And The Writer Is...with Ross Golan

• Ep. 221: Andrew Watt | How He Became the Go-To Producer for the World’s Biggest Artists

  Today's guest is one of the most sought-after hitmakers of the last decade. A Grammy-winning producer, songwriter, and guitarist whose genre-bending work has shaped the sound of modern music. From rock legends to pop superstars, he’s collaborated with Justin Bieber, Post Malone, Ozzy Osbourne, The Rolling Stones, Dua Lipa, Miley Cyrus, and more — earning The Recording Academy’s Producer of the Year award and cementing his status as one of the most in-demand hitmakers on the planet.And the writer is... Andrew Watt!In this episode, Watt opens up to Ross about the relentless drive, bold creative leaps, and collaborative ethos that fueled his journey from bar gigs and $100-a-week tours to producing global anthems.Listeners will learn:How to build trust and chemistry in the studioWhy great producers prioritize vibe and artist comfort over gearHow to manage egos, collaboration splits, and team dynamics at the top levelThe real stories behind hits like Let Me Love You, Havana, Señorita, Stay, and PeachesHow to survive imposter syndrome and stay creatively free under pressureChapters0:00 - Andrew Watt: The Hitmaking Legend1:12 - From Bieber to Ozzy: Watt’s Epic Journey2:20 - Studio Sparks: Watt’s Energy vs. Cirkut’s Chill4:47 - Rock Gods: Producing Pearl Jam & Stones8:02 - Post Malone Meets Ozzy: A Game-Changer9:31 - Rainbow Bar Magic: Ozzy & Post’s Collab14:54 - Greece Hustle: $100/Week Tour Life19:14 - Why Watt Never Quit Music24:44 - Guitar to Glory: Cody Simpson to Bieber27:01 - Music Truth: Results Are Everything28:52 - “Let Me Love You”: Bieber’s Wild Ride39:52 - Pop Hits: “Havana” & “Wolves” Secrets42:02 - Dream Team: Ali, Brian & Pop Gold46:21 - “Havana” Moment: Camila’s Mic Drop48:27 - Post Malone: Instant Bond & Real Talk50:06 - Imposter Syndrome: Honesty in the Studio51:17 - “Stay”: Post’s Non-Pop Masterpiece56:22 - “Peaches”: Justin’s Jam with Shawn & Hailey58:38 - Demos That Hit Hard: Watt’s Emotions1:00:36 - Lady Gaga: Crafting a Visual Epic1:02:15 - Bruno & D’Mile: “Die with a Smile” Magic1:06:34 - Prank Call Chaos1:12:11 - Prank Aftermath1:19:17 - Heartfelt Loss: Watt’s Tribute to a Friend1:20:16 - Ozzy’s Advice: Be Kind on the Way UpThis season of And The Writer Is… is presented by the National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA) — the voice of American songwriters, composers, and music publishers.And The Writer Is...Hosted by Ross GolanExecutive Produced by Joe London and Jad Saad Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• Ep. 220: Tayla Parx | Redefining Yourself, Branding & Building a Lasting Career

  Today’s guest is more than a hitmaker — she’s a creative force who has shaped the sound of a generation. From penning chart-toppers like “Thank U, Next” (Ariana Grande), “High Hopes” (Panic! at the Disco), and “Love Lies” (Khalid & Normani) to building her own label, publishing company, and artist career, her story is a masterclass in reinvention, resilience, and longevity.And the writer is… Tayla Parx!In this episode, Tayla sits down with Ross to unpack how she’s navigated more than a decade at the top of the music industry — from her start in Hairspray to writing with Babyface, to becoming one of the few Black women with a #1 country song. She opens up about:Surviving the pressures of back-to-back sessions and industry burnoutTurning setbacks into fuel for her artistry and business venturesWhy branding yourself as a songwriter matters as much as the songsThe art of staying relevant without chasing trendsHow to keep building a catalog that pays you for decades to comeFor every songwriter, artist, or creative grinding to build a career that lasts — this is the blueprint.🎧 Listen now and learn how Tayla Parx keeps writing hits… again and again.Chapters0:00 Teaser – Why Longevity Matters in Music1:37 Intro: And The Writer Is… Tayla Parx!8:33 From Dallas Kid to Hairspray & Nickelodeon Star12:49 Finding Songwriting & Learning From Babyface14:07 Leaving Acting Behind to Chase Music Full-Time24:53 The Warner Chappell Era: Building a Writer Community27:15 Breakthrough Hits: “Thank U, Next” & “High Hopes”31:38 NMPA Ad – Fighting for Songwriter Rights32:45 Inside the Story of “Thank U, Next”39:37 How to Build a Catalog That Pays for Decades40:55 “Love Lies” & Crossing Genres as a Hitmaker50:34 Advocating for Women, Black Creatives & LGBTQ+ Voices52:00 Why Tayla Still Releases Her Own Music53:20 From Bieber to John Legend to Country #155:32 Exploring Jazz, R&B, and Children’s Music59:34 Song Splits, Collaboration & Session Dynamics1:03:41 Why Collaboration Matters (and When to Write Alone)1:11:38 The Secret to Longevity & Reinvention1:16:25 Closing Reflections & LegacyAnd The Writer Is… is presented by The National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA) — advocating for songwriters, music publishers, and their essential rights.Learn more at NMPA.orgHosted by Ross GolanExecutive Produced by Joe London and Jad SaadWatercolor by Michael White Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• Ep. 219: Laufey | Redefining Jazz for a New Generation

