And The Writer Is...with Ross Golan

And The Writer Is
  • 4.8 (6)
  • MUSIC
  • EVERY TWO WEEKS

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. 226: Olivia Dean | The Art of Loving (and Finding Yourself)

    6 DAYS AGO

    Ep. 226: Olivia Dean | The Art of Loving (and Finding Yourself)

    Today's guest is an international soul sensation...From writing “The Hardest Part” on Zoom to conquering imposter syndrome, crafting hits like "Dive" and "Man I Need," and creating her acclaimed album The Art of Loving.. She is on a meteoric rise in music. We discuss raw stories of heartbreak, growth, the magic of songwriting.. and how she learned to protect her voice in a room and write music that actually feels like her. And The Writer Is...Olivia Dean! Whether you're a songwriter, fan, or music lover, this episode is packed with inspiration, laughs, and behind-the-scenes gems. Presented by NMPA.. The National Music Publisher's Association. Championing songwriters everywhere. Thank you to our sponsors! Co-presented by Splice. The best music sample library in music. CHAPTERS: 00:00 – Welcome to the Soul 01:50 – “I Still Feel So British” 03:00 – First Trip to L.A. (With No GPS or Plan) 04:00 – Learning to Trust Her Own Taste 07:40 – When Artists Had Time to Be Bad 08:30 – Making Meaningful Music in a Chart World 09:20 – “I Don’t Write Every Day” 13:35 – Disney, West Side Story, and Other Early Teachers 15:50 – The First Song: “Mean Boy” 17:05 – Parents Who Said Yes 17:20 – The BRIT School Plan 20:05 – Busking, Best Friends, and the Birth of a Band 22:15 – The First Show: 70 Tickets, 10 People on Stage 23:40 – Signing Her First Deal 25:00 – The Studio Explosion (Her Worst Song Story) 27:00 – Surviving the Rooms 29:15 – How the Best Songs Are Written 30:45 – The Yellow Van Tour (COVID-Era Reinvention) 31:30 – “OK Love You Bye” — The First Song That Felt Free 34:00 – From 70 Fans to 100 Million Streams 36:00 – It Takes a Village (and a Lot of Gratitude) 39:00 – “The Hardest Part” — The Song She Hated (That Changed Everything) 40:00 – The Take That Hurts Is the Take That Wins 43:20 – NMPA Ad Read 44:05 – Splice Ad Read 47:45 – Crying on the Studio Floor 48:00 – “Dive” — When the World Started Singing Back 51:40 – Being a Woman Who Writes (and Plays) 53:10 – The Anatomy of a Song 56:25 – “I Don’t Write Lies” 57:35 – “The Art of Loving” — How the Album Was Born 1:00:15 – What Love Actually Taught Her 1:01:35 – Making Time for Love Anyway 1:02:55 – Ross’s Mirror Moment 1:04:30 – Learning to Sit in Silence 1:05:45 – The Weight of Words 1:06:30 – Being Heard And The Writer Is... Hosted by Ross Golan Produced by Joe London and Jad Saad Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 27m
  2. Ep. 225: Julia Michaels pt.2 | The Woman Who Changed Pop

