Home
Categories
EXPLORE
True Crime
Comedy
Society & Culture
Business
Sports
History
Kids & Family
About Us
Contact Us
Copyright
© 2024 PodJoint
Loading...
0:00 / 0:00
Podjoint Logo
US
Sign in

or

Don't have an account?
Sign up
Forgot password
https://is1-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Podcasts116/v4/db/30/d8/db30d8b8-ce7d-a344-fd80-5fba2b755274/mza_14025609900361543886.jpg/600x600bb.jpg
And The Writer Is...with Ross Golan
And The Writer Is
252 episodes
2 weeks ago
Every week, we sit down with an acclaimed and venerable songwriter to intimately discuss what happens behind closed doors in the music industry. There are millions of singers, thousands of artists, and only 40 top songs per genre at a time... this podcast is about the people who make them. Produced by Joe London & Ross Golan in association with Big Deal Music & Mega House Music. And The Writer Is... ™

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

Show more...
Music
Education,
Music Interviews
RSS
All content for And The Writer Is...with Ross Golan is the property of And The Writer Is and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
Every week, we sit down with an acclaimed and venerable songwriter to intimately discuss what happens behind closed doors in the music industry. There are millions of singers, thousands of artists, and only 40 top songs per genre at a time... this podcast is about the people who make them. Produced by Joe London & Ross Golan in association with Big Deal Music & Mega House Music. And The Writer Is... ™

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

Show more...
Music
Education,
Music Interviews
Episodes (20/252)
And The Writer Is...with Ross Golan
Ep. 216: Ryan Tedder (pt.3) | The Truth About Fame & How to Win in Music and Life

Today’s guest is the mastermind behind some of the biggest songs on earth – a creative force whose melodies have shaped generations. From crafting timeless anthems with Beyoncé, Adele, and Taylor Swift to leading OneRepublic to global dominance, he’s not just a hitmaker – he’s an architect of modern music.


In this conversation, Ryan Tedder rips the veil off fame and fortune, revealing the hidden costs of success, the brutal truths no one talks about, and his unfiltered blueprint for building wealth, longevity, and creative mastery in a world obsessed with trends. He dives deep into why most artists fail, how boredom became his superpower, and what it actually takes to build a legacy that lasts.


This isn’t an interview. It’s a wake-up call for every creator chasing relevance in 2025 and beyond.


And The Writer Is… Ryan Tedder! (Part 3)


Produced by Joe London, Ross Golan, & Jad Saad


Chapters:

00:00 Intro

00:52 His Morning Routine That Changed Everything

02:06 How Boredom Made Him Creative

03:40 The Hidden Dark Side of Fame

05:50 Justin Timberlake’s Brutal Warning

10:15 Fame is a Prison: Stories from the Top

14:14 Why He Hid His Singing Talent as a Kid

17:25 Lady Gaga’s Secret Ambition Revealed

20:55 Money Makes You a Target

23:02 His Dream: Rich But Unknown

25:26 Investing Millions Outside Music

27:05 Why Famous Artists Go Broke

31:02 Getting Dropped Saved His Career

36:13 What $50 Million a Year Really Means

39:22 NMPA Sponsor Break

41:01 Labels Want You Wild & Broke

44:40 Can You Win Without Flexing?

47:12 Managers Who Destroy Artists’ Careers

50:52 Why Tate McRae Is Built Different

53:37 OneRepublic’s Secret to Longevity

57:12 Sync Deals vs Streaming: Where Money Really Is

01:00:52 His Songwriting Secrets & ‘God Moments’

01:05:00 How He Stays Creative After 20+ Years

01:09:00 The Role of Trust in Hit-Making

01:13:00 Stories of Working With DJs & Pop Stars

01:17:00 The Future of Music & AI’s Impact

01:21:00 His Philosophy on Work Ethic & Success

01:25:00 Final Words: Advice to Creators

01:29:00 Outro


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

Show more...
1 week ago
1 hour 26 minutes 54 seconds

And The Writer Is...with Ross Golan
Key Moment: Russ | What Every Artist Needs to Know (10-Minute Blueprint)

In this powerful 10-minute blueprint, Russ breaks down what every artist needs to know to build a real career in today’s music industry. From his mindset of delusional self-belief to strategic release plans and business truths, this clip will change the way you approach your music journey forever.


Subscribe for more industry insight and give us a rating if you enjoyed this! It helps us keep this show free forever, which is our commitment to the industry and our audience.


