And The Writer Is...with Ross Golan

This week our guest is a multi-platinum country music artist, songwriter and two time CMA Award nominee who released the best-selling debut by a male with his platinum album, ‘Up All Night’. The album featured three #1 hit singles, including “Beer Money”, “Hey Pretty Girl”, and the 2x platinum breakout hit “Somethin’ ‘Bout A Truck”. He has released three studio albums and his third album ‘Slowheart’ garnered instant praise from critics and landed on multiple “Best Of” lists including Entertainment Weekly and Rolling Stone. The album also featured his fourth #1 hit “More Girls Like You”. He is currently headlining a tour following the release of his acclaimed EP ‘Room To Spare: The Acoustic Sessions’. The seven-song release showcases a more vulnerable side with an acoustic show that features songs from his entire career in a stripped down setting. In addition to his work in music, he founded the Comeback Kid Skatepark Project, which aims to provide skateparks to underprivileged children in inner-city communities across the country. And The Writer Is…Kip Moore! This episode is sponsored by Bandzoogle.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This Wisconsin native is a five-time Grammy nominated singer and songwriter. She is responsible for co-writing some of the most memorable songs to light up the Billboard Hot 100 and iTunes sales charts, totaling more than 25 million in sales worldwide. She has collaborated with Eminem on multiple albums with writing and producing credits on songs such as “Walk On Water (feat. Beyoncé)”, “Like Home (feat. Alicia Keys)”, “Need Me (feat. P!nk)”, as well as co-writing and featuring on his song “Tragic Endings”. Most notably this writer co-wrote Eminem’s Grammy nominated, twelve times platinum, #1 single “Love The Way You Lie (feat. Rihanna)”. She is also featured on Macklemore’s platinum single "Glorious”, Nicki Minaj’s “Bed of Lies”, Fort Minor’s “Where’d You Go”, Diddy – Dirty Money’s “Coming Home” and Dr. Dre’s “I Need A Doctor”. Currently, she is working on her third studio album with Interscope Records/Kid In A Korner. And The Writer Is…Skylar Grey! This episode is sponsored by Bandzoogle and BMI.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This week our guest is an artist, songwriter, and the lead vocalist of the band Death Cab for Cutie, with which he has recorded nine studio albums including their new album ‘Thank You For Today’. He is also one half of the electronic duo the Postal Service. He also has released a solo album, ‘Former Lives’, and a collaborative studio album, ‘One Fast Move or I'm Gone’ with Uncle Tupelo and Son Volt's Jay Farrar. This lyric virtuoso is a multi-Grammy nominated writer who has penned iconic hits such as “I Will Follow You Into The Dark”, “Soul Meets Body” and “I Will Possess Your Heart”. Hailing from Seattle, Washington, And The Writer Is…Ben Gibbard! This episode is sponsored by Bandzoogle and BMI.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Kicking off Season 4 of And The Writer Is…This artist, songwriter and producer is redefining pop music. With a unique genre blending sound and an artistic vision which is driven by a passion and obsession to shape music and culture, this writer has risen to be one of the most exciting artists in the industry. His discography includes his debut album, ‘The Human Condition’ which debuted top 5 on the Billboard Top 200 and is highlighted by the three times multi-platinum international hit, “All Time Low”. Four tours later, he released his latest full length album, ‘Glory Sound Prep’ which features his current single “Stupid Deep”. His accolades as a songwriter also include Jason Derulo’s multi-platinum and top 10 song “Trumpets”, Christina Aguilera’s Grammy nominated single “Fall In Line (feat. Demi Lovato)” and Eminem’s Grammy winning, six times multi-platinum, #1 song “The Monster (feat. Rihanna).'' And The Writer Is...Jon Bellion! This episode is sponsored by Bandzoogle and BMI.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Jake Davis: Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, he began as a solo artist: selling out local venues like Hotel Cafe and the Teragram Ballroom.He was the winner of the Santa Monica's Emerging Artist competition earning him a spot performing on the pier to thousands of people for the first time. After many months of being considered for a music series on Netflix, he realized he didn't enjoy the "public" aspect of being an artist, and decided to try producing and writing for others at the start of 2018. Following getting his own commercial studio, he hustled on Instagram to set up as many artist sessions as possible. Still brand new to the game, he's managed to secure his first few major label credits, to be announced soon. And The Writer Is... winner of the 1st ever ATWI Songwriting Competition, Jake Davis!  Plus! And The Writer Is...Season 4 Coming Soon!  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