    20 OCT

    Ep. 225: Julia Michaels pt.2 | The Woman Who Changed Pop

    Julia Michaels has quietly rewritten the emotional DNA of pop music. From Selena Gomez to Justin Bieber to Sabrina Carpenter — her pen reshaped how vulnerability sounds on the radio. In this episode, Julia sits down with Ross to unpack the craft behind her catalog: the psychology of honest writing, the architecture of a hit, and the years she spent changing pop from behind the glass. They dive into the writing of hits, the evolution of her artistry, and what it means to sustain creative integrity in a fast-changing industry. Chapters 0:00 Intro: The Woman Who Reshaped Pop Music 0:59 Welcome Back: Reflecting on 8 Years in the Industry 2:13 Music Industry Evolution: Then vs. Now 3:00 Adapting Songwriting to Social Media and Trends 4:32 Early Career Advice: Mental Health and Boundaries 6:03 Panic Attacks and Performance Anxiety 9:25 From Songwriter to Artist: Reluctance and Breakthrough 11:23 Influence on Songwriting: Changing Pop's Sound 15:06 Hit Runs, Burnout, and Creative Pauses 17:55 Writing for Disney's Wish: Behind the Scenes 19:42 Future Plans: Musicals, Retirement, and Balance 21:05 Artistry and Collaborations 23:00 Inside the Sabrina Carpenter Camp 29:01 Breaking Down Hits: Taste, Bed Chem, and Coincidence 30:50 Joining Tate McRae: From 17 to Global Hits 33:39 Favorite Producers: Ryan Tedder, Stargate, and More 36:04 Working with Ed Sheeran: Panic, Brotherhood, and Hits 39:30 Crafting Lose You To Love Me with Selena Gomez 43:24 Longtime Bond with Selena: Firsts and Milestones 45:50 Celebrating Wins in a Changing Industry 47:19 Songwriter Struggles: Pay, Radio, and Streaming 50:26 Fair Splits and Standing Up for Writers 55:09 Gender Challenges: Overworking Female Writers 1:00:06 Regimented Life: Balance and Boundaries 1:02:40 Running Her Own Label: Freedom and Control 1:04:15 Career Lows and Highs 1:06:10 Perfect Studio Moment: Working with Britney Spears 1:07:34 Reflections: Where She Thought She'd Be 1:08:45 Uncut Demos and Sacred Songs 1:11:27 Wrapping with Selena, Benny, and Unlikely Stars 1:15:55 Ego-Free Sessions and Lifelong Roots 1:18:22 Outro and Credits NMPA fights for songwriters' rights, ensuring fair pay and protection. Check them out at NMPA.org and follow them on social media at @NMPAorg Splice is the industry’s top sample library—royalty-free for all. It empowers creators with its incredible library and ethical AI tools, supporting original artists every step of the way. Download Splice today and follow them on social media at @splice And The Writer Is... Hosted by Ross Golan Executive produced by Joe London and Jad Saad Follow us on socials at @andthewriteris Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 19m
  3. Ep. 224: HAIM | Do It Your Way. (“I quit", + more)

    13 OCT

    Ep. 224: HAIM | Do It Your Way. (“I quit", + more)

    Today’s guests are HAIM — one of the most unique voices in modern music, known for blending rock, pop, and soul into a sound that defined a generation. From garage band beginnings to Grammy nominations, they’ve collaborated with some of the biggest names in music while staying fiercely true to themselves. And the writer(s) are... HAIM! In this episode, we dive into a decade-long journey of grit, growth, and creative conviction — from rejection to recognition. The sisters open up about the early years, the family dynamics, and the lessons that shaped their songwriting and success.  In this episode: • How HAIM built success on their own terms after years of “no’s” • The real stories behind their biggest records • What they’ve learned about songwriting, collaboration, and creative control Chapters0:00 Intro Teaser – HAIM’s Gritty Start Against All Odds 0:30 Nobody Wanted to Sign Us – Early rejections that almost stopped HAIM 1:10 The Sister Dynamic – Therapy, tension, and love between bandmates 2:30 Strict Parents, Rebellion & First Gigs 5:00 Leaving for Tour at 19 – Danielle’s leap of faith 7:30 Almost Famous IRL – Touring with Jenny Lewis & Julian Casablancas 9:15 Skipping College & Faking Dentist Notes 12:30 Oldest Sibling Pressure & UCLA Lessons 15:00 Nobody Wanted Rock Music – Breaking through rejection 16:00 Meeting Ludwig Göransson – The producer who changed everything 18:30 2 AM Sessions & the “Forever” EP 20:00 SXSW Madness – 14 shows in 5 days 22:00 The UK Breakthrough – Why British fans got it first 25:10 How They Learned to Write Songs – Lessons from “Rockin’ Haim” 27:00 Recording Songs from the Radio – Childhood obsession that sparked their craft 31:10 The First HAIM Song Ever – From bad demos to “The Wire” 34:10 The 10,000 Hours – Becoming one of LA’s best live bands 35:45 Days Are Gone – Finding their sound amid chaos 38:30 Working with James Ford & Ariel Rechtshaid 40:50 Balancing Chaos and Craft – The HAIM recording process 42:10 Collaborating with Kid Cudi – Their first big studio moment 43:10 Touring Exhaustion & Finding Their Groove 45:15 Shutting Down Ventura Blvd – The iconic “Want You Back” video 47:39 Women in Music Pt. III – Growth & vulnerability 48:30 GarageBand & Songwriting – Danielle’s creative superstition 49:30 The Making of “I Quit” – A new era of HAIM 50:00 Creative Control & Saying No to Labels 52:00 Lessons from Paul Thomas Anderson – Vision & long-take storytelling Presented by@NMPA | @nmpaorg – Fighting for songwriters’ rights and fair pay. Learn more at NMPA.org. @Splice – The industry’s top royalty-free sample library and creator platform, supporting original artists with world-class sounds and ethical AI tools. Download Splice and start creating today. And The Writer Is... Hosted by Ross Golan Executive Produced by Joe London & Jad Saad Follow us everywhere → @andthewriteris Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    59 min
  4. Ep. 223: sombr | How a 100% Writer-Producer Took Over Pop