Presented by NMPA

https://www.nmpa.org/


Chapters:

0:00 Why Songs Don’t Blow Up

0:15 Is Inspiration Overrated?

0:33 Writing Big Songs While Uninspired

1:05 How Russ Would Start From Zero Today

1:24 Stockpiling Songs & Posting Strategy

1:57 Do You Want Success Bad Enough?

2:01 Russ’ Duality: Confidence vs. Doubt

2:21 The Power of Delusional Self-Belief

3:02 Why Songwriters Should Stop Giving Songs Away

3:51 Why Most Artists Stay Broke

5:06 Taking Control of Your Music Business

6:38 The Purity of Creating Without an Audience

7:04 The Audience Picks The Hits

8:07 Russ’ Song-a-Week Strategy Explained

8:39 When a Song Flops: Russ on Bankrupt

9:13 Why It’s Okay If It’s Not The One


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

Show more...
2 weeks ago
9 minutes 48 seconds

And The Writer Is...with Ross Golan
Ep. 215: Jessie Reyez | The Story of Betting On Herself (For Anyone Starting Over)

Today’s guest is a fearless storyteller whose voice is as raw as her lyrics—bold, emotional, and unapologetically real. A first-generation Colombian-Canadian, she turned hustle into art, weaving her experiences into songs that hit like truth bombs. Whether she’s penning heart-wrenching ballads or delivering razor-sharp verses alongside icons like Eminem and Beyoncé, her work is grounded in authenticity and fire. She’s busked, she’s bartended, she’s broken through. And now, with her third studio album, she continues to push boundaries—proving that vulnerability, grit, and honesty never go out of style. From Toronto to the world… And the writer is… Jessie Reyez!


Produced by Joe London, Ross Golan, and Jad Saad


Special thank you to our season sponsor NMPA!


Chapters:


00:01:36 – Start Here: Why This Episode Will Change You

00:02:37 – How Jessie Met Eminem and Earned His Respect

00:09:50 – What Jessie Learned Giving Back to Songwriters

00:16:52 – Jessie’s First Song Ever (It’s Cringey… and Brilliant)

00:18:28 – Jessie’s Crazy Lyric Memory & Why It Matters

00:18:51 – From Choir Rooms to Stadiums: Where It All Began

00:27:57 – The Moment She Gave Herself One Year 

00:31:12 – How Her Mom’s Brutal English Drills Made Jessie a Genius

00:35:35 – What Happens After the Hit? Jessie Tells All

00:37:11 – The Exact Moment She Knew Her Life Was Changing

00:42:36 – The Video That Changed Everything (She Almost Didn't Post)

00:45:14 – How a $50 Bus Ride Got Her Into the Remix Project

00:48:18 – Why She Stayed Up 14 Hours Editing Her First Video

00:50:12 – The Brave Story Jessie Told That Changed Everything

00:51:17 – Writing 'Figures' — The Raw, Drunken, Real Truth

00:56:44 – The Writing Camp That Sparked Her Breakthrough Hit

00:57:11 – How 'Figures' Was Really Written (And Why It Still Hurts)

01:00:00 – Gatekeeper: Calling Out Sexism in the Music Industry

01:01:42 – What MeToo Missed — And What Jessie Risked to Say

01:02:58 – The Heavy Cost of Telling the Truth

01:05:43 – Why Being Vulnerable is Jessie’s Greatest Superpower

01:06:20 – Jessie on Drake, Bieber, The Weeknd & Canadian Greatness

01:07:14 – Why So Many GOATs Come Out of Canada

01:08:11 – From Open Mics to Eminem: The Legacy She’s Building

01:18:14 – The Insane Calvin Harris Story (You Won’t Believe This One)


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

Show more...
3 weeks ago
1 hour 29 minutes 45 seconds

And The Writer Is...with Ross Golan
Ep. 214: Ian Fitchuk | How Sobriety, Struggle & Soul Led Him to a Grammy

Today’s guest is a musical architect whose fingerprints are on some of the most emotionally resonant and sonically rich records of the last decade. He’s not the loudest in the room—but when he’s in the studio, every note, every tone, every beat matters. A multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and producer with an unmatched intuition, he brings out the soul in every song, guiding artists to their most authentic performances. From Grammy-winning collaborations with Kacey Musgraves to shaping records across indie, country, rock, and beyond, he’s the quiet force behind the soundtracks to our lives. All the way from Nashville, Tennessee, this master of nuance proves that subtlety can be a superpower. And the writer is… Ian Fitchuk!


