Every great song has a story. In this compilation episode of Off the Record, host Lisa Konicki talks with songwriters Gabe Simon, Ashley Cooke, Niall Horan and Jo Dee Messina as they explore the inspiration behind some of their most meaningful songs. From unexpected songwriting breakthroughs to deeply personal moments, listeners will hear how their experiences became music.
Simon shares how Noah Kahan's "The Great Divide" began with a riff that made them realize "we had something magical," while Cooke recalls writing "Baby Blues" during a hungover songwriting retreat that unexpectedly produced one of her favorite songs. Horan also opens up about how "End of an Era" took on new meaning after the loss of Liam Payne, calling the writing session "like a therapy session for the three of us."
Messina goes on to reveal the heartfelt stories behind "Don't Let Them Hide Your Beautiful" and "Let Me Love You," sharing how conversations about family and faith inspired both songs. This episode an intimate look at the creative process of several songwriters and the moments that enable them to create music fans love.
Let’s go Off the Record for our stories behind the song episode!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Go behind the scenes with hit songwriter and producer Gabe Simon as he joins host Lisa Konicki to share the stories behind his work with Noah Kahan, Lana Del Rey, Dermot Kennedy, James Bay, Koe Wetzel, Jessie Murph, and more. Simon offers an inside look at the making of Stick Season and The Great Divide, sharing how he approaches every project with one goal: "I'm there to serve and to support and to uplift" the artist.
Throughout the conversation, Simon discusses earning artists' trust, adapting to different genres, and the stories behind songs like Suki Waterhouse’s "Tiny Raisin" and Kahan’s "The Great Divide." He also reflects on balancing family and music, producing records around the world, and why being uncomfortable often leads to the best breakthroughs.
Simon closes with thoughtful insights on social media, AI, and the future of songwriting, reminding listeners that the creative process is what matters most. "The journey of it, the failing, the succeeding—that's the best part," he says.
Let’s go Off the Record with Gabe Simon.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

New country artist Ashley Cooke joins Off the Record with American Songwriter Editor-in-Chief Lisa Konicki for a lively conversation about the making of her self-titled sophomore album, the stories behind her songs, and the experiences that shaped this new chapter of her career.
Cooke opens up about writing through heartbreak, family loss, and personal growth, explaining why she decided to make this record her most vulnerable yet. “I want people to really feel like they know me as a person with this record,” she says, adding that she “word vomited a lot” in the songwriting process to create music that feels relatable.
Beyond the music, Cooke reflects on her unconventional journey—from performing as a child, attending Belmont University, and building a career through social media—to becoming one of country music's rising artists. She also shares her love for lyrics, her songwriting process, and why she believes the best songs come from real life.
Throughout the episode, Cooke dives into standout tracks like “The Girl Who Cried Wolf,” “Sleepless in Seattle,” and “When We’re 30,” while discussing healing, relationships, and the courage it takes to tell the truth in song. Cooke admits she no longer writes with awards or radio in mind, saying, “I didn’t chase the radio with this record. I didn’t chase awards with this record… it just means more to me if it’s something that I care about and that the music is real.”
Let’s go Off the Record with Ashley Cooke

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Lisa Konicki sits down with Grammy-winning artist, songwriter, and musician Steve Wariner on this episode of Off the Record to reflect on a career that spans more than five decades. Wariner shares stories from his days touring with Dottie West at just 17 years old, learning from legends like Chet Atkins, Kris Kristofferson, Roger Miller, and Johnny Cash, and offers an inside look at the relationships and experiences that shaped him into one of country music's most respected artists. He also dives into the inspirations behind classics like "Holes in the Floor of Heaven."
Wariner later opens up about another of his passions—painting—and explains how creativity connects the two worlds. He compares approaching a blank canvas to writing a new song, saying, "You're going to make something out of nothing, but you've got to have a vision." He also reveals how songwriting and painting place him in the same creative mindset, describing it as "It's a zone, I call it," where ideas take shape.
This episode is filled with career memories and behind-the-scenes stories, showcasing Wariner's enduring passion for creating. Whether he's reminiscing about country music's golden era, discussing new songs he's writing, or explaining why he'll always keep painting regardless of who sees the finished work, Wariner delivers an inspiring conversation that listeners won't want to miss.

Let’s go Off the Record with Steve Wariner.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Calling all Jo Dee Messina fans—and anyone who loves hearing the stories behind great country music—you won't want to miss this conversation. Messina sits down with Editor-in-Chief Lisa Konicki on Off the Record to reflect on more than 30 years in country music. She opens up about how her perspective has changed, saying, "I have more wisdom now than I did then," and shares why she believes artists don't have to "sacrifice your entire life and all your belief systems" to pursue success.

The conversation also dives into Messina's new personal album, Bridges, on which she co-wrote every song but one. A first for the artist. She talks about balancing life as a single mom, songwriter, and touring artist, saying, "I just try to be true to who I am and not try to fit into everything else."
Beyond the music, Messina shares her heart for faith, family, and inspiring the next generation of artists. She discusses her dream of creating Broom Tree Haven, a ministry designed to provide a place of peace and restoration for artists and others experiencing life's pressures. From hilarious moments about social media and raising teenage boys to heartfelt stories of perseverance, this episode will leave listeners with a deeper appreciation for both the artist and the woman behind the music.

