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And The Writer Is...with Ross Golan
Ep. 156: Craig Wiseman
Today’s guest is one of country music’s most renowned, talented and distinguished writers. From his early days of writing and drumming in Hattiesburg, Mississippi to being crowned Songwriter of the Century by ASCAP, he has indeed created for himself a monumental platform in the history of country music. As the writer of songs including Brooks and Dunn’s “Believe” to Blake Shelton’s “Boys ‘Round Here” to Morgan Wallen’s “Chasin’ You”, he has amassed over 350 cuts, 130 singles, and 29 #1’s. After moving to Nashville in 1985 to pursue a career in songwriting, he received his first chart success after having co-written “The Only One” from Roy Orbison’s album, Mystery Girl. In 1990, our guest signed his first publishing deal with Almo/Irving Music, and ten years later, he signed with BMG Music Publishing. In 2003, he opened his own publishing company, and within the first year of the independent company’s operation, he experienced the first single of the catalog; “Live Like You Were Dying” by Tim McGraw not only peaked at the top of the charts for ten weeks, but it also was named NSAI Song of the Year, CMA Song of the Year, ACM Song of the Year and won the Grammy Award for Best Country Song. In 2012, our guest co-founded Big Loud’s management division, the launchpad of Florida Georgia Line, followed by Big Loud Records in 2015. His success has continued to escalate at exponential levels throughout the years. He was proclaimed ASCAP’s “Songwriter of the Year” in 2003, 2005, and 2007 in addition to being named “Writer of the Year” by NSAI and Music Row in 1997. In 2009, he received the impressive honor of NSAI’s “Songwriter of the Decade” and won the 2014 Heritage Award from ASCAP as the most performed country songwriter of the century. Following those years of success, hard work & accomplishments, he was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in October of 2015. In 2017, he was honored with a CMA Triple Play Award for FGL’s “Anything Goes” & Blake Shelton’s “Gonna” & “Came Here To Forget.”. For the past 18 years, Wiseman has hosted The Stars of Second Harvest Show at the Ryman, showing his philanthropic heart and giving all proceeds to the Second Harvest Food Bank Of Middle Tennessee. To date, this musical event has raised over $2 million for the food bank. And The Writer Is… Craig Wiseman!
Watercolor by: Michael Richey White
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Ep. 202: Steph Jones
01:17:46|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!
Ep. 201: apg live event (Grizz,London Jae,Kevin White,Lowell)
46:47|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.
Ep. 200: Jack Antonoff Pt.2
01:22:14|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!
Ep. 199: Amy Allen Pt.2
01:13:54|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!
Ep. 198: Stephan Moccio
01:21:54|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!
Ep. 197: Jeff Gitty
01:29:59|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!
Ep. 196: Lizzy McAlpine
53:04|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!
Ep. 195: Dan Nigro pt.2
01:20:52|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!
Ep. 194: Camila Cabello
01:17:45|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!