0:00 – Intro: Sobriety, Fear & Creativity 

0:55 – NMPA Sponsor Message 

3:25 – Growing Up in the Chicago Suburbs 

6:15 – Musical Upbringing: Classical Roots & Church Influence 

9:05 – Early Influences: CDs, Cassettes & Graceland 

12:05 – Bear Killer, Drums & Songwriting Beginnings 

17:30 – From Church Bands to Writing Real Songs 

20:50 – Leaving Home & Moving to Nashville 

27:30 – First Touring Gig & Life Lessons 

30:50 – Discovering Production via the Christian Music Scene 

35:50 – A Decade of Struggle Before the Breakthrough 

40:50 – Why Ian Never Quit (Even With Kids) 

45:00 – Golden Hour Era: Writing With Kacey 

50:50 – Making Golden Hour Using Logic Stock Sounds 


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

Show more...
1 month ago
1 hour 19 minutes 59 seconds

And The Writer Is...with Ross Golan
Ep. 213: David Israelite | How Songwriters Get Paid — And Why the System Is Broken

In this special episode, Ross Golan sits down with David Israelite, the influential President and CEO of the National Music Publishers Association (NMPA). A fierce and tireless advocate for songwriters, David has spent nearly two decades fighting for the rights, recognition, and fair compensation of music creators in an ever-evolving industry.

From spearheading groundbreaking legislation like the Music Modernization Act to navigating complex battles over streaming royalties and copyright protections, David shares a behind-the-scenes look at the work that goes into defending the value of songwriting. With unique insights into policy, publishing, and the business of music, this candid conversation reveals why David is one of the most pivotal figures working on behalf of songwriters today.

If you care about music creators and the future of songwriting, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.


00:00 – Intro & Welcome Back

03:40 – How Songwriters Get Paid (Explained Like You’re 15)

05:19 – Why 75% of Songwriter Income Is Regulated by the Government

07:28 – The Music Modernization Act: Win or Band-Aid?

09:13 – The Broken Market: Songwriters Can’t Say No

12:01 – Artists vs. Songwriters: A Cultural Divide

13:50 – Ghostwriting, Publishing Abuse & The Elvis Tax

20:16 – Why Unionizing Isn’t the Answer

23:55 – What Is the CRB — And Why It Still Screws Songwriters

26:22 – Free Market vs. Regulated Market: Labels vs. Songwriters

28:33 – Why Songwriters Have No Political Power

31:01 – Consent Decrees & The PRO Problem

33:19 – What Are Selective Withdrawals?

39:10 – Do Big Publishers Hurt Small Writers?

45:25 – The Power of 'No' — and Why Songwriters Need It

46:25 – Are Labels & Publishers in Conflict?

49:45 – Catalog Sales & Investment Funds in Music

54:37 – Final Thoughts & Gratitude


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

Show more...
1 month ago
55 minutes 47 seconds

And The Writer Is...with Ross Golan
Ep. 212: How Russ Built An Indie Empire: Business, Burnout & Self-Belief


This week’s guest is one of the most successful independent artists in modern music.

He’s a rapper, singer, songwriter, and producer who built his career from the ground up—writing, recording, producing, mixing, mastering, and releasing everything himself.

But in this rare conversation, he opens up about the side of the journey we don’t usually hear:

The emotional weight of ownership, the mental toll of doing it all alone, and the belief system that kept him going when no one else did.

We get into:

  • Publishing, splits, and how he structured his business
  • Why he doesn’t co-write or chase features
  • The pressure of independence and learning to let go of control
  • Burnout, success, spirituality, fear of falling off, and more

This is more than a career breakdown—it's a blueprint for any creative who wants to build something real without losing their peace.

And The Writer Is... Russ!




