The Sonical.ly Podcast

Elmo Chong
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  • MUSIC INTERVIEWS
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A podcast where music creators educate music creators.

  1. FEB 5

    JP Cooper - The Heart & Soul Behind 'Just a Few Folk' (Album) Explained

    Singer-songwriter JP Cooper joins the Sonical.ly Podcast for a raw, vulnerable conversation about the heart behind his new album Just a Few Folk. In this episode, JP opens up about the meaning behind his emotional new single “Sad Song” ft. Gabrielle, the struggles that inspired it, and how grief, fatherhood, and faith have shaped his creative process.We talk about:The story behind Sad Song and collaborating with Gabrielle 🎤How he writes his most vulnerable lyrics and melodies ✍️Processing loss, doubt, and reconnection to self 💔What he wants listeners to take away from Just a Few Folk 🌱Why honest music still matters in a streaming world 🌍Whether you’re a music creator or a fan of authentic storytelling, this episode is a masterclass in staying true to your voice.Interview by Elmo Chong0:00 - Advice for Aspiring Songwriters0:24 - Welcome to the Sonical.ly Podcast0:31 - Introducing JP Cooper1:01 - New Album "Just a Few Folk" Overview2:05 - Growing Up Without Music at Home3:07 - Creativity, Loss, and Faith in Childhood4:05 - Music Discovery in Manchester5:04 - Guitar Culture and Early Influences5:28 - Discovery of Soul & Gospel Music6:03 - First Time Hearing Brandy & Monica6:54 - Joining a Gospel Choir in Manchester7:46 - Wayne Ellington’s Mentorship8:54 - Learning to Express Through Voice, Not Power10:27 - Biggest Challenges in JP’s Career11:02 - Internal Struggles and Artistic Identity12:13 - The Jonas Blue Collaboration Dilemma13:18 - Balancing Family, Work, and Music14:14 - Behind the Scenes of "Perfect Strangers"16:04 - The Label's Perspective on Crossover Success17:49 - Strategic Shifts in Album Production19:04 - Reclaiming "September Song"20:00 - Redefining What Success Means21:00 - Artist Expectations & Impostor Syndrome22:06 - Chronic People Pleasing Origins23:31 - Gaining Creative Confidence Over Time24:46 - Feelings Ahead of the Album Release25:45 - Personal Evolution Through the Album Process27:04 - Connecting with a Niche, Not the Masses28:12 - "Summer of Love" and Hotel Room Origins29:10 - The Simplicity of Emotional Chords30:35 - Project Ideas Sparked by One Song31:04 - Learning Music Theory and Instrumentation32:07 - Singing Comes Naturally, Instruments Take Work32:57 - Exploring New Colors for Future Projects33:07 - "Diamonds and Gold" — Love Letter to His Wife34:32 - First Time Seeing His Wife35:24 - Her Reaction to Hearing the Song35:33 - The Meaning Behind "Sad Song"36:47 - Turning Sadness into Armor37:48 - "Waiting on a Blue Sky" — Manchester Rain38:50 - Why That Song Opens the Album40:00 - Analog Tape and the Human Touch41:02 - Humanity vs. AI in Music Creation42:04 - Making the Listener Feel In the Room43:04 - Mistakes and Divine Creative Moments44:03 - Producing a Sample-Worthy Album45:06 - The Joy of Making Noise and Texture46:01 - Final Reflections Before the Rapid Fire46:09 - Last Question: Advice to Emerging Artists47:35 - OFF THE TOPLINE: Beat Challenge Begins48:22 - JP Chooses a Beat & Freestyles a Topline50:06 - JP Explains His Creative Process in Real Time52:52 - Capturing Concept & Nostalgia in Lyrics54:01 - Writing is Catching Breadcrumbs of Emotion55:03 - Editing, Crafting, and Digging Into a Spark56:38 - Show Don't Tell: Making Lyrics Cinematic58:50 - Freestyling vs. Editing: JP's Process at Home1:00:02 - Pulling Inspiration from Books, Films, and Art1:01:45 - Creative Dates: Surrounding Yourself with Inspiration1:02:43 - What’s Next for JP Cooper1:03:34 - New Album "Just a Few Folk" Out Feb 13

    1h 4m

  2. 11/14/2025

    She Wrote Hits for Shakira & Christina Aguilera… Now GALE Tells Her Story in Lo Que Puede Pasar

    Interview by Elmo ChongIn this powerful Sonical.ly Podcast episode, GALE - 3× Latin Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter - opens up like never before.From writing for Shakira, Christina Aguilera, Juanes, Anita and more…to leaving Puerto Rico alone with nothing but a dream…to crafting her emotional new album Lo Que Puede Pasar, a 13-track roller coaster of heartbreak, healing, bold decisions, and self-discovery.GALE reveals:• the fear she carried into her first songwriting sessions• how one “YES” changed her entire life• why saying “NO” saved her career• the moment she asked Shakira if she could open the tour — and Shakira said “YES”• the emotional shift between albums• how she writes vulnerable lyrics with brutal honesty• how to create with fear instead of letting fear stop you• her advice to young music creators who want to follow her pathThis is the Latin pop story you haven’t heard yet — raw, honest, and full of wisdom for any music creator chasing their dream.

