Off The Record - An American Songwriter Podcast

Linda Perry joins host Lisa Konicki for the latest episode of Off the Record while in Nashville on tour with the Indigo Girls to discuss her new documentary and album, both titled Let It Die Here. The film follows a turbulent time in her life, including her mother entering hospice, her breast cancer diagnosis, and an emotional breakdown caught on camera.Perry also opens up about her songwriting process, which starts with chords and ad-libbing rather than lyrics, and puts melody and phrasing first. “I come from heart 100%,” she says. She admits that while she’s nurturing with other artists, she’s brutally hard on herself, and that watching the documentary is what finally unlocked her own songs.She discusses the making of the album, from writing “What Lies With You” at 2 a.m. and recording it with a full band and strings within hours, to turning her documentary score into the record’s instrumental interludes. Perry reflects on her complicated love for her mother, the closure they found in her final months, and the lesson she carries into raising her son: “The greatest teacher I had about what not to do is my mom.”Let’s go Off the Record with Linda Perry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the latest episode of Off the Record, Vince Gill sits down with host Lisa Konicki to look back on the moment he left Oklahoma as a teenager 50 years ago. That move is at the heart of his 50 Years From Home project, a monthly series of EPs drawn from roughly 150 new songs. As Gill puts it, “I don’t want to check out of here with a whole bunch of songs in the desk drawer.”Gill shares the stories behind the latest EP, Stillwater Night, from writing with wife Amy Grant to singing with daughter Corrinna, plus collaborations with artists like Wyatt Flores, HARDY and Post Malone. Gill also teases the upcoming Marty and Me with Marty Stuart and shares how he finally finished a song he’d been stuck on for 35 years. His guiding principle for it all: “Don’t impress me, but move me.”The conversation gets candid and funny, too, as Gill talks about getting fired by Ricky Skaggs, his concerns about AI in music, a heartfelt tribute to Dolly Parton, and behind-the-scenes stories from a decade with the Eagles. It’s a warm, vulnerable look at one of country music’s most beloved artists.Let’s go Off the Record with Vince Gill. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Off the Record, Lisa Konicki sits down with Wynonna for a raw, revealing conversation. After a heartfelt tribute to the late Dolly Parton, the talk turns to The Hard Truth, the album Wynonna spent five years making with husband and producer Cactus Moser, and the first on which she wrote nine of the ten songs. She admits releasing something so personal is frightening, but explains why she had to: "We kept a secret and secrets keep you sick and there's no secret anymore."Wynonna walks through the stories behind the songs: discovering at 30 who her biological father was, only for him to die before they met; the grandmother who raised her spirits; her daughter's addiction and incarceration; and her complicated bond with her mother, Naomi Judd. "I love her so much that I forgot myself," she says, while describing the forgiveness the album helped her find. Her humor shines through too, as when she describes her two kids as "one on parole and one on patrol."Moser joins for the final stretch of the episode, sharing how the couple met on tour in 1989 and why he wanted the album's sound stripped-down and gritty. The episode closes on a hopeful note, with Wynonna teasing a more joyful next record. As she puts it, "The Hard Truth allowed me to be free."Let’s go Off the Record with Wynonna. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Off the Record, host Lisa Konicki talks with hit songwriter Jessie Jo Dillon, the first songwriter ever to win ACM Songwriter of the Year three years in a row. The episode opens with a game that pits her own hits against each other and includes a video tribute from actor-singer-songwriter Luke Grimes praising her work on his album Red Bird.Dillon talks about growing up as the daughter of legendary songwriter Dean Dillon, why she avoided songwriting at first, and how she approaches her craft: lyrics first, one clear emotion, and a focus on what the artist wants to say. She also shares stories behind hits like "Am I Okay?" with Megan Moroney, "10,000 Hours" with Dan + Shay and Justin Bieber, and Jelly Roll's FIFA anthem "Lighter."The episode ends with her new imprint, Gatsby, which she named after her favorite novel, and its first artist, Carter Faith. She also leaves us with advice to aspiring writers: “write from the heart and outwork everyone.”Let’s go Off the Record with Jessie Jo Dillon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Off the Record, Editor-in-Chief Lisa Konicki sits down with Parker McCollum fresh off the birth of his second son, Rocker, and an ACM Award for Album of the