Chapters

00:00:00 - Trailer: A Glimpse Inside 

00:00:57 - Ad Break: NMPA and the Fight for Songwriter Pay 

00:01:39 - Welcome to And The Writer Is… with Russ 

00:02:14 - Meet Russ: The Unstoppable Indie Force 

00:03:50 - From NJ to ATL: Russ’s Early Grind 

00:06:40 - Atlanta’s Snap Era and Soulja Boy Influence 

00:07:53 - Homegrown Sounds: 70s Rock and Dad’s Secret Talent 

00:10:11 - First Guitar: The Genesis of a Songwriter 

00:11:08 - GarageBand Dreams: Crafting Early Beats 

00:12:09 - Musical Influences: Lil Wayne and Pop-Punk 

00:13:30 - Defining the Russ Sound 

00:15:29 - Drum Programmers vs. Songwriters 

00:18:23 - Publishing Game: Russ’s 50/50 Split Strategy 

00:25:56 - Masters vs. Publishing: Where the Money Is 

00:27:06 - Losin Control: The $850K Sample Mistake 

00:28:28 - Building an Independent Empire 

00:30:38 - Own Your Business: Russ’s Wake-Up Call 

00:33:18 - Inspiration Is a Lie: Show Up and Work 

00:34:28 - Weekly Releases: Discipline Over Inspiration 

00:37:14 - Creative Sparks: Shower, Planes, and Life 

00:47:26 - Cherry Hill: The Hunt for the Perfect Word 

00:51:09 - Live First, Write Later 

00:53:10 - The Power of Delusional Belief 

01:03:11 - Russ’s Blueprint: 2 Songs a Month 

01:06:57 - Respect Your Audience’s Ear 

01:09:18 - The Pressure of Success and Family 

01:13:55 - Therapy and Acceptance 

01:14:37 - Breaking Into Acting and Hollywood 

01:25:26 - Ad Break: Powered by peermusic 

01:47:10 - Growth Through Vulnerability 

01:48:46 - Why Russ Stays Independent 

01:53:27 - Fair Pay for Songwriters 

02:00:22 - The “Good Problems” of Success 

02:07:38 - Chloe, Otto, and Life Lessons 

02:08:57 - Outro: And The Writer Is... 

02:11:42 - Why Not Me? Russ’s Final Word 



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

Show more...
1 month ago
2 hours 12 minutes 55 seconds

And The Writer Is...with Ross Golan
Ep. 211: BANKS | Why One Song Isn’t Enough: Rejection & Longevity in Music

Today’s guest is an artist whose voice cuts through like a blade—sharp, emotional, and unforgettable. Emerging from the shadows of alternative R&B and electro-pop, she’s crafted a sonic identity that’s both intimate and cinematic. Her lyrics are deeply confessional, fearless in their vulnerability, and her production choices push boundaries while staying rooted in undeniable emotion. From viral beginnings to critical acclaim, she’s stayed true to her vision, building an aesthetic that’s dark, empowering, and always evolving. All the way from Los Angeles, California—this is the sound of raw artistry at its finest. And the writer is… BANKS!



00:00 - Intro 

01:07 - Growing Up in L.A. 

03:52 - Music as Math? 

06:16 - 100% Songs, No Concept First 

08:08 - First Song Became a Jack Collab 

10:04 - Social Anxiety + Going Out Hard 

12:06 - Fans, Fame & Divine Feminine Energy 

15:41 - Jillian vs. BANKS 

18:10 - Stage Fright to Frontwoman 

21:13 - Regrets & Album Titles That Got Away 

22:28 - Streaming Era Beginnings 

27:02 - Indie Artist Real Talk 

31:12 - Viral Hits vs. Tour Culture 

34:09 - “Don’t Try To Write a Hit” 

36:04 - Underrated BANKS Songs 

38:05 - Why This Album, Why Now 

39:28 - How “I Hate Your Ex” Happened 

41:24 - Voice as a Shape-Shifter 

42:02 - Collaboration Energy Shift 

43:03 - Studio Magic Stories 

44:14 - Writing for Other Artists? 

46:18 - Why Artists Look to BANKS 

48:06 - 3 Life-Changing Decisions 

49:40 - Five-for-Five Lightning Round 

53:08 - Music + Visuals Are One 

54:16 - Ross on BANKS’ Legacy



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

Show more...
1 month ago
55 minutes 52 seconds

And The Writer Is...with Ross Golan
Ep. 210: Jon Bellion | Choosing Art Over Algorithm

Today’s guest is one of the most original minds in modern music—a genre-defying powerhouse who returns to this podcast six years after his first unforgettable visit. Hailing from Long Island, this producer, performer, and lyrical architect has built a sonic universe entirely his own. He’s the mastermind behind cinematic pop records that blur the line between the underground and the mainstream, with a resume that spans from crafting platinum hits for chart-toppers to delivering soul-baring solo projects that redefine authenticity. Now a father of three, his creativity has only deepened, as he balances vulnerability and virtuosity with relentless hustle. He’s not just a hitmaker—he’s a visionary, a builder, and a storyteller for a generation that craves depth. And the writer is… Jon Bellion!


