The Working Songwriter

Classic Episode - Laura Jane Grace Oct 9, 2026 3248 This episode originally aired on April 1, 2022.The creative force behind Against Me!, describes founding the band, working with producer Butch Vig, and navigating the waters of the major label system in the late 2000s.

Live Episode - John Moreland at the 2026 Working Songwriter Forum Oct 2, 2026 2739 Recorded live at the Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago, Joe Pug interviews beloved songwriter John Moreland. TWS Forum is an annual event that the podcast hosts in June. Listeners take in concerts by the headlining artists and then attend workshops from them during the day. This was the 2nd annual event. The headliners and dates for next year's Forum will be announced this month.

Classic Episode - Dar Williams Sep 25, 2026 3506 The iconic singer songwriter reflects on her last few decades at the vanguard of American folk music.This episode was originally aired on June 3rd, 2022.

Jim James Sep 18, 2026 3112 Our guest this week is one of Louisville, Kentucky’s favorite sons. Jim James is a native Kentuckian who rose to prominence as the vocalist and creative force behind the celebrated rock group My Morning Jacket.“The Jacket,” as they are affectionately called by their fans, released their debut album The Tennessee Fire in 1999 and took the country by storm with their legendary live show. Since then

Classic Episode - Amy Ray Sep 11, 2026 3564 This legendary folk songwriter stops by the show to discuss her techniques for sculpting melody, structuring the bridge of a song, and navigating the ever-shifting sands of the music business.This episode was originally aired on August 20th, 2021.

Gary Louris Sep 4, 2026 3118 Our guest this week is one of the godfathers of modern roots and Americana music. Originally from Toledo, Ohio, Gary Louris moved to Minneapolis as a young man in the 1970s and immersed himself in a Twin Cities music scene that punched way above its weight culturally. His group, The Jayhawks, would release a string of critically acclaimed and nationally beloved albums.One of Louris’s main gifts is

Classic Episode - Chuck Ragan Aug 28, 2026 3294 This episode originally aired on April 15th, 2022This songwriter has spent the last few decades building a devoted following with Hot Water Music and also with his own solo project. He discusses getting his start in the 1990s Florida Hardcore scene, getting his legendary Revival Tour off the ground, and some of his creative practices.

Fruit Bats return! Aug 21, 2026 3000 Our guest this week is one of Chicago’s favorite sons. Eric D. Johnson is the songwriter, singer and multi-instrumentalist behind Fruit Bats, which started in the late 1990s as a four-track recording project before growing into a full touring band. Over the years, Johnson has been a member of The Shins and played with Califone and Vetiver. Besides Fruit Bats, Johnson is also one-third of Bonny Lig

Classic Episode - Frank Turner Aug 14, 2026 3316 This episode was originally aired on April 8th, 2022.Fresh on the heels of his latest album hitting #1 on the UK Charts, this journeyman songwriter and performer stops by the show to discuss his beginnings in Hardcore music, many years of touring, and writing methods.

Jay Buchanan of Rival Sons Aug 7, 2026 3610 Our guest this week on the Working Songwriter hails from a small mountain town in California, but his music has now made it across the world. Jay Buchanan got his start in the early 2000s with a solo project before joining ranks with a rock band and forming Rival Sons. Since 2008, that group has built a remarkable fanbase and beloved discography.Rival Sons have shared stages with an astonishing li

Classic Episode - Allison Russell Jul 31, 2026 3675 This episode was originally aired on June 18th, 2021.After many years in celebrated roots music groups such as Po' Girl, Birds of Chicago, and Our Native Daughters, this songwriter has released a critically acclaimed debut album under her own name.

Chicago Farmer Jul 24, 2026 2874 Our guest this week is Cody Diekhoff, better known as Chicago Farmer.He grew up in the small farming community of Delavan, Illinois, before moving to Chicago in 2003. Over the past two decades, he has built a devoted following through relentless touring, first as a solo performer and more recently with his band, the Fieldnotes.Along the way, he has shared stages with Robert Earl Keen, Todd Snider,

Classic Episode - They Might Be Giants Jul 17, 2026 3298 This episode originally aired on November 5th, 2021.John Flansburgh, one of the founding members of this groundbreaking indie-rock institution, stops by the show to talk about his creative process and how his band has navigated the music business for the last four decades.

