SONGWRITER INTERVIEWS has 293 entries.
Bruce Robison
Bruce wrote the Dixie Chicks song "Traveling Soldier," and after 16 years of marriage, finally did a duets album with his wife, Kelly Willis.
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Jon Anderson of Yes
From the lake in "Roundabout" to Sister Bluebird in "Starship Trooper," Jon talks about how nature and spirituality play into his lyrics for Yes.
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Michael Gilbert of Flotsam and Jetsam
Michael talks about returning to Flotsam and the impact of their original bass player Jason Newsted, who left for Metallica.
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Amy Grant
The top Contemporary Christian artist of all time on song inspirations and what she learned from Johnny Carson.
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Udo Dirkschneider (UDO, ex-Accept)
The German Metalmeister with the stories behind classics "London Leatherboys," "Fast as a Shark" and "Balls to the Wall."
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Joel Crouse
Joel moved to Nashville at 18, got a record deal at 19, and released his first single, "If You Want Some," before he could order a beer.
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Maria Neckam
A rising star on the New York City jazz scene, Maria talks about her vocal technique and her songwriting.
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Shaun Morgan of Seether
Shaun breaks down the Seether songs, including the one about his brother, the one about Ozzy, and the one that may or may not be about his ex-girlfriend Amy Lee.
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Greg Lake of Emerson, Lake & Palmer
Greg talks about writing songs of "universal truth" for King Crimson and ELP, and tells us about his most memorable stage moment (it involves fireworks).
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Dino Cazares of Fear Factory
The guitarist/songwriter explains how he came up with his signature sound, and deconstructs some classic Fear Factory songs.
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JJ Burnel of The Stranglers
JJ talks about The Stranglers' signature sound - keyboard and bass - which isn't your typical strain of punk rock.
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Martin Smith of Delirous?
Smith talks about his days with the UK Christian group Delirious?, and discusses his solo effort,
God's Great Dance Floor.
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Kerry Livgren of Kansas
In this talk from the '80s, the Kansas frontman talks turning to God and writing "Dust In The Wind."
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Randy Houser
The "How Country Feels" singer talks Skynyrd and songwriting.
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Dr. John
The good doctor shares some candid insights on recording with Phil Spector and The Black Keys.
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Brad Smith of Blind Melon
The Blind Melon bassist/songwriter tells the story of "No Rain," which he wrote before the band was formed.
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Sunny Sweeney
Sunny explains how a used car dealership gave her the idea for what became one of her favorite songs.
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Ian Anderson: "The delight in making music is that you don't have a formula"
Ian talks about his 3 or 4 blatant attempts to write a pop song, and also the ones he most connected with, including "Locomotive Breath."
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Josh Thompson
Author of the Brad Paisley song "A Man Don't Have to Die," Thompson explains his litmus test for rooting out good songs, and tells us what he thinks about loud preachers.
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Neil Fallon of Clutch
The lead singer of the metal mainstays Clutch talks about their classic songs and the sage advice he got from Lemmy.
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Brandi Carlile
As a 5-year-old, Brandi was writing lyrics to instrumental versions lullabies. She still puts her heart into her songs, including the one Elton John sings on.
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Mark Arm of Mudhoney
When he was asked to write a song for the
Singles soundtrack, Mark thought the Seattle grunge scene was already overblown, so that's what he wrote about.
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Jimbeau Hinson
A successful Country songwriter, Jimbeau is HIV positive. He talks openly about his illness and recounts the vision when it nearly took his life.
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Justin Hayward of The Moody Blues
Justin wrote the classic "Nights In White Satin," but his fondest musical memories are from a different decade.
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Randy Newman
Newman makes it look easy these days, but in this 1974 interview, he reveals the paranoia and pressures that made him yearn for his old 9-5 job.
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Chad Channing (Nirvana, Before Cars)
Chad tells tales from his time as drummer for Nirvana, and talks about his group Before Cars.
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Holly Williams
When it comes to songwriting, Holly says it's genetic. She explains what she inherited from her dad (Hank Jr.) and grandfather (Hank Sr.).
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Andy Powell of Wishbone Ash
The Wishbone Ash guitarist on how touring with The Who inspired one of their most enduring songs, and why they moved to America at the peak of their powers.
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Dave Innis of Restless Heart
30 years on, Restless Heart has 6 #1 Country hits plus the ubiquitous "When She Cries."
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Charlie Benante of Anthrax
The drummer for Anthrax is also a key songwriter. He explains how the group puts their songs together and tells the stories behind some of their classics.
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