Episode Timestamps:


0:00 Bellion’s Return & Industry Fire 

0:36 Ross ATWI Intro

2:05 Supporting Songwriters’ Rights 

2:41 Jon Bellion Returns After 6 Years 

3:56 Jon vs. the Algorithm 

6:56 AI, Effort & Meaning 

9:22 Craft Over Convenience 

11:57 Identity, Process & Philosophy 

18:21 Credit, Ego & Industry Power 

25:32 Sponsor Message from NMPA

27:09 Staying Dangerous with Purpose 

32:06 Becoming the Label 

45:07 Removing Ego from the Process 

50:41 Returning to Joy in Creation 

54:58 Art vs. Math in Production 

57:23 Hits Beyond the U.S. 

1:05:16 On Raising Creative Kids 

1:07:52 Jon's Words of Advice to His Younger Self

1:18:06 Grief, Healing & Writing Through Loss 

1:22:32 What Success Really Means in 2025 

1:25:00 Writing vs. Recognition 

1:47:58 ATWI Credits & Closing Reflections


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

Show more...
2 months ago
1 hour 46 minutes 57 seconds

And The Writer Is...with Ross Golan
Ep. 209: d4vd | The Kid Hacking Pop Music From His Phone

Today’s guest is a genre-shifting phenomenon who’s redefining what it means to break through in music today. With a sound that fuses indie, alt-pop, R&B, and emo influences, he’s crafted a raw, emotionally charged catalog that’s connected with a generation—and he did it all from his sister’s closet on a phone. In just a few years, his music has racked up billions of streams, topping global charts and earning him a fiercely loyal fanbase. But beyond the numbers, he’s an artist who leads with vulnerability, reshaping how young creators think about art, success, and authenticity. He’s not just making songs—he’s shifting culture, and sharing how at the same time.

And the writer is… D4vd!


0:00 Trailer Hook — Billion Streams Surprise 

1:32 Intro — From Phone to Playlist 

3:15 Growing Up — Early Life and Music Influences 

8:45 First Uploads — BandLab, YouTube, and Finding His Sound 

13:20 Going Viral — The Moment Everything Changed 

17:50 Pressure and Expectations — How He Handled the Blow-Up 

20:42 My Process — How I Make Music on a Phone 

23:10 Behind the Hits — How ‘Here With Me’ + ‘Romantic Homicide’ Happened 

26:17 What SZA Told Me That Changed Everything 

34:08 Advice for Young Artists — Make Music Nobody Wants 

36:09 Beyond Music — Directing, Acting, Manga Dreams 

43:35 Disrupting the Industry — Freaking Out the Business 

44:40 Validation Moment — Sitting Where Legends Sit







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

Show more...
2 months ago
45 minutes 26 seconds

And The Writer Is...with Ross Golan
Ep. 208: Edgar Barrera | The Max Martin of Latin Music

Today’s guest is a Latin music powerhouse whose pen has changed the game globally. With a genre-defying catalog that spans regional Mexican, reggaeton, pop, and bachata, he’s crafted chart-topping hits that cross borders and break records. His work has earned him 26 Grammy wins, making him one of the most decorated writers in the industry today. But beyond the accolades, he’s a true musical chameleon—effortlessly fusing cultural roots with modern sounds to create melodies that resonate worldwide. He brings heart, hustle, and authenticity to everything he touches.

And the writer is… Edgar Barrera!


Timestamp | Chapter Title

00:00 | Intro and Sponsor

00:45 | Meet Your Host: Ross Golan

01:08 | Follow @AndTheWriterIs

01:17 | Presented by NMPA

02:09 | Guest Introduction: Edgar Barrera

03:00 | How Edgar Became a Hitmaker

06:30 | Global Success and Crossover Hits

10:00 | Writing for Regional Mexican Artists

15:00 | Secrets Behind Chart-Topping Songs

19:00 | Challenges and Pressure of Success

23:00 | Building a Cross-Cultural Career

28:00 | The Power of Simplicity in Songwriting

32:00 | Lessons from Collaborating with Legends

37:00 | How Edgar Approaches Artist Development

42:00 | Staying Grounded Amid Global Fame

47:00 | Behind The Scenes of Major Hits

52:00 | Edgar’s Advice to the Next Generation

57:00 | Wrapping Up: Gratitude and Staying Inspired


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

Show more...
2 months ago
1 hour 19 minutes 37 seconds

And The Writer Is...with Ross Golan
Ep. 207: D'Mile | From a Crammed Apartment to The Sound of a Generation, Silk Sonic, and more