MMA Update: The laws for songwriters’ compensation have not changed since 1909. To put that in perspective, that’s four years after the Wright Brothers invented the airplane and 43 years before the invention of the television. It’s the people of that era, in those early Wright Brothers pictures that created the laws that govern how musicians get paid in 2018. That’s the equivalent of us deciding how people should get paid in 2127.  The MMA (Music Modernization Act) updates these laws so songwriters and artists can begin to get compensated fairly. We now have 76 senators who are co-sponsoring the MMA with full support from DSPs, PRO’s, the recording AND publishing industry... everyone but Sirius XM Radio.  Sirius XM radio (owned by Liberty Media), is planning to make a last-ditch effort to derail the MMA. First, Sirius convinced Senators to add amendments/block Unanimous Consent. Those senators learned through billboards/shows/rallies that musicians are voters too. They flipped. Now Sirius is shopping for new Senators. Sirius needs to be stopped and we need the songwriting community’s support to do so; social media posts, protests, and continued pressure on the senators to co-sponsor have worked so far. The clock is ticking. We have 2 weeks.  For more info visit: www.andthewriteris.com  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

If you’re a songwriter or music industry professional, or if you’re working to become one, this episode is required listening. Our guest, whose episode was previously featured in Season 2 is unlike any other, in that he’s not a songwriter, yet works tirelessly on behalf of ALL songwriters. He’s been the CEO and President of the National Music Publishers’ Association for the past 13 years, where he implemented landmark legal successes for publisher and songwriter royalty rate agreements and continues to work on increasing the value of intellectual property. His work has made an invaluable impact on the furthering the progression of the Music Modernization Act (MMA) which is new legislation that aims to improve royalty payments to songwriters, artists and creatives in the digital era. He serves on several boards including the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and has previously served in senior positions within the U.S. Government. We are grateful to have him as our industry’s backbone, standing up for songwriter rights and compensation. We are sharing key points from his episode to help inform you on the history of music copyrights, our modern-day industry and the current strides to reform and regulate copyright law. And The Writers Is… David Israelite!   For more information on the Music Modernization Act (MMA) please visit: www.andthewriteris.com  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Our final guest of season three is a BRIT & Grammy-nominated songwriter and artist who has framed a career for herself as one of the most respected, connected and commercially bankable songwriters in pop’s spectrum. She effortlessly plays the role of irresistible front-woman and the wizard behind the curtain pulling the puppet strings on millennial bangers such as “I Love It” by Icona Pop, “Boom Clap,” “Fancy” with Iggy Azalea, “After The Afterparty (feat. Lil Yachty),” and “Boys”. She is a fearless artist of unique distinction who has released two full albums (‘True Romance’ and ‘SUCKER’) and mix-tapes (‘Number 1 Angel’ and ‘Pop 2’ which starred collaborations with artists including MØ, RAYE, Starrah, Carly Rae Jepsen, CupecakKe, Caroline Polachek and Tove Lo). She is also a fashioned songwriter who has always adhered to her three golden songwriting rules: to not make boring pop music, not follow pop trends and not make pop music that has been made before. She’s written for artists such as Selena Gomez, Camilla Cabello, David Guetta, Blondie, James Blunt, Afrojack, Ryn Weaver, Stargate, will.i.am and Madeon. Presently, she is on a world tour with one of the biggest artists of a generation, Taylor Swift. Hailing from England, And The Writer Is…Charli XCX!  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Our guest this week is a Grammy-nominated writer and producer who was born and raised in Los Angeles and started playing drums at the age of five years old. To date, he has landed twelve singles on the Billboard Hot 100 chart including Jason Derulo’s “Want to Want Me” and Dua Lipa’s smash “New Rules” both of which he produced and each song hit #1 on Pop Radio. He has written and produced multi-platinum hits for major artists such as Selena Gomez (“Bad Liar” & “Back to You”), Nick Jonas (“Levels”), Andy Grammer (“Fresh Eyes” & “Good to Be Alive (Hallelujah)”), and the Plain White T’s (“Rhythm of Love”). He also earned a Grammy nomination for his work on Justin Bieber’s multi-platinum album ‘Purpose’, for which he co-wrote and produced the song “The Feeling” featuring Halsey. And The Writer Is… Ian Kirkpatrick!  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode we check in with one of our guests from Season 1 following the release of her new album ‘Expectations,’ (which was RIAA certified Gold on the first day of it's release) and her #1, multi-platinum hit single “Meant To Be” featuring Florida Georgia Line. From Brooklyn, NY, this songwriter is a triple threat known for her success as a hit songwriter, singer, and artist. Her repertoire includes credits like "The Monster" by Eminem and Rhianna, "Me, Myself & I" by G-Eazy, and "In The Name of Love" by Martin Garrix. This creative force never pulls punches, and that’s why she always makes a connection. And The Writer Is…Bebe Rexha!  