Gabe Dixon and Mike Mattison of the Tedeschi Trucks Band Jul 10, 2026 2470 Our guests this week are Gabe Dixon and Mike Mattison of the Tedeschi Trucks Band, the Grammy-winning roots ensemble led by Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks.Formed in 2010, their debut album, Revelator, won the Grammy Award for Best Blues Album, and the group has since become one of the country’s premier live bands, selling out Madison Square Garden and playing more than twenty shows at Red Rocks.M

Classic Episode - Robert Finley Jul 3, 2026 4036 This episode was originally published on March 5th, 2021.The renowned troubadour from Louisiana found his commercial success in music later in life; he reflects on the journey that brought him to that peak.Interested in sponsoring us? Contact BGS: https://bit.ly/sponsorBGSpods

Novelist, Stephen Markley Jun 26, 2026 3092 This week on The Working Songwriter, we're thrilled to step out of our normal comfort zone by welcoming one of the country's most acclaimed young novelists. Originally from Mount Vernon, Ohio, author Stephen Markley now makes his home in Los Angeles. He attended Miami University (of Ohio) for his undergraduate degree before being accepted into the prestigious Iowa Writers Workshop. Simon &

Classic Episode - Dashboard Confessional Jun 19, 2026 3515 This episode originally aired on June 25th, 2021.Chris Carrabba, the auteur behind this legendary emo band, discusses the twists and turns of a career that has included Gold records, MTV music awards, and truly devoted fanbase.

Dale Watson Jun 12, 2026 2632 Our guest this week was born in Birmingham, Alabama, but, just like Davey Crockett, got to Texas as soon as he could. Dale Watson began his musical career playing the clubs of Houston before decamping to Austin and becoming a fixture in the live music capital of the world. The music machine in Nashville never fully embraced Watson’s traditionalist combination of Western swing, rockabilly, and coun

Classic Episode - Marcus King Jun 5, 2026 2564 This Greenville, South Carolina native is a Grammy-nominated troubadour known for his tireless touring schedule. Originally aired on December 18th, 2020.

Joe Pernice May 29, 2026 3338 Our guest on the Working Songwriter this week hails originally from Boston, Massachusetts and now makes his home in Toronto. Joe Pernice got his musical start, though, in Northampton, MA. At the time, it was a hot bed of indie music creativity. His band the Scud Mountain Boys built a loyal following in the 1990s with a string of critically acclaimed releases. He’s recorded for Sub Pop, One Little

Classic Episode - Joan Osborne May 22, 2026 3340 This episode was originally aired on September 18th, 2020.The celebrated singer and songwriter describes her initial ascent to the top of the charts with her debut album and how she has been able to string together many interesting chapters of her career.

Eddie Schwartz May 15, 2026 3466 Our guest this week on the Working Songwriter hails from Canada and has spent over four decades writing hit songs. Eddie Schwartz got his start as a solo artist, but has found great success writing for and with other artists. His song "Hit Me With Your Best Shot" was recorded by Pat Benatar and became a certified platinum crossover hit. He went on to pen songs for Donna Summer, the Doobie

Classic Episode - Kevin Morby May 8, 2026 3638 The Kansas City bred songwriter tells the story of his journey toward his distinctive brand of indie rock.This episode originally aired on October 9, 2020.

Mary Chapin Carpenter May 1, 2026 2390 Our guest this week on the Working Songwriter hails from my neck of the woods, Washington, D.C. Mary Chapin Carpenter got her start in the proto-Americana music scene of 1970s and '80s D.C. She broke out of that local circuit with her signing to Columbia Records; her debut album went quadruple platinum.She’s toured with Emmylou Harris, Shawn Colvin, and Rosanne Cash, she’s won five GRAMMY Awar

Classic Episode - John Craigie Apr 24, 2026 3257 This episode was originally aired on August 14th, 2020.This troubadour based in Portland OR has carved out a national audience for his heartfelt, wry folk songs. He speaks about crafting his shows, keeping them fresh night to night, and recording albums in an unconventional way.