Today’s guest is the mastermind behind some of the most captivating sounds in modern R&B and pop. With an ear for creating melodies that feel as intimate as they do expansive, he’s responsible for shaping hits that make you feel everything from joy to heartbreak. Whether he's behind the boards or penning the perfect lyrics, his ability to blend vulnerability with irresistible hooks has made him a go-to collaborator for some of the biggest names in music. From soulful ballads to undeniable bangers, his tracks are the ones that never leave your head—and always leave you wanting more. 


And the producer and songwriter is...Dernst "D'Mile" Emile II!


00:00 - Cold Open: Gaga, Bruno & a Midnight Session 

00:28 - Intro: Welcome to And The Writer Is  

01:22 - How D’Mile Got His Name  

05:10 - Growing Up with Jazz, Gospel & Biggie  

10:30 - Producing His First Song at Age 6  

12:15 - Almost Signed to Universal at 19  

16:45 - Rodney Jerkins & Darkchild Studio Era  

21:05 - 9 Creatives in a 3-Bedroom Apartment  

25:30 - Inspiration vs. Competition in the Come-Up  

27:20 - D’Mile Nearly Quit Music in 2017  

34:17 - The Comeback: Lucky Daye & Victoria Monét  

38:16 - How Silk Sonic Started from One Song  

46:44 - Making “Leave the Door Open”  

50:18 - “Die With A Smile” feat. Gaga & Bruno  

51:58 - Producing the Artist’s Soul  

59:00 - Copy-Paste Industry vs. Timeless Records  

01:01:08 - Final Thoughts: Doing It His Way


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

Show more...
2 months ago
1 hour 3 minutes

And The Writer Is...with Ross Golan
Ep. 206: Teddy Swims | The Power of Self Belief, and Everything I Learned The Hard Way

Today’s guest is a genre-defying vocal powerhouse who’s been taking the music world by storm. Raised in the South with a love for soul, country, R&B, and rock, he blended these influences into an unmistakable style that’s all his own. With a voice that’s as powerful as it is emotive, he doesn’t just sing—he connects, turning raw, soulful covers into hits and proving he’s more than just a voice. He’s a true artist and songwriter who’s crafted songs about love, loss, and everything in between, resonating with millions around the world. Oh, and did we mention he’s one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet? If you haven’t heard his music yet, trust us, you’ll want to.


And the writer is... Teddy Swims


Timestamp | Chapter Title

00:00 | Quick Message from Our Sponsor

01:43 | Meet Your Host: Ross Golan

02:39 | Teddy Swims: From Georgia to Global

03:30 | Leaving Football Behind for Music

08:00 | Finding His Voice Through Theater

12:30 | Tattoos, Identity, and Early Reinvention

17:00 | First Bands, Bad Songs, and Growing Up

21:50 | Sponsor Break

22:00 | The Dark Side of Touring and Mental Health

26:30 | Why Teddy Started Therapy (and How It Changed Him)

31:00 | Songwriting Camps, Magic, and the "Elf Theory"

35:30 | How Teddy Learned to Choose Songs Like a Pro

40:00 | The Origin of "Teddy Swims" (and a Crazy Early Tour)

44:00 | How Covers Blew Up Teddy’s Career During the Pandemic

47:00 | Signing with Warner: Building a Real Career

50:00 | Losing Faith, Rebuilding, and Finding His Sound

53:00 | Breaking Out with "Lose Control"

56:00 | What It Takes to Really Make It (Lessons Learned)

58:00 | 5 for 5: Teddy Swims Rapid Fire Q&A


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

Show more...
3 months ago
1 hour 14 minutes 45 seconds

And The Writer Is...with Ross Golan
Ep. 205: Sung Cho of Chartmetric

We’re excited to announce a special bonus interview with Sung Cho, the CEO & Founder of our incredible sponsor, Chartmetric. Ross recently sat down with Sung to discuss how his company is building the world’s best analytics team in the music industry. Read below to find out more about Chartmetric and listen to this conversation on any platform you find your podcasts!


