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This week’s guest is one of the most successful independent artists in modern music.
He’s a rapper, singer, songwriter, and producer who built his career from the ground up—writing, recording, producing, mixing, mastering, and releasing everything himself.
But in this rare conversation, he opens up about the side of the journey we don’t usually hear:
The emotional weight of ownership, the mental toll of doing it all alone, and the belief system that kept him going when no one else did.
We get into:
Publishing, splits, and how he structured his businessWhy he doesn’t co-write or chase featuresThe pressure of independence and learning to let go of controlBurnout, success, spirituality, fear of falling off, and moreThis is more than a career breakdown—it's a blueprint for any creative who wants to build something real without losing their peace.
And The Writer Is... Russ!
Chapters00:00:00 - Trailer: A Glimpse Inside
00:00:57 - Ad Break: NMPA and the Fight for Songwriter Pay
00:01:39 - Welcome to And The Writer Is… with Russ
00:02:14 - Meet Russ: The Unstoppable Indie Force
00:03:50 - From NJ to ATL: Russ’s Early Grind
00:06:40 - Atlanta’s Snap Era and Soulja Boy Influence
00:07:53 - Homegrown Sounds: 70s Rock and Dad’s Secret Talent
00:10:11 - First Guitar: The Genesis of a Songwriter
00:11:08 - GarageBand Dreams: Crafting Early Beats
00:12:09 - Musical Influences: Lil Wayne and Pop-Punk
00:13:30 - Defining the Russ Sound
00:15:29 - Drum Programmers vs. Songwriters
00:18:23 - Publishing Game: Russ’s 50/50 Split Strategy
00:25:56 - Masters vs. Publishing: Where the Money Is
00:27:06 - Losin Control: The $850K Sample Mistake
00:28:28 - Building an Independent Empire
00:30:38 - Own Your Business: Russ’s Wake-Up Call
00:33:18 - Inspiration Is a Lie: Show Up and Work
00:34:28 - Weekly Releases: Discipline Over Inspiration
00:37:14 - Creative Sparks: Shower, Planes, and Life
00:47:26 - Cherry Hill: The Hunt for the Perfect Word
00:51:09 - Live First, Write Later
00:53:10 - The Power of Delusional Belief
01:03:11 - Russ’s Blueprint: 2 Songs a Month
01:06:57 - Respect Your Audience’s Ear
01:09:18 - The Pressure of Success and Family
01:13:55 - Therapy and Acceptance
01:14:37 - Breaking Into Acting and Hollywood
01:25:26 - Ad Break: Powered by peermusic
01:47:10 - Growth Through Vulnerability
01:48:46 - Why Russ Stays Independent
01:53:27 - Fair Pay for Songwriters
02:00:22 - The “Good Problems” of Success
02:07:38 - Chloe, Otto, and Life Lessons
02:08:57 - Outro: And The Writer Is...
02:11:42 - Why Not Me? Russ’s Final Word
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Today’s guest is an artist whose voice cuts through like a blade—sharp, emotional, and unforgettable. Emerging from the shadows of alternative R&B and electro-pop, she’s crafted a sonic identity that’s both intimate and cinematic. Her lyrics are deeply confessional, fearless in their vulnerability, and her production choices push boundaries while staying rooted in undeniable emotion. From viral beginnings to critical acclaim, she’s stayed true to her vision, building an aesthetic that’s dark, empowering, and always evolving. All the way from Los Angeles, California—this is the sound of raw artistry at its finest. And the writer is… BANKS!
00:00 - Intro
01:07 - Growing Up in L.A.
03:52 - Music as Math?
