大象传媒

How do you write a song? Lamont Dozier said to his girlfriend when she threatened to leave him: 鈥淪top! In the name of love!鈥� Followed shortly by: 鈥淒id you hear that cash register?鈥� Later that day the legendary Motown songwriter went into the studio and turned that moment of romantic strife into the title of a classic single.

That is just one of the amazing songwriting stories collected by Simon Barber and Brian O鈥機onnor, two Liverpool musicians collectively known as Sodajerker. On their hit podcast, they quiz their subjects on everything from the instruments they use and where they write to whether they thrive under deadline pressure. Their stellar list of interviewees includes Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil (who have written dozens of hits, including You鈥檝e Lost that Lovin鈥� Feeling); Jimmy Webb; Joan Armatrading; Adele鈥檚 songwriter Dan Wilson; Adam Duritz of the Counting Crows and many more.

Simon and Brian distil what they learned about songwriting from the stories they gathered. They probe their subjects to find out where they get their ideas, who they like to work with, and how a jumble of words and notes becomes a finished tune. Along the way they get a unique insight into the craft, inspiration and luck that lie behind the soundtracks of our lives.

(Photo: Simon Barber and Brian O鈥機onnor, also known as Sodajerker. Credit: Matt Thomas)