Charles Kelley of Lady A Apr 17, 2026 2262 Our guest on the Working Songwriter this week hails from Augusta, Georgia, but has made his professional bones in Music City, USA. Charles Kelley was one of the founding members of Lady Antebellum – now known as Lady A – and is one of the group’s principal songwriters. Their crossover hit, “Need You Now,” became one of the defining songs of the 2010s.Lady A have sold over 18 million albums, won 7

Classic Episode - Courtney Marie Andrews Apr 10, 2026 3673 This episode originally aired on November 30th, 2018.The acclaimed songwriter from Phoenix talks about touring as a backup musician, producing her own breakout album, and her love of the road.

Ricky Montgomery Apr 3, 2026 2798 Our guest this week on the Working Songwriter resides in Los Angeles, but spent many of his formative years in St. Louis, Missouri. Ricky Montgomery first built an audience on Vine in his early twenties before releasing his self-titled debut album in 2016. That bedroom pop album was a cult favorite until 2020, when several of its songs exploded on TikTok, leading to a deal with Warner Records.Mont

Classic Episode: Lee Ann Womack Mar 27, 2026 1915 This episode was originally aired on June 29th, 2018 One of Nashville's favorite daughters, by way of Jacksonville Texas, discusses arriving for writing appointments with children in tow, finding song inspiration in everyday conversation, and dealing with the success of an international crossover hit.

Fruition Mar 20, 2026 3264 Our guests this week got their start busking on the streets of Portland, Oregon, but it wasn't long before their popularity pulled them onto the open road. Jay Cobb Anderson and Kellen Asebroek are pivotal and founding members of roots music band Fruition. They have toured with Greensky Bluegrass, the Infamous Stringdusters, Yonder Mountain String Band, and many others and have appeared at ico

Classic Episode: Lydia Loveless Mar 13, 2026 3242 This episode originally aired on December 29th, 2017. The Ohio native discusses her passion for classic country, capturing the vitality of live performance on a record, and her habit of constantly collecting material for writing.

Jason Boland Mar 6, 2026 2670 Our guest today on the Working Songwriter hails from Oklahoma and is a foundational contributor to the uniquely American genre of Red Dirt music. Jason Boland released his first album, 'Pearl Snaps,' in 1998 and has been on the road ever since. Nightclub by nightclub, fan by fan, he's built a devoted national audience. He's toured with Turnpike Troubadours, Cross Canadian Ragweed,

Classic Episode: Heartless Bastards Feb 27, 2026 3307 This episode originally aired on April 28th, 2017. Erika Wennerstrom, the creative force behind Heartless Bastards, discusses growing up in Dayton Ohio, signing to Fat Possum Records, and her techniques for bringing a song to life.

Yung Lan Feb 20, 2026 2068 Our guest this week on the Working Songwriter originally hails from Virginia, but made his bones in the bustling hip-hop scene of Atlanta. Yung Lan began producing tracks on his laptop as a novice with no ties to the formal music business. Signing a modest publishing deal got him in the room with some hip hop luminaries, and he seized the opportunity. His first success came when one of his songs m

Classic Episode: Elizabeth Cook Feb 13, 2026 3336 This episode originally aired November 29, 2019. This native of Wildwood Florida is known for her critically acclaimed albums, her XM radio show, and her frequent appearances at the Grand Ole Opry. She breaks down the early years of her career and persevering through difficult times to make art.

Ray Fulcher Feb 6, 2026 3362 Our guest this week hails from Harlem, Georgia. Ray Fulcher is one of Nashville's most sought-after modern country songwriters. He first broke through co-writing a string of chart-topping hits for Luke Combs – including the multi-platinum "When It Rains It Pours" – before stepping into the spotlight with his own recordings on his 2022 debut album, 'Spray Painted Line.' Fulcher

Classic Episode: John Moreland Jan 30, 2026 3354 This episode originally aired on August 31, 2018. The Tulsa troubadour describes his transition from hardcore music to folk, how to put on a compelling live show solo, and staying inspired even when the creative process is painful.

Hayes Carll returns again Jan 23, 2026 2414 Our guest this week on The Working Songwriter hails from The Woodlands, Texas. Hayes Carll is a singer, songwriter, and storyteller whose sharp wit and plainspoken poetry first broke through with his 2002 debut, 'Flowers & Liquor.' That was followed by 2008's 'Trouble in Mind,' which delivered the hit "She Left Me for Jesus" and cemented his place among the genre&#3

Classic Episode: Nicole Atkins Jan 16, 2026 3539 This episode originally aired on September 27, 2019. The Nashville via New Jersey vocalist and songwriter discusses the turn of the century anti-folk scene in NYC, her major label debut being derailed by legendary producer Rick Rubin, and sobriety.