06:16 - 100% Songs, No Concept First
08:08 - First Song Became a Jack Collab
10:04 - Social Anxiety + Going Out Hard
12:06 - Fans, Fame & Divine Feminine Energy
15:41 - Jillian vs. BANKS
18:10 - Stage Fright to Frontwoman
21:13 - Regrets & Album Titles That Got Away
22:28 - Streaming Era Beginnings
27:02 - Indie Artist Real Talk
31:12 - Viral Hits vs. Tour Culture
34:09 - “Don’t Try To Write a Hit”
36:04 - Underrated BANKS Songs
38:05 - Why This Album, Why Now
39:28 - How “I Hate Your Ex” Happened
41:24 - Voice as a Shape-Shifter
42:02 - Collaboration Energy Shift
43:03 - Studio Magic Stories
44:14 - Writing for Other Artists?
46:18 - Why Artists Look to BANKS
48:06 - 3 Life-Changing Decisions
49:40 - Five-for-Five Lightning Round
53:08 - Music + Visuals Are One
54:16 - Ross on BANKS’ Legacy
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Saknas det avsnitt?
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Today’s guest is one of the most original minds in modern music—a genre-defying powerhouse who returns to this podcast six years after his first unforgettable visit. Hailing from Long Island, this producer, performer, and lyrical architect has built a sonic universe entirely his own. He’s the mastermind behind cinematic pop records that blur the line between the underground and the mainstream, with a resume that spans from crafting platinum hits for chart-toppers to delivering soul-baring solo projects that redefine authenticity. Now a father of three, his creativity has only deepened, as he balances vulnerability and virtuosity with relentless hustle. He’s not just a hitmaker—he’s a visionary, a builder, and a storyteller for a generation that craves depth. And the writer is… Jon Bellion!
Episode Timestamps:
0:00 Bellion’s Return & Industry Fire
0:36 Ross ATWI Intro
2:05 Supporting Songwriters’ Rights
2:41 Jon Bellion Returns After 6 Years
3:56 Jon vs. the Algorithm
6:56 AI, Effort & Meaning
9:22 Craft Over Convenience
11:57 Identity, Process & Philosophy
18:21 Credit, Ego & Industry Power
25:32 Sponsor Message from NMPA
27:09 Staying Dangerous with Purpose
32:06 Becoming the Label
45:07 Removing Ego from the Process
50:41 Returning to Joy in Creation
54:58 Art vs. Math in Production
57:23 Hits Beyond the U.S.
1:05:16 On Raising Creative Kids
1:07:52 Jon's Words of Advice to His Younger Self
1:18:06 Grief, Healing & Writing Through Loss
1:22:32 What Success Really Means in 2025
1:25:00 Writing vs. Recognition
1:47:58 ATWI Credits & Closing Reflections
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Today’s guest is a genre-shifting phenomenon who’s redefining what it means to break through in music today. With a sound that fuses indie, alt-pop, R&B, and emo influences, he’s crafted a raw, emotionally charged catalog that’s connected with a generation—and he did it all from his sister’s closet on a phone. In just a few years, his music has racked up billions of streams, topping global charts and earning him a fiercely loyal fanbase. But beyond the numbers, he’s an artist who leads with vulnerability, reshaping how young creators think about art, success, and authenticity. He’s not just making songs—he’s shifting culture, and sharing how at the same time.
And the writer is… D4vd!
0:00 Trailer Hook — Billion Streams Surprise
1:32 Intro — From Phone to Playlist
3:15 Growing Up — Early Life and Music Influences
8:45 First Uploads — BandLab, YouTube, and Finding His Sound
13:20 Going Viral — The Moment Everything Changed
17:50 Pressure and Expectations — How He Handled the Blow-Up
20:42 My Process — How I Make Music on a Phone
23:10 Behind the Hits — How ‘Here With Me’ + ‘Romantic Homicide’ Happened
26:17 What SZA Told Me That Changed Everything
34:08 Advice for Young Artists — Make Music Nobody Wants
36:09 Beyond Music — Directing, Acting, Manga Dreams
43:35 Disrupting the Industry — Freaking Out the Business
44:40 Validation Moment — Sitting Where Legends Sit
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Today’s guest is a Latin music powerhouse whose pen has changed the game globally. With a genre-defying catalog that spans regional Mexican, reggaeton, pop, and bachata, he’s crafted chart-topping hits that cross borders and break records. His work has earned him 26 Grammy wins, making him one of the most decorated writers in the industry today. But beyond the accolades, he’s a true musical chameleon—effortlessly fusing cultural roots with modern sounds to create melodies that resonate worldwide. He brings heart, hustle, and authenticity to everything he touches.
