And The Writer Is...with Ross Golan

This week’s episode features an industry executive who is Apple Music’s first Global Senior Director of Music Publishing. She leads a team that cultivates and fosters relationships with music publishers and songwriters, ensuring licensing, payments, and creative solutions are readily available and handled appropriately. Our guest began her career in the entertainment industry as a barrister in the U.K. and then an entertainment litigation attorney at Mitchell, Silberberg & Knupp in Los Angeles, CA. She was appointed to her post at Apple in 2018 when she hung up her barrister’s wig and transitioned from the legal side of the entertainment industry to the business. In her more than 14 years at Apple, she has been intimately involved in the expansion of iTunes to countless countries around the world, the launch of Apple Music in more than 100 countries on one day (including being responsible for licensing of all publishing rights for the service outside the US), and played a key role in all 10 editions of th

He is one half of the GRAMMY Award-winning and Billboard Chart-topping artist/producer duo, The Chainsmokers, who have evolved into a dominating musical force with a diverse repertoire of songs that have led them to become one of music's hottest recording artists. In 2016, the group catapulted to worldwide stardom with three Multi-Platinum certified hits - "Roses (ft. Rozes)”, "Don't Let Me Down (ft.Daya)”, and "Closer (ft. Halsey)”, which went on to become the longest-running #1 single of 2016 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. In 2017, the group released its debut album via Disruptor/Columbia Records titled ‘Memories... Do Not Open’. The album, which has been certified Platinum, debuted at #1 in the U.S. on the Billboard 200 chart and produced Multi-Platinum certified smash hits "Paris" and "Something Just Like This" featuring Coldplay. In 2018, The Chainsmokers released the album ‘Sick Boy’, which has accumulated over 1 billion worldwide streams to date and includes Platinum-certified single "This Feeling (ft

The epitome of the phrase “persistence pays off,” today’s guest laid it all on the line to make his dreams a reality. This artist and songwriter moved to Nashville from Southern Delaware with $21 in his pocket. He lived in his car and worked multiple odd jobs waiting tables, making smoothies at a gym, stocking shelves at Wal-Mart, etc. Now signed to BBR Music Group’s Stoney Creek Records, a lifetime of never giving up has brought him full circle. His debut single “Best Shot” from his 2018 debut album ‘Mercury Lane’ is an RIAA certified Platinum hit that claimed the No. 1 spot on Country radio for three weeks. On the heels of that success, his second single “Make Me Want To” hit the No. 1 spot on the Country Airplay chart this year, marking the first time in history that a Black artist launched their career with two consecutive No. 1 singles on Country radio. His talent for songwriting is undeniable, with a knack for razor-sharp hooks and a love of deep messages. In 2019, he received his first ACM nomination f

He is a six-time Grammy Award winner and one of popular music’s most accomplished producers and songwriters, whose records have sold more than 150 million copies worldwide. During his diverse career, he has worked with the biggest names in music, from Barbra Streisand and Aerosmith to Dave Matthews and Katy Perry. He wrote and arranged “Man in the Mirror” for Michael Jackson, and co-wrote and produced the Grammy-winning and Oscar-nominated song “Believe” by Josh Groban for the feature film ‘The Polar Express’. He has written and produced songs for Quincy Jones, Aretha Franklin, Shakira, Idina Menzel, George Benson, George Strait, Wilson Phillips, Van Halen, Chaka Khan, Patti Austin, Al Jarreau, Andrea Bocelli, and many others. And his production credits include producing and arranging records for Annie Lennox, No Doubt, and POD. Also quite notably, he produced and co-wrote Alanis Morissette’s ‘Jagged Little Pill’ which sold 33 million records worldwide, earned four Grammys and was named Best Album of the Deca

Today’s guest is a music producer, songwriter, and entrepreneur who brings a versatile and dynamic dimension to the music industry. Her skill within multiple genres, as well as melody alignment, makes her a highly sought-after collaborator. Having worked alongside well-known producer and music executive, Ernest Dion “No I.D.” Wilson, She is the next “it producer”. Her work includes “MAINTAIN (ft. Nav)” by Belly, “Overstimulated” by Jhene Aiko, "Bad News" and “Pearls” with Luke James, “Slim Thicc” by Dawn Richard featuring our guest, as well as collaborations with Andra Day and Vic Mensa. She launched her DJ career at the renowned Soundset Festival and has also scored original music for projects with Rhude Menswear’s SS 2021 Paris Fashion Week short film ‘The Audacity to Dream’, Reebok, Gimlet ESPN/The Undefeated, and the feature film ‘This Changes Everything’ starring Reese Witherspoon, Shonda Rhimes, Geena Davis, and Zoe Salanda. As an advocate, she encourages women to seek greater access to roles in the mal

