Songcraft: Spotlight on Songwriters
Music
About
Songcraft is a bi-weekly podcast that brings you in-depth conversations with and about the creators of lyrics and music that stand the test of time. You probably know their names, and you definitely know their songs. We bring you their stories.
Episodes
- Ep. 279 - MOLLY TUTTLE ("Crooked Tree")
Singer/songwriter, virtuoso guitarist, and multiple Grammy winner Molly Tuttle chats about her wide-ranging musical personality that encompasses bluegrass, folk, Americana, and rock. PART ONE: Paul and Scott wade into the controversy to sh…
- Ep. 278 - PYNK BEARD ("Scars to Your Beautiful")
Grammy nominated songwriter Pynk Beard (aka Sebastian Kole) chats about his extensive work as a behind-the-scenes pop creator and gives us insight into his latest country-flavored album project. PART ONE Scott and Paul chat about their rec…
- Ep. 277 - LOU GRAMM of Foreigner ("Juke Box Hero")
Rock & Roll Hall of Famer and Songwriters Hall of Famer Lou Gramm shares stories about his career, from his pre-Foreigner days all the way to his latest album, Released . PART ONE Scott and Paul chat about Scott's solemn vow to Lou Gramm,…
- Ep. 276 - JENNA ANDREWS & STEPHEN KIRK ("Butter")
GRAMMY-nominated songwriting and production team Jenna Andrews and Stephen Kirk chat about their contributions to the KPop Demon Hunters soundtrack, their success with the huge BTS hit "Butter," and balancing their professional and persona…
- Ep. 275 - RICH ROBINSON of The Black Crowes
Two-time GRAMMY and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nominee Rich Robinson joins us to chat about his songwriting with The Black Crowes. PART ONE Paul and Scott talk about their deep Black Crowes history that goes all the way back to high school.…
- Ep. 274 - JEFF BARRY ("Be My Baby")
A legend to the legends! Jeff Barry was named one of Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest Songwriters of All Time and is inducted into both the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. "Tell Laura I Love Her." "Da Doo Ron Ron," "…
- Ep. 273 - JAY BUCHANAN (of Rival Sons)
Rival Sons front man Jay Buchanan takes us deep into the writing process for his fantastic debut solo album, Weapons of Beauty PART ONE: Scott and Paul talk about Scott's experiences at the GRAMMY Awards PART TWO Our in depth conversation…
- Ep. 272 - Alexa Ray Joel ("Heavy Eyes")
Alexa Ray Joel, the daughter of legendary singer/songwriter Billy Joel and supermodel/actress Christie Brinkley, talks about her own experiences as a songwriter and performer who draws from a deep well of personal experiences. PART ONE Pau…
- Ep. 271 - TAJ MAHAL ("She Caught the Katy")
18-time Grammy nominee and American musical legend Taj Mahal goes deep on his influences and his approach to the craft. PART ONE Paul and Scott kick off the new year with a discussion about the nominees for the upcoming Grammy Awards. And…
- Songcraft Classic: WALTER AFANASIEFF ("All I Want for Christmas Is You")
We've been celebrating our 10th anniversary all year by digging in the vaults to re-present classic episodes with fresh commentary. Today, for our final "classic episode" of 2025, we're revisiting our 2020 conversation with "All I Want for…
