He believed before anyone else did.

Before the Grammys.

Before the 39 billion streams.

Before Say My Name changed the sound of radio forever.

He was just a kid on a New Jersey bus, chasing a dream no one else could see.

In this episode, legendary producer Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins shares how faith, fire, and pure conviction took him from a basement studio to shaping the sound of a generation. From Michael Jackson to Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, and Sam Smith, Rodney opens up about the mindset behind the music — and why belief is still the most powerful tool a creator has.

You’ll hear about the reset that saved his career, the changing landscape of songwriting in the AI era, and the stories behind some of the most iconic records of the last 25 years.

And The Writer Is... Rodney Jerkins.

Topics:

• The real story behind Say My Name
• Working with Michael Jackson, Beyoncé, and Gaga
• Why belief matters more than talent
• How to stay inspired (even after burnout)
• AI, music tech, and what’s missing from today's process
• What every songwriter needs to know about their value
• 
  

Sponsored by:

SONA, DIMA, Amazon Music, and YouTube Songwriters.

Thank you for supporting us and protecting the future of songwriting!

Produced by Ross Golan, Joe London, and Jad Saad

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it really take to become irreplaceable in music?

This is more than a lesson in music. It’s a masterclass in how to make yourself essential in any room you enter.

In this episode, Ryan Tedder shares a raw, unfiltered blueprint for building a career that stands the test of time.

From mastering guitar, piano, and production to writing two songs a day, Ryan unpacks why versatility, humility, and relentless work ethic are the hidden currencies of longevity. He breaks down the mindset shifts that separate fleeting success from lasting impact, and why assuming everyone is more talented than you might just be your greatest advantage.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s guest is the mastermind behind some of the biggest songs on earth – a creative force whose melodies have shaped generations. From crafting timeless anthems with Beyoncé, Adele, and Taylor Swift to leading OneRepublic to global dominance, he’s not just a hitmaker – he’s an architect of modern music.

In this conversation, Ryan Tedder rips the veil off fame and fortune, revealing the hidden costs of success, the brutal truths no one talks about, and his unfiltered blueprint for building wealth, longevity, and creative mastery in a world obsessed with trends. He dives deep into why most artists fail, how boredom became his superpower, and what it actually takes to build a legacy that lasts.

This isn’t an interview. It’s a wake-up call for every creator chasing relevance in 2025 and beyond.

And The Writer Is… Ryan Tedder! (Part 3)

Produced by Joe London, Ross Golan, & Jad Saad

Chapters:

00:00 Intro

00:52 His Morning Routine That Changed Everything

02:06 How Boredom Made Him Creative

03:40 The Hidden Dark Side of Fame

05:50 Justin Timberlake’s Brutal Warning

10:15 Fame is a Prison: Stories from the Top

14:14 Why He Hid His Singing Talent as a Kid

17:25 Lady Gaga’s Secret Ambition Revealed

20:55 Money Makes You a Target

23:02 His Dream: Rich But Unknown

25:26 Investing Millions Outside Music

27:05 Why Famous Artists Go Broke

31:02 Getting Dropped Saved His Career

36:13 What $50 Million a Year Really Means

39:22 NMPA Sponsor Break

41:01 Labels Want You Wild & Broke

44:40 Can You Win Without Flexing?

47:12 Managers Who Destroy Artists’ Careers

50:52 Why Tate McRae Is Built Different

53:37 OneRepublic’s Secret to Longevity

57:12 Sync Deals vs Streaming: Where Money Really Is

01:00:52 His Songwriting Secrets & ‘God Moments’

01:05:00 How He Stays Creative After 20+ Years

01:09:00 The Role of Trust in Hit-Making

01:13:00 Stories of Working With DJs & Pop Stars

01:17:00 The Future of Music & AI’s Impact

01:21:00 His Philosophy on Work Ethic & Success

01:25:00 Final Words: Advice to Creators

01:29:00 Outro

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this powerful 10-minute blueprint, Russ breaks down what every artist needs to know to build a real career in today’s music industry. From his mindset of delusional self-belief to strategic release plans and business truths, this clip will change the way you approach your music journey forever.

Subscribe for more industry insight and give us a rating if you enjoyed this! It helps us keep this show free forever, which is our commitment to the industry and our audience.

Presented by NMPA

https://www.nmpa.org/

Chapters:

0:00 Why Songs Don’t Blow Up

0:15 Is Inspiration Overrated?

0:33 Writing Big Songs While Uninspired

1:05 How Russ Would Start From Zero Today

1:24 Stockpiling Songs & Posting Strategy

1:57 Do You Want Success Bad Enough?