And the writer is… Edgar Barrera!
Timestamp | Chapter Title
00:00 | Intro and Sponsor
00:45 | Meet Your Host: Ross Golan
01:08 | Follow @AndTheWriterIs
01:17 | Presented by NMPA
02:09 | Guest Introduction: Edgar Barrera
03:00 | How Edgar Became a Hitmaker
06:30 | Global Success and Crossover Hits
10:00 | Writing for Regional Mexican Artists
15:00 | Secrets Behind Chart-Topping Songs
19:00 | Challenges and Pressure of Success
23:00 | Building a Cross-Cultural Career
28:00 | The Power of Simplicity in Songwriting
32:00 | Lessons from Collaborating with Legends
37:00 | How Edgar Approaches Artist Development
42:00 | Staying Grounded Amid Global Fame
47:00 | Behind The Scenes of Major Hits
52:00 | Edgar’s Advice to the Next Generation
57:00 | Wrapping Up: Gratitude and Staying Inspired
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Today’s guest is the mastermind behind some of the most captivating sounds in modern R&B and pop. With an ear for creating melodies that feel as intimate as they do expansive, he’s responsible for shaping hits that make you feel everything from joy to heartbreak. Whether he's behind the boards or penning the perfect lyrics, his ability to blend vulnerability with irresistible hooks has made him a go-to collaborator for some of the biggest names in music. From soulful ballads to undeniable bangers, his tracks are the ones that never leave your head—and always leave you wanting more.
And the producer and songwriter is...Dernst "D'Mile" Emile II!
00:00 - Cold Open: Gaga, Bruno & a Midnight Session
00:28 - Intro: Welcome to And The Writer Is
01:22 - How D’Mile Got His Name
05:10 - Growing Up with Jazz, Gospel & Biggie
10:30 - Producing His First Song at Age 6
12:15 - Almost Signed to Universal at 19
16:45 - Rodney Jerkins & Darkchild Studio Era
21:05 - 9 Creatives in a 3-Bedroom Apartment
25:30 - Inspiration vs. Competition in the Come-Up
27:20 - D’Mile Nearly Quit Music in 2017
34:17 - The Comeback: Lucky Daye & Victoria Monét
38:16 - How Silk Sonic Started from One Song
46:44 - Making “Leave the Door Open”
50:18 - “Die With A Smile” feat. Gaga & Bruno
51:58 - Producing the Artist’s Soul
59:00 - Copy-Paste Industry vs. Timeless Records
01:01:08 - Final Thoughts: Doing It His Way
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Today’s guest is a genre-defying vocal powerhouse who’s been taking the music world by storm. Raised in the South with a love for soul, country, R&B, and rock, he blended these influences into an unmistakable style that’s all his own. With a voice that’s as powerful as it is emotive, he doesn’t just sing—he connects, turning raw, soulful covers into hits and proving he’s more than just a voice. He’s a true artist and songwriter who’s crafted songs about love, loss, and everything in between, resonating with millions around the world. Oh, and did we mention he’s one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet? If you haven’t heard his music yet, trust us, you’ll want to.
