An Interview With Multi-Platinum Songwriter and New Podcast Co-Host, ROSS GOLAN!

And The Writer Is is a brand new music podcast. Since launching in late January, the podcast has received over 100,000 downloads. With only 10 episodes under their belts, that’s an average of more than 10k per episode. The podcast was recently added to the select podcasts on SPOTIFY’s mobile app, and is now #9 in iTunes Top 10 Music Podcasts.

It is hosted Ross Golan and produced by Joe London.

Ross Golan is a multi-platinum songwriter and has released songs with artists including Maroon 5, Justin Bieber, Nicki Minaj, Selena Gomez, Cee Lo Green, Linkin Park, Snoop Dogg, Colbie Caillat, Lukas Graham and so many others.

Learn more about Ross Golan in the following All Access interview:

Thanks for your time! So how is 2017 going so far for you and your music podcast, “And The Writer Is…”?

No matter how late it gets in the year, it always feels like it just started. I’ll believe it’s 2017 around next New Years Eve. That said, the podcast is exceeding expectations.  I’m excited that songwriters have a venue to audibly and organically tell their story.

Where did the idea for the podcast first come from? Did you think that there wasn’t anything like it already out there?

I have a book that everyone signs at the end of a session. It’s basically my yearbook. It has signatures from Bon Jovi to Michael Buble and Lamont Dozier to Max Martin. These people are fascinating. What are the odds that a kid from the north suburbs of Chicago would end up in a room with them? That’s the question I’m trying to answer.

The writing community is most successful when we view our collective accomplishments as a rising tide. So, if someone has or wants to start a similar podcast, by all means, go for it! The more information shedding light on the songwriting industry, the better.

Can you please tell our readers a little about your podcast and what a typical episode is like? What is it like being the host of it?

Imagine you’re in a recording studio with one of the best songwriters in the world. Ask him/her any question about their life, business and creative process. These artistic geniuses allow us in for an episode. That’s what it’s like.

Are you surprised at all by the success of the podcast?

More relieved than surprised. I want these people to have an outlet that represents them well. The success is simply more proof that people DO care about songwriters.

How do you think your own personal background in songwriting has helped this podcast? Did you ever think that you would be using those skills as a podcast host?

My experience is essential to the podcast. It’s what allows us to go deeper than outside music journalism. I’d been an interviewee before but never asked questions before this podcast. That said, recording sessions are a form of therapy as much as they are creative. I suppose I’ve been training for this for years.

What is it like working with writer/producer Joe London?

I mean, how many people get to produce a podcast with a Grammy nominated producer let a lone a good friend? Joe’s the best.

Can you talk about a few favorite episodes of the podcast so far?

Each one represents a life long struggle to the top. These people are real humans who’ve dealt with real problems. Benny’s mentor passed away, JKash struggled with drugs, Savan was raised in an immigrant family that prohibited pop, Sean Douglas lost his mother, Justin Tranter fought homophobia, Jason Evigan found faith, LunchMoney earned success on his own merits, Evan Bogart conquered addiction and Bonnie McKee took on misogyny.

What are some upcoming shows that you are particularly excited about?

I wish I could release all of them at once. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that they’re all interesting.

How has it been balancing this weekly podcast with your songwriting jobs? Who are you currently working with at the moment?

Not easy, but who’s job is easy? My next single out is Jasmine Thompson on Atlantic. If you don’t know… now you know.

Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself on this podcast?

We just appreciate the support. Songwriters have been the unsung heroes of the business since the beginning of publishing back at the turn of the 20th century. If we can pull back the curtain just a little bit, then we’re doing something worthwhile.

Where can people can find “And The Writer Is…”?

Basically any place that has podcasts (iTunes, Spotify, etc).