Songwriters on Process

In-depth interviews with songwriters about their songwriting process. Nothing else. No talk of band drama, band names, or tour stories. Treating songwriters as writers, plain and simple. By Ben Opipari, English Lit Ph.D.

Songwriters on Process is a music podcast hosted by Ben Opipari, with 212 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Ben Opipari hosts Songwriters on Process, a music show with 212 episodes published.

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  Episode #214

  Brennan Wedl

  Oct 1, 202647 min

  "I like to write at my desk," says Brennan Wedl . It makes me feel like a professor, so it's correlated with discipline in my brain. It's like a writing altar." This tracks with Wedl's penchant for adhering to a writing ritual and its attendant discipline. She's a big fan of Post-it notes, loves to get up early and feel the sun on a morning walk, and believes in the power of a schedule. But as you'll hear, when she really wants to "lock it in," she turns to the power of chewing gum. Brennan Wedl self-titled debut album is out now on ANTI- records.

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  Episode #213

  L'Rain (Taja Cheek)

  Sep 27, 202648 min

  "I have my best thoughts in total comfort and complete boredom," Taja Cheek (known professionally as L'Rain ) says. After all, who doesn't prefer a good couch or bed when they write? But when it comes to pure inspiration, Cheek likes to be "alone together": around people but deep in her own thoughts. That's why she loves the New York City subway and what she calls "intentional walking" on the city streets amidst all its distractions. But as you'll hear, nothing beats a good cab ride. L'Rain's latest album is fata morgana .

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  Episode #212

  Margaret Glaspy

  Sep 21, 202652 min

  "I like to do things that make me feel integrated with the environment," says Margaret Glaspy . Broadly, Glaspy's process involves a general resistance to technology, which is why we had a great discussion about the benefits of cursive. It should also come as no surprise that Glaspy believes in pen and paper (and very specific kinds) for her lyrics. This resistance to technology is borne out the correct belief that it destroys our ability to focus, so Glaspy writes in fifteen minute increments punctuated by short breaks. Glaspy does this for as long as she stays inspired. And as you'll hear, sometimes there's nothing like walking the dog to maintain that inspiration. Margaret Glaspy's latest album is I Am Both on ATO Records. *ED NOTE: Listen to my 2021 interview with Glaspy and Sarah Jarosz here .

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  Episode #209

  Kyle Grim (Dogwood Tales)

  Aug 31, 202651 min

  Kyle Grim of Dogwood Tales was born in the wrong century. He really belonged among the Romantic poets, who saw the purity of nature as a source of renewal. I mentioned this to Grim after he told me that a large part of his process revolves around the wonderment of nature. He loves to walk, and in those moments he finds beauty in water, the shadows of trees, and even the ducks. Then again, Grim counts William Faulkner and Breece D'J Pancake among his favorite writers, so his actual influences are more modern. The first time I heard the Harrisonburg, Virginia band's song " McMemories ," I was hooked. Their new album Every Star in Rockingham County on Born Losers Records is one of my favorite releases of the year.

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  Episode #208

  Jim James (My Morning Jacket)

  Aug 27, 202650 min

  Jim James needs a bigger head. How else to accommodate all the bursts of creativity he has throughout the day? They happen all the time. The My Morning Jacket frontman finds art galleries to be a particularly rich source of inspiration, but he also loves a good walk. Even the middle of the night is productive for James, though he admits that’s because of his insomnia. Who needs to force the process when your day is filled with ideas? Jim James’s latest album is Wowed Out

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