Evan Bartels Jan 9, 2026 3587 Our guest this week hails from Tobias, Nebraska, a town of about 100 people. Evan Bartels is a singer-songwriter who with his 2017 debut, 'The Devil, God & Me,' burst onto the national scene. More recently, Bartels has expanded his audience with the release of his EP, 'To Make You Cry,' recorded after relocating to Nashville and reflecting on a period of personal upheaval and r

Remembering Joe Ely Dec 17, 2025 3722 The Texas music icon passed away this week. Ten years ago he was the inaugural guest of this podcast. It was so gracious of him to sit down for a show that was just starting. He was always generous with his time and attention to younger artists. Another devastating loss for American music. This episode originally aired on February 26, 2016.

Dave Stewart Dec 5, 2025 4295 This legendary British songwriter and producer went multi-platinum with his band Eurythmics before embarking on a career that has included collaborations with Bob Dylan, Mick Jagger, Tom Petty, and many others.

Remembering Todd Snider Nov 21, 2025 3670 The Bard of East Nashville passed away last week at the age of 59. We are re-airing his episode of the podcast which was originally published in March of 2020.

Tami Neilson Nov 7, 2025 3086 This singer songwriter grew up playing in a family band in Canada before moving to New Zealand and beginning a career of her own. She has since shared the stage with Willie Nelson and Emmy Lou Harris, and built an audience all over the globe.

Ron Pope Oct 28, 2025 3806 This songwriter rose to prominence with the viral success of his single, "A Drop in the Ocean", and has navigated a flourishing career for the past two decades.

The Swell Season Oct 10, 2025 2764 The musical partnership of Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova has captivated worldwide audiences, even earning them an Academy Award in 2007 for the song "Falling Slowly".

Howard Jones Sep 26, 2025 2840 This English musician was one of the defining voices of synth-pop throughout the 1980s and has built a remarkable career as a songwriter spanning four decades.

Greta Morgan Sep 12, 2025 3252 This prolific songwriter has fronted projects such as The Hush Sound, Gold Motel, and Springtime Carnivore. She has just written a memoir entitled "The Lost Voice" published by Harper Collins, that explores her struggle after losing her singing voice to a health condition.

Dillon Warnek Aug 29, 2025 3293 Originally hailing from the Pacific Northwest, this promising young songwriter played as a sideman in many other bands before stepping into the spotlight with his own records. He's toured with Courtney Marie Andrews, Erin Rae, and many others.

Mayday Parade Aug 15, 2025 3126 Derek Sanders is the creative force behind this highly influential emo band that has been blazing a trail in American music for the last two decades.

Carlie Hansen Jul 25, 2025 2732 This up and coming songwriter has toured with Troye Sivan and Yungblud, along with recording for Warner Brothers and Fearless Records.

Murder by Death Jul 12, 2025 3086 Adam Turla is the creative force behind this beloved band from Bloomington, IN who have been touring their distinctive blend of gothic Americana for over two decades.

Tim Kasher Jun 27, 2025 2906 This songwriter has been at the vanguard of indie rock for three decades, best known for his projects Cursive and The Good Life.

Jerry Douglas Jun 13, 2025 4052 This Grammy award winning instrumentalist is considered the contemporary master of the dobro. He's played with everyone from Ray Charles to Billy Strings over the course of his decades long career.

Phillip Lammonds May 30, 2025 2824 This journeyman songwriter has written for Hoottie & the Blowfish, Lee Brice, Josh Turner, Craig Morgan and many others. He has stepped into the spotlight with an album of his own entitled "Cowboy Things".

Magic Nothing May 9, 2025 2468 Zack Fischmann is a musician who makes outsider folk music under the name Marmalade Mountain, but he has also built a music marketing consulting company that is supremely useful to independent artists.

Leslie Mendelson May 2, 2025 2579 This Grammy nominated singer-songwriter has worked with luminaries such as Jackson Browne, The Who and The Grateful Dead's Bob Weir, all the while maintaining her fruitful solo career.

Charlie Peacock Apr 23, 2025 4269 This Grammy award winning producer, songwriter, and author joins the show to discuss his lengthy career that has included collaborations with The Civil Wars, Chris Cornell, and the Lone Bellow.

