Songfacts Podcast

Songfacts, which has been bringing you the stories behind the songs since 1999, now has a podcast. On the Songfacts Podcast, host Stephanie R. Myers speaks with songwriters and other music makers to learn about their own songs (which they often perform on the show) and explore the music that influenced them. On this fun and enlightening musical journey, you'll discover new songs across a range of genres and take a deep dive into some you know - how they're structured, what they mean, how they make us feel. Proud part of Pantheon - the podcast network for music lovers.

Music Interviews
Music Commentary
Music History
76
"Whoomp! There It Is": DC Glenn of Tag Team
DC Glenn is one half of the hip-hop group Tag Team, who wrote and recorded the smash hit, "Whoomp! There It Is," revived in a brilliant Geico commercial ("Scoop! There It Is") that exploded on social media. You may not know that there was a competing song called "Whoot, There It Is" that was released first in 1993. In this episode, DC talks about that rivalry and explains what inspired "Whoomp!" The song has become part of the soundtrack to our most joyous moments, and for DC, it's part of a bigger and sometimes complex story, especially the finances. So do as I did: Sit back and enjoy DC Glenn as he tells the ongoing tale of one of hip-hop and pop culture's most recognizable tunes. https://www.tagteambackagain.com/ https://www.songfacts.com/ https://www.facebook.com/songfacts https://twitter.com/Songfacts http://pantheonpodcasts.com/ https://twitter.com/pantheonpods Hosted and Edited by Corey O'Flanagan https://twitter.com/ofe1818 https://www.instagram.com/coreyofe/ corey@songfacts.com Songfacts Podcast Spotify Playlist https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3IThMW5yB8XnFh5cS2gTxR?si=KAhiqWRcSIy5uxb2sZPFTA This show is part of Pantheon Podcasts.
71 min
77
Zayde Wolf
Imagine writing a song, sending it off under a pseudonym, and having it picked up immediately with a nice paycheck sprinkled on top. This is the story of how Zayde Wolf began. Dustin Burnett has been writing and producing since he got his first drum machine, which he taught himself to use by re-creating "Closer" by Nine Inch Nails. Since then he has made adrenaline-fueled music that has been featured on many TV shows (Love Island, Shameless), video games (Steep, Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Breakpoint) and in sporting arenas (Los Angeles Kings hockey). In this episode of the Songfacts Podcast, we catch up with Dustin in his home studio to find out how after taking a crack at traditional pop music, he broke out through music licensing, and how it relates to social media and streaming. We also talk about his album Neon Blood Type, out on May 7, 2021. http://www.zaydewolf.com/ https://www.songfacts.com/ https://www.facebook.com/songfacts https://twitter.com/Songfacts http://pantheonpodcasts.com/ https://twitter.com/pantheonpods Hosted and Edited by Corey O’Flanagan https://twitter.com/ofe1818 https://www.instagram.com/coreyofe/ corey@songfacts.com Songfacts Podcast Spotify Playlist https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3IThMW5yB8XnFh5cS2gTxR?si=KAhiqWRcSIy5uxb2sZPFTA This show is part of Pantheon Podcasts.
42 min
78
Elizabeth and the Catapult
At Berklee College of Music, Elizabeth Ziman was in a band with Esperanza Spalding and played shows with another classmate, Annie Clark. Ziman became Elizabeth And The Catapult; Clark became St. Vincent. Ziman is one of the more creative cats we've come across. Her sounds are organic - voice, guitar, piano, strings - but they take unexpected turns and unlock little boxes of musical delight along the way. Hear for yourself: The show opens with a song that I think is one of the best I have heard in a long time, as I am a sucker for harmonies. Then we sprinkle in a couple more that she recorded for us throughout the episode. https://elizabethandthecatapult.com/ https://www.songfacts.com/ https://www.facebook.com/songfacts https://twitter.com/Songfacts http://pantheonpodcasts.com/ https://twitter.com/pantheonpods Hosted and Edited by Corey O’Flanagan https://twitter.com/ofe1818 https://www.instagram.com/coreyofe/ corey@songfacts.com Songfacts Podcast Spotify Playlist https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3IThMW5yB8XnFh5cS2gTxR?si=KAhiqWRcSIy5uxb2sZPFTA This show is part of Pantheon Podcasts.
