Songwriting Saves the World

Hey guys!! Happy Holidays!! This episode is a quick holiday special where we interview representatives Kyle and Rinat from two amazing non-profits, I Support The Girls and Affirmations. We loved talking to Kyle and Rinat about the missions that we hold near and dear. There is a link to donate to or participate in these organization's work in our bio on Instagram. We hope everyone has a beautiful holiday season!!!!

Hey guys!! Welcome to the last episode of Season 3!! This week's guest is GIRLI. Girli is an English singer, songwriter and rapper based in London. The Guardian has described her sound as veering "between PC Music, bubblegum pop, pop punk and rap.” Her music speaks about feminism, sexuality, queer culture, and mental health. We'll catch you guys very soon with the next season of Songwriting Saves the World!! Follow GIRLI on Instagram @girlimusic Follow us on Instagram @songwritingsavestheworld, @sashabellentine, @annickblaize Patreon @songwritingsavestheworld Email songwritingsavestheworld@gmail.com

Hey guys!! This week's episode is with our very best friend in the whole world, Rachel Bochner! Rachel is a singer and songwriter based in NYC. She released her debut EP, 2 AM in January of 2020 and has been releasing singles since. Most recent of which being the absolute banger (also co-written by us!!), “Ghosted My Therapist.” This is Rachel's third time on the show and it's always so wonderful to chat with her. Follow Rachel on Instagram rachelbochnermusic@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram @songwritingsavestheworld, @sashabellentine, @annickblaize Patreon @songwritingsavestheworld Email songwritingsavestheworld@gmail.com

Hey guys!! This week's episode is an interview with the lovely Emily Burns. Emily Burns is a multi-instrumentalist and singer/songwriter from the UK. After the success of her heartbreak ballad, ‘Is It Just Me' at the end of 2019, she released another undeniable pop anthem in ‘Hello'. She's also toured with James Arthur and Gabrielle Aplin. We talked about Emily's songwriting tips, having someone feature on your song, and what she learned from touring with James Arthur. Follow Emily on Instagram @emilyburnsmusic Follow us on Instagram @songwritingsavestheworld, @sashabellentine, @annickblaize Patreon @songwritingsavestheworld Email songwritingsavestheworld@gmail.com

Hey guys!! This week's episode is a much needed solo chat. We sat on the floor and asked each other all the questions we have been asking guests this season and it couldn't have been more fun. We talked about our own gay icons, best concerts and worst concerts, and asked each other surprise questions we've always wanted to ask. Thanks for listening. See you next week with another guest interview!! Follow us on Instagram @songwritingsavestheworld, @sashabellentine, @annickblaize Patreon @songwritingsavestheworld Email songwritingsavestheworld@gmail.com

Hey lovely people!! This week's episode is with the amazing Annie Wagstaff! Annie Wagstaff (sometimes known online as “Annie Plays Guitar”) is a guitarist from Surrey, England. She is incredibly talented and has amassed a significant following on Instagram and Tiktok from her guitar videos. We talked how Annie began producing, being an instrumentalist in a session versus a topliner, and tips for baby guitarists. Follow Annie on Instagram @annieplaysguitar Follow us on Instagram @songwritingsavestheworld, @sashabellentine, @annickblaize Patreon @songwritingsavestheworld Email songwritingsavestheworld@gmail.com

Hey guys!! This week's episode is with the hilarious, super talented Chelcee Grimes. Chelcee is a Grammy nominated songwriter, singer, footballer, and tv and radio presenter. She's written for so many cool artists including Dua Lipa, Kesha, Blackpink, and Jonas Blue. We talked about “Kiss and Make Up” by Dua Lipa, how Chelcee balances songwriting and football, and writing the first bilingual song ever performed at Coachella. Follow Chelcee on Insta: @chelceegrimes Follow us on Instagram @songwritingsavestheworld, @sashabellentine, @annickblaize Patreon @songwritingsavestheworld Email songwritingsavestheworld@gmail.com