And the writer is... Teddy Swims
Timestamp | Chapter Title
00:00 | Quick Message from Our Sponsor
01:43 | Meet Your Host: Ross Golan
02:39 | Teddy Swims: From Georgia to Global
03:30 | Leaving Football Behind for Music
08:00 | Finding His Voice Through Theater
12:30 | Tattoos, Identity, and Early Reinvention
17:00 | First Bands, Bad Songs, and Growing Up
21:50 | Sponsor Break
22:00 | The Dark Side of Touring and Mental Health
26:30 | Why Teddy Started Therapy (and How It Changed Him)
31:00 | Songwriting Camps, Magic, and the "Elf Theory"
35:30 | How Teddy Learned to Choose Songs Like a Pro
40:00 | The Origin of "Teddy Swims" (and a Crazy Early Tour)
44:00 | How Covers Blew Up Teddy’s Career During the Pandemic
47:00 | Signing with Warner: Building a Real Career
50:00 | Losing Faith, Rebuilding, and Finding His Sound
53:00 | Breaking Out with "Lose Control"
56:00 | What It Takes to Really Make It (Lessons Learned)
58:00 | 5 for 5: Teddy Swims Rapid Fire Q&A
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We’re excited to announce a special bonus interview with Sung Cho, the CEO & Founder of our incredible sponsor, Chartmetric. Ross recently sat down with Sung to discuss how his company is building the world’s best analytics team in the music industry. Read below to find out more about Chartmetric and listen to this conversation on any platform you find your podcasts!
Chartmetric is the all-in-one platform for artists and music industry professionals, providing comprehensive streaming, social, and audience data. Since 2016, Chartmetric has strived to ensure everyone can have a successful career in music. Their easy-to-understand and powerful analytics on over 10 million artists and 100 million tracks will help answer all of your questions, from tracking your stats to discovering new talents. From playlist placements to stream counts to follower demographics and much more, it’s never been easier to understand how your artists fit in the music industry, and how they can grow. What’s even better is that Chartmetric does the work for you, providing actionable insights and beautiful visuals on their up-to-date global data from over 15 different social and streaming platforms. Find out more at chartmetric.com!
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Today’s guest is a true jack-of-all-trades—part artist, part entrepreneur, and full-on icon. From nurturing a die-hard fanbase to dominating the charts across genres, he’s built an empire over the course of his incredible career. This diamond certified superstar is the pride of Pittsburgh and has proven time and time again that you can do it all—and do it well.
And The Writer Is…Wiz Khalifa!
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Today’s guest is the definition of a songwriting legend! With a record-breaking 76 #1 hits (and counting), 10 ASCAP Songwriter of the Year awards, and the title of NSAI Songwriter of the Decade for 2010-2019, he’s set a standard that’s hard to match. His songs have dominated the charts and sound-tracked lives, earning him Grammy, CMA, and ACM nominations and wins along the way. But behind the stats is a humble, hardworking collaborator whose passion for music and dedication to the songwriting community make him one of the most respected names in the game. He’s the guy behind the hits and the inspiration behind the hustle.
And The Writer Is…Ashley Gorley!
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Today’s guest is a lyrical powerhouse who’s been shaping the sound of pop, country, indie, and electronic music with her signature style. She started her songwriting journey in church before taking a leap of faith to Nashville, where she quickly became the go-to writer for heartfelt, unforgettable lyrics. From crafting hits for the biggest names in music to lighting up every room she enters, her talent and spirit are unmatched. Hailing from the Show Me State, she’s shown us how to turn a dream into a career. With her one-of-a-kind voice (on and off the page), this songwriter proves that faith, passion, and a little bit of Missouri grit can take you anywhere.
And The Writer Is…Steph Jones!
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This week, we highlight a live panel for APG’s 20th anniversary, hosted by Ross Golan. The event honors not just a company, but a community of artists, songwriters, producers, and all those who believe in the power of music to inspire, challenge, and connect us.
Twenty years ago, APG set out with a bold vision: to be an independent powerhouse for both music publishing and artist development. Founded by Mike Caren, APG has grown into a unique space where creativity thrives and where artists can build their brands and realize their visions on their own terms. It’s been a launchpad for incredible talent like Charlie Puth, Kehlani, Kevin Gates, Ava Max, and so many others. But more than that, it’s been a platform where music creators are empowered to succeed on every level—whether it’s securing partnerships across film, TV, and advertising, or finding the best possible collaborations with writers and producers who help bring their music to life.