48 min
79
Old Sea Brigade
Some of the best songwriters have very imperfect voices - Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen come to mind. We found another: Ben Cramer, who goes by the name Old Sea Brigade. Here's a lyric from his song "How It Works," which he performs on this episode: Now I can look at the scars And not think of the knife Spotify listeners know Ben from his 2015 song "Love Brought Weight," which made a bunch of their playlists, including "The Most Beautiful Songs In The World" and "Lush & Atmospheric." On May 14, 2021, he'll release his second album, Motivational Speaking, which includes "How It Works." We spoke with him about his musical journey, his songwriting philosophy, and what wows him about Tom Waits. https://www.oldseabrigade.com/ https://www.songfacts.com/ https://www.facebook.com/songfacts https://twitter.com/Songfacts http://pantheonpodcasts.com/ https://twitter.com/pantheonpods Hosted and Edited by Corey O’Flanagan https://twitter.com/ofe1818 https://www.instagram.com/coreyofe/ corey@songfacts.com Songfacts Podcast Spotify Playlist https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3IThMW5yB8XnFh5cS2gTxR?si=KAhiqWRcSIy5uxb2sZPFTA This show is part of Pantheon Podcasts.
43 min
80
Sunny Sweeney
Sunny Sweeney chose a life in music for the most noble of reasons: She didn't want to get a real job. After graduating from Texas State University in 2001, she couldn't bear the thought of answering to a boss, so she became one, writing her own songs and leading her own band. Her breakthrough single, "From a Table Away," came in 2010. It's one of those songs that hits you in the heart, and it was inspired by a true story, which Sunny explains in this episode. We also hear about some of her other big songs and how she's developed as a singer-songwriter. Her latest album is a live set called Recorded Live At The Machine Shop Recording Studio, part of a format that didn't exist a year ago: a live livestream recording. https://sunnysweeney.com/ https://www.songfacts.com/ https://www.facebook.com/songfacts https://twitter.com/Songfacts http://pantheonpodcasts.com/ https://twitter.com/pantheonpods Hosted and Edited by Corey O’Flanagan https://twitter.com/ofe1818 https://www.instagram.com/coreyofe/ corey@songfacts.com Songfacts Podcast Spotify Playlist https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3IThMW5yB8XnFh5cS2gTxR?si=KAhiqWRcSIy5uxb2sZPFTA This show is part of Pantheon Podcasts.
35 min
81
AC/DC Author Jesse Fink
We're not a true crime podcast, but we dip our toe into those waters in this episode, where our guest asks, "What really killed Bon Scott?" Jesse Fink is the author of The Youngs: The Brothers Who Built AC/DC and Bon: The Last Highway. His extensive research has led him to conclude that Scott did not die from alcohol poisoning, as officially reported. He also thinks the Back In Black album, released just five months after his death in 1980, has at least some lyrics written by Scott, who is not credited as a writer on any of the songs. Here, he makes his case and explains how he uncovered evidence by tracking down some folks with first-hand knowledge, including Scott's ex-girlfriend and the pizza-shop owner who played drums on AC/DC's first album. https://jessefinkbooks.com/ https://www.songfacts.com/ https://www.facebook.com/songfacts https://twitter.com/Songfacts http://pantheonpodcasts.com/ https://twitter.com/pantheonpods Hosted and Edited by Corey O’Flanagan https://twitter.com/ofe1818 https://www.instagram.com/coreyofe/ corey@songfacts.com Songfacts Podcast Spotify Playlist https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3IThMW5yB8XnFh5cS2gTxR?si=KAhiqWRcSIy5uxb2sZPFTA This show is part of Pantheon Podcasts.
49 min
82
Doe Paoro
Can anybody sing? Doe Paoro thinks so. After years climbing the ladder as an indie-pop singer-songwriter on the LA scene, she's become interested in the voice as an instrument of healing. We caught up with her in Costa Rica, where she teaches a course on activating the voice. Her latest album, 432Hz Chakra Suite, Vol 1, is a collection of meditation music at the healing frequency for music. We discovered Doe when we had Misty Boyce on the show - they collaborated on a song called "The Clearing." In this episode, Doe talks about her transformation to more spiritual pursuits, her housesitting disaster, and (the first time we've come across this topic) Tibetan opera singing. https://doepaoro.com/ https://www.songfacts.com/ https://www.facebook.com/songfacts https://twitter.com/Songfacts http://pantheonpodcasts.com/ https://twitter.com/pantheonpods Hosted and Edited by Corey O’Flanagan https://twitter.com/ofe1818 https://www.instagram.com/coreyofe/ corey@songfacts.com Songfacts Podcast Spotify Playlist https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3IThMW5yB8XnFh5cS2gTxR?si=KAhiqWRcSIy5uxb2sZPFTA This show is part of Pantheon Podcasts.
