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Artwork for The Working Songwriter

The Working Songwriter

Joe Pug
Songwriting
Nashville
Music Industry
Banzoogle
Country Music
Touring
Music Production
Music
Los Angeles
Bluegrass Music
K Flay
Steve Louw
Indie Rock
Save Ferris
Creative Process
Michigander
Austin City Limits
Old Town School Of Folk Music
Joe Ely
Chicago

Joe Pug hosts a weekly conversation with one of today's best songwriters. The Working Songwriter is a part of the Bluegrass Situation Podcast Network. Interested in sponsoring us? Contact: bit.ly/sponsorBGSpods Over 300 catalog episodes available to stream in the Nation of Heat Vault. Visit joepugmusic.com/vault

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes346Founded10 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
MusicPerforming ArtsArtsMusic Interviews

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Artwork for The Working Songwriter

Latest Episodes

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.... more

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.

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 musi... more

This Greenville, South Carolina native is a Grammy-nominated troubadour known for his tireless touring schedule. Originally aired on December 18th, 2020.

Key Facts

Accepts Guests
Accepts Sponsors
Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
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Recent Guests

Marcus King
Native of Greenville, South Carolina, guitarist, songwriter, Grammy-nominated artist
Marcus King Band / Fantasy Records
Episode: Classic Episode - Marcus King
Joe Pernice
Singer-songwriter and author of It Feels So Good When I Stop
Pernice Brothers / Scud Mountain Boys
Episode: Joe Pernice
Joan Osborne
Singer-songwriter featured on Relish and Trouble and Strife
Mercury Records (breakthrough label)
Episode: Classic Episode - Joan Osborne
Eddie Schwartz
Canadian songwriter and artist known for Hit Me With Your Best Shot; former president of the Songwriters Association of Canada
Songwriters Association of Canada; BMI/SOCAN/JUNO awards recipient
Episode: Eddie Schwartz
Kevin Morby
Singer-songwriter, musician, and founder of Mare Records
Woodsist/Mare Records
Episode: Classic Episode - Kevin Morby
Mary Chapin Carpenter
Singer-songwriter
Columbia Records (historical)
Episode: Mary Chapin Carpenter
John Craigie
Singer-songwriter from Southern California, based in Portland
Episode: Classic Episode - John Craigie
Charles Kelley
Member of Lady A; solo artist
Lady A / Capitol Nashville
Episode: Charles Kelley of Lady A
Courtney Marie Andrews
Arizona native singer-songwriter, known for Honest Life and May Your Kindness Remain
Independent artist
Episode: Classic Episode - Courtney Marie Andrews

Host

Joe Pug
Host of the show, known for exploratory, conversational interviews with contemporary songwriters.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 2.3k ratings
  • Great stuff

    Been listening for years, thanks for the good work Joe! … and personally I think the website salesman ads are funny. Cheers!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    nahhhhh…
    United Statesa month ago
  • If you write songs…

    This is the podcast for you. Joe is funny, intelligent and insightful. My favorite podcast about music and the reality of being an independent singer songwriter. The best!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    MD Boat Guy
    United States4 months ago
  • Insightful, intelligent, and essential!

    This is one of the best songwriting podcast out there. As a professional songwriter, who’s been on a lot of interviews, I’ll say that Joe is a fantastic host and brings on amazing guests who reveal deep and unique aspects about themselves and the creative industry they are part of. I’m always enthralled and enlightened and I’m so grateful that this forum exists so we can get to know the artists we love and admire. Definitely give a listen. Ps he’s also funny which helps.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Robin Jacksophone
    United Statesa year ago
  • No

    First thing I hear is “Some guy named Tucker would drive an fj cruiser and would make you a website for $1000?” Absolutely not. What a moronic statement.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Ashexxx
    United Statesa year ago
  • Always a great listen!

    Joe has a great conversational approach that is easy to listen to and his production is top notch. Easily one of the best podcasts out there today.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Russell Christian
    United States2 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Production quality and conversational tone are repeatedly highlighted as top-notch.
Guests are varied yet consistently relevant to songwriting and the music industry.
Listeners praise the host's thoughtful, engaging interview style and deep dive into craft.
Show is seen as essential and inspirational for songwriters and music creators.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Classic Episode - Marcus King
Q: What was it like to work with Dave Cobb and then Dan Auerbach?
Working with Dave Cobb was a collaborative, respectful experience with a mutual understanding, while Dan Auerbach brought a different energy and forward-looking approach, both of which broadened how I approach recording and leadership in the studio.
Classic Episode - Marcus King
Q: What was the process of building your band and starting to tour after getting your GED?
I began by playing locally, using a fake alias to reach out to clubs, booking four to five nights a week, and gradually expanding to out-of-state gigs, which laid the groundwork for larger tours.
Classic Episode - Marcus King
Q: When did songwriting come into the equation?
Songwriting came a little later for me, after I had been playing guitar for years; I started writing seriously around age 13 and learned through experience and emotional honesty.
Classic Episode - Kevin Morby
Q: How did you decide when to bring in a producer and how does that relationship shape your work?
Producers are essential partners who unlock aspects of the process I can't reach alone; Brad Cook, Sam Cohen, and Rob Barbato all offered different kinds of guidance, and trust is central to making that collaboration work.
Classic Episode - Kevin Morby
Q: Was your decision to go out on your own and move to LA around the same time as leaving Woods?
Yes, the move was part of a broader shift toward independence; I started The Babies with Cassie, which led to broader exploration, and then I ultimately stepped out to pursue my own path under my name.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
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Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About The Working Songwriter

What is The Working Songwriter about and what kind of topics does it cover?

The show centers on in-depth conversations with contemporary songwriters across genres, exploring craft, career evolution, and the realities of making a living from music. Conversations often trace early influences, DIY beginnings, and the balance between artistic integrity and industry demands, with a strong emphasis on storytelling, collaboration, touring, and the evolving ways artists release and sustain their work. A notable through-line is the host's approachable, curiosity-driven interviewing style that helps guests unpack creative processes, personal routines, and resilience in a changing music landscape. Expect a mix of intimate career retrospectives, practical craft tips, and behind-the-scenes anecdotes that are useful for aspiring... more

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How many listeners does The Working Songwriter get?

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How many subscribers and views does The Working Songwriter have?

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Which podcasts are similar to The Working Songwriter?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Working Songwriter:

1. Broken Record with Rick Rubin, Malcolm Gladwell, Bruce Headlam and Justin Richmond
2. The Fretboard Journal Guitar Podcast
3. Wong Notes
4. Song Exploder
5. Norah Jones Is Playing Along

How many episodes of The Working Songwriter are there?

The Working Songwriter launched 10 years ago and published 346 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact The Working Songwriter?

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What guests have appeared on The Working Songwriter?

Recent guests on The Working Songwriter include:

1. Marcus King
2. Joe Pernice
3. Joan Osborne
4. Eddie Schwartz
5. Kevin Morby
6. Mary Chapin Carpenter
7. John Craigie
8. Charles Kelley

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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