    37 min

  3. 11/10/2025

    How Cheat Codes Went from a LA Laundry Room to 8 Billion Streams

    🎙️ New Sonical.ly Podcast Episode Out Now! 🎙️ Interview by Elmo Chong We sat down with Matthew Russell, co-founder of the multi-platinum trio Cheat Codes (8B+ streams), to go behind the scenes of their 10-year journey — from humble beginnings in a laundry room to global hits with Demi Lovato, Dolly Parton, CeeLo Green, David Guetta, and more.In this inspiring and deeply honest conversation, Matthew shares: 🔹 The DIY hustle that launched Cheat Codes in LA 🔹 The making of breakout hits like "No Promises" and "Sex" 🔹 Working with legends like Dolly Parton, Kenny G, and CeeLo Green 🔹 Why sobriety and prayer changed how he performs 🔹 Lessons from Future Renaissance, their latest album 🔹 A faith-first mindset that powers his music and touring life 🔹 And his biggest advice to aspiring creators: "Take risks while you’re young. "Whether you’re a music creator, DJ, or fan of Cheat Codes — this episode will light a fire under you. 🔥

    46 min

  4. 10/28/2025

    The Creative Engine of Styx: Gowan on Writing, Reinvention & Rock Legacy

    Interview by Elmo Chong🎧 New Episode Drop!This week on the Sonical.ly Podcast – where music creators educate music creators – we’re honored to welcome Lawrence Gowan, legendary vocalist and keyboardist of Styx.From arena anthems to intimate ballads, Gowan gives us a rare peek inside the creative engine behind one of rock’s most enduring bands — now 50+ years strong. And with their brand-new 18th studio album Circling From Above, Styx proves they’re not slowing down… they’re just getting sharper. ⚡In this episode, Lawrence dives deep into:🎵 The evolution of Styx’s songwriting after he joined in ‘99📀 How Circling From Above explores ambition, technology & the soul🔥 The stories behind Build and Destroy, Forgive, and Only You Can Decide🧠 How Gen Z is connecting with classic rock🤖 Why musicianship still matters in the age of AI💡 And his dream jam partner of all time (you’ll never guess who)Gowan also shares timeless advice for creators navigating legacy, reinvention, and the pressure to stay inspired.If you’re a music creator, classic rock fan, or someone searching for authentic creative insight — this episode is packed with gold.

    37 min

  5. 10/16/2025

    How 38 Special Came Back Stronger Than Ever – Don Barnes Breaks Down Milestone

    Interview by Elmo ChongFor five decades, Don Barnes has been the voice and heart of 38 Special, the legendary Southern rock band behind classics like Hold On Loosely, Caught Up In You, and Second Chance. With over 20 million albums sold, their blend of power and melody has defined the sound of American rock radio for generations.Now, 38 Special returns with Milestone — their first studio album in more than 20 years — celebrating 50 years together with renewed fire and a modern edge.In this episode, Don opens up about:The making of Milestone and working again with longtime collaborator Jim Peterik (Survivor)Writing new songs with Pat Monahan (Train) and Randy Bachman (BTO, The Guess Who)How his wife Christine Barnes inspired and co-wrote All I Haven’t Said, one of the album’s most heartfelt songsThe brotherhood that’s kept 38 Special together through decades of touring and changeHis philosophy on creativity, legacy, and staying passionate about music after half a century on the roadIt’s an honest, powerful, and inspiring conversation from a true rock icon.🎧 Listen, learn, and get inspired — because at Sonical.ly, music creators educate music creators.

