How Greats Create interviews the best musicians about how they make music.
Every week, we sit down with a great songwriter, composer, or producer and ask them about their creative process.
Where do you start? Should you use inspiration or chance? How do you know if something is good?
If you've ever tried to create music, you'll know how hard it is. But the best musicians make great music, over and over again. There might not be a magic formula, but I’m certain we can get pretty close.
Bio
Jessica is an amazing songwriter and producer, perhaps best known for co-writing the Ward Thomas album Cartwheels, which was the first Country album to reach number 1 in the UK.
Jessica's writing style is super recognisable and, I have to say, not very country! She creates these warm, spacey chord progressions, often on piano, with intimate vocals and lyrics, and builds into absolutely beautiful soaring choruses.
Jessica first gained recognition for writing the lead single "Carry You Home", and five of the tracks on the 2016 Ward Thomas album Cartwheels. These songs show some of her signature style but, in my opinion, her more recent work shows a growing depth and sophistication.
Beyond Ward Thomas, Jessica has been working with artists like Hannah Grace, Belle Mt, Blanche, Bre Kennedy, and a bunch more, as well as taking on a producer role with artists like Aine. These songs have a kind of sensitivity and thoughtfulness, which feeling distinctly modern, that's hard to pull off.
In a previous life Jessica studied Art History, before she studied Songwriting at the Institute of Contemporary Music Performance.
3 Aug 2020
4. Homeground Studios, Jason Gelchen & MJ Tan
Jason and MJ are the production and songwriting genius behind most of Singapore's top pop artists.
Their client list includes Jasmine Sokko, Gentle Bones, YAO, Nathan Hartono, Alex Brizzy, Linying, Sam Rui, and dozens more racking up tens of millions of streams with Homeground tracks.
On top of this they make music for ads, film, and tv for big brands like PUMA, Lazada, Cosmopolitan, Bridgestone, Fanta and the list goes on. Even their ads get millions of streams.
Their music is impeccable - think gorgeous vocals, lush soundscapes, and very hooky hooks. Check out their Homeground playlist on Spotify for an ascent into pop heaven.
Jason and MJ are building their pop empire off their own hard work and talent. You only have to go back to 2015 to find Jason doing internships while studying at Singapore Polytechnic, and MJ studying at Ngee An Polytechnic. In just a few years they've managed to create a leading pop studio and make all this great music, getting more awards than I can mention in one podcast.
23 Jul 2020
3. George Gretton
Bio
George is a singer, multi instrumentalist, artist, and producer from Nottingham who is hard to explain.
Part Mura Masa, part James Blake, part Bon Iver, part Imogen Heap, part Jai Paul, and part steel drum, it's hard to put George's music into words, but after just a couple of listens his style is unmistakable. Odd hypnotics rhythms and pop hooks. It's just really good. Go listen.
George's latest release Slipstream is out now on all streaming platforms and you can find links in the description. I also recommend checking out his live performances, including for BBC Introducing, on social media if you can't in person.
23 Jul 2020
2. The Swaggernautz
Meet the Swaggernautz. Between them they have written and produced an enormous catalog of hits: their discography has gone 60x platinum, with 20 numbers 1s and 60 top 20 hits worldwide. They have worked with huge artists from every corner of the world, including Luis Fonsi, Demi Lovato, JJ Lin, Troy Sivan, and dozens more. Their music is modern, dancy, pop.
Jovany grew up in Louisiana, and worked as a shipbuilder before transitioning into music initally as a finalist in Americal Idol. His Cuban roots shines through in his musical style.
Tat grew up in Singapore, and originally got an SAF scholarship to study computer science and work in the Singapore Navy. Outside Swaggernautz he has produced hundreds of tracks and a capellas, and written an ungodly amount as a songwriter for Universal.
Together they also hosted the Gamechangers music seminars to share wisdom from top writers and producers with aspiring musicians.
23 Jul 2020
1. Nicolas Namoradze
Nicolas is, in short, one of the best pianists in the world.
He shot to international recognition in 2018 after winning the Honens International Piano competition, one of the biggest competition prizes in classical music. He has since played all around the world to sold out audiences and rave critical reviews.
Nicolas was born in Georgia, but as a child moved to Hungary. During his undergraduate studies he met pianist Emanuel Ax and was invited to study with him and composer John Corigliano at The Juliard School. He is currently doing his Doctorate at CUNY, where he holds the Graduate Center Fellowship.
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