2:01 Russ’ Duality: Confidence vs. Doubt

2:21 The Power of Delusional Self-Belief

3:02 Why Songwriters Should Stop Giving Songs Away

3:51 Why Most Artists Stay Broke

5:06 Taking Control of Your Music Business

6:38 The Purity of Creating Without an Audience

7:04 The Audience Picks The Hits

8:07 Russ’ Song-a-Week Strategy Explained

8:39 When a Song Flops: Russ on Bankrupt

9:13 Why It’s Okay If It’s Not The One

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s guest is a fearless storyteller whose voice is as raw as her lyrics—bold, emotional, and unapologetically real. A first-generation Colombian-Canadian, she turned hustle into art, weaving her experiences into songs that hit like truth bombs. Whether she’s penning heart-wrenching ballads or delivering razor-sharp verses alongside icons like Eminem and Beyoncé, her work is grounded in authenticity and fire. She’s busked, she’s bartended, she’s broken through. And now, with her third studio album, she continues to push boundaries—proving that vulnerability, grit, and honesty never go out of style. From Toronto to the world… And the writer is… Jessie Reyez!

Produced by Joe London, Ross Golan, and Jad Saad

Special thank you to our season sponsor NMPA!

Chapters:

00:01:36 – Start Here: Why This Episode Will Change You

00:02:37 – How Jessie Met Eminem and Earned His Respect

00:09:50 – What Jessie Learned Giving Back to Songwriters

00:16:52 – Jessie’s First Song Ever (It’s Cringey… and Brilliant)

00:18:28 – Jessie’s Crazy Lyric Memory & Why It Matters

00:18:51 – From Choir Rooms to Stadiums: Where It All Began

00:27:57 – The Moment She Gave Herself One Year 

00:31:12 – How Her Mom’s Brutal English Drills Made Jessie a Genius

00:35:35 – What Happens After the Hit? Jessie Tells All

00:37:11 – The Exact Moment She Knew Her Life Was Changing

00:42:36 – The Video That Changed Everything (She Almost Didn't Post)

00:45:14 – How a $50 Bus Ride Got Her Into the Remix Project

00:48:18 – Why She Stayed Up 14 Hours Editing Her First Video

00:50:12 – The Brave Story Jessie Told That Changed Everything

00:51:17 – Writing 'Figures' — The Raw, Drunken, Real Truth

00:56:44 – The Writing Camp That Sparked Her Breakthrough Hit

00:57:11 – How 'Figures' Was Really Written (And Why It Still Hurts)

01:00:00 – Gatekeeper: Calling Out Sexism in the Music Industry

01:01:42 – What MeToo Missed — And What Jessie Risked to Say

01:02:58 – The Heavy Cost of Telling the Truth

01:05:43 – Why Being Vulnerable is Jessie’s Greatest Superpower

01:06:20 – Jessie on Drake, Bieber, The Weeknd & Canadian Greatness

01:07:14 – Why So Many GOATs Come Out of Canada

01:08:11 – From Open Mics to Eminem: The Legacy She’s Building

01:18:14 – The Insane Calvin Harris Story (You Won’t Believe This One)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s guest is a musical architect whose fingerprints are on some of the most emotionally resonant and sonically rich records of the last decade. He’s not the loudest in the room—but when he’s in the studio, every note, every tone, every beat matters. A multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and producer with an unmatched intuition, he brings out the soul in every song, guiding artists to their most authentic performances. From Grammy-winning collaborations with Kacey Musgraves to shaping records across indie, country, rock, and beyond, he’s the quiet force behind the soundtracks to our lives. All the way from Nashville, Tennessee, this master of nuance proves that subtlety can be a superpower. And the writer is… Ian Fitchuk!

0:00 – Intro: Sobriety, Fear & Creativity 

0:55 – NMPA Sponsor Message 

3:25 – Growing Up in the Chicago Suburbs 

6:15 – Musical Upbringing: Classical Roots & Church Influence 

9:05 – Early Influences: CDs, Cassettes & Graceland 

12:05 – Bear Killer, Drums & Songwriting Beginnings 

17:30 – From Church Bands to Writing Real Songs 

20:50 – Leaving Home & Moving to Nashville 

27:30 – First Touring Gig & Life Lessons 

30:50 – Discovering Production via the Christian Music Scene 

35:50 – A Decade of Struggle Before the Breakthrough 

40:50 – Why Ian Never Quit (Even With Kids) 

45:00 – Golden Hour Era: Writing With Kacey 

50:50 – Making Golden Hour Using Logic Stock Sounds 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week’s guest is one of the most successful independent artists in modern music.

