Songwriting For Songwriters

=ELIJAH=
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  • MUSIC INTERVIEWS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

If you love writing songs, you're a true music fan, or you enjoy listening to creators talk about creativity then 'Songwriting For Songwriters' is a MUST LISTEN podcast for YOU. Each episode, songwriter =ELIJAH=, speaks with uniquely talented songwriters, music producers + creators about their work, their career, inspiration, life and much more. Each episode is an intimate deep dive into the art of song, . Support the show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/SongwritingForSongwriters Grab a copy of Elijah's book 'The Songwriters' Handbook' https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CGTMDNQY

  1. 2D AGO

    Rick Witter (Shed Seven)

    Rick Witter (Shed Seven) 'Never Give Up, Never Give In, Anything Could Happen'Get ready to turn up the volume, because we are joined by a true Britpop powerhouse and one of the most enduring voices in British guitar music: the legendary Rick Witter! As the charismatic frontman of Shed Seven, Rick has spent over three decades crafting the anthems that defined an era, recently defying the odds to clinch two massive UK Number 1 albums in 2024. From the swagger of "Going for Gold" to the cinematic depth of their latest hits, Rick brings a masterclass in longevity, grit, and the art of writing songs that resonate with thousands. Whether you're a lifelong fan or a budding songwriter, his journey from York schoolboy to indie icon is a high-octane reminder that great music—and great songwriters—only get better with timeShed Seven Website: https://www.shedseven.com/Rick Witter Website: https://www.rick-witter.co.uk/about/

    56 min

  2. FEB 3

    Crispian Mills (Kula Shaker)

    Crispian Mills (Kula Shaker) 'It's something to do with control and chaos' Crispian Mills is best known as the songwriter, singer, and guitarist behind Kula Shaker, and his writing stands out for how boldly it blends classic pop craft with spiritual curiosity. At a time when Britpop leaned heavily on irony and everyday realism, Mills zigged toward mysticism—pulling from Indian philosophy, psychedelic rock, and ’60s melodies, sometimes even weaving Sanskrit lyrics into radio-friendly songs. Crispian Mills is a great example of a songwriter who fully committed to his inner obsessions—and in doing so, carved out a sound and lyrical identity that still feels singular. Kula Shaker existed in an alternate reality. Emerging in the midst of Britpop’s lad-culture swagger and retrograde cool, they appeared like a luminous anomaly — flooded with Sanskrit and sitar-drenched feedback as they became one of Britain’s most exhilarating live bands. Fronted by the spiritually restless Crispian Mills, the band carved out their own mystical counter-narrative, fusing British psychedelia and eastern mysticism that felt less like a gimmick and more like an invocation. Phenomenal success soon followed. How many other artists can claim to have actually headlined Glastonbury twice in the same weekend? Scored one of the fastest selling double-Platinum debuts of all time, a run of Top 10 singles, and opened for Oasis at their era-defining Knebworth shows? Now Kula Shaker are set to prove that they're back at the top of their creative game with their eighth album WORMSLAYER . Still consisting of their original line-up - best friends Crispian Mills (vocals/guitar), Alonza Bevan (bass), Paul Winterhart (drums) and Jay Darlington (Hammond organ) Website: https://kulashaker.os.fan/ Elijah's book - The Songwriters Handbook: https://amzn.eu/d/02CYvGRC Theme music 'Wake Of The Dawn' by The Gravity Drive: http://www.thegravitydrive.com

    52 min

  3. JAN 28

    Ian Gillan (Deep Purple)

    Ian Gillan (Deep Purple) shares his songwriting secrets. Joining =ELIJAH= today for the first episode of season 4 is an absolute musical icon. Songwriter and front man of the legendary and influential rock band Deep Purple Mr Ian Gillan.Ian Gillan is one of rock music’s most unmistakable voices—a singer, lyricist, and storyteller whose work helped define the sound of hard rock and heavy metal. Best known as the iconic frontman of Deep Purple, Gillan’s soaring vocals and myth-laden lyrics powered classics like “Child in Time” and “Smoke on the Water,” setting a benchmark for vocal intensity and range that still echoes through generations of singers. Beyond Purple, his career spans ambitious solo projects, the operatic rock epic Jesus Christ Superstar, and a restless creative spirit that never settled for repetition. As a songwriter, Gillan blends raw emotion, wit, and imagination, proving that great rock lyrics can be both visceral and thoughtful—and that longevity comes from curiosity as much as talent.With a brand new Deep Purple on the horizon, Ian speaks with =ELIJAH= about his songwriting, his influences, Ian offers a unique insight into the writing process within Deep Purple, offers songwriting advice,picks the song he wishes he'd written and more. https://www.facebook.com/iangillanofficialhttps://deeppurple.com/Grab a copy of =ELIJAH='s book The Songwriters' Handbook packed with 52 songwriting themes to help you find a seed or a spark for your new song whether you're a pro, hobbyist or a first time songwriter https://amzn.eu/d/ghIBicjHear this seasons theme tune 'Wake Of The Dawn' taken from the album 'The Wildlight' by The Gravity Drive on CD: http://www.thegravitydrive.com or stream from all streaming sites: https://open.spotify.com/track/7wJY7qStRo934us4Cklyr6?si=3a78315905ba425a

    43 min

  4. 06/16/2025

    Cole Stacey (India Electric Co)

    Hailing from a small Devonshire village that is tricky to pronounce, Cole Stacey is a visceral and lyrical songwriter, singer and musician who has roamed the highest echelons of British folk, 80s pop, spoken word and ambient electronics. From The Royal Albert Hall to The Westfalenhalle Arena, 700-year-old castles in Gdansk to Glastonbury Festival.“Soft, pop-aware voice describing a life alive with motion” – The IndependentAs one half of alt-folk duo India Electric Company alongside Joseph O’Keefe, Cole has recently been found on prime-time live sessions for BBC Radio 2 and BBC 6 Music live sessions, at Glastonbury Festival and they’ve enjoyed BBC Introducing’s backing with KLOF declaring them “one of the truly pioneering acts in folk music”.