Chartmetric is the all-in-one platform for artists and music industry professionals, providing comprehensive streaming, social, and audience data. Since 2016, Chartmetric has strived to ensure everyone can have a successful career in music. Their easy-to-understand and powerful analytics on over 10 million artists and 100 million tracks will help answer all of your questions, from tracking your stats to discovering new talents. From playlist placements to stream counts to follower demographics and much more, it’s never been easier to understand how your artists fit in the music industry, and how they can grow. What’s even better is that Chartmetric does the work for you, providing actionable insights and beautiful visuals on their up-to-date global data from over 15 different social and streaming platforms. Find out more at chartmetric.com!



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

Show more...
4 months ago
16 minutes 4 seconds

And The Writer Is...with Ross Golan
Ep. 204: Wiz Khalifa

Today’s guest is a true jack-of-all-trades—part artist, part entrepreneur, and full-on icon. From nurturing a die-hard fanbase to dominating the charts across genres, he’s built an empire over the course of his incredible career. This diamond certified superstar is the pride of Pittsburgh and has proven time and time again that you can do it all—and do it well.


And The Writer Is…Wiz Khalifa!



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

Show more...
5 months ago
1 hour 2 minutes 5 seconds

And The Writer Is...with Ross Golan
Ep. 203: Ashley Gorley pt.3

Today’s guest is the definition of a songwriting legend! With a record-breaking 76 #1 hits (and counting), 10 ASCAP Songwriter of the Year awards, and the title of NSAI Songwriter of the Decade for 2010-2019, he’s set a standard that’s hard to match. His songs have dominated the charts and sound-tracked lives, earning him Grammy, CMA, and ACM nominations and wins along the way. But behind the stats is a humble, hardworking collaborator whose passion for music and dedication to the songwriting community make him one of the most respected names in the game. He’s the guy behind the hits and the inspiration behind the hustle.


And The Writer Is…Ashley Gorley!



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

Show more...
6 months ago
1 hour 12 minutes 17 seconds

And The Writer Is...with Ross Golan
Ep. 202: Steph Jones

Today’s guest is a lyrical powerhouse who’s been shaping the sound of pop, country, indie, and electronic music with her signature style. She started her songwriting journey in church before taking a leap of faith to Nashville, where she quickly became the go-to writer for heartfelt, unforgettable lyrics. From crafting hits for the biggest names in music to lighting up every room she enters, her talent and spirit are unmatched. Hailing from the Show Me State, she’s shown us how to turn a dream into a career. With her one-of-a-kind voice (on and off the page), this songwriter proves that faith, passion, and a little bit of Missouri grit can take you anywhere.


And The Writer Is…Steph Jones!



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

Show more...
6 months ago
1 hour 17 minutes 46 seconds

And The Writer Is...with Ross Golan
Ep. 201: apg live event (Grizz,London Jae,Kevin White,Lowell)

This week, we highlight a live panel for APG’s 20th anniversary, hosted by Ross Golan. The event honors not just a company, but a community of artists, songwriters, producers, and all those who believe in the power of music to inspire, challenge, and connect us.


Twenty years ago, APG set out with a bold vision: to be an independent powerhouse for both music publishing and artist development. Founded by Mike Caren, APG has grown into a unique space where creativity thrives and where artists can build their brands and realize their visions on their own terms. It’s been a launchpad for incredible talent like Charlie Puth, Kehlani, Kevin Gates, Ava Max, and so many others. But more than that, it’s been a platform where music creators are empowered to succeed on every level—whether it’s securing partnerships across film, TV, and advertising, or finding the best possible collaborations with writers and producers who help bring their music to life.



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

Show more...
6 months ago
46 minutes 47 seconds

And The Writer Is...with Ross Golan
Ep. 200: Jack Antonoff Pt.2

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.

Show more...
7 months ago
1 hour 22 minutes 14 seconds

And The Writer Is...with Ross Golan
Ep. 199: Amy Allen Pt.2

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.

Show more...
7 months ago
1 hour 13 minutes 54 seconds

And The Writer Is...with Ross Golan
Ep. 198: Stephan Moccio

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.

Show more...
7 months ago
1 hour 21 minutes 54 seconds

And The Writer Is...with Ross Golan
Every week, we sit down with an acclaimed and venerable songwriter to intimately discuss what happens behind closed doors in the music industry. There are millions of singers, thousands of artists, and only 40 top songs per genre at a time... this podcast is about the people who make them. Produced by Joe London & Ross Golan in association with Big Deal Music & Mega House Music. And The Writer Is... ™

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