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This Grammy-winning, multi-platinum artist and songwriter has written songs for mainstream pop artists such as Dua Lipa, Shawn Mendes, FRENSHIP, and Charli XCX. Her songwriting career began early on having signed her first publishing deal while still attending NYU’s Tisch School/Clive Davis Institute. She co-wrote the #1 multi-platinum single, “New Rules” by Dua Lipa, as well as The Chainsmokers’ Grammy-winning hit, “Don’t Let Me Down” which has gone 5 times platinum. In addition to writing break through hits for artists, she is also an artist herself. She co-wrote and featured on the hit song “Capsize” with FRENSHIP and was the special guest on The Chainsmokers’ American “Memories...Do Not Open" tour. Recently, she released her new single, “Paranoid” and was featured on Forbes 30 under 30 Music list for the Class of 2018. Hailing from New York, New York, And The Writer Is…Emily Warren!  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This week our guest is the co-founder, lead singer, songwriter, producer and mixer of one of the most influential American punk rock groups, Goldfinger, who have sold 4 million albums worldwide. He is a creative force that drives the pulse of Punk, Pop/Punk, Rock, and Alternative music with his characteristically iconic production and writing style. He has penned hits for artists such as Panic! At The Disco, 5 Seconds of Summer, Sleeping With Sirens, The Veronicas, Good Charlotte, Black Veil Brides and the late Avicii. And more recently, he produced Blink 182’s seventh studio album, ‘California’, which landed the group’s first Grammy nomination for “Best Rock Album”. Our guest is also an A&R mastermind who signed The Used, D.R.U.G.S, Story of the Year as well as many more. And The Writer Is… APMA’s 2017 Influencer Award Winner, John Feldmann!   See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This week we’ve partnered with the Songwriters Hall of Fame to bring you our next episode! Our guest is a one-woman creative musical think-tank, a multi-disciplinary artist and visionary thinker whose range of imagination and productivity knows no bounds. This GRAMMY, Emmy and Tony award-winning and nominated songwriter’s hits include the seemingly ubiquitous "September" and "Boogie Wonderland" by Earth, Wind & Fire, “I'll Be There for You” (the Friends theme song), as well as the co-authored Oprah Winfrey-produced Tony and GRAMMY-winning musical, The Color Purple. She has written for artists across many genres, including Cher, Diana Ross, Ray Charles, Herbie Hancock, Bonnie Raitt, Tina Turner, Boy George, Patti LaBelle, Justin Timberlake and more. She is an advocate for songwriter’s rights being credited as the first pop artist to address Congress on artist rights in cyberspace. Our guest most recently completed writing, recording, producing, directing and animating “The D,” a song for her hometown of Detroit. She has also started performing a series of sold-out one-woman shows, combining her songs with her comedy, art, videos and technology. We are honored to introduce this 2018 Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee, And The Writer is… Allee Willis!  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This week we have a special interview recorded LIVE from the University of Southern California’s Thornton School of Music. Hailing from Wisconsin our guest is a Grammy nominated and ACM Award winning songwriter and producer from our And The Writer Is… family. He is responsible for penning diverse hits such as Thomas Rhett’s Grammy nominated and BMI Country Song of the Year, “Die A Happy Man,” Pitbull’s “Fireball,” Jason Derulo’s “Wiggle (feat. Snoop Dogg),” Sage The Gemini’s “Now and Later,” Fifth Harmony’s “BO$$,” Tim McGraw and Faith Hill’s “Speak to a Girl,” and Lizzo’s “Worship.” In addition to his success as a songwriter, he is a renowned producer who recently co-wrote and co-produced Thomas Rhett’s Grammy nominated album ‘Life Changes’ as well as co-produced the album’s hit single “Craving You (feat. Maren Morris).” He also co-wrote and co-produced Bomba Estéreo’s Grammy nominated albums ‘Amanecer’ and ‘Ayo’. As an individual he is equally as kind and as he is talented. He’s the man who makes everyone sound like angels, And The Writer Is… Joe London!  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Our next guest is a multi-platinum, Golden Globe nominated, Grammy and BMI award winning songwriter and producer with over 65 million records sold to date. He began his career as one of the founding members of Evanescence, whose debut album ‘Fallen’ sold over 18 million copies and featured the hit tracks “My Immortal” and “Bring Me To Life.” Over the past decade, he has worked with some of the biggest artist’s in the world. Whether it be writing their hits or creating successful end titles for film, he is one of the most sought after multi-genre songwriters in the industry. His signature sound starts on the piano and can be heard across many of the song he’s written such as Christina Perri’s ‘Twilight’ end title, “A Thousand Years,” as well as hit singles such as Kelly Clarkson’s # 1 “Because of You,” Carrie Underwood’s “See You Again” and Daughtry’s “What About Now.” He continues to make waves within the music industry working with megastars such as Keith Urban, Maren Morris, Jason Mraz, Christina Aguilera, Enrique Iglesias, Tim McGraw, Lady Antebellum, and many others. And The Writer Is… David Hodges!  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.