37 min
83
Jock Bartley and Mark Andes of Firefall
Firefall didn't set their sights on soft-rock stardom, but they were stuck with it when "You Are The Woman," from their debut album, dug a trench on Adult Contemporary radio, enduring as a staple of at-work listening. On this episode of the Songfacts Podcast, we welcome founding members Jock Bartley and Mark Andes. Jock, on guitar, is Firefall's mainstay, part of every iteration. Mark, their bass player, left in 1980 and returned in 2014. Pre-Firefall, Jock toured with Gram Parsons' band; Mark was a member of Spirit when they toured with Led Zeppelin in 1968 and 1969 - their song "Taurus" seeped into "Stairway To Heaven." He left Firefall in 1980 and picked up with Heart a few years later, just in time for their astounding resurgence. The main songwriters in Firefall were Rick Roberts, last with the band in 1992, and Larry Burnett, who left in 1981. Roberts delivered "You Are The Woman" and the mellow follow-up "Just Remember I Love You"; Burnett came up with the fan favorite "Cinderella." Firefall has been mostly a live act the last few decades, but they put together an album called Comet that was finally released in December 2020 following coronavirus-induced delays. The lead single, "Way Back When," is a trip through three distinct years: 1965, 1967, and 1969. Jock does an acoustic version at the end of show. This Song is a part of Pantheon Podcasts.
54 min
84
Chris Lindsey ("Amazed," Pitch List Podcast)
"Amazed" was a #1 hit for Lonestar in 2000, but it's also Chris Lindsey's love story. "That's the exact feeling I had for her," he says of his wife Aimee, his co-writer on the track. Ever since "Amazed," Lindsey has been a top songwriter in Nashville, with hits for Kenny Chesney, Sara Evans, Keith Urban and many others. He's also host of the Pitch List podcast, now in its fourth season. It's a great listen if you're into songwriting, country music, or just like hearing fascinating stories from an industry insider. Here, he talks about the ins and outs of songwriting in Nashville and shares a handful of song stories, including how an argument with Aimee gave him some lyrics for the Civil Wars song "Poison & Wine," and how he got away with writing a Tim McGraw song called "Drugs Or Jesus." https://www.pitchlistpodcast.com/ https://www.songfacts.com/ https://www.facebook.com/songfacts https://twitter.com/Songfacts http://pantheonpodcasts.com/ https://twitter.com/pantheonpods Hosted and Edited by Corey O’Flanagan https://twitter.com/ofe1818 https://www.instagram.com/coreyofe/ corey@songfacts.com Songfacts Podcast Spotify Playlist https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3IThMW5yB8XnFh5cS2gTxR?si=KAhiqWRcSIy5uxb2sZPFTA This show is part of Pantheon Podcasts.
50 min
85
Bailey Bryan
In the "bad bitch" community (think Cardi B), there's not much room for insecurity or empathy. That's why Bailey Bryan has branded herself a "sensitive bad bitch," creating a sub-genre that is confident, but also in tune with real emotions. Bryan is just 22 but has already ripened past her jaunty first single, "Own It," released in 2017 when she was 18. She's really on to something with this "sensitive bad bitch" (SBB) movement, which gives her permission to cry sometimes while maintaining her strength and independence. In this episode, Bryan tells the stories behind some of her most popular songs and does a stripped-down acoustic version of "play w/ me," which is erupting on TikTok. https://www.baileybryan.com/ https://www.songfacts.com/ https://www.facebook.com/songfacts https://twitter.com/Songfacts http://pantheonpodcasts.com/ https://twitter.com/pantheonpods Hosted and Edited by Corey O’Flanagan https://twitter.com/ofe1818 https://www.instagram.com/coreyofe/ corey@songfacts.com Songfacts Podcast Spotify Playlist https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3IThMW5yB8XnFh5cS2gTxR?si=KAhiqWRcSIy5uxb2sZPFTA This show is part of Pantheon Podcasts.