He’s a rapper, singer, songwriter, and producer who built his career from the ground up. in this rare conversation, he opens up about the side of the journey we don’t usually hear:

The emotional weight of ownership, the mental toll of doing it all alone, and the belief system that kept him going when no one else did.

This is a blueprint for any creative who wants to build something real without losing their peace.

And The Writer Is... Russ!

00:00 – Intro

02:14 – How Russ Beat the System Without Selling His Soul

04:16 – Childhood Chaos, Cop Cars & Creative Spark

07:06 – Soulja Boy, Pep Rallies & Atlanta Music Culture

08:19 – Rock Ballads & Soul Roots You Didn’t Expect

10:11 – The Guitar That Started It All

11:49 – GarageBand & Making Beats for Friends

12:41 – Wayne, Wiz & Folk Rock: A Weird Musical Diet

13:56 – Why Russ Doesn’t Sound Like Anyone Else

15:29 – Publishing Wars: Russ vs. Drum Programmers

26:18 – Why Songwriters Are Fighting for the Wrong Money

29:32 – The $850K Sample Mistake

30:21 – Power, Control & Protecting His Business

34:05 – Why He Still Handles His Own Deals

35:11 – A Wake-Up Call to Songwriters: Keep Your Records

39:03 – When a Song Hits Mid-Dinner, You Leave

41:44 – Burnout, Collaboration & Creative Revival

45:11 – The Line He’ll Never Cross in Rap

48:01 – Turning Fights Into Hits (Literally)

50:07 – Writing in the Shower & Whispering Hooks at 2AM

54:14 – Harmonizing with His Partner—In Music and Life

56:02 – When He Doesn’t Create, Everything Unravels

57:09 – The 20% Rule That Changed His Sanity

58:07 – How Columbia Let Him Stay Indie (Kind Of)

61:06 – Ownership, Spending, and Where the Real Money Is

63:56 – What Russ Would Do If He Had to Start Over

65:19 – Vulnerability vs. Confidence: The Real Inner Battle

66:07 – Why He Samples Even Though He Can Write Anything

66:38 – Burnout & Building a Life Outside of Music

67:52 – Being Your Own Engine (and Breaking Down)

69:25 – The Hidden Prison of Fame

70:38 – Panic Attacks, Depression & Healing

72:01 – Therapy, Faith & Finding Balance

75:17 – Music as Medicine (and a Mental Trap)

78:42 – Dopamine Detox & Spiritual Warfare

81:11 – Why He Hates LA

82:22 – “I Can Make a Hit in 20 Minutes”—But Should I?

83:33 – Escaping the Productivity Hamster Wheel

84:38 – A $25M Lesson Every Artist Should Hear

86:51 – Love, Identity, and the Power of a Creative Partner

89:09 – Real Talk on Timing, Trust, and Tension

90:54 – What Actually Grounds Russ (That You Don’t See Online)

92:33 – What He Hopes to Be Remembered For

94:10 – For the Dreamer Who’s Almost Out of Gas

96:22 – Why Gratitude Isn’t Optional

97:47 – Ego vs. Purpose: The Shift That Saved His Career

99:21 – Navigating Hate, Criticism & Longevity

102:06 – Owning Your Story Without Needing a Comeback

104:33 – Faith, Flow & Letting Go

107:18 – Redefining Wealth: What Energy Are You Leaving Behind?

109:55 – Art as Therapy: Why He’ll Never Stop Writing

112:11 – Leaving a Legacy Without Forcing It

115:03 – What He Still Doesn’t Feel Comfortable Sharing

117:12 – A Final Message to Artists Who Feel Alone

120:10 – Outro: What Russ Hopes You Take From This Episode

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special episode, Ross Golan sits down with David Israelite, the influential President and CEO of the National Music Publishers Association (NMPA). A fierce and tireless advocate for songwriters, David has spent nearly two decades fighting for the rights, recognition, and fair compensation of music creators in an ever-evolving industry.

From spearheading groundbreaking legislation like the Music Modernization Act to navigating complex battles over streaming royalties and copyright protections, David shares a behind-the-scenes look at the work that goes into defending the value of songwriting. With unique insights into policy, publishing, and the business of music, this candid conversation reveals why David is one of the most pivotal figures working on behalf of songwriters today.

If you care about music creators and the future of songwriting, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

00:00 – Intro: Why This Episode Matters More Than Ever

03:40 – How Songwriters Get Paid (Explained Like You’re 15)

05:19 – The Truth About Songwriter Pay: 75% Controlled by the Government

07:28 – The Music Modernization Act: Progress or Political Cover-Up?

09:13 – The Broken System: Why Songwriters Can’t Say No

12:01 – Artists vs. Songwriters: The Industry's Unspoken Divide

13:50 – Ghostwriting, Publishing Abuse & The Elvis Tax Nobody Talks About

20:16 – Why Unionizing Won’t Save Songwriters (And What Might)

23:55 – What the CRB Is — And Why It Still Screws Creators

26:22 – Free Market vs. Rigged Game: Labels Win, Songwriters Lose

28:33 – Why Songwriters Have No Real Political Power

31:01 – Consent Decrees Explained: The 1940s Laws Holding Music Back

33:19 – Selective Withdrawals: A Strategy That Could Change Everything

39:10 – Are Big Publishers Quietly Crippling Independent Writers?

45:25 – The Power of ‘No’: The One Tool Songwriters Don’t Actually Have

46:25 – Are Labels and Publishers Working Against Each Other?

49:45 – The Billion-Dollar Boom: Why Everyone’s Selling Their Catalogs

54:37 – Final Word: Gratitude, Hope & the Fight Ahead

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s guest is an artist whose voice cuts through like a blade—sharp, emotional, and unforgettable. Emerging from the shadows of alternative R&B and electro-pop, she’s crafted a sonic identity that’s both intimate and cinematic. Her lyrics are deeply confessional, fearless in their vulnerability, and her production choices push boundaries while staying rooted in undeniable emotion. From viral beginnings to critical acclaim, she’s stayed true to her vision, building an aesthetic that’s dark, empowering, and always evolving. All the way from Los Angeles, California—this is the sound of raw artistry at its finest. And the writer is… BANKS!

00:00 - Intro 

01:07 - Growing Up in L.A. 

03:52 - Music as Math? 

06:16 - 100% Songs, No Concept First 

08:08 - First Song Became a Jack Collab 

10:04 - Social Anxiety + Going Out Hard 

12:06 - Fans, Fame & Divine Feminine Energy 

15:41 - Jillian vs. BANKS 

18:10 - Stage Fright to Frontwoman 

21:13 - Regrets & Album Titles That Got Away 

22:28 - Streaming Era Beginnings 

27:02 - Indie Artist Real Talk 

31:12 - Viral Hits vs. Tour Culture 

34:09 - “Don’t Try To Write a Hit” 

36:04 - Underrated BANKS Songs 

38:05 - Why This Album, Why Now 

39:28 - How “I Hate Your Ex” Happened 

41:24 - Voice as a Shape-Shifter 

42:02 - Collaboration Energy Shift 

43:03 - Studio Magic Stories 

44:14 - Writing for Other Artists? 

46:18 - Why Artists Look to BANKS 

48:06 - 3 Life-Changing Decisions 

49:40 - Five-for-Five Lightning Round 

53:08 - Music + Visuals Are One 

54:16 - Ross on BANKS’ Legacy

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s guest is a British sensation whose sound defies convention and whose rise has been anything but ordinary. With a style rooted in drum and bass, alt-pop, and early 2000s nostalgia, she’s redefined what it means to make bedroom pop in the digital age. Her songwriting is both diaristic and enigmatic, managing to say more in two minutes than most can in five. From viral fame to global stages, she’s built a world that’s entirely her own—introspective, stylish, and sonically daring. A true creative force who writes, produces, and performs with instinct and intention. From across the pond, the future is bright… And the wrier is… PinkPantheress!

00:00 – Intro

00:42 – Meet PinkPantheress

01:16 – The Self-Made Artist

05:02 – Growing Up Multicultural

09:49 – Emo, Piano & Early Music Obsession

13:03 – Building Her Unique Sound

16:26 – UK vs US Music Culture

21:04 – Not Chasing Numbers

23:01 – You Can’t Teach Taste

24:19 – Producing & Industry Bias

30:23 – Ad Read: NMPA + Peer Music

32:00 – Producing at 17 & Avoiding Media

34:06 – TikTok Fame Without Trying

38:22 – From Anonymous to Recognized

41:00 – Live Shows & Internal Standards

44:29 – Perfectionism & Learning in Public

45:04 – Writing 'Pain' in Her Dorm

46:31 – 'Boys a Liar' & Airbnb Vocals

50:16 – Taste as Her Superpower

52:15 – New Single & Feedback Avoidance

53:43 – Teasing the Next Song

54:59 – Dream Artists to Produce

55:27 – Where the Name Came From

55:32 – If She Started from Zero Today

57:05 – The Truth About Taste

58:12 – Rapid Fire: Bath, Family, Identity

58:57 – Final Thoughts: Breaking Through in the US

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.