Podcast
Sodajerker
Hosted by Unknown Author · EN
UK songwriting team and hosts of the podcast Sodajerker On Songwriting
22episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Neil Sedaka (1939-2026)
Feb 28Tap to summarize“Good morning, this is Neil from New York!” So began our 2012 phone conversation with the triple-threat native Brooklynite whose prodigious musical gifts took him from a Juilliard scholarship to international pop stardom, via a glittering tenure at the Brill Building. When the ‘British Invasion’ arrived to shake things up in the mid 60s – and his wholesome image was rendered terminally unfashionable almost overnight – he took it on the chin, pivoting to session work and songwriting for hire. By the dawn of the next decade, he was in England, singing for his supper on the working men’s club circuit. Sodajerker On Songwriting, Episode 25 with Neil Sedaka http://traffic.libsyn.com/sodajerker/episode_25_neil_sedaka.mp3 Still, he ploughed on, and his reward was a triumphant second act, an artistic reinvention which begat some of his finest material, much of it to be found on elegant 70s albums like Emergence, Solitaire, and our personal favourite, The Hungry Years. He’d taken a prolonged kicking but come back even stronger. The Neil Sedaka story is nothing if not a lesson in resilience. So while we lament the passing of a first-rate songwriter, musician and performer, we also celebrate the man and his work. His crystalline, impossibly agile voice, equally expressive piano playing and lovingly crafted melodies will live forever on record. And for us, another of our episodes becomes more than a mere audio document – it’s now a cherished keepsake. So long, “Neil from New York”. Thanks for taking our call.
Transcribe →Episode 308 – Adam Buxton
Dec 23Tap to summarizeMultifaceted British writer, actor, podcaster and musician Adam Buxton ushers in the 2025 holiday season with Sodajerker by chatting about his delightful record, Buckle Up, produced by Joe Mount of Metronomy. From the challenges of writing jingles to the heartfelt themes in songs like ‘Pizza Time’ and ‘Standing Still’, Adam reveals the personal stories behind his catchy tunes and the unique blend of the trivial and profound that defines his work. http://traffic.libsyn.com/sodajerker/episode_308_adam_buxton.mp3 Download episode Find us on other platforms Listen to Buckle Up © 2025 Sodajerker. Some rights reserved.
Transcribe →Episode 307 – Michael League
Dec 13Tap to summarizeSnarky Puppy mastermind Michael League talks to Sodajerker about the band’s new record, Somni, an exploration of the dream state through music. The decorated bassist, composer and producer discusses writing for a large ensemble, the balance between complexity and accessibility in his compositions, and his collaborations with legendary artists like David Crosby. http://traffic.libsyn.com/sodajerker/episode_307_michael_league.mp3 Download episode Find us on other platforms Listen to Spotify Playlist © 2025 Sodajerker. Some rights reserved.
Transcribe →Episode 306 – Suggs
Dec 8Tap to summarizeMadness frontman Suggs sits down with Simon and Brian to talk about the band’s new Hit Parade compilation and the writing of their classic hits. From the whimsical charm of ‘Baggy Trousers’, to the poignant storytelling of ‘Embarrassment’, Suggs reflects on the balance of joy and pathos in songwriting, the influence of London’s rich cultures, and the serendipitous moments that have shaped his artistic expression. http://traffic.libsyn.com/sodajerker/episode_306_suggs.mp3 Download episode Find us on other platforms Listen to Spotify Playlist © 2025 Sodajerker. Some rights reserved.
Transcribe →Episode 305 – The Last Dinner Party
Nov 28Tap to summarizeThe Last Dinner Party‘s Abigail Morris chats with Sodajerker about the band’s new record, From The Pyre, and their songwriting process. The dynamic frontwoman explores the challenges of songwriting on the road, the evolution of their sound, and the collaborative spirit that drives their creativity. http://traffic.libsyn.com/sodajerker/episode_305_the_last_dinner_party.mp3 Download episode Find us on other platforms Listen to Spotify Playlist © 2025 Sodajerker. Some rights reserved.
Transcribe →Episode 304 – Paul Kelly
Nov 24Tap to summarizeAustralian music legend Paul Kelly talks to Simon and Brian about his latest record, Seventy, and his creative process. The decorated singer-songwriter discusses the role of boredom in songwriting, the interplay of joy and sorrow in his lyrics, and how he sets poetry to music. http://traffic.libsyn.com/sodajerker/episode_304_paul_kelly.mp3 Download episode Find us on other platforms Listen to Spotify Playlist © 2025 Sodajerker. Some rights reserved.
Transcribe →Episode 303 – Baxter Dury
Nov 14Tap to summarizeBaxter Dury chats with Sodajerker about the writing of his latest record, Allbarone, produced by Paul Epworth. This in-depth conversation delves into the duality of Baxter’s artistic persona, the spontaneity of his lyric writing, and the playful approach to language that defines his work. http://traffic.libsyn.com/sodajerker/episode_303_baxter_dury.mp3 Download episode Find us on other platforms Listen to Spotify Playlist © 2025 Sodajerker. Some rights reserved.
Transcribe →Episode 302 – Sigrid
Nov 11Tap to summarizeThe enchanting Sigrid sits down in London with Simon and Brian to talk about the writing of her latest album There’s Always More That I Could Say. The Norwegian powerhouse shares insights on crafting memorable hooks, overcoming writer’s block, and her collaboration with creative partner Askjell. This episode is also available in video form on Sigrid’s YouTube channel. http://traffic.libsyn.com/sodajerker/episode_302_sigrid.mp3 Download episode Find us on other platforms Listen to Spotify Playlist © 2025 Sodajerker. Some rights reserved.
Transcribe →Episode 301 – Say She She
Oct 28Tap to summarizeThe fabulous Say She She (Piya Malik, Sabrina Cunningham, and Nya Gazelle Brown) join Sodajerker to talk about their new album Cut & Rewind. In this lively conversation about creativity, connection, and the power of making music together, the trio describe how they’ve built a supportive space where ideas can thrive, enabling them to explore everything from personal experiences to pressing social themes. http://traffic.libsyn.com/sodajerker/episode_301_say_she_she.mp3 Download episode Find us on other platforms Listen to Spotify Playlist © 2025 Sodajerker. Some rights reserved.
Transcribe →Episode 300 – Self Esteem
Oct 20Tap to summarizeTo celebrate our 300th episode, Rebecca Lucy Taylor, aka Self Esteem, joins us for a candid conversation about her multifaceted career as a singer, songwriter, and actor. With her trademark honesty, the acclaimed artist reflects on the creative process behind her latest album, A Complicated Woman, the pressures of songwriting, and the challenges of navigating the music industries. http://traffic.libsyn.com/sodajerker/episode_300_self_esteem.mp3 Download episode Find us on other platforms Listen to Spotify Playlist © 2025 Sodajerker. Some rights reserved.
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