51 min
86
Jesse Gold
This episode brings us to Toronto, where we catch up with talented and soulful Jesse Gold. Jesse has been honing his skills as a guitarist and songwriter from around the time he could walk. He polished his skills at Berklee College of Music and got some studio time with big names like Babyface and Craig David (Jesse proudly tells a story about Babyface tearing up his music - one of his many learning opportunities). Please listen to this phenomenal talent who performs his latest single, "We Good," live on the show.
48 min
87
Baby Fuzz ("Stereo Hearts" co-writer)
Before Adam Levine, Benny Blanco and Travie McCoy got to it, "Stereo Hearts" was an emo song Brandon Lowry co-wrote on a piano. Fed into the star-on machine (otherwise known as The Voice, where Levine promoted it), the song got swole, amassing half a billion streams on YouTube alone. Contrast that with Brandon's life as an independent artist. Recording under the alias Baby Fuzz, he makes music with a dark humor that hints at the end times - it's the perspective of an environmentalist. On his last tour (pre-COVID), he slept in his van at Walmart parking lots. Like Greta Thunberg, Brandon is immune to celebrity, which gives him an advantage when working with artists like Madonna and Britney Spears. In this episode, we talk about his approach to superstar collaborations, get the "Stereo Hearts" story, and hear about his latest project, Welcome to the Future (Season 1). https://babyfuzzz.com/home https://www.songfacts.com/ https://www.facebook.com/songfacts https://twitter.com/Songfacts http://pantheonpodcasts.com/ https://twitter.com/pantheonpods Hosted and Edited by Corey O’Flanagan https://twitter.com/ofe1818 https://www.instagram.com/coreyofe/ corey@songfacts.com Songfacts Podcast Spotify Playlist https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3IThMW5yB8XnFh5cS2gTxR?si=KAhiqWRcSIy5uxb2sZPFTA This show is part of Pantheon Podcasts.
32 min
88
Jevon Alexander
I'm really excited to bring you today's show because I've wanted to feature a hip-hop artist since we started the Songfacts Podcast. I hope this is the first of many! Jevon Alexander, from the Ann Arbor area of Michigan, has been producing beats for most of his life and in 2019 released his debut EP, Chasing Failure. 2020 saw his career jump to new heights as his tribute to Kobe Bryant, "Mamba Mentality," was picked up for NBA 2K21 Next Generation. We talk about these accomplishments and more in this episode, so please enjoy the hard working and inspiring Jevon Alexander. https://jevon-alexander.com/ https://www.songfacts.com/ https://www.facebook.com/songfacts https://twitter.com/Songfacts http://pantheonpodcasts.com/ https://twitter.com/pantheonpods Hosted and Edited by Corey O’Flanagan https://twitter.com/ofe1818 https://www.instagram.com/coreyofe/ corey@songfacts.com Songfacts Podcast Spotify Playlist https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3IThMW5yB8XnFh5cS2gTxR?si=KAhiqWRcSIy5uxb2sZPFTA This show is part of Pantheon Podcasts.
38 min
89
BELLSAINT
Today on the Songfacts Podcast I am so pleased to have Caroline Brooks, who performs as BELLSAINT. Part of the LA music scene, her songs have appeared in numerous TV shows, including Riverdale and Shameless. Her music will give you a late 1960s California vibe. Caroline is joined on this episode by Kyle Moore, her husband and musical partner. They perform three songs on the show, including their latest single "WFNEO," an anthem for the times. https://www.bellsaintmusic.com/ https://www.songfacts.com/ https://www.facebook.com/songfacts https://twitter.com/Songfacts http://pantheonpodcasts.com/ https://twitter.com/pantheonpods Hosted and Edited by Corey O’Flanagan https://twitter.com/ofe1818 https://www.instagram.com/coreyofe/ corey@songfacts.com Songfacts Podcast Spotify Playlist https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3IThMW5yB8XnFh5cS2gTxR?si=KAhiqWRcSIy5uxb2sZPFTA This show is part of Pantheon Podcasts.
