SONG DIVING - An American Songwriter Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

In this rare interview with Ray Lamontagne, Ray goes deep into writing the songs on his remarkable debut album “Trouble,” celebrating its 20th anniversary. And he talks about the songs that wrote him including Everly Brothers, Paul Simon, and Metallica. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We dive in with Old 97’s frontman Rhett Miller to explore the songs he’s written and the songs that shaped him. Rhett shares the wild origin of “Our Love,” reflects on Dylan, creative theft, vulnerability, and more. A sharp, funny, and revealing look at one of Americana’s most enduring songwriters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We dive in with Rufus Wainwright to explore the songs he’s written and the songs that wrote him. Rufus reflects on the listening moments that shaped his creative voice—from childhood records to a life-changing Nina Simone album—along with songwriting, ambition, and the long arc of a body of work at the crossroads of pop, opera, folk, and the great American songbook. A thoughtful, revealing look at a truly singular artist. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We dive in with Marc Roberge of O.A.R. to explore the songs he’s written and the songs that wrote him. Marc reflects on the instincts and early influences that shaped his creative voice, tracing a path from starting as a band in eighth grade to selling out Madison Square Garden—and what it takes to stay connected to the work. A relaxed, honest look at a band built on curiosity, chemistry, and the long road of building a life in music. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We dive in with Adam Duritz of Counting Crows to explore the songs he’s written, including “Round Here,” “A Long December,” and “Butterfly in Reverse,” and the music that shaped his creative voice from R.E.M. to Richard Thompson to Run DMC. Adam reflects on returning to songwriting after a long quiet stretch, the instincts and influences that guide his work, and the moments when you realize a song isn’t finished yet. A thoughtful, generous conversation about following your fascination, trusting your instincts, and keeping songs alive over time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We dive in with Grammy-nominated songwriter and singer Adam Wright to explore the songs he’s written and the music that shaped his creative voice — from the moment Chuck Berry changed everything to The Judds, AC/DC, Mark Knopfler, and more. Adam reflects on growing up with music coming through his bedroom wall, the permission it takes to follow a song simply because it asks you to, and the role listening and reading continue to play in his songwriting. A grounded conversation about taste, craft, and letting songs lead the way. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We dive in with Billy Corgan of The Smashing Pumpkins to talk about the songs he’s written, including “Tonight, Tonight,” “Cherub Rock,” and “Cupid de Locke,” and the music that shaped how he hears and writes songs, from The Beatles to Bob Dylan to Bad Brains to Black Sabbath. Billy talks about letting the song take you like a child by the hand and lead you where it wants to go. He also reflects on trusting that when a song doesn’t land immediately, you may be writing for another generation at another time. A generous conversation about documenting the long arc of a creative life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We dive in with Cooper Alan to explore the songs he’s written and the music that shaped his creative voice. We talk about the two sides of his personality and artistry, the heartfelt and emotionally grounded side and the fun, wild, and humorous side, and how both show up in his songwriting. Cooper also reflects on the wide-ranging music he drew from while learning to entertain bar crowds before he was old enough to even be in them, from Tom Petty and Eric Church to Uncle Kracker and Eminem. It’s an open, inviting conversation about writing songs that juggle honesty and entertainment, and leave room for both heart and humor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We dive in with Ani DiFranco to talk about the songs she’s written, including 32 Flavors, Genie, and This Bouquet, along with the music and voices that shaped how she hears and writes songs, from Suzanne Vega to Betty Carter to Baaba Maal.Ani talks about her new book "The Spirit of Ani," learning patience in her songmaking, collaborating with spirit, and the impossible work of finding words to describe feelings. It’s an open conversation about presence, trusting the process, and standing at the far edge of a long creative era. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We dive in with AJ Croce, son of the late Jim Croce and the driving force behind the Croce plays Croce tour, a live show that blends his own songs with his father’s classics. We talk about the songs he’s written, the legacy of Jim Croce, and the music that shaped how AJ hears and writes, from Ray Charles and Little Richard to Fats Waller and Billie Holiday.It’s a conversation rooted in history, craft, and a deep understanding of American music. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices