Ep. 211: BANKS | Why One Song Isn’t Enough: Rejection & Longevity in Music
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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Ep. 210: Jon Bellion | Choosing Art Over Algorithm
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 Intro2:05 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 NMPA27:09 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 Self1:18:06 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Ep. 209: d4vd | The Kid Hacking Pop Music From His Phone
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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Ep. 208: Edgar Barrera | The Max Martin of Latin Music
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 Title00:00 | Intro and Sponsor00:45 | Meet Your Host: Ross Golan01:08 | Follow @AndTheWriterIs01:17 | Presented by NMPA02:09 | Guest Introduction: Edgar Barrera03:00 | How Edgar Became a Hitmaker06:30 | Global Success and Crossover Hits10:00 | Writing for Regional Mexican Artists15:00 | Secrets Behind Chart-Topping Songs19:00 | Challenges and Pressure of Success23:00 | Building a Cross-Cultural Career28:00 | The Power of Simplicity in Songwriting32:00 | Lessons from Collaborating with Legends37:00 | How Edgar Approaches Artist Development42:00 | Staying Grounded Amid Global Fame47:00 | Behind The Scenes of Major Hits52:00 | Edgar’s Advice to the Next Generation57:00 | Wrapping Up: Gratitude and Staying Inspired Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Ep. 207: D'Mile | From a Crammed Apartment to The Sound of a Generation, Silk Sonic, and more
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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Every week, we sit down with an acclaimed and venerable songwriter to intimately discuss what happens behind closed doors in the music industry. There are millions of singers, thousands of artists, and only 40 top songs per genre at a time... this podcast is about the people who make them. Produced by Joe London & Ross Golan in association with Big Deal Music & Mega House Music. And The Writer Is... ™ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Listen to And The Writer Is...with Ross Golan, IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app
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