Listen everywhere you get your podcasts including: Apple, Spotify Amazon
We dive in with Dan Wilson, Grammy-winning songwriter, producer, and frontman of Semisonic, to talk about the songs he’s written, including “Closing Time,” “Not Ready to Make Nice” by The Chicks, “Someone Like You” by Adele, and “White Horse” by Chris Stapleton.
Videos by American Songwriter
Along the way, we explore the music that shaped his creative voice, from The Beatles and Bob Marley to Bonnie Raitt and Randy Newman.
Dan reflects on discovering the power of simplicity and repetition, the songs he still considers North Stars, and why Adele’s raw vocal on “Someone Like You” became the version that changed everything. We also talk about the insane ambition of trying to unite the world with a song and why the best pop songs might double as children’s books.
It’s a conversation about loving songs and writing them with hope, compassion, and what rings true.
*Bonus: Dan Wilson’s Song Diving Mixtape with songs from the conversation!
Most Viewed
-
English rock and pop group The Hollies perform the song 'Sorry Suzanne' on the set of the BBC Television pop music television show Top Of The Pops at Lime Grove Studios in London on 27th March 1969. Members of the band are, from left, Tony Hicks, Bobby Elliott, Allan Clarke, Terry Sylvester and Bernie Calvert. (Photo by Ivan Keeman/Redferns) -
Paul Revere & The Raiders Perform American pop group Paul Revere & the Raiders perform in matching outfits, probably on a television studio set, mid 1960s. The band includes Mark Lindsay (third left) as the vocalist and Paul Revere (right) on keyboards. (Photo by Authenticated News/Getty Images) -
Portrait of American country music singer and songwriter Tim Malchak at Farm Aid in Ames, Iowa, April 24, 1993. (Photo by Paul Natkin/Getty Images)
