: The real story behind Say My Name Working with Michael Jackson, Beyoncé, and GagaWhy belief matters more than talentHow to stay inspired (even after burnout)AI, music tech, and what’s missing from today's processWhat every songwriter needs to know about their valueSponsored by: SONA, DIMA, Amazon Music, and YouTube Songwriters. Thank you for supporting us and protecting the future of songwriting! Produced by Ross Golan, Joe London, and Jad Saad Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 11m
  4. Key Moment: Ryan Tedder | How to Be Irreplaceable

    28 JULY

    Key Moment: Ryan Tedder | How to Be Irreplaceable

    What does it really take to become irreplaceable in music? This is more than a lesson in music. It’s a masterclass in how to make yourself essential in any room you enter. In this episode, Ryan Tedder shares a raw, unfiltered blueprint for building a career that stands the test of time. From mastering guitar, piano, and production to writing two songs a day, Ryan unpacks why versatility, humility, and relentless work ethic are the hidden currencies of longevity. He breaks down the mindset shifts that separate fleeting success from lasting impact, and why assuming everyone is more talented than you might just be your greatest advantage. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    7 min
  5. Ep. 216: Ryan Tedder (pt.3) | The Truth About Fame & How to Win in Music and Life

    7 JULY

    Ep. 216: Ryan Tedder (pt.3) | The Truth About Fame & How to Win in Music and Life

    Today’s guest is the mastermind behind some of the biggest songs on earth – a creative force whose melodies have shaped generations. From crafting timeless anthems with Beyoncé, Adele, and Taylor Swift to leading OneRepublic to global dominance, he’s not just a hitmaker – he’s an architect of modern music. In this conversation, Ryan Tedder rips the veil off fame and fortune, revealing the hidden costs of success, the brutal truths no one talks about, and his unfiltered blueprint for building wealth, longevity, and creative mastery in a world obsessed with trends. He dives deep into why most artists fail, how boredom became his superpower, and what it actually takes to build a legacy that lasts. This isn’t an interview. It’s a wake-up call for every creator chasing relevance in 2025 and beyond. And The Writer Is… Ryan Tedder! (Part 3) Produced by Joe London, Ross Golan, & Jad Saad Chapters: 00:00 Intro 00:52 His Morning Routine That Changed Everything 02:06 How Boredom Made Him Creative 03:40 The Hidden Dark Side of Fame 05:50 Justin Timberlake’s Brutal Warning 10:15 Fame is a Prison: Stories from the Top 14:14 Why He Hid His Singing Talent as a Kid 17:25 Lady Gaga’s Secret Ambition Revealed 20:55 Money Makes You a Target 23:02 His Dream: Rich But Unknown 25:26 Investing Millions Outside Music 27:05 Why Famous Artists Go Broke 31:02 Getting Dropped Saved His Career 36:13 What $50 Million a Year Really Means 39:22 NMPA Sponsor Break 41:01 Labels Want You Wild & Broke 44:40 Can You Win Without Flexing? 47:12 Managers Who Destroy Artists’ Careers 50:52 Why Tate McRae Is Built Different 53:37 OneRepublic’s Secret to Longevity 57:12 Sync Deals vs Streaming: Where Money Really Is 01:00:52 His Songwriting Secrets & ‘God Moments’ 01:05:00 How He Stays Creative After 20+ Years 01:09:00 The Role of Trust in Hit-Making 01:13:00 Stories of Working With DJs & Pop Stars 01:17:00 The Future of Music & AI’s Impact 01:21:00 His Philosophy on Work Ethic & Success 01:25:00 Final Words: Advice to Creators 01:29:00 Outro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 27m
  6. Key Moment: Russ | What Every Artist Needs to Know (10-Minute Blueprint)

    30 JUNE · BONUS

    Key Moment: Russ | What Every Artist Needs to Know (10-Minute Blueprint)

    In this powerful 10-minute blueprint, Russ breaks down what every artist needs to know to build a real career in today’s music industry. From his mindset of delusional self-belief to strategic release plans and business truths, this clip will change the way you approach your music journey forever. Subscribe for more industry insight and give us a rating if you enjoyed this! It helps us keep this show free forever, which is our commitment to the industry and our audience. Presented by NMPA https://www.nmpa.org/ Chapters: 0:00 Why Songs Don’t Blow Up 0:15 Is Inspiration Overrated? 0:33 Writing Big Songs While Uninspired 1:05 How Russ Would Start From Zero Today 1:24 Stockpiling Songs & Posting Strategy 1:57 Do You Want Success Bad Enough? 2:01 Russ’ Duality: Confidence vs. Doubt 2:21 The Power of Delusional Self-Belief 3:02 Why Songwriters Should Stop Giving Songs Away 3:51 Why Most Artists Stay Broke 5:06 Taking Control of Your Music Business 6:38 The Purity of Creating Without an Audience 7:04 The Audience Picks The Hits 8:07 Russ’ Song-a-Week Strategy Explained 8:39 When a Song Flops: Russ on Bankrupt 9:13 Why It’s Okay If It’s Not The One Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    10 min
  7. Ep. 215: Jessie Reyez | The Story of Betting On Herself (For Anyone Starting Over)