45 min
90
Asaf Avidan
This episode starts off differently than most, with Asaf Avidan describing in harrowing detail how he was nearly killed by the wolf-dog hybrid he adopted. He survived the attack and recorded his latest album, Anagnorisis, with an eye on the big picture, questioning reality itself in very philosophical songs (perhaps we're just here as a point of reference for the gods, he wonders). Born and raised in Israel, Asaf's audience is mostly in Europe, where he's had several platinum records and hits across 14 different countries. He has been compared to some of the best lyricists ever known, and once you get into his catalogue it's easy to hear why. Asaf is a gifted songwriter and lyricist with a truly unique and amazing voice. In this episode, we find ourselves in a deep conversation that I think you will enjoy. https://www.asafavidanmusic.com/ https://www.songfacts.com/ https://www.facebook.com/songfacts https://twitter.com/Songfacts http://pantheonpodcasts.com/ https://twitter.com/pantheonpods Hosted and Edited by Corey O’Flanagan https://twitter.com/ofe1818 https://www.instagram.com/coreyofe/ corey@songfacts.com Songfacts Podcast Spotify Playlist https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3IThMW5yB8XnFh5cS2gTxR?si=KAhiqWRcSIy5uxb2sZPFTA This show is part of Pantheon Podcasts.
54 min
91
Jillette Johnson
Jillette Johnson hails from New York City, but talks to us today from her home in Nashville, where she enjoys "being the weird one in town." Her new album, It's A Beautiful Day and I Love You, comes out Feb 12 and showcases four years of growth for this talented singer and songwriter. As someone who churns out songs to the tune of a couple hundred every year, you can rest easy knowing these are the cream of the crop. On this episode, we talk with her about her early days in New York and why she made the move to Nashville. We discuss a handful of her songs, including "Forgive Her" and "I Shouldn't Go Anywhere," which she graciously recorded for this show! We also found out why she declined an offer to compete on The Voice, and what she learned from many hours listening to Joni Mitchell. https://www.jillettejohnson.com/ https://www.songfacts.com/ https://www.facebook.com/songfacts https://twitter.com/Songfacts http://pantheonpodcasts.com/ https://twitter.com/pantheonpods Hosted and Edited by Corey O’Flanagan https://twitter.com/ofe1818 https://www.instagram.com/coreyofe/ corey@songfacts.com Songfacts Podcast Spotify Playlist https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3IThMW5yB8XnFh5cS2gTxR?si=KAhiqWRcSIy5uxb2sZPFTA This show is part of Pantheon Podcasts.
50 min
92
Chris Pierce
Of the many tear-inducing moments on This Is Us, one of the most powerful comes on the 2017 "Memphis" episode under the song "We Can Always Come Back To This," used in a scene where the cancer-stricken William is comforted by his son. Chris Pierce co-wrote that song, drawing inspiration from the death of his father. Pierce has made a name for himself as a singer and songwriter who can pack a musical wallop, endearing himself to music supervisors who have used his tunes in True Blood, Rosewood, Soul Men, and many other movies and TV shows. In 2020, he lent his voice to the protest movement with the incisive track "It's Been Burning For A While," which became a viral hit when he performed it on a Playing For Change showcase.  In this episode of the Songfacts Podcast, Pierce talks about overcoming both racism and deafness to find his voice. He also explains how he started getting movie and TV placements, and performs three of his songs, including a new one called "American Silence" and a stunning rendition of "It's Been Burning For A While." http://www.chrispierce.com/ https://www.songfacts.com/ https://www.facebook.com/songfacts https://twitter.com/Songfacts http://pantheonpodcasts.com/ https://twitter.com/pantheonpods Hosted and Edited by Corey O’Flanagan https://twitter.com/ofe1818 https://www.instagram.com/coreyofe/ corey@songfacts.com Songfacts Podcast Spotify Playlist https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3IThMW5yB8XnFh5cS2gTxR?si=KAhiqWRcSIy5uxb2sZPFTA This show is part of Pantheon Podcasts.