- Ep. 270 - MIKE REID ("I Can't Make You Love Me")
GRAMMY winner and Nashville Songwriters Hall of Famer Mike Reid chats about his remarkable musical life. PART ONE Scott and Paul talk about the sports games and so much more PART TWO Our in depth conversation with Mike Reid ABOUT MIKE REID…
- Songcraft Classic: ELVIS COSTELLO ("Pump It Up")
We're celebrating our 10th anniversary all year by digging in the vaults to re-present classic episodes with fresh commentary. Today, we're revisiting our 2020 conversation with Elvis Costello. ABOUT ELVIS COSTELLO Released between 1977 an…
- Ep. 269 - JOE HENRY ("Don't Tell Me")
Grammy-winning producer and singer-songwriter Joe Henry gives us insight into his multi-faceted career PART ONE Paul and Scott chat about their music-themed road trip and say R.I.P. to MTV. PART TWO Our in-depth conversation with Joe Henry…
- Songcraft Classic: TODD SNIDER ("Alright Guy")
We're celebrating our 10th anniversary all year by digging in the vaults to re-present classic episodes with fresh commentary. Today, we're revisiting our 2021 conversation with the late Todd Snider. ABOUT TODD SNIDER Celebrated singer-son…
- Ep. 268 - BOOTSY COLLINS ("Flash Light")
Number one Funkateer Bootsy Collins takes us to Funk University! From his days in James Brown's group, to his work with Parliament/Funkadelic and Booty's Rubber Band, to his recent single that raises awareness about domestic violence, "the…
- Songcraft Classic: RICHARD MARX ("Right Here Waiting")
We're celebrating our 10th anniversary all year by digging in the vaults to re-present classic episodes with fresh commentary. Today, we're revisiting our 2021 conversation with Richard Marx. ABOUT RICHARD MARX: Grammy-winning performer Ri…
- Ep. 267 - STEVE MARTIN & ALISON BROWN ("Foggy Mountain Breaking")
From "King Tut" to the top of the bluegrass charts! Grammy and IBMA award-winning banjoists and songwriters Steve Martin and Alison Brown join us to chat about their respective careers and their first full-length collaborative album, Safe,…
- Songcraft Classic: DAVID PORTER ("Soul Man")
We're celebrating our 10th anniversary all year by digging in the vaults to re-present classic episodes with fresh commentary. Today, we're revisiting our 2020 conversation with Stax legend David Porter. ABOUT DAVID PORTER Named one of Rol…
- Ep. 266 - SHAWN CAMP ("Two Pina Coladas")
Grammy-winning singer/songwriter Shawn Camp pulls back the curtain on his varied career, including his latest album of songs that were composed with the legendary Guy Clark. PART ONE Scott and Paul talk about how technology is changing the…
- Songcraft Classic: EMILY SALIERS of Indigo Girls
We're celebrating our 10th anniversary all year by digging in the vaults to re-present classic episodes with fresh commentary. Today, we're revisiting our 2019 conversation with Emily Saliers of Indigo Girls. ABOUT EMILY SALIERS Singer-son…
- Ep. 265 - Whitney Phillips ("Stuck with U")
Whitney Phillips, Grammy-nominated songwriter and member of the ensemble cast of the Netflix show Hitmakers, talks about life as a modern-day pop writer PART ONE Paul and Scott dive into the idea of a "perfect song" and discuss some exampl…
- Songcraft Classic: ROLAND ORAZBAL of Tears for Fears ("Shout!")