    6 OCT

    Ep. 223: sombr | How a 100% Writer-Producer Took Over Pop

    Today’s guest is one of the most exciting young artists in the world right now. A once-in-a-generation artist writing and producing every record himself — and turning that independence into global hits. His records aren’t just topping charts — many of them are 100%ers. Self-written, self-produced, and streamed hundreds of millions of times. He’s building a world entirely his own... In this episode of And The Writer Is, Ross Golan sits down with Sombr to unpack how he: - Writes and produces 100% of his music - Went from viral moments to global success - Deals with pressure, purpose, and proving himself Presented by our friends at @NMPA  @splice  A huge thank you to our sponsors. Chapter list 0:00 The Rise of Sombr: Bedroom Producer to Global Prodigy 0:01:02;15 [NMPA] - Fighting for Songwriters (Season Sponsor) 0:01:51 Early Discovery: Why Warner Music Bet on a 16-Year-Old 0:03:38 My First Song Blew Up: Waking Up to 200K Likes & Columbia Records 0:06:00;14 From NYC Roots to Proving Haters Wrong 0:08:16 From Charlie Puth to Operatic Arias: My Secret Classical Music Training 00:11:04 How I Dropped Out of LaGuardia to Get Signed (TikTok Made Me Quit) 00:13:39 Opening for The Strokes at SXSW 00:14:41 The Imposter Syndrome of a Global Superstar 00:15:36 From GarageBand to Global Hits: My FLOPS & Early Projects (Cherry Valley) 00:17:50 Who is Sombr? Shane vs. The Artist & Why New York Makes Anything Possible 00:21:02 The TRUTH About "Caroline": She's Everyone... She's You. 00:22:13 The $0 Photo Shoot That Became My Global Album Cover 00:24:28 Advice to My 16-Year-Old Self 00:26:18 My Secret Writing Method: Saving Choruses & How I Made the Album in 1 Month 00:28:14 [NMPA] - The Power of Music Publishers (Sponsor Segment) 00:28:56 [SPLICE] - Using AI Ethically & Protecting Creators (Sponsor Segment) 00:30:42 "Back to Friends": Writing a Global Hit from a Career Low 00:36:44 Working with Tony Berg: A Mentor and Real Instruments 00:40:54 "Undress": Building Confidence After a Breakthrough 00:43:40 Sacrifices of Fame: Losing My Social Life 00:45:30 Anxiety and Expectations: Navigating Global Success 00:51:23 Critics vs. Appreciation: Why Art Shouldn’t Be Rated 00:058:09 The Final Word: Why the Haters Say I'm Not "Serious" (A Joke) 00:58:50 The Beatles & The Muse: The Real Secret to Timeless Art 00:59:11 Thank You & Outro NMPA fights for songwriters' rights, ensuring fair pay and protection. Check them out at NMPA.org and follow them on social media at @NMPAorg Splice is the industry’s top sample library—royalty-free for all. It empowers creators with its incredible library and ethical AI tools, supporting original artists every step of the way. Download Splice today and follow them on social media at @splice And The Writer Is... Hosted by Ross Golan Executive produced by Joe London and Jad Saad Follow us on socials at @andthewriteris Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1 hr
  5. Ep. 222: Ed Sheeran | Inside The Craft of a Songwriter’s Songwriter

