There is a type of country song that loves flawed characters lost on a winding journey ... likely down a dit road. One of the best songwriters in this style is acclaimed artist Brandy Clark. Her credits include a whose-who of country music—Kacey Musgraves, Reba McEntire, Darius Rucker, Lean Rimes—and her albums have received overwhelming critical acclaim. An ... Show More
Aug 19
All roads lead to Pharrell: Tyler, Clipse, and Cardi
The conversation around the new music this summer has been a dour one. Some of the biggest songs in the country right now are downtempo stomp-clap anthems and wistful Cranberries pastiche. Even on this very show, Nate and Charlie have asked: where's the fun? As it turns out, the ... Show More
52m 36s
Aug 12
A brief history of terrible lyrics (with Sam Sanders)
Why do bad lyrics happen to good people? From "suckin' on a chili dog" to "making love to his tonic and gin," even the biggest hits from our favorite artists can feature lyrical turns that make us feel quizzical, offended, or even downright nauseated. With the help of Sam Sanders ... Show More
43m 5s
Feb 2017
Headliner Interview: Brandy Clark
Country singer-songwriter Brandy Clark is up for two awards at the 2017 Grammys. The six-time nominee was a finalist for Best New Artist at the 2015 show, though she was hardly new at all. In this week's interview, Clark explains her long journey, which began in Nashville back in ... Show More
31m 36s
Apr 2019
How To Write a Hit Song: The Love Junkies
Lori McKenna, Liz Rose and Hillary Lidnsey—known as the Love Junkies—write some of the best songs in Nashville today. Between the three of them, they've helped launch Taylor Swift, pushed Lady Gaga into country music—with her album "Joanne"—and gave country music one of its more ... Show More
41m 30s
Aug 2020
Lianne La Havas's Bittersweet Memories
British singer/songwriter Lianne La Havas recently released her third album, a self-titled collection of songs about love, heartbreak, and independence. Pitchfork editor Puja Patel recently spoke with Lianne at home in London over video chat for Pitchfork’s Listening Club. They t ... Show More
21 m
Jan 2021
Diane Warren: My Life in Songs
The legendary songwriter, who's releasing her debut album later this year, shares stories from songs spanning her entire career, from "Rhythm of the Night" to "I Don't Want to Miss A Thing," with host Brian Hiatt Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoice ... Show More
46m 56s
Jul 2021
Lucy Dacus on Making One of 2021's Best Albums
The singer-songwriter on the making of her new album 'Home Video,' the art of songwriting, the future of Boygenius, her love for Bruce Springsteen and much more in an interview with host Brian Hiatt Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
50 m
Sep 2023
Carrie Underwood | Shania Twain
Before her trip to Hollywood to audition for 'American Idol', young Carrie Underwood from Checotah, Oklahoma had never been on an airplane (Original Air Date: October 3rd, 2019). The best selling female Country artist of all time, Shania Twain, joins Stephen to talk about her new ... Show More
22m 26s
Apr 2024
Adrianne Lenker's songs that get under the skin
Adrianne Lenker feels things deeply. You hear it in every one of her songs, whether solo, or with her band Big Thief. Lucky for us, she shares it all, and over the past few years has become one of the most promising and prolific songwriters around; making 6 albums on her own and ... Show More
36m 37s