We're celebrating our 10th anniversary all year by digging in the vaults to re-present classic episodes with fresh commentary. Today, we're revisiting our 2022 conversation with Roland Orzabal. ABOUT ROLAND ORZABAL AND TEARS FOR FEARS: Rol…
- Songcraft Classic: CROSBY & NASH
We're celebrating our 10th anniversary all year by digging in the vaults to re-present classic episodes with fresh commentary. Today, we're revisiting our 2020 conversation with David Crosby and our 2023 conversation with Graham Nash. Host…
- Ep. 264 - HAYES CARLL ("The Love That We Need")
Americana Award winner and Grammy nominee Hayes Carll chats about the development of his songwriting and the highly personal nature of his latest album, We're Only Human. PART ONE Paul and Scott talk about the unfortunate history of songs…
- Songcraft Classic: DAN WILSON ("Someone Like You")
We're celebrating our 10th anniversary all year by digging in the vaults to re-present classic episodes with fresh commentary. Today, we're revisiting our 2021 conversation with Dan Wilson. ABOUT DAN WILSON Songwriter, singer, musician, pr…
- Ep. 263 - MARY CHAPIN CARPENTER ("Down at the Twist and Shout")
Five-time Grammy winner, ACM Poet's Award honoree, and Nashville Songwriters Hall of Famer Mary Chapin Carpenter opens up about her process and reflects on her approach to the craft. PART ONE: Paul and Scott geek out hard on Elvis and lege…
- Songcraft Classic: VINCE GILL ("Go Rest High on That Mountain")
We're celebrating our 10th anniversary all year by digging in the vaults to re-present classic episodes with fresh commentary. Today, we're revisiting our 2017 conversation with Vince Gill. ABOUT VINCE GILL Multi-instrumentalist, singer, a…
- Ep. 262 - TYSON RITTER of The All-American Rejects ("Dirty Little Secret")
The All-American Rejects frontman discusses the evolution of his songwriting process and what it means for him to embrace his art. PART ONE Paul and Scott talk about their upcoming music-themed road trip. PART TWO Our in-depth interview wi…
- Songcraft Classic: VALERIE SIMPSON ("I'm Every Woman")
We're celebrating our 10th anniversary all year by digging in the vaults to re-present classic episodes with fresh commentary. Today, we're revisiting our 2019 conversation with Valerie Simpson of Ashford & Simpson. ABOUT VALERIE SIMPSON S…
- Ep. 261 - PATTY GRIFFIN ("Heavenly Day")
Two-time Grammy winner and songwriting superhero Patty Griffin joins us for a wide-ranging discussion about her craft PART ONE Reflecting on the lives of recently-departed songwriters Alan Bergman and Ozzy Osbourne, which might be the only…
- Songcraft Classic: ROBERT DE LEO of Stone Temple Pilots ("Interstate Love Song")
We're celebrating our 10th anniversary all year by digging in the vaults to re-present classic episodes with fresh commentary. Today, we're revisiting our 2023 conversation with Robert De Leo of Stone Temple Pilots. ABOUT ROBERT DE LEO Rob…
- Ep. 260 - DAVE MASON ("Feelin' Alright?")
Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Dave Mason chats about his early days in Traffic, writing the classic "Feelin' Alright?", working with Delaney & Bonnie, and so much more. PART ONE Scott and Paul chat about Dave Mason's unique role in the rock &…
- Songcraft Classic: MIKE STOLLER ("Hound Dog")
We're celebrating our 10th anniversary all year by digging in the vaults to re-present classic episodes with fresh commentary. Today, we're revisiting our 2016 conversation with Mike Stoller. ABOUT MIKE STOLLER Mike Stoller has written mor…
- Ep. 259 - NORMAN GREENBAUM ("Spirit in the Sky")
Norman Greenbaum gave the world "Spirit in the Sky," one of the greatest records ever made. He chats with us about his iconic classic, as well as other musical adventures and misadventures over the last few decades. PART ONE: Paul and Scot…
- Songcraft Classic: ANI DIFRANCO ("32 Flavors")
We're celebrating our 10th anniversary all year by digging in the vaults to re-present classic episodes with fresh commentary. Today, we're revisiting our 2021 conversation with Ani DiFranco. ABOUT ANI DIFRANCO Singer, songwriter, musician…
- Ep. 258 - WESLEY SCHULTZ of The Lumineers ("Ho Hey")