61 min
93
A Shadow of Jaguar
Coming to us from their practice studio in Brooklyn, NYC, Brian Hubbert (lead vocals, slide guitar, bass) and Andrew Oakley (drums, vocals) make up the rock duo A Shadow of Jaguar. Having first formed in Boulder, CO, the duo has since relocated to Brooklyn full time where they have been growing as performers and songwriters. Their latest release, Different Brain, dropped in early 2020 and they have more music in store for 2021. If you like dirty blues slide guitar, riffs backed by heavy drums and a full tank of energy, then you will love these guys as much as I do. I got them to strip down a bit and do three of their songs for us on just an acoustic and electric guitar. Enjoy this final episode of 2020 as we will be back with more pods and music in January. http://www.ashadowofjaguar.com/ https://www.songfacts.com/ https://www.facebook.com/songfacts https://twitter.com/Songfacts http://pantheonpodcasts.com/ https://twitter.com/pantheonpods Hosted and Edited by Corey O’Flanagan https://twitter.com/ofe1818 https://www.instagram.com/coreyofe/ corey@songfacts.com Songfacts Podcast Spotify Playlist https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3IThMW5yB8XnFh5cS2gTxR?si=KAhiqWRcSIy5uxb2sZPFTA This show is part of Pantheon Podcasts.
25 min
94
Holiday Songs Special
With the help of a handful of my fellow podcast hosts over at Pantheon, we bring you this holiday songs special. Covering a wide range of your not so typical, but nonetheless, very festive songs, the Pantheon crew covers a lot of ground in everyone's own unique style. Each participating host sent me a short tidbit about a song that is near and dear to them with some fun facts sprinkled in to educate and delight you. So grab an eggnog and join us for this Holiday special as we wish you and yours a very merry holiday season! https://www.songfacts.com/ https://www.facebook.com/songfacts https://twitter.com/Songfacts http://pantheonpodcasts.com/ https://twitter.com/pantheonpods Hosted and Edited by Corey O’Flanagan https://twitter.com/ofe1818 https://www.instagram.com/coreyofe/ corey@songfacts.com Songfacts Podcast Spotify Playlist https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3IThMW5yB8XnFh5cS2gTxR?si=KAhiqWRcSIy5uxb2sZPFTA This show is part of Pantheon Podcasts.
64 min
95
Brothers Koren on Finding Your Musical Cosmology
There is a metaphysical side of music we rarely hear about. Consider the question: Will music survive if humans die out? The Brothers Koren - Isaac and Thorald - call this "musical cosmology."  The idea, which Isaac first explored at Northeastern University, is that we all have a unique way of hearing music (eardrums are as unique as fingerprints), and by understanding how we process it, we can understand ourselves. They've been teaching the concept for six years now on "Songwriter's Journey" retreats, which have produced some songs that might be on your playlists (we found out about them through Monique DeBose, who was on the podcast in September). These Aussie brothers formed a group called The Kin in 2001, landed a deal with Interscope, and toured with Pink in 2013. These days, in addition to their duties as musical zen masters, they have a group called Fransancisco, which is set to release their first album in 2021. In this episode, we take a deep dive into our musical cosmologies and hear them perform a few songs. Excerpts from the transcript are below. https://brotherskoren.com/ https://www.songfacts.com/ https://www.facebook.com/songfacts https://twitter.com/Songfacts http://pantheonpodcasts.com/ https://twitter.com/pantheonpods Hosted and Edited by Corey O’Flanagan https://twitter.com/ofe1818 https://www.instagram.com/coreyofe/ corey@songfacts.com Songfacts Podcast Spotify Playlist https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3IThMW5yB8XnFh5cS2gTxR?si=KAhiqWRcSIy5uxb2sZPFTA This show is part of Pantheon Podcasts.
72 min
96
Ray Benson of Asleep At The Wheel
Ray Benson is the leader of the legendary Americana band Asleep At The Wheel. He has won multiple Grammys and collaborated with artists from all over the musical landscape, including Willie Nelson and The Chicks. At the end of October, Ray and Asleep At The Wheel were honored by Austin City Limits with an hour-long special showcasing many of the band's memorable performances on that stage. In this episode, Ray reflects on his career and explains why ACL has been so important to the band. He also tells us about the new album he is wrapping up that will come out in early 2021.
