The Working Songwriter

Joe Pug
  • 4.9 (68)
  • Music Interviews
  • Updated weekly

Joe Pug hosts a weekly conversation with one of today's best songwriters. The Working Songwriter is a part of the Bluegrass Situation Podcast Network. Interested in sponsoring us? Contact: https://bit.ly/sponsorBGSpods Over 300 catalog episodes available to stream in the Nation of Heat Vault. Visit joepugmusic.com/vault

  1. Novelist, Stephen Markley

    6 hr ago

    Novelist, Stephen Markley

    This week on The Working Songwriter, we're thrilled to step out of our normal comfort zone by welcoming one of the country's most acclaimed young novelists. Originally from Mount Vernon, Ohio, author Stephen Markley now makes his home in Los Angeles. He attended Miami University (of Ohio) for his undergraduate degree before being accepted into the prestigious Iowa Writers Workshop.  Simon & Schuster published his debut novel, 'Ohio,' in 2018. The book was widely praised for its unflinching portrait of post-9/11 rust-belt America. Then, in 2023, he returned with the massively popular novel, 'The Deluge,' a work of ficiton about climate change that 'The New York Times' named as one of its notable books. 'The NYT Book Review' also said that, "'The Deluge 'shows the range of its author's gifts: polyphonic narration, silken sentences and elaborate world-building." Of the same book none other than Stephen King said, "[It is] simply put a modern classic. If you read it you'll never forget it." He also named it as the favorite book he had read the year that he read it. Markley also works as a screenwriter in LA as a member of the writers room for the Hulu comedy series 'Only Murders in the Building,' which stars Martin Short, Steve Martin, and Selena Gomez.  What a thrill it is to welcome onto the show such a profoundly talented artist who falls outside our normal realm of expertise... I think there's a lot for songwriters to learn on this cross-discipline episode of the podcast. Interested in sponsoring us?  Contact BGS: https://bit.ly/sponsorBGSpods

    52 min
  2. Classic Episode - Dashboard Confessional

    19 Jun

    Classic Episode - Dashboard Confessional

    This episode originally aired on June 25th, 2021. Chris Carrabba, the auteur behind this legendary emo band, discusses the twists and turns of a career that has included Gold records, MTV music awards, and truly devoted fanbase.

    59 min
  3. Dale Watson

    12 Jun

    Dale Watson

    Our guest this week was born in Birmingham, Alabama, but, just like Davey Crockett, got to Texas as soon as he could. Dale Watson began his musical career playing the clubs of Houston before decamping to Austin and becoming a fixture in the live music capital of the world. The music machine in Nashville never fully embraced Watson’s traditionalist combination of Western swing, rockabilly, and country, but he’s built a devoted cult following the world over on his own. It’s a style of music that he calls “Ameripolitan.” Watson has toured with all the greats: Merle Haggard, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, and Kris Kristofferson. He’s appeared on The Late Show with David Lettermen, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, and of course Austin City Limits. He’s performed at Stagecoach, Bristol Rhythm & Roots, and a host of other festivals. He was a 2005 Austin Music Hall of Fame inductee and he was awarded the title of Texas State Musician in 2007. He founded the Ameripolitan Music Awards in 2014. The Austin Chronicle calls him their “local honky tonk hero” and Saving Country Music says that “Dale Watson is all about keeping the honky tonk traditions alive.” I got a chance to catch up with Watson a few months ago to hear about his musical journey so far. Interested in sponsoring us?  Contact BGS: https://bit.ly/sponsorBGSpods

    44 min
  4. Classic Episode - Marcus King

    5 Jun

    Classic Episode - Marcus King

    This Greenville, South Carolina native is a Grammy-nominated troubadour known for his tireless touring schedule. Originally aired on December 18th, 2020.

    43 min
  5. Joe Pernice

    29 May

    Joe Pernice

    Our guest on the Working Songwriter this week hails originally from Boston, Massachusetts and now makes his home in Toronto. Joe Pernice got his musical start, though, in Northampton, MA. At the time, it was a hot bed of indie music creativity. His band the Scud Mountain Boys built a loyal following in the 1990s with a string of critically acclaimed releases. He’s recorded for Sub Pop, One Little Indian, Team Love, and New West Records. Over the years Pernice has collaborated with a variety of blue-chip songwriters such as Aimee Mann, Neko Case, Norman Blake (of Teenage Fanclub), Jimmy Webb, Rodney Crowell, and Jim White. He’s also a man of many talents; his novel It Feels So Good When I Stop was published by Penguin Books in 2009. NPR calls him “a workhorse of a songwriter who delivers hard truths with the softest of whispers.” Brooklyn Vegan declared, “Few songwriters today imbue frustration and anguish into the sweetest of melodies as Joe Pernice.” I got a chance to catch up with him a few months ago to hear about his musical journey so far. Interested in sponsoring us?  Contact BGS: https://bit.ly/sponsorBGSpods

    56 min
  6. Classic Episode - Joan Osborne

    22 May

    Classic Episode - Joan Osborne

    This episode was originally aired on September 18th, 2020. The celebrated singer and songwriter describes her initial ascent to the top of the charts with her debut album and how she has been able to string together many interesting chapters of her career.

    56 min
  7. Eddie Schwartz

    15 May

    Eddie Schwartz

    Our guest this week on the Working Songwriter hails from Canada and has spent over four decades writing hit songs. Eddie Schwartz got his start as a solo artist, but has found great success writing for and with other artists. His song "Hit Me With Your Best Shot" was recorded by Pat Benatar and became a certified platinum crossover hit. He went on to pen songs for Donna Summer, the Doobie Brothers, the Pointer Sisters, and many others.  As a former president of the Songwriters Association of Canada and North American and a president of the International Council of Music Creators, Schwartz has been a tireless advocate for songwriters. He's received multiple BMI, SOCAN, and JUNO Awards. In 2012, he was awarded the Order of Canada, one of the country's highest civilian honors.  I got a chance to catch up with Mr. Schwartz a few months ago to hear about his musical journey so far.  Interested in sponsoring us?  Contact BGS: https://bit.ly/sponsorBGSpods

    58 min
  8. Classic Episode - Kevin Morby

    8 May

    Classic Episode - Kevin Morby

    The Kansas City bred songwriter tells the story of his journey toward his distinctive brand of indie rock. This episode originally aired on October 9, 2020.

    1hr 1min
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Hosts & Guests

4.9
out of 5
68 Ratings

About

Joe Pug hosts a weekly conversation with one of today's best songwriters. The Working Songwriter is a part of the Bluegrass Situation Podcast Network. Interested in sponsoring us? Contact: https://bit.ly/sponsorBGSpods Over 300 catalog episodes available to stream in the Nation of Heat Vault. Visit joepugmusic.com/vault

Information

  • Creator
    Joe Pug
  • Years Active
    2016 - 2026
  • Episodes
    346
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Working Songwriter

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