Sodajerker On Songwriting

This bonus episode of the podcast was recorded live on 4 September 2026 as part of the Sodajerker Songwriting Lab at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. Our special guests were two-time Ivor Novello winner Sacha Skarbek (Adele, James Blunt, Miley Cyrus) and songwriter, producer and session musician Ben Parker (Paolo Nutini, Paul Weller, Sons of Town Hall). Together, they are co-founders of the Skarbek Songwriting Academy. Before an audience of 15 writers about to co-write together for the first time, Sacha and Ben talked about their approach to songwriting, the challenges of working in the music business, and what it takes to collaborate at the highest level. If you'd like to come to a future Sodajerker songwriting workshop, join our mailing list or get in touch through the website.

Brandon Flowers of The Killers joins Sodajerker to discuss his new solo album Thrasher, a country record cut live at Nashville's RCA Studio A. Brandon explains how the album returns him to the music his father raised him on, and the lessons that still underpin his fighting spirit today. He also discusses how U2 informed 'Mr. Brightside', what he learned about pre-choruses from Oasis, and writing on the piano Elton John sent to his house.

Ryan Tedder, songwriter to artists including Taylor Swift, Adele, and Beyoncé, and frontman of OneRepublic, talks to Sodajerker about tracking cultural shifts, writing at scale, and staying competitive in a saturated market. Drawing on his Nashville training and his apprenticeship with Timbaland, he breaks down his belief in craft, persistence, and instinct, and explains why writer's block only has power if you let it.

At Anti Social Camp in November 2025, we recorded two special live conversations with music greats Jamie Cullum and Billy Bragg. It's a rare chance to hear a pair of brilliant and very different songwriters reflect on their craft in front of an audience of songwriters and musicians. Jamie talks about working with the Royal Shakespeare Company, the creative discipline of working to a brief, and how collaboration can unlock ideas you would never find alone. Billy shares his belief in songwriting as a way of building connection and empathy, drawing on a career shaped by honesty, community, and lived experience. Together, these conversations offer a warm, generous look at how songs are made, why voice matters, and how music continues to bring people together.

Multifaceted British writer, actor, podcaster and musician Adam Buxton ushers in the 2025 holiday season with Sodajerker by chatting about his delightful record, Buckle Up, produced by Joe Mount of Metronomy. From the challenges of writing jingles to the heartfelt themes in songs like 'Pizza Time' and 'Standing Still', Adam reveals the personal stories behind his catchy tunes and the unique blend of the trivial and profound that defines his work.

Madness frontman Suggs sits down with Simon and Brian to talk about the band's new Hit Parade compilation and the writing of their classic hits. From the whimsical charm of 'Baggy Trousers', to the poignant storytelling of 'Embarrassment', Suggs reflects on the balance of joy and pathos in songwriting, the influence of London's rich cultures, and the serendipitous moments that have shaped his artistic expression.

Australian music legend Paul Kelly talks to Simon and Brian about his latest record, Seventy, and his creative process. The decorated singer-songwriter discusses the role of boredom in songwriting, the interplay of joy and sorrow in his lyrics, and how he sets poetry to music.

The enchanting Sigrid sits down in London with Simon and Brian to talk about the writing of her latest album There's Always More That I Could Say. The Norwegian powerhouse shares insights on crafting memorable hooks, overcoming writer's block, and her collaboration with creative partner Askjell. This episode is also available in video form on Sigrid's YouTube channel.