  Today’s guest is nothing short of a phenomenon.With roots in Iceland and China, raised in a family of classical musicians, she grew up between symphony halls and jazz records — and has now become the defining voice of her generation.Her music is a breathtaking blend of timeless jazz, classical elegance, and modern storytelling that has captivated millions around the world. From posting standards online during college to headlining the Hollywood Bowl, she’s built a movement — proving that jazz not only lives, but thrives in the hands of a new generation.Her Grammy-winning sophomore album, Bewitched, cemented her as an international force. And now with her brand-new release, A Matter of Time, she dives deeper into emotional vulnerability and sonic ambition — pushing jazz, classical, and folk influences into a sound that feels both cinematic and intimate.Named one of Time’s Women of the Year, celebrated by critics and adored by fans, she is redefining what it means to be an artist in the modern age.And The Writer Is… Laufey!And The Writer Is… is hosted by Ross Golan and executive produced by Joe London and Jad Saad. As always, we’d like to thank our friends at the National Music Publishers’ Association. The NMPA is dedicated to protecting the rights of songwriters and music publishers, ensuring that the creators behind the songs we love are fairly represented and compensated. We’re grateful for their continued support of this show and our community of writers.Learn more at NMPA.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• Ep. 218: Conan Gray | How a Bedroom Dreamer Became a Global Voice

  Today’s guest began on YouTube — a teenager posting bedroom covers to a handful of viewers.Now, his songs have been streamed billions of times across the globe.He’s headlined sold-out arenas on multiple continents, become a global fashion force, and built one of the most devoted fanbases of his generation.He’s collaborated with legends like Max Martin, while never losing the raw honesty that made his music essential in the first place.He’s not just a rising star — he’s already one of pop’s defining voices.And with his new album, he proves that even at the biggest scale, vulnerability is still his superpower.And the writer is… Conan Gray!Follow us on socials! @andthewriteris Thank you to NMPA for sponsoring this season, and fighting for songwriters as well as this podcast.00:00 – This Is Conan Gray (teaser)01:00 – Singing Disney With Ross 🎶02:00 – From Bedroom Dreams to Billions02:59 – Growing Up Lonely, Writing to Survive04:45 – The Music Video That Rewired His Brain06:30 – When Adele Proved Bedroom Songs Were Possible07:30 – Uploading at Age 9 (Before He Knew the Internet)14:15 – “Nothing Sounded Like Me”15:45 – Panic Attacks → Falling in Love With Touring21:15 – Dropping Out & Betting Everything on Music23:20 – The Moment His Sister Realized He Was Famous24:30 – Turning Heartbreak Into Healing on Stage26:00 – The Nightmare of Empty Venues28:30 – Dan Nigro: The Producer Who Changed Everything30:15 – Why Conan Refuses to Believe He’s ‘Made It’33:22 – Ad Break – Support Songwriters (NMPA)34:00 – ‘Maniac’: The Shower Song That Hit a Billion 🚿35:45 – Heather: The Song Everyone Slept On… Until They Didn’t40:32 – Found Heaven: His Public Bootcamp43:23 – Max Martin’s Biggest Lesson (That Changed His Writing)47:00 – Rediscovering Himself on Wishbone50:05 – The Falsetto High Note That Almost Broke Him52:07 – Cornell: The Song Too Honest to Ignore53:00 – Why Radical Honesty Is His Only Rule55:00 – Why His Art Isn’t Just Music56:00 – The Three Songs That Define His New Era01:03:15 – What He’d Tell 12-Year-Old Conan01:07:00 – Ross: “You Wrote a Song I Wish Was Mine”Hosted by Ross GolanExecutive Produced by Joe London and Jad Saad Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• Ep. 217: Rodney Jerkins pt.2 | How He Turned Belief Into Hits — And Changed Music Forever

  He believed before anyone else did.Before the Grammys.Before the 39 billion streams.Before Say My Name changed the sound of radio forever.He was just a kid on a New Jersey bus, chasing a dream no one else could see.In this episode, legendary producer Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins shares how faith, fire, and pure conviction took him from a basement studio to shaping the sound of a generation. From Michael Jackson to Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, and Sam Smith, Rodney opens up about the mindset behind the music — and why belief is still the most powerful tool a creator has.You’ll hear about the reset that saved his career, the changing landscape of songwriting in the AI era, and the stories behind some of the most iconic records of the last 25 years.And The Writer Is... Rodney Jerkins.Topics:The real story behind Say My Name Working with Michael Jackson, Beyoncé, and GagaWhy belief matters more than talentHow to stay inspired (even after burnout)AI, music tech, and what’s missing from today's processWhat every songwriter needs to know about their valueSponsored by:SONA, DIMA, Amazon Music, and YouTube Songwriters.Thank you for supporting us and protecting the future of songwriting!Produced by Ross Golan, Joe London, and Jad Saad Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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