And The Writer Is...with Ross Golan

Today’s guest is the ultimate overachiever in pop music—producer, songwriter, artist, and, let’s face it, the reason half your favorite albums sound the way they do. From crafting massive hits with Taylor Swift, Lorde, and Lana Del Rey to fronting his own band, Bleachers, he’s a master at blending raw emotion with anthemic hooks that stick. Whether he’s digging into suburban nostalgia or redefining modern pop, his fingerprints are all over the sound of the last decade. Oh, and did we mention he’s a three-time Producer of the Year Grammy winner? No big deal. And as if that’s not enough, we couldn’t think of a better guest to celebrate our 200th episode. He’s the heart, the brain, and the relentless energy behind it all. And The Writer Is…Jack Antonoff! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week’s guest is one of the biggest names in the songwriting world. Her hard work, perseverance and reverence for songwriting have taken her from all an all-star to superstar. From nominations including Songwriter of the Year to multiple #1 songs with multiple artists, this writer’s current run is something few writers in the history of music have done. Not only that, this writer is also back to releasing her brilliant music as an artist. Inspiring songwriters everywhere, this guest is someone we all want to root for. And The Writer Is…Amy Allen! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week’s guest is a prolific pianist, composer, songwriter, and producer. Hailing from Canada, this writer began his piano studies at the ripe age of three years old. Raised by an Italian-Canadian father and a French-Canadian mother, our guest grew up with various musical influences. After studying performance and classical piano and completing a Bachelor of Arts degree in composition and piano performance, our guest began his career as a session musician, in-house producer, arranger, and composer. Known for his captivating piano skills, this writer is a sought-after collaborator who has worked with stars such as Celine Dion, Sarah Brightman, Josh Groban, and Miley Cyrus. And The Writer Is…Stephan Moccio! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s guest became hooked on music after he found a guitar in the trash, and taught himself how to play. This DIY attitude and fascination with music landed him in the Berklee College of Music where he honed his writing, production, and instrumental skills. After mastering the guitar and becoming immersed in record production, he started to tour and record with legendary artists such as Lauryn Hill, Alicia Keys, J. Cole, H.E.R., Mac Miller, and Anderson .Paak. One thing led to another, and our guest found himself producing and writing on massive records, becoming the go-to guitarist for stars, and locking in six Grammy nominations over the years. His story proves that passion and perseverance can take you far in the music industry. And The Writer Is…Jeff “Gitty” Gitelman! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s rising star has gracefully navigated the crazy world that is viral fame. Influenced by Jazz, Folk, R&B, and everything in between, this guest is a young master at storytelling. After posting her original releases and covers to SoundCloud, YouTube, and later TikTok, her career exploded. A few albums and critically acclaimed collaborations later, this guest has proved that she belongs in the conversation for music’s brightest star, and is a leader in the modern singer-songwriter movement. And the writer is…Lizzy McAlpine! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s guest is the secret weapon behind some of pop’s most heart-wrenching, scream-along anthems. With a knack for tapping into raw, soul-baring emotions, he’s crafted hits that feel like they’re ripped straight from your journal—if your journal had hooks that got stuck in everyone’s head. Whether he’s working with fresh voices or pop royalty, he knows exactly how to make songs that pull you in and don’t let go. He’s a master of making you cry, dance, and hit replay a thousand times. And The Writer Is…Dan Nigro! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s superstar has already dominated popular music for over a decade. What started as a simple talent show audition has become one of the most intriguing and eclectic careers in recent memory. Over the past decade, this writer has reshaped the sound of modern pop, seamlessly blending Latin, R&B, and contemporary influences into a unique musical style that resonates worldwide. Her genre-defying hits and dynamic collaborations reflect her multicultural upbringing and fearless approach to music, capturing hearts across both Pop and Latin music charts. And The Writer Is…Camila Cabello! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s guest is a global phenomenon, whose songs, killer fashion sense, and stage presence empower female songwriters and artists everywhere. Having sold more than 100 million albums worldwide, this superstar remains the top-selling female country artist of all time. But what the stat doesn’t accurately show is that 100 million albums sold makes her one of the top-selling songwriters of all time. Her brilliance shines on stage, on red carpets, and in session rooms — she is the definition of well-rounded. From way up North, this Canadian epitomized rock stardom, and did so with grace. And The Writer Is…Shania Twain! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re excited to announce a special bonus interview with Mikkel Eriksen, co-founder of LAAMP and one-half of the production duo Stargate, and Chris Anokute, the Executive Director of LAAMP, an A&R executive, and Founder of the entertainment company, Young Forever Inc. Ross recently sat down with Mikkel and Chris to discuss the record production world and everything they do over at LAAMP. Read below to find out more about LAAMP and listen to this conversation on any platform you find your podcasts! Are you ready to turn your passion for music into a profession? Look no further than Los Angeles Academy for Artists and Music Production (LAAMP). At LAAMP, we offer a state-of-the-art campus accommodating up to 50 students, vibrant common areas, and a dynamic live stage. Nestled just 5 blocks from the stunning Pacific Ocean in Santa Monica, CA, and with over 15 recording studio pods, you'll have everything you need to bring your musical visions to life.Founded by super producers Stargate, the masterminds behind chart-toppers like Katy Perry's "Firework," Rihanna's "What's My Name" and "Diamonds," and Beyonce's "Irreplaceable," LAAMP boasts a world-class, nine-month intensive songwriting bootcamp, where you'll be mentored by industry titans like Benny Blanco, Cirkut, Neyo, Diplo, and the legendary Stargate themselves. Our weekly music business workshops feature presidents of publishing companies, major A&R executives, superstar managers like Jay Brown (Rihanna), top-rated mixing engineers, vocal producers, lawyers, business managers, and more. Unlike other music academies, our students dive into songwriting and producing every single day, honing their craft like never before. And with three showcases held at top-rated LA venues throughout the year, you'll have the chance to shine in front of industry insiders and music lovers alike.Ready to make your mark on the music industry? Join LAAMP today and let your talent take center stage. Visit LAAMPMUSIC.COM. Apply now and start your journey to musical greatness! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re excited to announce a special bonus interview with Tuff Morgan, the VP of A&R at peermusic. Ross recently sat down with Tuff to discuss the publishing world, and everything they do over at peermusic. Read below to find out more about peermusic ad listen to this conversation on any platform you find your podcasts! peermusic is somewhat uniquely situated, in that they are privately owned and also have a sizable global footprint, operating from 39 offices across 32 countries. This enables them to give their clients the best of all worlds—global reach paired with personal attention and less “red tape” allowing them to move quickly to maneuver on behalf of their writers. Their global reach also enables them to provide a high level of international creative collaboration opportunities for our songwriters, cross-cultural and global songwriting camps, a strong global administration infrastructure, and global sync teams working together to increase the value for their writer’s song catalogs.  But while they offer the benefit of working with a global company, they really have a family environment and work very close with their writers. This is from the top down. The company has been led by the same family, the Peers, since its inception nearly 100 years ago. They are now in their third generation of Peer family leadership. They work to sign the best talent and are a champion for songwriters and artists, from those just starting out to those topping global charts. And as an indie, it’s fair to say that they do prefer to keep their roster highly curated because their creative teams work very hard to ensure that their writers and artists are seen, heard, prioritized and supported at every stage of their careers. I think this is what helps make peermusic a first call for those in the industry. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week’s guest is one of the brightest rising stars in the music business. This drummer turned songwriter entered the production space out of necessity- when your band needs to record music and you don’t have anyone to do it, somebody’s gotta learn. With a wildly successful couple years, this Brit is his collaborators favorite producer and an all around amazing human. From Pop, to Dance, to K-pop and more, this writer has incredible range and we’re so excited to see how he continues to grow. And The Writer Is…Lostboy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s guest is a songwriting legend who has knocked out seven albums over two decades, sold over 20 million records worldwide, and garnered countless accolades. After serving in the British Army, this writer's career launched into the stratosphere with one of the most evergreen evergreens ever. Following the success of his debut album, our guest continued on a streak of emotionally rich smashes — solidifying himself as one of the most prolific songwriters of his generation. However, it’s not just smashes that have kept this bloke relevant. This writer is funny as hell and his personality is a fixture on social media. All the way from the countryside in the UK, this family man’s humility and perspective shine a light on how authenticity is an artist’s most important quality.And The Writer Is…James Blunt! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s guest is a spectacular vocalist, songwriter, and humanitarian. Hailing from Louisiana, this writer grew up immersed in the zydeco, blues, and Cajun music scene. Nicknamed “the music box,” by her mother, she became obsessed with making music when bedridden due to an illness at 15. Since then, she’s dedicated her life to music. This two-time Grammy Award winner has received seven Dove Awards, five Billboard Music Awards, two American Music Awards, and has had four No. 1 singles on the Hot Christian Songs chart. And The Writer Is…Lauren Daigle! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s guest is a songwriting hall of fame who has been a fixture in the writing scene for decades. Defining and launching careers one lyric at a time, this writer has crafted anthems for Madonna, Cyndi Lauper, Whitney Houston, Heart, The Bangles, Pretenders, Linda Ronstadt, Jojo, Demi Lovato, and many more. As much as these songs launched these artists into space, they also established this writer as one of the best writers in pop history. A Californian from humble beginnings, this writer has shown that the craft of songwriting can be as timeless as the songs themselves. And The Writer Is…Billy Steinberg! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's guest is a multi-faceted songwriter who is as versatile as she is accomplished. Topping charts from multiple genres, this writer’s vocal chops are brilliantly unique. Her songwriting wisdom is unparalleled. She’s written with huge names from just about every genre — Drake, Miley Cyrus, Harry Styles, Kasey Musgraves, David Guetta, Nas, Panic at the Disco, Weezer, Beyoncé, Britney Spears, Pink, Dua Lipa, and the list goes on. After years of defining others’ artistic visions, she is now defining her own. In her debut album, From The Valley, she crafts an immersive, singular sonic universe that sounds like nothing else.And The Writer Is…Ilsey Juber! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s three-time Grammy Award-nominated, two-time BRIT Award recipient, claimed top honors at the Ivor Novellos not just because he is an authentic crooner but because he is a prolific song craftsman. His work is known globally but his story started at open mic nights. His raw talent was captured on camera by a fan and uploaded via YouTube, which caught the attention of RCA Records, propelling him into the star he is today. His introspective storytelling and commitment to his craft have allowed him to touch the hearts of fans from all different backgrounds. All the way from the United Kingdom, this advocate for WaterAid, tiptoes a fine line between rafter-reaching rock glory and tender folk songcraft.And The Writer Is…James Bay! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s guest is one of the leading young voices in the pop world. With her breakout hit in 2019, this writer instantly connected with listeners, and through hard work and a steady stream of releases, she has built a fiercely loyal fanbase. Her debut album came out in early 2023 and received high praise for its poetic honesty and depiction of the trials and tribulations of growing up. Following this release, our guest had an explosive year: performing as an opening act for Taylor Swift on her Eras Tour and receiving a nomination for Best New Artist at the 66th Grammy Awards. Her single with Noah Kahan marked her first entry on the Billboard Hot 100 and gave the world a glimpse of her superstar power. Her sophomore album is set to release this summer, and we’re so excited to see what more this young artist has in store. And The Writer Is…Gracie Abrams! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s guest journey to stardom began on the World Wide Web. At 17 years old, she was quickly noticed by fans and industry professionals alike. She has since accumulated over a billion streams, sold out her first headlining tour, spearheaded her beloved clothing line, and started her own podcast solidifying herself as a multi-hyphenate artist. After spending her early 20s solidifying herself as an artist-to-watch with her massively successful sophomore and debut album, our guest is entering a new era of her artistry. Her latest EP is electrifying, filled with genre-bending tracks, and introspective storytelling. All the way from Dallas, TX, this advocate’s metamorphosis has captivated audiences around the world and empowered young women to own their truth in the face of societal pressures.And The Writer Is... Maggie Lindemann! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.