    29 SEPT

    Ep. 222: Ed Sheeran | Inside The Craft of a Songwriter’s Songwriter

    Today's guest is quite literally one of the greatest songwriters of all time. He also happens to be one of the biggest artists of all time. Imagine that. This legend needs no introduction... And the writer is... Ed Sheeran! Presented by our friends at NMPA. A huge thank you to our sponsors. NMPA fights for songwriters' rights, ensuring fair pay and protection. Check them out at NMPA.org and follow them on social media at ⁨@NMPAorg⁩ Splice is the industry’s top sample library—royalty-free for all. It empowers creators with its incredible library and ethical AI tools, supporting original artists every step of the way. Download Splice today and follow them on social media at ⁨@splice⁩ Chapters: 00:00:00 - Intro 00:02:05 - Ed and Ross Reconnect 00:04:41 - From Rap Battles to Shaping His Songwriting 00:07:07 - Painting as Creative Outlet 00:09:13 - Emotional Ties to Songs, Writing Honest Songs for Himself and Others 00:12:05 - Childhood Music: Beatles, Dylan, and Irish Trad Influences 00:15:07 - Fatherhood’s Impact: Balancing Music and Family 00:16:26 - Ed Sings His First Song! 00:18:30 - Ed Sings, Ross Tests His Song Memory 00:20:27 - The Key to Confidence Starts With.... 00:22:10 - Advice: Navigating the Music Industry’s Challenges 00:24:20 - Where Ed Gets His 'Buzz' From Music 00:25:50 - The Thing That Made His Songwriting 'Stick' 00:28:35 - No Plan B: Why He Never Gave Up 00:30:04 - Discovery by Jamie Foxx: Breaking into the Scene 00:36:14 - Mid-Roll Ad: NMPA Fighting for Songwriters 00:36:52 - Mid-Roll Ad: Splice Supporting Creators with AI 00:44:11 - First Cuts: Writing for Olly Murs and One Direction 00:46:58 - Creative Process 00:52:12 - The Lawsuit That Changed Everything 00:55:49 - Protecting Songwriters: Why No Union Exists 01:05:57 - Making "Perfect" to Prove Himself After the Lawsuit 01:12:49 - Advice to Young Songwriters... 01:14:03 - Legacy Songs: What Ed Wants His Grandkids to Hear 01:15:23 - Family Over Fame: Being a Present Dad 01:20:38 - Songs Ed’s Jealous Of 01:23:46 - Closing: Ed’s Gratitude and Future Plans And The Writer Is... Hosted by Ross Golan Executive produced by Joe London and Jad Saad Follow us on socials at  @andthewriteris ​ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 24m
  6. Ep. 221: Andrew Watt | How He Became the Go-To Producer for the World’s Biggest Artists

    15 SEPT

    Ep. 221: Andrew Watt | How He Became the Go-To Producer for the World’s Biggest Artists