Our guests this week are two Grammy Award-winning artists, songwriters and musicians who were members of the alternative rock band, R.E.M. Having established a powerful legacy as one of the most enduring and essential rock bands in popular music history, R.E.M. pioneered the alt-rock movement of the ‘90s, influencing the likes of Radiohead, Nirvana, Pavement and Pearl Jam. Formed in 1980, the group enjoyed an extraordinary three-decade-long run of creative vitality and multi-platinum sales before amicably disbanding in 2011. With the massive commercial and critical success of 1991’s ‘Out of Time’ and 1992’s ‘Automatic for the People,’ in just a few years, the Athens, GA, four-piece had become one of the biggest, most recognizable bands in the world, thanks to hits like “Losing My Religion,” “Man on the Moon” and “Everybody Hurts.” Despite great success, the band members never lost track of their core values—remaining outspoken in their views about political, social, and environmental issues, and never waverin

Our guest is a 22-year-old Grammy-winning songwriter, record producer, and artist from Union, New Jersey. She is best known for her work with Beyoncé and Jay Z (“Heard About Us”, “LoveHappy”), Cardi B (“Ring”, “I Do”), and Chris Brown and Drake (“No Guidance”) as well as her releases with Post Malone, Meek Mill, Travis Scott, Anitta, 21 Savage, Ella Mai, Major Lazer, and many more. Most recently she celebrated her first No. 1 for Lady Gaga’s single with Ariana Grande, “Rain On Me”, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart. She has also gained attention as a featured artist alongside Beyoncé and Tierra Whack on the record, "My Power" from the Lion King live-action soundtrack album,’The Lion King: The Gift’. This year she was named an honoree in Forbes 30 under 30 Class of 2020. And The Writer Is...Nija Charles!Artwork: Michael Richey WhitePhoto: Nailah HowzeThis episode is sponsored by BMI and ROYALTIES, a new show from Darren Criss available exclusively on Quibi. Watch the whole season now and he

This Season 1 guest is a Grammy-nominated and multi-Platinum-selling songwriter who was recently recognized as the 2019 BMI Pop Songwriter of the Year and whose works have been collectively streamed over 12 billion times globally. Some of her most notable co-writes include the 3-time Grammy-nominated "Stronger" by Kelly Clarkson, the multi-format No. 1 “Let Me Love You (feat. Justin Bieber)” by DJ Snake, international hits "Havana (feat. Young Thug)" by Camila Cabello, "It Ain't Me (feat. Selena Gomez)" by Kygo, "Lonely Together (feat. Rita Ora)" by Avicii, “Anywhere” by Rita Ora, “Wolves” by Selena Gomez & Marshmello, “Let Me Go (feat. Florida Georgia Line & watt)” by Alesso & Hailee Steinfeld, “Girls (feat. Cardi B, Bebe Rexha & Charli XCX)” by Rita Ora, and “Youngblood” by 5SOS. Most recently, she co-wrote 9 songs off the latest 5SOS album, ‘CALM,’ 7 songs on Rita Ora's album, ‘Phoenix,’ 6 songs off the latest Camila Cabello album, ‘Romance,’ The Chainsmokers’ x Bebe Rexha single “Call You

This guest from Season 1 is a songwriter, producer, artist, and father who has built an incomparable resume over the past decade. He is known for his work with Lizzo, Meghan Trainor, Twenty One Pilots, Christina Aguilera, Halsey, Leon Bridges, Kesha, Phantogram, Bomba Estéreo, and more. Been nominated for 5 GRAMMY Awards, two of which for Producer of The Year in 2019 and 2016. He’s launched his label, Nice Life Recording Company, and founded the publishing company Nice Life Copyright Company. He was a major contributor to Lizzo’s breakout album ‘Cuz I Love You’, and co-wrote and co-produced the No. 1 hit “Truth Hurts.” These days you can find him on his weekly YouTube series, ‘NICE LIVE’ where he sat down with Ross for this interview. And The Writer Is… Ricky Reed!Please join us to help keep the music community alive and thriving, giving it as much as it gives us. To donate or to apply for assistance visit the MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund site: https://www.grammy.com/musicares/get-help/musicares-coronavirus

