Madonna Songbook Podcast

“Into the Groove” is back in the UK Top 20 thanks to a TikTok trend – but how did this song even happen, and why does it still work on dancefloors today? In this episode of Madonna Songbook, host Giulio Mazzoleni sits down w ith legendary songwriter and producer Stephen Bray, who created the song with Madonna, to revisit the low‑tech kitchen recording that became one of Madonna’s most loved tracks after it “accidentally” became the soundtrack song of Desperately Seeking Susan.​

Bray generously talks about how the song was originally written for another artist, and why having “no pressure” gave the song its lightness and joy. He remembers Madonna singing in a tiny apartment with no headphones, and explains why Madonna refused to re‑record the vocal because she knew it was already done. The conversation dives into Madonna’s instinct for knowing when a track is finished, her spontaneous songwriting process with simple tools, and the contrast between her meticulous visual work and her instinctive, fast music‑making. You will also find out about unreleased songs like First There’s a Kiss, Warning Signs, Desperately Seeking Susan and the art of sequencing albums.

If you care about Madonna’s music, pop songwriting craft, and how old hits find new lives in the algorithm era, this episode is for you.

​ Watch more Madonna Songbook episodes with Donna DeLory, André Betts, Tomi Martin and Paul Pesco on this channel.

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Find out ALL about Madonna’s music, all of her 500 songs in the book MADONNA SONGBOOK – limited edition: www.lnk.bio/MadonnaSongbook

Guitarist and songwriter Paul Pesco joins Madonna Songbook host Giulio Mazzoleni to share his story of working with Madonna from her earliest days in music to their world tours together. Paul recalls Madonna’s 1979 audition for Patrick Hernandez, her rise from New York’s club scene, and his role in shaping early recordings like “Everybody,” “Aint No Big Deal,” “Burning Up,” and “Lucky Star.” He also performed with her on The Virgin Tour, Live Aid, and The Girlie Show, playing guitar on the “Erotica” album and songs like “Deeper and Deeper,” and “Why’s It SO Hard,”witnessing firsthand her drive and creative evolution. In this in-depth conversation, Paul reflects on collaborating with such a legendary artist and the shared perseverance and adaptability that defined both his and Madonna’s journeys. An interview with Paul Pesco is also available on the book Madonna Songbook : www.lnk.bio/MadonnaSongbook

A very rare, candid interview with producer Andre Betts, who made with Madonna the mega hit Justify My Love and some songs from the Erotica album in 1990, 1991 and 1992. Find out all the secrets behind the making of songs like Justify My Love with Lenny Kravitz, The Beast Within, Where Life Begins, Waiting, Secret Garden, Did You Do It and the unreleased track Dear Father.

Betts discusses his journey from a young producer in the Bronx to collaborating with one of the biggest pop stars in history. He reflects on the creative process behind the song, the challenges faced during production, and the significance of Madonna's artistic decisions. In this engaging conversation, Andre Betts discusses the creative process behind the songs, the collaborative dynamics, and the humorous moments that defined their working relationship. From the prank that led to the song 'Did You Do It?' to the emotional depth of 'Waiting' and the unreleased track 'Dear Father,' Betts provides a unique insight into the music industry and the artistry of one of pop's greatest icons. Remixes, songwriting, house parties, studio time in the middle of the night, union contracts, trust, rats in the studio and much more.

Find out about the book Madonna Songbook at www.lnk.bio/MadonnaSongbook

Madonna’s song Thief of Hearts is at the center of a TikTok trend bringing the 1992 song back to life. Host Giulio Mazzoleni analyzes the background of the song and the making of the album Erotica. With guest Graham Gremore from QUEERTY, he discusses the value of the song, Madonna’s songwriting, the essence of 90s dance music, her influence on contemporary artists, activism, and the resurgence of her music on TikTok. It also explores the themes and impact of Madonna's album Erotica on contemporary music.

Check out all the facts and stories behind Madonna’s Erotica and all of her other records in the book Madonna Songbook : ⁠https://lnk.bio/MadonnaSongbook⁠

In this episode host Giulio Mazzoleni discusses with singer, songwriter and legendary Madonna backup vocalist Donna De Lory about recording sessions with Madonna. The conversation highlights Madonna's leadership in the production process and the collaborative nature of vocal layering. Donna De Lory and Giulio Mazzoleni also discuss the enduring legacy of other iconic female artists before Madonna and their influence in the music industry: Diana Ross, Carole King, Karen Carpenter. They also explore Donna's personal journey in music and songwriting.