And The Writer Is...with Ross Golan x551z

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.

Today’s guest is a British sensation whose sound defies convention and whose rise has been anything but ordinary. With a style rooted in drum and bass, alt-pop, and early 2000s nostalgia, she’s redefined what it means to make bedroom pop in the digital age. Her songwriting is both diaristic and enigmatic, managing to say more in two minutes than most can in five. From viral fame to global stages, she’s built a world that’s entirely her own—introspective, stylish, and sonically daring. A true creative force who writes, produces, and performs with instinct and intention. From across the pond, the future is bright… And the wrier is… PinkPantheress! 00:00 – Intro 00:42 – Meet PinkPantheress 01:16 – The Self-Made Artist 05:02 – Growing Up Multicultural 09:49 – Emo, Piano & Early Music Obsession 13:03 – Building Her Unique Sound 16:26 – UK vs US Music Culture 21:04 – Not Chasing Numbers 23:01 – You Can’t Teach Taste 24:19 – Producing & Industry Bias 30:23 – Ad Read: NMPA + Peer Music 32:00 – Producing at 17 & Avoiding Media 34:06 – TikTok Fame Without Trying 38:22 – From Anonymous to Recognized 41:00 – Live Shows & Internal Standards 44:29 – Perfectionism & Learning in Public 45:04 – Writing 'Pain' in Her Dorm 46:31 – 'Boys a Liar' & Airbnb Vocals 50:16 – Taste as Her Superpower 52:15 – New Single & Avoidance 53:43 – Teasing the Next Song 54:59 – Dream Artists to Produce 55:27 – Where the Name Came From 55:32 – If She Started from Zero Today 57:05 – The Truth About Taste 58:12 – Rapid Fire: Bath, Family, Identity 58:57 – Final Thoughts: Breaking Through in the US Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s guest is a British sensation whose sound defies convention and whose rise has been anything but ordinary. With a style rooted in drum and bass, alt-pop, and early 2000s nostalgia, she’s redefined what it means to make bedroom pop in the digital age. Her songwriting is both diaristic and enigmatic, managing to say more in two minutes than most can in five. From viral fame to global stages, she’s built a world that’s entirely her own—introspective, stylish, and sonically daring. A true creative force who writes, produces, and performs with instinct and intention. From across the pond, the future is bright… And the artist is… Pink Pantheress! 00:00 – Intro 00:42 – Meet PinkPantheress  01:16 – The Self-Made Artist  05:02 – Growing Up Multicultural  09:49 – Emo, Piano & Early Music Obsession  13:03 – Building Her Unique Sound  16:26 – UK vs US Music Culture  21:04 – Not Chasing Numbers  23:01 – You Can’t Teach Taste  24:19 – Producing & Industry Bias  30:23 – Ad Read: NMPA  32:00 – Producing at 17 & Avoiding Media  34:06 – TikTok Fame Without Trying  38:22 – From Anonymous to Recognized  41:00 – Live Shows & Internal Standards  44:29 – Perfectionism & Learning in Public  45:04 – Writing 'Pain' in Her Dorm  46:31 – 'Boys a Liar' & Airbnb Vocals  50:16 – Taste as Her Superpower  52:15 – New Single & Avoidance  53:43 – Teasing the Next Song  54:59 – Dream Artists to Produce  55:27 – Where the Name Came From  55:32 – If She Started from Zero Today  57:05 – The Truth About Taste  58:12 – Rapid Fire: Bath, Family, Identity  58:57 – Final Thoughts: Breaking Through in the US Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 ing 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 s — 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.

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! 00:00 Intro: 27 Grammys and Counting 02:00 Growing Up on the Texas-Mexico Border 07:30 Breaking Tradition in Latin Music 10:30 Globalizing Regional Mexican Music 16:00 Teaching Writers to Own Their Publishing 20:00 The Business of Songwriting 30:00 Writing for the Next Generation 34:00 Patience Over Virality 38:00 How Maluma Changed My Career 44:00 The Difference Between LA and Miami Studios 48:00 Why Shakira Is a Studio Perfectionist 53:00 Watching Ariana Grande Record a Perfect Take 57:00 Meeting Max Martin (And Getting Starstruck) 65:00 Dreaming Beyond Latin Music 70:00 The Real Peso Pluma Story 75:00 Loving Music Beyond Awards Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 ion 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! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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, ion, and a little bit of Missouri grit can take you anywhere. And The Writer Is…Steph Jones! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we highlight a live 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 . 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 ion and perseverance can take you far in the music industry.  And The Writer Is…Jeff “Gitty” Gitelman! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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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! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.