Hey lovies!! This week's episode is with the amazing, hilarious, and very very talented J Bach. J is a songwriter and pop artist from Detroit. 
His work has appeared in Time Magazine, Billboard, Spotify's Global Viral 50, and the iTunes charts. The songs he has co-written have amassed over 40 million streams across platforms. 
He was mentored by Pharell on The Voice and has opened for the Chainsmokers and Daya as an artist. We talked about J's experience on The Voice, opening for The Chainsmokers, and writing “Numb” by Christian Gate.” Follow J Bach on Instagram: @jbach Follow us on Instagram @songwritingsavestheworld, @sashabellentine, @annickblaize Patreon @songwritingsavestheworld Email songwritingsavestheworld@gmail.com

Hey guys!! This week's episode is with the amazing Mae Krell. Mae Krell is a 22 year old singer and songwriter based in NYC. They put out their debut EP “Anabasis” in 2018. Since then they have released several successful singles such as “Garden,” “Snow,” and most recently “Colorblind.” We talked about folk production, writing about mental health, and starting out as a concert photographer. Thanks for listening! Follow Mae on Instagram @maekrell Follow us on Instagram @songwritingsavestheworld, @sashabellentine, @annickblaize Patreon @songwritingsavestheworld Email songwritingsavestheworld@gmail.com

Hey lovies!!!! This week's episode is with one of our favorite people in the world, Jack Newsome!! Jack is a pop singer, songwriter, and producer based in LA. He was a finalist on NBC's Songland and has penned songs for so many cool artists like Megan Trainor, PLATINUM, Jordy, Sean Kingston, Alex Sampson, and more. He also recently released a solo EP called “All Dressed Up.” We talked about how real stories make the best songs, how Lady Gaga was everyone's queer awakening, and how he wrote his recent single, “Friends.” Also quick disclaimer. In this episode we mention Sam Smith and mistakenly use he/him pronouns when Sam goes by they/them. We weren't aware at the time and will be more mindful in the future to check pronouns before we mention people on the show! Follow Jack on Instagram @jacknewsome Follow us on Instagram @songwritingsavestheworld, @sashabellentine, @annickblaize Patreon @songwritingsavestheworld Email songwritingsavestheworld@gmail.com

Hey guys!! This week's episode is with the lovely Jazmine Flowers. Jazmine is a singer/songwriter from Brixton. They make the sickest alt/r&b music and recently put out her first single, “awkward” followed by “this isn't happiness” and “ornament.” We chatted about what inspired the lyrics for “awkward” and Jazmine's experience getting signed to Island Records at 18. Follow Jazmine on Instagram @jazmineflowers_ Follow us on Instagram @songwritingsavestheworld, @sashabellentine, @annickblaize Patreon @songwritingsavestheworld Email songwritingsavestheworld@gmail.com

Welcome to season three lovely people!!! This season is all about queer artists and we're so freaking excited for you to hear it!! This episode features an interview with Miki Ratsula...an incredible singer, songwriter, and producer from Southern California. We chatted about their most recent singles, “Second” and “Rebooks” and how their queerness affects the stories they tell and perspective they take. Follow Miki on Insta @mikiratsula Follow us on Instagram @songwritingsavestheworld, @sashabellentine, @annick_blaize Patreon @songwritingsavestheworld Email songwritingsavestheworld@gmail.com

Hey guys!! Welcome to the last episode of Season Two!! To celebrate the end of the season we decided to do a look into our writing sessions. Throughout this episode we talked about our writing process and played clips of our actual writing session voice memos followed by the songs in their final form. This was a lot of fun and we hope you love it! Co-writers mentioned in this episode and their Instagrams: Rachel Bochner @rachelbochner Imogen Weiss @imogenweiss Natalie Brown @nataliebrownmusic Steven Gudino @steven_gudino Alex Kessler @kessler424 Carmel Helene @carmelhelene Ashley Kaline @ashleykalina Follow us on Instagram @songwritingsavestheworld @sashabellentine @annick_blaize Twitter @songsavesworld Patreon @songwritingsavestheworld Email songwritingsavestheworld@gmail.com