“A magnificent sound” – Patrick Kielty, BBC Radio 5 LiveSince 2015 Cole has been accompanying legendary pop icon Midge Ure on everything from mandolin to bass guitar, analogue synthesizers to vocals, across sold-out tours of Australia, New Zealand, UK, Scandinavia and Germany. Shows with Human League at Hammersmith Apollo and headline concerts at The Royal Albert Hall have been plentiful in recent years.“Cole’s soaring vocals were a highlight of an electrifying performance, nothing short of mesmerizing” – Scottish Music NetworkWith explorations into traditional songwriting in his blood, Cole released his extraordinarily honest debut album Postcards From Lost Places in early 2025 to audiences far beyond his Dartmoorian horizons. At its heart is a symbiosis of ‘lost’ places and forgotten words, stretching as far back as the 13th century, paired with Cole’s distinctive lyrical songwriting and remarkable soundscapes. For someone so well traveled of late, this album finally brings Cole Stacey home.“Cole’s voice and songwriting are something else — rich, haunting, and full of heart. It’s a real pleasure sharing stages with him” – Midge Ure Links: https://colestacey.net https://indiaelectricco.com/

    1h 4m

  5. 06/11/2025

    George Earwicker

    George Earwicker is a writer-director based in Dorset, England. He is drawn to reimagining genres and making films that explore the complexity of morality, power structures and interpersonal relationships. He taught himself the practicals of filmmaking by making one feature length home movie a year with no budget and a crew of family and friends since he was 15.  George and Elijah speak about George's new film 'It's Always The End Of The World', his production team 'The Sandbagos', the use of music in film, Tarantino, sound design for film and more. Find George's work and help fund the film by following these links: The Sandbagos: https://thesandbagos.com/about/ Help Fund: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/it-s-always-the-end-of-the-world-post-production

    1h 15m

  6. 06/02/2025

    Andy Platts (Young Gun Silver Fox/Mama's Gun)

    Andy Platts (Young Gun Silver Fox/Mama's Gun) Andy Platts is a British songwriter and vocalist known primarily through his work with bands Mamas Gun and Young Gun Silver Fox, but also through his songwriting for solo artists, most notably in South East Asia. Platts’ sound draws heavily from the musical melting pot of the 1970s, encompassing classic melodic songwriting, soulful vocals and sophisticated chord harmony. https://www.andyplatts.co.uk/https://www.younggunsilverfox.com/https://www.mamasgun.co.uk/

    55 min

  7. 04/13/2025

    Neale Donald Walsch

    Season 3 - Episode 4 - Neale Donald WalschThis week Elijah speaks with one of his influences best selling author Neale Donald Walsch who wrote the ‘Conversations With God’ series of books. Neale spent the majority of his life thriving professionally, yet searching for spiritual meaning before experiencing his now famous conversation with God. The Conversations with God series of books that emerged from those encounters has been translated into 37 languages, touching millions and inspiring important changes in their day-to-day lives.Neale has written 40 books on spirituality and its practical application in everyday life. Titles in the With God series include: Conversations with God, Books 1-3; Friendship with God; Communion with God; The New Revelations; Tomorrow’s God; What God Wants; and Home with God. Seven of the books in that series reached the New York Times Bestseller List, CWG-Book 1 occupying that list for over two-and-a-half years. His most recent books are When Everything Changes Change Everything (2010), The Storm Before the Calm (2011), The Only Thing That Matters (2012), What God Said (2013), GOD'S MESSAGE TO THE WORLD: You've Got Me All Wrong (2014), Conversations with God: Awaken the Species (Book 4) (2017), and The God Solution (2020).His newest book is GodTalk, published in 2023 by Sacred Stories Publishing.http://www.nealedonaldwalsch.com/Abou...

    1 hr

  8. 04/06/2025

    Ryan Halsey

    Season 3 - Episode 3 - Ryan HalseyRyan Halsey is a drummer, recording engineer, drum teacher and videographer. He was handpicked by BBC Radio 1's Huw Stephens to be the drummer for the O2 Think Big band and toured O2 arena's playing alongside Rita Ora and Tinchy Strider.Ryan has been the drummer in The Gravity Drive since 2012 as well as engineering some of their recording work and taking musical director role for their live shows. His fantastic drum work on their records has been played on BBC Radio 2, BBC 6 Music and the band a glowing 4 star review in MOJO Magazine for their second album The Wildlight mixed by Chris Potter (Urban Hymns The Verve).Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/album/22rHNY81a8wQbpzEJj33Xw?si=I6mlBw3AT3-mYHEQLMmCbgRyan also teaches drums and has his own YouTube channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClCKqQjLCGxY-vz_JyW3HEQInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanhalseyThe Gravity Drive: http://www.thegravitydrive.com

    1h 9m
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About

If you love writing songs, you're a true music fan, or you enjoy listening to creators talk about creativity then 'Songwriting For Songwriters' is a MUST LISTEN podcast for YOU. Each episode, songwriter =ELIJAH=, speaks with uniquely talented songwriters, music producers + creators about their work, their career, inspiration, life and much more. Each episode is an intimate deep dive into the art of song, . Support the show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/SongwritingForSongwriters Grab a copy of Elijah's book 'The Songwriters' Handbook' https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CGTMDNQY

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