29 min
97
Songwriting Methodology with Andrea Stolpe
Andrea Stolpe is a creative consultant who became a staff songwriter in Nashville in 1998. She has a degree from Boston's Berklee College of Music and has penned songs for Faith Hill, Julianne Hough and many others. Andrea has also written several books on the subject, including Popular Lyric Writing and Beginning Songwriting. In this episode of the Songfacts Podcast, we call on her expertise to explain various songwriting techniques (like where to find the power positions for a hook) and to analyze some specific songs, including one of my personal favorites. https://www.andreastolpe.com/ https://www.songfacts.com/ https://www.facebook.com/songfacts https://twitter.com/Songfacts http://pantheonpodcasts.com/ https://twitter.com/pantheonpods Hosted and Edited by Corey O’Flanagan https://twitter.com/ofe1818 https://www.instagram.com/coreyofe/ corey@songfacts.com Songfacts Podcast Spotify Playlist https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3IThMW5yB8XnFh5cS2gTxR?si=KAhiqWRcSIy5uxb2sZPFTA This show is part of Pantheon Podcasts.
58 min
98
Dave Rublin of American Authors
"Best Day of My Life" is a song we're sure you've heard. It was written and recorded by American Authors: Zac Barnett (vocals), James Shelley (guitar), Dave Rublin (bass), and Matthew Sanchez (drums). Today we bring you a wonderful conversation with Dave, who also does a lot of the production in the band. We go over the band's beginnings at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, find out how their writing and recording have progressed, and talk about their work with Sound Mind, an organization helping to improve mental health services through music. American Authors were writing for their first album, Oh, What a Life, in 2012 when the Sandy Hook tragedy happened not far from where they were working. They reacted by making the kind of music that celebrates the best in us - the kind that gives us home for humanity. They followed with What We Live For in 2016 and Seasons in 2019. Their most recent release is the EP Counting Down, which again finds them in tune with positive vibes. Rublin spoke with us from his living room in his New Jersey apartment. https://www.weareamericanauthors.com/ https://www.songfacts.com/ https://www.facebook.com/songfacts https://twitter.com/Songfacts http://pantheonpodcasts.com/ https://twitter.com/pantheonpods Hosted and Edited by Corey O’Flanagan https://twitter.com/ofe1818 https://www.instagram.com/coreyofe/ corey@songfacts.com Songfacts Podcast Spotify Playlist https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3IThMW5yB8XnFh5cS2gTxR?si=KAhiqWRcSIy5uxb2sZPFTA This show is part of Pantheon Podcasts.
51 min
99
Maude Latour
She'll stack a cappella harmonies and sing about just maybe being in love with her best friend. There's nothing conventional about Maude Latour, so it's not surprising she learned music through an unconventional method. When she was in Hong Kong, the world-traveling Latour studied the Suzuki Method, an immersive program where she learned how to listen to music before learning how to read it. LaTour has lived in Hong Kong, Sweden, London, and now New York City, where she's a student at Columbia University. Her worldly ways and penchant for journaling make her a formidable lyricist; she's been known to use her powers in songs about ex-boyfriends, including one with a chorus she wrote in the middle of a fight. She's big on Spotify, where she showed up on Indie Pop and Fresh Finds playlists, earning millions of streams. In this episode of the Songfacts Podcast, Maude tells the tales of some of those ex-boyfriend interactions that led to songs, explains the Suzuki Method, and talks about balancing her Ivy League education with her music. Listen to Maude Latour https://www.songfacts.com/ https://www.facebook.com/songfacts https://twitter.com/Songfacts http://pantheonpodcasts.com/ https://twitter.com/pantheonpods Hosted and Edited by Corey O’Flanagan https://twitter.com/ofe1818 https://www.instagram.com/coreyofe/ corey@songfacts.com This show is part of Pantheon Podcasts.
42 min
100
The Damned Founder Rat Scabies
Before the Sex Pistols, there was The Damned, but as Rat Scabies (Chris Millar) points out, the pioneers get the arrows, the settlers get the gold. Scabies formed The Damned in 1976 with guitarist Brian James, bass player Captain Sensible, and lead singer Dave Vanian. Their first album, released in 1977, is the punk landmark Damned Damned Damned, which as Scabies explains, took them from opening act to headliners very quickly. That year, they became the first British punk band to tour America. In this episode, Scabies, who was with the band until 1995, recalls the London scene in the dawn of punk, when fisticuffs (sometimes encouraged by Scabies, who would leave his kit to trade blows with audience members) were a byproduct of the energy and excitement. The Damned never tore up the charts, but they left quite a legacy with their look, sound, and performance style. They're still extant, led by Vanian and Sensible, while Scabies has moved on to a number of other projects, including the bands Professor And The Madman, and The Sinclairs. This show is part of Pantheon Podcasts.
49 min