    Today's guest is one of the most sought-after hitmakers of the last decade. A Grammy-winning producer, songwriter, and guitarist whose genre-bending work has shaped the sound of modern music. From rock legends to pop superstars, he’s collaborated with Justin Bieber, Post Malone, Ozzy Osbourne, The Rolling Stones, Dua Lipa, Miley Cyrus, and more — earning The Recording Academy’s Producer of the Year award and cementing his status as one of the most in-demand hitmakers on the planet. And the writer is... Andrew Watt! In this episode, Watt opens up to Ross about the relentless drive, bold creative leaps, and collaborative ethos that fueled his journey from bar gigs and $100-a-week tours to producing global anthems. Listeners will learn: How to build trust and chemistry in the studioWhy great producers prioritize vibe and artist comfort over gearHow to manage egos, collaboration splits, and team dynamics at the top levelThe real stories behind hits like Let Me Love You, Havana, Señorita, Stay, and PeachesHow to survive imposter syndrome and stay creatively free under pressure Chapters 0:00 - Andrew Watt: The Hitmaking Legend 1:12 - From Bieber to Ozzy: Watt’s Epic Journey 2:20 - Studio Sparks: Watt’s Energy vs. Cirkut’s Chill 4:47 - Rock Gods: Producing Pearl Jam & Stones 8:02 - Post Malone Meets Ozzy: A Game-Changer 9:31 - Rainbow Bar Magic: Ozzy & Post’s Collab 14:54 - Greece Hustle: $100/Week Tour Life 19:14 - Why Watt Never Quit Music 24:44 - Guitar to Glory: Cody Simpson to Bieber 27:01 - Music Truth: Results Are Everything 28:52 - “Let Me Love You”: Bieber’s Wild Ride 39:52 - Pop Hits: “Havana” & “Wolves” Secrets 42:02 - Dream Team: Ali, Brian & Pop Gold 46:21 - “Havana” Moment: Camila’s Mic Drop 48:27 - Post Malone: Instant Bond & Real Talk 50:06 - Imposter Syndrome: Honesty in the Studio 51:17 - “Stay”: Post’s Non-Pop Masterpiece 56:22 - “Peaches”: Justin’s Jam with Shawn & Hailey 58:38 - Demos That Hit Hard: Watt’s Emotions 1:00:36 - Lady Gaga: Crafting a Visual Epic 1:02:15 - Bruno & D’Mile: “Die with a Smile” Magic 1:06:34 - Prank Call Chaos 1:12:11 - Prank Aftermath 1:19:17 - Heartfelt Loss: Watt’s Tribute to a Friend 1:20:16 - Ozzy’s Advice: Be Kind on the Way Up This season of And The Writer Is… is presented by the National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA) — the voice of American songwriters, composers, and music publishers. And The Writer Is... Hosted by Ross Golan Executive Produced by Joe London and Jad Saad Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 22m
  7. Ep. 220: Tayla Parx | Longevity & Building a Lasting Career

    8 SEPT

    Ep. 220: Tayla Parx | Longevity & Building a Lasting Career

    Today’s guest is more than a hitmaker — she’s a creative force who has shaped the sound of a generation. From penning chart-toppers like “Thank U, Next” (Ariana Grande), “High Hopes” (Panic! at the Disco), and “Love Lies” (Khalid & Normani) to building her own label, publishing company, and artist career, her story is a masterclass in reinvention, resilience, and longevity. And the writer is… Tayla Parx! In this episode, Tayla sits down with Ross to unpack how she’s navigated more than a decade at the top of the music industry — from her start in Hairspray to writing with Babyface, to becoming one of the few Black women with a #1 country song. She opens up about: Surviving the pressures of back-to-back sessions and industry burnoutTurning setbacks into fuel for her artistry and business venturesWhy branding yourself as a songwriter matters as much as the songsThe art of staying relevant without chasing trendsHow to keep building a catalog that pays you for decades to comeFor every songwriter, artist, or creative grinding to build a career that lasts — this is the blueprint. 🎧 Listen now and learn how Tayla Parx keeps writing hits… again and again. Chapters 0:00 Teaser – Why Longevity Matters in Music 1:37 Intro: And The Writer Is… Tayla Parx! 8:33 From Dallas Kid to Hairspray & Nickelodeon Star 12:49 Finding Songwriting & Learning From Babyface 14:07 Leaving Acting Behind to Chase Music Full-Time 24:53 The Warner Chappell Era: Building a Writer Community 27:15 Breakthrough Hits: “Thank U, Next” & “High Hopes” 31:38 NMPA Ad – Fighting for Songwriter Rights 32:45 Inside the Story of “Thank U, Next” 39:37 How to Build a Catalog That Pays for Decades 40:55 “Love Lies” & Crossing Genres as a Hitmaker 50:34 Advocating for Women, Black Creatives & LGBTQ+ Voices 52:00 Why Tayla Still Releases Her Own Music 53:20 From Bieber to John Legend to Country #1 55:32 Exploring Jazz, R&B, and Children’s Music 59:34 Song Splits, Collaboration & Session Dynamics 1:03:41 Why Collaboration Matters (and When to Write Alone) 1:11:38 The Secret to Longevity & Reinvention 1:16:25 Closing Reflections & Legacy And The Writer Is… is presented by The National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA) — advocating for songwriters, music publishers, and their essential rights. Learn more at NMPA.org Hosted by Ross Golan Executive Produced by Joe London and Jad Saad Watercolor by Michael White Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 19m
  8. Ep. 219: Laufey | Redefining Jazz for a New Generation

    2 SEPT

    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
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Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
6 Ratings

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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