Go behind the music with some of the world's best songwriters
David Vanian of The DamnedThe Damned frontman David Vanian breaks down some of their classic cuts and explains how they got a "burst of pure energy and excitement" on their first album.Bootstraps (Jordan Beckett)Bootstraps, whose songs have been used on dozens of TV shows and movies, explains how he gets the placements. Bruce SudanoSudano talks about making music as a solo artist, with his '70s group Brooklyn Dreams, and with his wife, Donna Summer. Kate DavisKate Davis explains how she got derailed after going viral in 2014 with "All About That (Upright) Bass," and talks about how some standards perpetuate an archaic image of women. Kathy MatteaKathy Mattea talks about her work on the Ken Burns Country Music documentary (including where Garth and Taylor fit in), and how she found her voice as a Nashville hitmaker. Justin Hawkins of The DarknessThe Darkness frontman Justin Hawkins talks about their latest album, his tendency to fudge history in songs, and the right way to be daft. Scooter Ward of ColdCold frontman Scooter Ward on how Nick Cave got him past writer's block and through to the band's first album since 2011.
Qveen Herby (Amy Noonan, ex-Karmin)Amy Noonan on her journey from wholesome hitmaker with Karmin to badass rapper Qveen Herby.
David Vanian of The DamnedThe Damned frontman David Vanian breaks down some of their classic cuts and explains how they got a "burst of pure energy and excitement" on their first album.
Bootstraps (Jordan Beckett)Bootstraps, whose songs have been used on dozens of TV shows and movies, explains how he gets the placements.
Bruce SudanoSudano talks about making music as a solo artist, with his '70s group Brooklyn Dreams, and with his wife, Donna Summer.
Rhiannon Bryan of The Joy FormidableJoy Formidable frontwoman Rhiannon Bryan explains how their songs are constructed and breaks down key tracks in their catalog.
Kate DavisKate Davis explains how she got derailed after going viral in 2014 with "All About That (Upright) Bass," and talks about how some standards perpetuate an archaic image of women.
Kathy MatteaKathy Mattea talks about her work on the Ken Burns Country Music documentary (including where Garth and Taylor fit in), and how she found her voice as a Nashville hitmaker.
Kristin Hersh of Throwing MusesKristin Hersh explains how one of the most popular Throwing Muses songs is "a lousy song that'll fool dummies."
Justin Hawkins of The DarknessThe Darkness frontman Justin Hawkins talks about their latest album, his tendency to fudge history in songs, and the right way to be daft.
Scooter Ward of ColdCold frontman Scooter Ward on how Nick Cave got him past writer's block and through to the band's first album since 2011.