We last spoke with this guest in Season 2. Since then he has earned 47 No. 1 singles and has had more than 300 songs recorded by artists such as Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, Florida Georgia Line, Blake Shelton, Brad Paisley, Jason Aldean, and Darius Rucker. He has been named the ASCAP Country Songwriter of the Year 7 times. And the NSAI Songwriter of the Year 4 times. He has been nominated for multiple Grammy, CMA, and ACM Awards and is the most decorated CMA Triple Play Awards recipient with 15 total trophies to his credit. In 2011, he formed Tape Room Music, a publishing company with a focus on artist development. And The Writer Is… Ashley Gorley!Please join us to help keep the music community alive and thriving, giving it as much as it gives us. To donate or to apply for assistance visit the MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund site: https://www.grammy.com/musicares/get-help/musicares-coronavirus-relief-fund Watch this video interview on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/andthewriteris or on Instagram at

This Season 2 guest is a mother, singer, songwriter, producer, label head, and BMI Country Songwriter of the Year winner from Sterling, Kansas. Since we last spoke to her, she launched her label, Songs & Daughters, an imprint of Big Loud (which will soon have a publishing division). The company is dedicated to signing female artists and nurturing both the art and the artist. She also co-wrote the No. 1, 4xPlatinum single “Tequila” by Dan + Shay, which won the GRAMMY Award for Best Country Duo/Group Performance. The song also won Single and Song of the Year at the CMA’s and BMI’s Country Song of the Year. Many of her songs have been recorded by Florida Georgia Line, Miranda Lambert, Luke Bryan, Camila Cabello, Kenny Chesney, Thomas Rhett, Keith Urban, Lady Antebellum, Lee Brice, Kelsea Ballerini, Raelynn, Walker Hayes, Martina McBride, among others. And The Writer Is… Nicolle Galyon!Please join us to help keep the music community alive and thriving, giving it as much as it gives us. To donate or to apply f

This Grammy-nominated, Season 1 guest is known for his big hooks, masterful use of dynamics, and innovative sound design. Since we last spoke with him he’s had a global hit with Maroon 5’s “Girls Like You (ft. Cardi B)” which he produced and co-wrote. As well as Maroon 5’s smash single “What Lovers Do (ft. SZA).” He’s co-written and/or produced for Selena Gomez, RUFUS DU SOL, Jonas Brothers, Ingrid Michaelson, Clean Bandit, Hobo Johnson, Charlie Puth, Bebe Rexha, Charlotte Lawrence, Chromeo and more. And recently, he and his wife formed a music duo called Elephant Heart, which pushes genre boundaries and expresses ideas of love and spirituality. And The Writer is… Jason Evigan!Please join us to help keep the music community alive and thriving, giving it as much as it gives us. To donate or to apply for assistance visit the MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund site: https://www.grammy.com/musicares/get-help/musicares-coronavirus-relief-fund Watch this video interview on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/andthe

This Season 1 guest is one of the most in-demand songwriters in the industry. Since we last spoke, they've written on some of the most significant recent albums including Ariana Grande's ‘Thank U, Next,’ Jonas Brothers' ‘Happiness Begins,’ and Selena Gomez’s new no. 1 record ‘Rare.’ They’ve also worked with an impressive range of artists such as Dua Lipa, King Princess, YUNGBLUD, Camilla Cabello, Marshmello, as well as the diverse roster of artists, producers, and songwriters signed to Facet (the record label & publishing company that they co-founded). They have earned consecutive BMI “Songwriter of the Year” awards in 2017 & 2018, and Grammy & Golden Globe nominations. Throughout the years, they’ve continued to give back as a committed activist & GLAAD Board member, using their platform to rally for change across many causes. And in 2019 they were given the ACLU’s Bill of Rights honor for their activism, making history as the first gender non-conforming honoree to receive the award. And The W

In this episode, we catch up with a Season 3 guest who is a Grammy-winning, multi-platinum artist and songwriter who has written songs for mainstream pop artists such as Dua Lipa, Shawn Mendes, The Chainsmokers, FRENSHIP, Charli XCX, and more. Most recently, she co-wrote Dua Lipa’s No.1, platinum single, “Don’t Start Now” which spent 6 weeks at the top of the pop radio charts. A native of New York City And The Writer Is…Emily Warren!Please join us to help keep the music community alive and thriving, giving it as much as it gives us. To donate or to apply for assistance visit the MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund site: https://www.grammy.com/musicares/get-help/musicares-coronavirus-relief-fund Watch this video interview on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/andthewriteris or on Instagram at @andthewriteris.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Today we catch up with a prolific Season 1 guest who is a Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum, songwriter and producer. He has written multiple hit songs, including “Memories,” “Sugar”, and “Don’t Wanna Know” by Maroon 5, “Attention” and “How Long” by Charlie Puth, “Look What God Gave Her” by Thomas Rhett, “No” and “Me Too” by Meghan Trainor, and recently co-wrote Katy Perry’s new single “Never Worn White” as well as “Feel Myself” for Selena Gomez’s new album ‘Rare’. And The Writer Is… J Kash!Please join us to help keep the music community alive and thriving, giving it as much as it gives us. To donate or to apply for assistance visit the MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund site: https://www.grammy.com/musicares/get-help/musicares-coronavirus-relief-fundWatch this video interview on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/andthewriteris or on Instagram at @andthewriteris.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In the first episode of our “And The Writer Stays at Home” series, we catch up with a Grammy-nominated writer and producer from Season 3 who has produced and written for artists such as Jason Derulo, Selena Gomez, Nick Jonas, Justin Bieber, Britney Spears, Pitbull, Chris Brown, Dua Lipa, and more. Most recently, this Los Angeles native co-wrote and produced Dua Lipa’s current Top 40 No.1 hit single, “Don’t Start Now,” which was just RIAA certified platinum. And he also co-wrote and produced Selena Gomez’s single “Look at Her Now” from her No. 1 album ‘Rare.’ And The Writer Is… Ian Kirkpatrick!Please join us to help keep the music community alive and thriving, giving it as much as it gives us. To donate or to apply for assistance visit the MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund site: https://www.grammy.com/musicares/get-help/musicares-coronavirus-relief-fund Watch this video interview on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/andthewriteris or on Instagram at @andthewriteris.  See acast.com/privacy for priv

NOW ANNOUNCING: AND THE WRITER…STAYS AT HOME! WHILE WE’RE ALL UNDER QUARANTINE AND ADHERING TO THE GOVERNMENTS RECOMMENDED SOCIAL DISTANCING GUIDELINES, WE DECIDED TO CHECK IN WITH SOME OF THE WRITERS IN OUR COMMUNITY TO SEE HOW THE CURRENT CRISIS IS AFFECTING THEIR WRITING PROCESS AND DAILY LIVES. WE HOPE YOU ENJOY AND FIND THEM REASSURING IN KNOWING YOU ARE NOT ALONE. WE’RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER. STAY SAFE AND STAY HOME!!  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In today’s MUST-LISTEN episode we catch-up with Season 2 guest, President, and CEO of the National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA), David Israelite. Israelite is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the NMPA’s operations, from legal strategy and implementation to government affairs and advocacy. His tenure to date has produced landmark successes on behalf of songwriters and publishers including the Music Modernization Act (MMA) and the largest CRB rate increase in history, in addition to groundbreaking industry collaboration in royalty rate agreements and raising the profile of the publishing community.We begin our conversation highlighting the new CARES Act which was signed into law on March 27th, 2020 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic which offers various types of provisions to individuals in need of aid. We also discuss the current state of the world and the music industry, specifically how it has affected songwriters and publishers. And we look back on the time in between our last conversation with I

We were all devastated by the loss of the great Allee Willis last December. Needless to say, she was truly one of a kind. Revisit our episode with her and join us in remembering and celebrating Allee's life and work.Our guest is a one-woman creative musical think-tank, a multi-disciplinary artist and visionary thinker whose range of imagination and productivity knows no bounds. This GRAMMY, Emmy and Tony award-winning and nominated songwriter’s hits include the seemingly ubiquitous "September" and "Boogie Wonderland" by Earth, Wind & Fire, “I'll Be There for You” (the Friends theme song), as well as the co-authored Oprah Winfrey-produced Tony and GRAMMY-winning musical, The Color Purple. She has written for artists across many genres, including Cher, Diana Ross, Ray Charles, Herbie Hancock, Bonnie Raitt, Tina Turner, Boy George, Patti LaBelle, Justin Timberlake and more. She is an advocate for songwriter’s rights being credited as the first pop artist to address Congress on artist rights in cyberspac

This week we’ve partnered with the Songwriters Hall of Fame to bring you the final episode of Season 5, which features our special guest host, Hannah Karp, editorial director of Billboard. Among music legends, this guest is truly exceptional. He amplifies his legacy as a multiple GRAMMY-winning composer, producer, arranger, and guitarist by constantly traversing new musical terrain and successfully expanding the boundaries of popular music. As the co-founder of CHIC and the newly elected Chairman of the Songwriters Hall of Fame, he pioneered a musical language that generated chart-topping hits like “Le Freak,” (the biggest selling single in the history of Atlantic Records) and sparked the advent of hip-hop with “Good Times”. This writer transcends all styles of music across every generation with a body of work that’s garnered him inductions into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (2017) and the Songwriters Hall of Fame (2016). With the late Bernard Edwards, he was responsible for writing and producing the songs