Hey guys!! This week's interview is with the incredibly talented and charismatic, Regan Aliyah. Regan is a rapper and spoken word poet known from Disney Channel's “Make Your Mark - Shake It Up” and “Club Mickey Mouse.” Regan is one half of sister duo Rybe and recently released her own mixtape on Soundcloud entitled, “Flip,” We talked about how Regan approaches the creation of her viral Tiktok raps, her experience on Disney Channel, and the story behind her bop, “Humbly Cocky.” Follow Regan on Instagram @reganaliyah Follow us on Instagram @songwritingsavestheworld @sashabellentine @annick_blaize Twitter @songsavesworld Patreon @songwritingsavestheworld Email songwritingsavestheworld@gmail.com

Hey guys!! In this episode we interviewed pop and EDM artist and writer, Heather Somer. Heather put out her most recent EP, “nocturnal,” this year followed by the gorgeous single, “i like you more in my dreams.” We discussed Heather's process writing to EDM tracks, getting in the “flow state” while songwriting, and what she does to prepare for writing for another artist. Follow Heather Somer on Instagram @theartistheather Follow us on Instagram @songwritingsavestheworld @sashabellentine @annick_blaize Twitter @songsavesworld Patreon @songwritingsavestheworld Email songwritingsavestheworld@gmail.com

Hey guys!! This week's episode is with the incredible indie pop singer and writer, Anna Shoemaker. Anna speaks about the process of writing her newest single “Call Me,” developing and keeping a unique sound as an artist, and the pros and cons of being a musician in New York. Follow Anna Shoemaker on Instagram @annashoemaker_ Follow us on Instagram @songwritingsavestheworld @sashabellentine @annick_blaize Twitter @songsavesworld Patreon @songwritingsavestheworld Email songwritingsavestheworld@gmail.com

Hey lovies!! This week's episode is with the hilarious and very talented Andie Arownow. Andie is the founder of Women That Rock, a discovery and promotion platform for the best rising women in music. She is also a professor at The Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music at NYU and an artist in her own right with her first single scheduled for release this Spring. We talked about her childhood growing up singing jingles, the process of creating Women That Rock, and her experience teaching young musicians at Clive. Follow Women That Rock and Andie on Instagram @womenthatrock and @andiearownow Follow us on Instagram @songwritingsavestheworld @sashabellentine @annick_blaize Twitter @songsavesworld Patreon @songwritingsavestheworld Email songwritingsavestheworld@gmail.com

Hey guys!! This week's interview is with publicist and owner of Tallulah PR + Management Ava Tunnicliffe. Ava worked at Universal Music Group for two years before taking what she learned there and starting her own company. We discussed the process of promoting artists such as Finneas, Julia Michaels, Ariana Grande, and The Weeknd, Ava's transition from fashion journalism to music journalism, and how she selects the perfect interns. Follow Tallulah PR on Instagram @tallulahpr and Ava @ava_tallulah Follow us on Instagram @songwritingsavestheworld @sashabellentine @annick_blaize Twitter @songsavesworld Patreon @songwritingsavestheworld Email songwritingsavestheworld@gmail.com

Hey guys!! In this episode we interviewed Maude Latour. Maude is a singer/songwriter and future producer…?! We talked about how she collaborates without straying from her signature sound, the process of developing her unique vocal tone, and writing best friend love songs. Maude released an EP in 2019 entitled “Starsick” and has put out four gorgeous singles since then including “One More Weekend” and “Walk Backwards.” She has also built quite a following on Tiktok in the past year where she promotes and discusses her music. In this episode we shouted out Fizzy Magazine!! Fizzy Magazine is a super cool fashion and culture magazine that is definitely worth a check out. They recently wrote a lovely article about our podcast that you can read here: https://fizzymag.com/articles/songwriting-saves-the-world-podcast Follow Maude on Instagram @maudelstatus Follow Fizzy Magazine on Instagram @fizzymag Follow us on Instagram @songwritingsavestheworld @sashabellentine @annick_blaize Twitter @songsavesworld Patreon @songwritingsavestheworld Email songwritingsavestheworld@gmail.com