Lumineers front man and two-time Grammy nominee Wesley Schultz goes deep on his passion for songwriting. PART ONE: Paul and Scott tell the harrowing tale of the Wesley Schultz interview that almost didn't happen. Plus, do you have a questi…
- Songcraft Classic: JIMMY WEBB ("Wichita Lineman")
We're celebrating our 10th anniversary all year by digging in the vaults to re-present classic episodes with fresh commentary. Today, we're revisiting our 2017 conversation with Jimmy Webb. ABOUT JIMMY WEBB Jimmy Webb emerged as a supersta…
- Ep. 257 - DAVE PIRNER of Soul Asylum ("Runaway Train")
Grammy-winning songwriter and Soul Asylum frontman Dave Pirner chats about his process, from the earliest days of the band to to the most recent album, Slowly But Shirley PART ONE: Paul and Scott talk about movie soundtracks, music discove…
- Songcraft Classic: STEVE PERRY ("Don't Stop Believing")
We're celebrating our 10th anniversary all year by digging in the vaults to re-present classic episodes with fresh commentary. Today, we're revisiting our 2021 conversation with Steve Perry. ABOUT STEVE PERRY One of the most iconic voices…
- Ep. 256 - SUZANNE VEGA ("Luka")
GRAMMY winner Suzanne Vega talks "Luka," "Tom's Diner," her first studio album in more than a decade, and much more! PART ONE Paul and Scott talk about the pop culture museum in Seattle, as well as Nirvana, Soundgarden, the diner in Seinfe…
- Songcraft Classic: JIMMY JAM & TERRY LEWIS ("Rhythm Nation")
We're celebrating our 10th anniversary all year by digging in the vaults to re-present classic episodes with fresh commentary. Today, we're revisiting our 2021 conversation with Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis. ABOUT JIMMY JAM & TERRY LEWIS With 2…
- Ep. 255 - ADAM DURITZ of Counting Crows ("Mr. Jones")
Counting Crows frontman Adam Duritz explains how his songwriting process has changed over the years, and offers insights into some of his songs, from early classics to recent compositions. PART ONE: Paul and Scott discuss judging a book by…
- Songcraft Classic: Peter Frampton ("Do You Feel Like We Do?")
We're celebrating our 10th anniversary all year by digging in the vaults to re-present classic episodes with fresh commentary. Today, we're revisiting our 2020 conversation with Peter Frampton. ABOUT THIS BONUS EPISODE The exceedingly gene…
- Ep. 254 - PATTERSON HOOD of Drive-By Truckers
Drive-By Truckers co-founder Patterson Hood chats about his band, the evolution of his songwriting process, and his most recent solo album. PART ONE Water. Bed. Rock!!! PART TWO Our in-depth conversation with Patterson Hood ABOUT PATTERSON…
- Songcraft Classic: SWAMP DOGG ("She's All I Got")
We're celebrating our 10th anniversary all year by digging in the vaults to re-present classic episodes with fresh commentary. Today, we're revisiting our 2015 conversation with Swamp Dogg. ABOUT SWAMP DOGG R&B cult favorite Jerry “Swamp D…
- Ep. 253 - DAVID PAICH of Toto ("Africa")
Six-time Grammy winner and Toto co-founder David Paich joins us to talk about his life as a hit songwriter for his own band and others. PART ONE: Scott and Paul talk about their visit with David Paich and other bits of tomfoolery. PART TWO…
- Songcraft Classic: LINDA PERRY ("Beautiful")
We're celebrating our 10th anniversary all year by digging in the vaults to re-present classic episodes with fresh commentary. Today, we're revisiting our 2020 conversation with Linda Perry. ABOUT LINDA PERRY Singer, songwriter, musician,…
- Ep. 252 - JIM JAMES of My Morning Jacket
Three-time Grammy nominee and My Morning Jacket frontman Jim James joins us to talk about the evolution of his songwriting and the band's new album, Is . PART ONE: Paul and Scott chat about ideal song length and extend an invitation to Tay…
- Songcraft Classic: BILL WITHERS ("Lean on Me")
We're celebrating our 10th anniversary all year by digging in the vaults to re-present classic episodes with fresh commentary. Today, we're revisiting our 2015 conversation with Bill Withers. ABOUT BILL WITHERS Pop and R&B legend Bill With…
- Ep. 251 - RYAN MILLER of Guster
Guster's Ryan Miller discusses his songwriting process before Scott, Paul, and Ryan go totally off the rails on 80s pop songs, Sebastian Bach, and other random stuff. One of the most fun interviews we've had in a while! PART ONE: Paul and…