Episodes
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Allison Russell - The Returner
Alison Russell’s song 'The Returner' was inspired by Joni Mitchell’s comeback and her poem celebrating resilience and music’s magic.
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DJ Shadow - Mutual Slump
DJ Shadow finds inspiration by visiting record stores and revisiting physical records to stimulate his creativity.
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Elvis Costello - Alison
Elvis Costello chose his stage name to simplify his identity, adopting his great-grandmother’s surname because his birth name, Declan, was confusing to others.
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Olivia Rodrigo - The Cure
Olivia Rodrigo aimed to write a positive and layered love album that captures the complex feelings of mature relationships.
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Natalie Merchant - Sister Tilly
'Sister Tilly' is a heartfelt tribute to activist women of the 1960s and 70s, representing the broader generation that fought for women's rights and societal progress.
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Paula Cole - I Don't Want to Wait
Paula Cole's 'I Don't Want to Wait' was created as a deeply personal song inspired by family history and emotional introspection.
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Charli XCX - Camera
Honest emotion and conviction are the keys to great songwriting, regardless of traditional rules.
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Mitski - Your Best American Girl
Lyrics and vocal melodies are the primary focus in Mitski’s songwriting, shaping the emotional core of her music.
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Suki Waterhouse - Back in Love
Authentic collaboration and organic studio moments are essential for creating genuine music.
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Key Change: Questlove on Prince
Prince was a master of reimagining his music to connect with diverse audiences, often using different keys and remix techniques to serve specific cultural purposes.
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Metric - Victim of Luck
The creative process in music involves experimentation, revision, and collaboration, often requiring multiple iterations to achieve the desired emotional and sonic impact.
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Hayley Kiyoko - Girls Like Girls
Haley Kiyoko's personal experiences heavily influenced the creation of 'Girls Like Girls,' making it an authentic and impactful song.
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Key Change: Tatiana Maslany on "Faceshopping" by Sophie
Tatiana Maslany uses music as a crucial tool in her acting and personal process, helping her explore and embody complex characters.
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Paul McCartney - Ripples in a Pond
Paul McCartney’s songwriting is deeply inspired by personal relationships and everyday moments, often captured during relaxed, reflective times.
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Hot Chip - Boy From School
Hot Chip started from informal, bedroom recordings made by childhood friends Alexis and Joe, influenced by dance and indie music.
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Key Change: Emma Straub on ‘69 Love Songs’ by The Magnetic Fields
Emma Straub’s love for the Magnetic Fields and '69 Love Songs' highlights the deep connection between music and personal identity.
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The xx - Crystalised
The xx’s formation was rooted in long-standing friendship from childhood, emphasizing the importance of genuine connections in creative collaborations.
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Yusuf / Cat Stevens - Father and Son
Artists can creatively bridge the past and present by integrating old recordings into new performances, adding depth and personal reflection.
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The Memory Palace: The Thundering Herd, The Vanishing American
Storytelling and history can deeply influence and inspire artistic creation.
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Hurray for the Riff Raff - Alibi
Music can serve as a cathartic space to process fears, grief, and hope, especially during challenging times like a global pandemic.
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