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Today’s guest is the ultimate overachiever in pop music—producer, songwriter, artist, and, let’s face it, the reason half your favorite albums sound the way they do. From crafting massive hits with Taylor Swift, Lorde, and Lana Del Rey to fronting his own band, Bleachers, he’s a master at blending raw emotion with anthemic hooks that stick. Whether he’s digging into suburban nostalgia or redefining modern pop, his fingerprints are all over the sound of the last decade. Oh, and did we mention he’s a three-time Producer of the Year Grammy winner? No big deal. And as if that’s not enough, we couldn’t think of a better guest to celebrate our 200th episode. He’s the heart, the brain, and the relentless energy behind it all.
And The Writer Is…Jack Antonoff!
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This week’s guest is one of the biggest names in the songwriting world. Her hard work, perseverance and reverence for songwriting have taken her from all an all-star to superstar. From nominations including Songwriter of the Year to multiple #1 songs with multiple artists, this writer’s current run is something few writers in the history of music have done. Not only that, this writer is also back to releasing her brilliant music as an artist. Inspiring songwriters everywhere, this guest is someone we all want to root for.
And The Writer Is…Amy Allen!
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This week’s guest is a prolific pianist, composer, songwriter, and producer. Hailing from Canada, this writer began his piano studies at the ripe age of three years old. Raised by an Italian-Canadian father and a French-Canadian mother, our guest grew up with various musical influences. After studying performance and classical piano and completing a Bachelor of Arts degree in composition and piano performance, our guest began his career as a session musician, in-house producer, arranger, and composer. Known for his captivating piano skills, this writer is a sought-after collaborator who has worked with stars such as Celine Dion, Sarah Brightman, Josh Groban, and Miley Cyrus.
And The Writer Is…Stephan Moccio!
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Today’s guest became hooked on music after he found a guitar in the trash, and taught himself how to play. This DIY attitude and fascination with music landed him in the Berklee College of Music where he honed his writing, production, and instrumental skills. After mastering the guitar and becoming immersed in record production, he started to tour and record with legendary artists such as Lauryn Hill, Alicia Keys, J. Cole, H.E.R., Mac Miller, and Anderson .Paak. One thing led to another, and our guest found himself producing and writing on massive records, becoming the go-to guitarist for stars, and locking in six Grammy nominations over the years. His story proves that passion and perseverance can take you far in the music industry.
And The Writer Is…Jeff “Gitty” Gitelman!
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Today’s rising star has gracefully navigated the crazy world that is viral fame. Influenced by Jazz, Folk, R&B, and everything in between, this guest is a young master at storytelling. After posting her original releases and covers to SoundCloud, YouTube, and later TikTok, her career exploded. A few albums and critically acclaimed collaborations later, this guest has proved that she belongs in the conversation for music’s brightest star, and is a leader in the modern singer-songwriter movement.
And the writer is…Lizzy McAlpine!
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Today’s guest is the secret weapon behind some of pop’s most heart-wrenching, scream-along anthems. With a knack for tapping into raw, soul-baring emotions, he’s crafted hits that feel like they’re ripped straight from your journal—if your journal had hooks that got stuck in everyone’s head. Whether he’s working with fresh voices or pop royalty, he knows exactly how to make songs that pull you in and don’t let go. He’s a master of making you cry, dance, and hit replay a thousand times.
And The Writer Is…Dan Nigro!
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Today’s superstar has already dominated popular music for over a decade. What started as a simple talent show audition has become one of the most intriguing and eclectic careers in recent memory. Over the past decade, this writer has reshaped the sound of modern pop, seamlessly blending Latin, R&B, and contemporary influences into a unique musical style that resonates worldwide. Her genre-defying hits and dynamic collaborations reflect her multicultural upbringing and fearless approach to music, capturing hearts across both Pop and Latin music charts.
And The Writer Is…Camila Cabello!
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- Visa fler