Hey lovely people!! This week's episode is with the Senior Director of A&R at Warner Chappell Music, Brandra Ringo! Brandra was recently named one of Billboard's 2020 R&B/Hip Hop Power Players. She has signed and worked with so many amazing writers, producers, and artists including Nova Wav, Lil Yachty, J.Lauryn, Post Malone, Drake, and Jojo (the list goes on). In this conversation we talked about Brandra's journey through the industry from music school to internships to working at major labels. We also discussed what she looks for when signing songwriters, and how she uses her position as an A&R to increase gender and racial diversity in writing rooms. Follow Brandra on Instagram @brandra Follow us on Instagram @songwritingsavestheworld, @sashabellentine, @annick_blaize Twitter @songsavesworld Patreon @songwritingsavestheworld Email songwritingsavestheworld@gmail.com

Hey guys!!! This week's episode is with the most talented angel of a human you will ever meet, Deza! Deza is a songwriter, artist, and producer. She recently signed to Prescription Songs under legend Emily Warren and is soon to be the writer behind all your favorite pop hits. She also has a handful of gorgeous singles out including “June,” “Pout,” and “Boy Violet.” We talked about how she stays inspired, what it's like to be the only womxn in a session, and her experience attending the music program at Limpi. In this episode we shouted out Queued Magazine for their amazing work spotlighting rising artists. Follow Queued on Instagram @queueued !! Follow Deza on Instagram @thisisdeza Follow us on Instagram @songwritingsavestheworld, @sashabellentine, @annick_blaize Twitter @songsavesworld Patreon @songwritingsavestheworld Email songwritingsavestheworld@gmail.com

Hey guys! This week's episode is with world-renowned artist development specialist, Judy Stakee! We chat about her duties being Senior VP of Creative at Warner Chappell for 20 years, the pros and cons of signing with big record labels, and the major role self care plays in a creative career. Judy has signed and developed many incredible artists including Katy Perry, Sheryl Crow, and Gavin DeGraw. She is also the author of “The Songwriter's Survival Guide” and runs her own songwriting retreats based around the methodology she used leading writing camps at Warner Chappell. In this episode we shouted out Amplify Her Voice for their amazing work supporting and connecting womxn in music. Follow them on Instagram @amplifyhervoice !! Follow Judy on Instagram @judystakee Follow us on Instagram @songwritingsavestheworld, @sashabellentine, @annick_blaize Twitter @songsavesworld Patreon @songwritingsavestheworld Email songwritingsavestheworld@gmail.com

Welcome to Season 2 beautiful people! This season is all about womxn behind the scenes in music from publicists to producers to label executives to songwriters and oh my god are we excited to be back! In this episode Grammy nominated songwriter and producer Jenna Andrews speaks about her process writing “You & The 6” by Drake, starting a publishing venture, and developing artists like pop queen Lennon Stella. Follow Jenna on Instagram: @thejennaandrews Follow us on Instagram: @songwritingsavestheworld, @sashabellentine, @annick_blaize Twitter: @songsavesworld Patreon: @songwritingsavestheworld Email: songwritingsavestheworld@gmail.com

Big news lovies! We talk season two of SSW and what we learned about songwriting this year. Tune into the Holiday Special of Songwriting Saves the World to find out what's in store for 2021!

This week we have a late night, laid back chat with one of our favorite people, Rachel Bochner! We talk her new EP, Evermore vs. Folklore, and what we're looking forward to in 2021. Tune into Episode 35 of Songwriting Saves the World!

Owning your production skills, vulnerability in co-writes, and the coolest DJ spots in Brooklyn. Tune into Episode 34 of Songwriting Saves the World with special guest, Megan Dervin-Ackerman!

How self care leads to good art, manifesting, and finding new perspectives on a breakup song. Tune into Episode 33 of Songwriting Saves the World with the coolest, Mia Nicolai!

Writing simple, intense musical environments, and marketing as an independent artist. Tune into Episode 32 of Songwriting Saves the World with special guest, Hannah Cole!

Writing with John Legend, teaching songwriting, and keeping a hook book. Tune into Episode 31 of Songwriting Saves the World with super special guest, Rebecca Jordan Smith!