Peter Holsapple Apr 15, 2025 3848 This artist has spent a lifetime helming influential bands like The dB's and contributing to major bands such as REM.

Announcing The Working Songwriter Forum! Apr 9, 2025 136 A weekend of intensive songwriting workshops, podcasts, and concerts at the Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago, IL May 23-25, 2025. Tickets available now. Visit joepugmusic.com/tour for more details!

Mondo Cozmo Apr 8, 2025 3158 Josh Ostrander is the creative force behind this beloved indie rock band. They've toured with Spoon, Muse, and Vance Joy. And their tunes have racked up tens of millions of downloads on Spotify.

Adam Doleac Mar 28, 2025 2852 This native of Mississippi has written for Darius Rucker and Kane Brown, and toured with Carrie Underwood, Old Dominion and many others. His songs have amassed nearly 300 million streams on Spotify and his latest single features country heavyweight Thomas Rhett.

Steve Louw Mar 21, 2025 3159 This award winning South African songwriter has crafted an indelible career over decades with his bands All Night Radio and Big Sky, along with his acclaimed solo work.

My Brightest Diamond Mar 14, 2025 3014 Shara Nova is the creative force behind this hugely influential indie pop solo project. She as worked with Sufjan Stevens, David Byrne, and Laurie Anderson.

Stephen Kellogg Mar 7, 2025 3362 This journeyman roots music artist has toured with Steve Earle, Adam Duritz and many others. He's recorded for Universal Music and Vanguard Records. And he's become one of the torch bearers for American songwriting over the last 25 years.

Fruition Feb 28, 2025 3306 This group from Portland, Oregon tours the country with a novel blend of American roots music that features show-stopping vocal harmonies.

Chuck Prophet Feb 23, 2025 3902 This legendary songwriter has toured with Lucinda Williams and Alejandro Escovedo, and collaborated with Warren Zevon.

Mindy Smith Feb 17, 2025 2513 This celebrated songwriter stops by the show to discuss her years touring with Dolly Parton, singing with Kenny Chesney, and releasing albums that were mainstays on country radio.

Fastball Feb 7, 2025 3064 One of the founders of this legendary Austin band, Miles Zuniga, stops by the show to talk about their chart-topping hit songs, and the musical legacy that continues with their new album "Sonic Ranch".

Silverada Jan 31, 2025 3344 Mike Harmeier is the leader of this beloved Texas country music band that's been traveling the country and releasing records for nearly 18 years. They've appeared at ACL, Stagecoach, and the Grand Ole Opry.

Steve Wynn of The Dream Syndicate Jan 24, 2025 3248 The founder of this profoundly influential group talks about their early days in Los Angeles, touring with REM and U2, and his recently published memoir.

Twanguero Jan 17, 2025 3140 Diego Garcia is the guitar virtuoso and creative force behind this project that has toured the world, garnering acclaim and awards.

Michelle Malone Jan 10, 2025 3652 This artist is on the third decade of a career that his included collaborations with Indigo Girls, John Mayer, Gregg Allman, KT Tunstall, and many others.

Kishi Bashi Jan 3, 2025 4214 This songwriter and multi-instrumentalist has toured with Regina Spektor, of Montreal, and many others. He's recorded for Joyful Noise records and has built a largely grassroots following all over the globe.

Medium Build Dec 14, 2024 3098 Nicholas Carpenter is the creative force behind this band that hails from Alaska, which has toured with FINNEAS and Tyler Chiders, and recorded for Island Records.

Iain Matthews Dec 6, 2024 3548 This troubadour was a founding member of the legendary British folk group, Fairport Convention, and has gone on to have solo recording career that has spanned six decades.

Andrea Von Kampen Nov 29, 2024 2812 This songwriter from Nebraska has toured with Ron Pope and Tallest Man on Earth, in addition to recording for Fantasy Records.

Yarn Nov 22, 2024 3616 Blake Christiana is the creative force behind this relentlessly touring band that has shared the stage with Dwight Yoakam, Marty Stuart, and Allison Krauss.

"Crescent Bridge" - Live at the Old Town School of Folk Music Nov 21, 2024 299 Listen to the first single from my forthcoming album "Joe Pug - Live at the Old Town School of Folk Music". Thanks for supporting the podcast and my tunes as well!

Episodes

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