Let’s go Off the Record with Jo Dee Messina.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Off the Record, Young the Giant shares stories about their sixth studio album, Victory Garden, and their creative writing journey. The band discusses how stepping away from distractions and writing together in nature helped shape what they call their most collaborative record in years. "We've kind of established and found our home... that home is just where we are all the time. It can be within you," frontman Sameer Gadhia explains.
The conversation delves into the album’s theme of “radical empathy,” how becoming parents inspired them to see the world through a child's eyes, and why they hope the music encourages listeners to reconnect with themselves and others. "I want people to feel a sense of hope for the future... and a sense of belongin," Eric Cannata shares about the band's vision for the record.
They also dive into the stories behind songs like "Different Kind of Love," "Bitter Fruit," and "Life Is a Long Goodbye,”  the impact of "Cough Syrup," life on tour, and the evolution of their songwriting. This episode offers an intimate look at a band committed to growth, and creating music that brings people together.

Let’s go Off the Record with Young the Giant.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Off the Record, Grace Potter joins host Lisa Konicki for a wide-ranging conversation about her upcoming album Trespasser, songwriting, creativity, family life, and the experiences that shaped her latest music. Potter reflects on the 15th anniversary of “You and Tequila,” her friendship with Kenny Chesney, and the creative freedom she found while traveling across the country and writing songs inspired by the people and places she encountered.
Listeners will hear Potter discuss the themes at the heart of Trespasser—belonging, wandering, identity, and self-acceptance. She describes the album as a deeply personal journey, saying, “I think the masks have come off,” and explains how the songs reflect a fuller understanding of who she is as an artist, wife, mother, and storyteller. The conversation also explores the unusual stories behind songs such as “Lost Cafe,” “Gasoline,” and “War On The Mountain.”
Thoughtful and humorous, Potter sums up the album’s spirit with a memorable observation: “No matter how crazy you feel at any moment in your life, you can find solace in knowing that there is a weirder fire burning in a different dumpster somewhere right over the horizon.”
Let’s go Off the Record with Grace Potter.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Off the Record, hit songwriter Shane McAnally joins Editor in Chief Lisa Konicki to share the story behind his journey. McAnally reflects on the challenges he faced in his career, the moments that kept him going, and what it means to be recognized as one of the 30 Greatest Living American Songwriters.

He shares how embracing his true self as a songwriter helped unlock a deeper level of creativity and connection with listeners. “When I realized it was a superpower... it really turned something that I thought would keep me out of country music into something that put me square in the middle of it,” he says.

The conversation also explores the future of songwriting, including social media, streaming, and AI, while focusing on McAnally’s belief in the power of authentic storytelling. He also goes behind the stories of some of country music’s biggest songs, including “Merry Go ’Round,” “Mama’s Broken Heart,” “Vice,” and “Body Like a Back Road,” and dives into his creative partnerships with artists like Kacey Musgraves, Miranda Lambert, and Sam Hunt.

Let’s go Off the Record with Shane McAnally.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this inspiring episode of Off the Record, host Lisa Konicki sits down with reggae legend Ziggy Marley to discuss his new album, Brightside, a project that he describes as a healing journey. Marley opens up about songwriting as therapy, mental health, embracing vulnerability, and creating music that reflects his own experiences. “I made this album for myself. It was never like, ‘Let me make this album for the world.’ This music was for me,” Marley shares.
Listeners can look forward to an engaging conversation that goes beyond music. Marley reflects on the legacy of his father, Bob Marley, the inspiration behind songs like “Many Mourn For Bob” and “Racism Is A Killa,” his fascination with the healing power of music, and his unique approach to creativity. Throughout the episode, he shares personal stories and life lessons, offering a glimpse into his world.
Whether you're a longtime fan of Marley, a music lover, or someone looking for inspiration and positivity, this episode offers an honest look at an artist who continues to evolve while staying true to himself.
Let’s go Off the Record with Ziggy Marley.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join host Lisa Konicki for the season two premiere of Off the Record as she welcomes the talented Niall Horan.
In this engaging conversation, Niall shares insights about his highly anticipated solo album, Dinner Party, which explores themes of love, loss, and the journey of relationships. "It's an album of love and romance and doubts that you may have," Horan reveals, emphasizing the personal nature of his songwriting process.
Listeners can expect a fun conversation, including Niall’s experiences on The Voice and his thoughts on returning to the show. He reminisces about his time on the series with humor, saying, "I’m the champion. Yeah, I take it very seriously."
Niall also dives into the creative process behind Dinner Party, highlighting how the album was shaped by random jam sessions rather than traditional studio constraints. He reflects, "I just wanted to see what came out of me naturally." With tracks like "Boys Are Fun" and "Die If I Don’t," this season two premiere episode promises a mix of heartfelt stories and and fun times.
Tune in for an unforgettable chat that’s sure to resonate with avid fans and new listeners alike. Let’s go Off the Record with Niall Horan.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices