Composer and songwriter Michael Penn talks with Sodajerker about his "former career" in songwriting, meeting Bob Dylan as a kid, and why he doesn't co-write with his partner, the equally brilliant Aimee Mann. The acclaimed film/TV composer also reflects on his relationship with performing, his approach to melody writing, and his love for The Chamberlin keyboard.

Episode 243 - Michael Penn

Sodajerker On Songwriting is a programme devoted to the art and craft of songwriting. The show, created and hosted by the UK songwriting team Sodajerker, features interviews with some of the most successful songwriters and musicians in the world.

Music

Music Interviews

The wonderful Sean O'Hagan joins us to chat about the new High Llamas record Hey Panda, and his songwriting process. The acclaimed artist, producer, and arranger explores a wealth of topics including his formative work in beloved Irish band Microdisney, writing about his own life and experiences, and his insatiable appetite for new music.

Episode 264 - Sean O'Hagan

Gossip's Beth Ditto and Nathan 'Brace Paine' Howdeshell discuss the creative process behind their excellent new record Real Power. The pair reflect on their near telepathic musical relationship, the ethereal mysteries of songwriting, and collaborating with the great Rick Rubin.

Episode 263 - Gossip

Brittany Howard talks with Simon and Brian about her arresting new record What Now and how she approaches songwriting. The singer and guitarist discusses taking risks in the studio, experimenting with rhythm, and her encounters with the legendary Prince.

Episode 262 - Brittany Howard

Corin Tucker and Carrie Brownstein of Sleater-Kinney join Sodajerker to discuss their fantastic new record Little Rope and their songwriting process. The influential duo talk about song structure and arranging, their strange guitar tunings, and collaborating with producers like John Congleton and Annie Clark.

Episode 261 - Sleater-Kinney

Singer-songwriter and producer Bill Ryder-Jones joins Sodajerker from his West Kirby studio to discuss his new record Iechyd Da, and his creative process. The Merseyside-based artist also talks about collaborating with the likes of Mick Head, taking lyrical inspiration from TV’s Eurotrash, and writing bad songs in his sleep.

Episode 243 - Michael Penn

Download our free app to listen on your phone