    23 JUNE

    Ep. 215: Jessie Reyez | The Story of Betting On Herself (For Anyone Starting Over)

    Today’s guest is a fearless storyteller whose voice is as raw as her lyrics—bold, emotional, and unapologetically real. A first-generation Colombian-Canadian, she turned hustle into art, weaving her experiences into songs that hit like truth bombs. Whether she’s penning heart-wrenching ballads or delivering razor-sharp verses alongside icons like Eminem and Beyoncé, her work is grounded in authenticity and fire. She’s busked, she’s bartended, she’s broken through. And now, with her third studio album, she continues to push boundaries—proving that vulnerability, grit, and honesty never go out of style. From Toronto to the world… And the writer is… Jessie Reyez! Produced by Joe London, Ross Golan, and Jad Saad Special thank you to our season sponsor NMPA! Chapters: 00:01:36 – Start Here: Why This Episode Will Change You 00:02:37 – How Jessie Met Eminem and Earned His Respect 00:09:50 – What Jessie Learned Giving Back to Songwriters 00:16:52 – Jessie’s First Song Ever (It’s Cringey… and Brilliant) 00:18:28 – Jessie’s Crazy Lyric Memory & Why It Matters 00:18:51 – From Choir Rooms to Stadiums: Where It All Began 00:27:57 – The Moment She Gave Herself One Year  00:31:12 – How Her Mom’s Brutal English Drills Made Jessie a Genius 00:35:35 – What Happens After the Hit? Jessie Tells All 00:37:11 – The Exact Moment She Knew Her Life Was Changing 00:42:36 – The Video That Changed Everything (She Almost Didn't Post) 00:45:14 – How a $50 Bus Ride Got Her Into the Remix Project 00:48:18 – Why She Stayed Up 14 Hours Editing Her First Video 00:50:12 – The Brave Story Jessie Told That Changed Everything 00:51:17 – Writing 'Figures' — The Raw, Drunken, Real Truth 00:56:44 – The Writing Camp That Sparked Her Breakthrough Hit 00:57:11 – How 'Figures' Was Really Written (And Why It Still Hurts) 01:00:00 – Gatekeeper: Calling Out Sexism in the Music Industry 01:01:42 – What MeToo Missed — And What Jessie Risked to Say 01:02:58 – The Heavy Cost of Telling the Truth 01:05:43 – Why Being Vulnerable is Jessie’s Greatest Superpower 01:06:20 – Jessie on Drake, Bieber, The Weeknd & Canadian Greatness 01:07:14 – Why So Many GOATs Come Out of Canada 01:08:11 – From Open Mics to Eminem: The Legacy She’s Building 01:18:14 – The Insane Calvin Harris Story (You Won’t Believe This One) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 30m
  8. Ep. 214: Ian Fitchuk | How Sobriety, Struggle & Soul Led Him to a Grammy

    16 JUNE

    Ep. 214: Ian Fitchuk | How Sobriety, Struggle & Soul Led Him to a Grammy

    Today’s guest is a musical architect whose fingerprints are on some of the most emotionally resonant and sonically rich records of the last decade. He’s not the loudest in the room—but when he’s in the studio, every note, every tone, every beat matters. A multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and producer with an unmatched intuition, he brings out the soul in every song, guiding artists to their most authentic performances. From Grammy-winning collaborations with Kacey Musgraves to shaping records across indie, country, rock, and beyond, he’s the quiet force behind the soundtracks to our lives. All the way from Nashville, Tennessee, this master of nuance proves that subtlety can be a superpower. And the writer is… Ian Fitchuk! 0:00 – Intro: Sobriety, Fear & Creativity  0:55 – NMPA Sponsor Message  3:25 – Growing Up in the Chicago Suburbs  6:15 – Musical Upbringing: Classical Roots & Church Influence  9:05 – Early Influences: CDs, Cassettes & Graceland  12:05 – Bear Killer, Drums & Songwriting Beginnings  17:30 – From Church Bands to Writing Real Songs  20:50 – Leaving Home & Moving to Nashville  27:30 – First Touring Gig & Life Lessons  30:50 – Discovering Production via the Christian Music Scene  35:50 – A Decade of Struggle Before the Breakthrough  40:50 – Why Ian Never Quit (Even With Kids)  45:00 – Golden Hour Era: Writing With Kacey  50:50 – Making Golden Hour Using Logic Stock Sounds  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 20m
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4.9
out of 5
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About

Every week, we sit down with an acclaimed and venerable songwriter to intimately discuss what happens behind closed doors in the music industry. There are millions of singers, thousands of artists, and only 40 top songs per genre at a time... this podcast is about the people who make them. Produced by Joe London & Ross Golan in association with Big Deal Music & Mega House Music. And The Writer Is... ™ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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