    34 min

  6. 08/27/2025

    Mother Mother – From ‘Hayloft’ to ‘Nostalgia’: 20 Years of Wonderful Weirdness

    Ryan Guldemond, lead singer and songwriter of  @MotherMother  , joins (Elmo Chong) on the Sonical.ly Podcast for a raw and reflective conversation on two decades of music-making.✨ For creators: Get 70% off Audiio Pro (unlimited music & SFX) → [https://audiio.com/partner?oid=1&affid=2150] with code SAVE70.In our conversation, Ryan opens up about:🔸 The creative risks behind their new album Nostalgia🔸 Why discomfort is essential to their songwriting process🔸 How he balances personal truth with universal storytelling🔸 Lessons from touring the world and connecting with fans across generations🔸 The role of vulnerability in shaping his lyrics and performances🔸 Why “writing what scares you” is the path to growthKey takeaways for music creators:🎵 Lean into discomfort. Ryan believes the best songs live where you feel most exposed — it’s where listeners connect deepest.🎵 Creativity is a muscle. Decades in, Mother Mother continues to evolve by treating songwriting as daily practice, not waiting for inspiration to strike.🎵 Nostalgia is fuel. Their new album proves that looking backward can unlock forward momentum when paired with honesty and risk-taking.🎵 Connection is the real reward. From sold-out arenas to intimate fan moments, Ryan reminds us the point of music is human resonance, not metrics.If you’ve ever struggled with doubt, reinvention, or staying true to your voice in a noisy world — this conversation will hit home.0:00 Ryan’s philosophy: “Create to make yourself happy”0:29 Intro – Welcome Ryan Guldemond of Mother Mother1:34 Growing up with music at home3:06 First time creating music (and skipping piano homework)4:27 From shy kid to frontman — finding his voice6:27 Biggest challenges of being in a band & not quitting8:40 The story of Burning Pile and how it changed their lives12:02 The real story behind Verbatim — not a queer anthem, but…13:51 The shock of going viral on TikTok during the pandemic15:41 Hayloft II — closing a chapter or opening a new one?17:01 Making Nostalgia: chasing feelings, not trends19:32 Make Believe and choosing wonder over cynicism21:26 The deeply personal story behind On & On (A Song for Jasmine)25:16 Revisiting the wildest early song (Finger)26:13 Keeping childlike creativity alive as an adult27:47 Ryan’s advice for the next generation of music creators29:10 Labels vs. authenticity: what really matters32:23 Coming full circle after 20 years as a band32:55 Rapid Fire Round (DAW, plugins, favorite sounds & more)36:48 What’s next for Ryan & Mother Mother✨ For creators: Get 70% off Audiio Pro (unlimited music & SFX) → [https://audiio.com/partner?oid=1&affid=2150] with code SAVE70#MotherMother #RyanGuldemond #Hayloft #Nostalgia #BurningPile #IndieRock #QueerAnthem #GenZMusic #Songwriting #MusicPodcast #SonicallyPodcast #behindthemusic

    38 min

  7. 07/30/2025

    Elevator Boys Open Up Like Never Before

    🎙️ New Episode Alert! 🎙️ (Full Episode) Interview by Elmo Chong Three years ago, the Elevator Boys were just five friends posting fun TikToks. Today, they’re redefining what it means to be a global boy band in the digital age — with hit singles, a record deal, and millions of fans around the world. In this new Sonical.ly Podcast episode, I sat down with Tim, Jacob, Julien, Bene, and Luis for a conversation that goes way deeper than what you see on social media. These guys are thoughtful, intentional, and committed to their craft. In our conversation, the Elevator Boys share: 🔸 The moment they realized this was more than just content 🔸 How they transitioned from creators to legitimate music artists 🔸 Their songwriting process as a group 🔸 What it means to balance fame, friendship, and pressure 🔸 How they handle criticism and growth behind the scenes 🔸 The story behind their new single “California” 🔸 Their vision for the future — and what makes it all worth it 💡 Some key takeaways: “Our first viral video wasn’t planned — it was just us being real.” Success often starts with authenticity, not strategy. Music wasn’t a pivot, it was an expansion. They didn’t stop being creators — they built on that identity with something bigger. “You can’t fake chemistry.” Their deep friendship is the glue behind their global brand. The road from influencer to artist isn’t easy. It takes courage, vulnerability, and relentless work — especially when the world doubts you. Being taken seriously in music takes more than streams. It takes craft, community, and people who see beyond the algorithm. If you’re building a brand, a creative career, or even a team — this episode will leave you with a lot to think about.

    35 min

  8. 06/30/2025

    From Caribou Lou to 5816 Forest Ave — Tech N9ne On Growth, Grief & Greatness

    🎙️ New Episode Alert! 🎙️ (Full Episode)Interview By Elmo ChongWhat happens when the most successful independent rapper of all time opens up about pain, legacy, and the creative fire that never dies?On this week’s Sonical.ly Podcast, we sit down with the legendary Tech N9ne, whose latest album 5816 Forest takes us back to where it all began — his childhood home in Kansas City.Known for his rapid-fire flows, fearless genre-blending, and fiercely independent career, Tech gets real about the struggles that shaped him, and the discipline that sustains him.In our conversation, Tech N9ne shares:🔸 The emotional story behind 5816 Forest and returning to his roots🔸 How he’s remained creatively sharp over 25+ albums🔸 What he learned from collaborating with Eminem, Kendrick, and Lil Wayne🔸 The advice he gives young artists about ownership, control, and purpose🔸 How personal pain and family history drive his storytelling🔸 Why “being strange” is still his superpowerKey takeaways for music creators:Don’t wait to be chosen. Tech built Strange Music from the ground up so he’d never have to compromise his vision. “The industry gate was locked, so I kicked in the side door.”The most authentic music comes from truth. 5816 Forest isn’t just an album — it’s a journal of trauma, growth, and transformation told with zero filters.Collaboration is a craft. When you’re trading verses with lyrical giants, Tech says: “It’s not about out-rapping them — it’s about elevating the whole song.”Longevity takes discipline. Even now, he practices nonstop, tweaks endlessly, and rewrites verses to this day. “Greatness takes grind.”Create your own lane. Tech’s career proves you don’t need the mainstream to make impact — you need conviction, vision, and a tribe that believes in your art.One of our most powerful episodes yet.For anyone chasing independence, mastery, or meaning in music — this one's for you.

    1h 19m
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About

A podcast where music creators educate music creators.

Information

  • Creator
    Elmo Chong
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    42
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Elmo Chong
  • Show Website
    The Sonical.ly Podcast