Designing merch for Janet Jackson, writing about the BLM movement, and free styling melodies. Tune into Episode 30 of Songwriting Saves the World with special guest, Mishko!

Growing up musical, writing about the BLM movement, and how Grammy Camp changed her mindset from hobby to career. Tune into Episode 29 of Songwriting Saves the World with special guest, Lula Pilar!

Each week on SSW we ask our guests to do a song breakdown of one of our favorite songs of theirs. The origin stories of these songs are often hilarious, sometimes sad, and always a cool glimpse into the brain of a songwriter. This week we decided to do a few song breakdowns of our own. From inspiration, writing, and recording all the way to how we feel about the songs now. Sign up for our Patreon @songwritingsavestheworld for more song breakdowns from our super lovely guests and tune into Episode 28 of Songwriting Saves the World with ya girls, Sasha and Annick!

Production hooks, on stage anxiety, and synesthesia. Tune into Episode 27 of Songwriting Saves the World with special guest, Stevie Bill!

Writing as a classically trained pianist, the music scene in Milan, and environment affecting genre. Tune into Episode 26 of Songwriting Saves the World with special guest, Karhys!

Cracking the social media code, songwriting expos, and the power of A&Rs. Tune into Episode 25 of Songwriting Saves the World with David Alexander!

In honor of TikTok nearly being banned in the United States, we are taking a fun little detour this week into the world of TikTok music. Our favorite musicians to come from the app, what TikTok has taught us about musical hooks, and what effect TikTok has had on the music industry as a whole. Tune into Episode 24 of Songwriting Saves the World!

Recording techniques, drawing inspiration from books, and finding your why. Tune into Episode 23 of Songwriting Saves the World with special guest, Maxwell Luke!

Writing "Phases" by PrettyMuch, never deleting ideas in a session, and using social media as a business tool. Tune into Episode 22 of Songwriting Saves the World with special guest, Annika Wells!

Interviewing women around NYC, learning to produce through sampling, and a song breakdown of beautiful ballad, "Pandora". Tune into Episode 21 of Songwriting Saves the World with Juletta + Ishan!

Writing music with family, doing yoga to clear your head, and moving to L.A. for acting. Tune into Episode 20 of Songwriting Saves the World with special guest, Piper Madison!

Writing for The Chainsmokers, building female musician communities, and learning to let go of song concepts. Tune into Episode 19 of Songwriting Saves the World with special guest, KMO!

You asked, we answered! Lessons learned, bridges burned, and what goes on inside our heads when making music. Tune into Episode 18 of Songwriting Saves the World!

Writing music as a duo, being queens of the "Folk-tronic" genre, and starting their own podcast?! Tune into Episode 17 of Songwriting Saves the World with special guest, Overcoats!

Starting the Queer Black Musicians Fund, having music in Adventure Time, and founding internet rap group, Barf Troop. Tune into Episode 16 of Songwriting Saves the World with special guest, Evil!

The shared responsibilities of bandmates, genre blending, and Carole King cover bands. Tune into episode 15 of Songwriting Saves the World with special guest, Sir Chloe!

Launching “Accidental Popstar", defining success, and the importance of self care for artists. Tune into episode 14 of Songwriting Saves the World with special guest, Shamir!

Composing for Netflix series Sex Education, writing themes, and creating a palette of sounds. Tune into episode 13 of Songwriting Saves the World with special guest, Oli Julian!

Writing as a classically trained cellist, performing as a sideman, and finding your aesthetic. Tune into episode twelve of Songwriting Saves the World with special guest, Tiger Darrow!

Mixing your own music, being an independent artist, and the importance of manifestation. Tune into episode eleven of Songwriting Saves the World with special guest, Dounia!

Being emotionally vulnerable in cowrites, finding joy in your process, and exploring the New Zealand music scene. Tune into episode ten of Songwriting Saves the World with special guest, Navvy!

Starting a girl group, navigating contracts, and attending The Fame School. Tune into episode nine of Songwriting Saves the World with special guest, Jenine Howard!