Year win. McCollum opens up about balancing tour life with two young boys and reflects on the win for his self-titled record: "a record that got the most of my heart and soul and effort and time and focus than any body of work ever has."In the episode, listeners will hear the story behind recording in New York City, where McCollum asked his band for total creative commitment. You’ll also get to hear about the origin of "New York Is On Fire," born from watching Central Park's trees "literally on fire" from a plane window. He also breaks down his songwriting process and even improvises a verse live in the studio.The conversation also covers the album’s deluxe tracks, including a duet with Lee Ann Womack, and McCollum’s advice for aspiring songwriters: "There's only one you... lean into that as hard as you can." A funny and personal episode.Let’s go Off the Record with Parker McCollum. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the latest episode of Off the Record, Riley Green sits down with host Lisa Konicki for a conversation that begins with the reality of fame, including AI-generated stories about his family, before turning to AI in songwriting. Green insists real country music has to come from lived experience, not a machine: "I feel like that's a really lazy way to try to create something."Throughout the show, Green gets to dig into his new album, That's Just Me, touching on the album’s name, its mix of autobiographical and co-written songs, and standout collaborations— including honoring the late Toby Keith on "Think As You Drunk" with a Keith vocal snippet, that Green calls "a perfect little surprise, tip of the cap, and a great little moment in the song."Listeners also get a look at Green’s favorite classic country songs, his family roots, and his current stint on The Voice. The episode is a personal discussion that lives up to its Off the Record name.Let’s go Off the Record with Riley Green. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Off the Record, Editor-in-Chief Lisa Konicki talks with Alex Warren, calling in from his tour in Australia, about his new album WILDCHILD. Alex discusses his journey from homelessness and a viral internet moment to chart-topping success, and explains why he built this record as, in his words, "a tutorial on how to feel" —each track built around a different stage, from grief to falling in love. In this episode, you will hear the stories behind the album cuts, including "Cry Wolf," written the day he set boundaries with toxic people in his life, and "Same Stars," inspired by the aching feeling of loss. Warren also dives into the meaning behind the album's title, a nickname from his late father, and the closing track, which features his dad's voice alongside a guitar solo from John Mayer. Off the Record explores Alex's songwriting process, his collaborators, and his hopes for fatherhood—all grounded in his core mission: "I write music that helps people get through the loss of their parents, a breakup, and falling in love." Tune in for a down-to-earth conversation about turning pain into music. Let’s go Off the Record with Alex Warren.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Off the Record, host Lisa Konicki sits down with Little Big Town — Karen Fairchild, Kimberly Schlapman, Phillip Sweet, and Jimi Westbrook — for a wide-ranging conversation that includes personal catch-up and real talk about their music.Listeners get a glimpse into the band's off-stage life: Kimberly's skincare finds, updates on their now-teenage kids, and a fun game of "most likely to" that unveils members' quirks (Sweet, unsurprisingly, wins nearly every category).The heart of the episode is a look at their new album, It's a Dying Art, produced with Gena Johnson. The band walks through the writing and recording process for songs like "Crickets," "Jet Plane," and "Hey There Sunshine," describing a choice to embrace rawness over polish. Fairchild explains that the goal was to preserve something machines can't replicate, saying, "you still can't replace the humanity that happens when harmonies are sung imperfectly."Finally, listeners hear the band's feelings about AI's growing role in music. While they use it for practical things like homework help, they're wary of what it means for songwriting and authenticity — Schlapmam sums it up simply: "It has no soul." The episode closes with a look back at career highlights like "Girl Crush" and Harry Styles' cover, plus advice for aspiring songwriters, with Jimi's takeaway: "just keep writing."Let’s go Off the Record with Little Big Town. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Off the Record, host Lisa Konicki catches up with Carter Faith about her whirlwind year since Cherry Valley dropped — from nonstop touring to her first ACM nomination for Album of the Year. Faith opens up about online criticism, and the contrast between her soft-spoken demeanor and sharp-edged songwriting, plus her experience opening for Post Malone on his stadium tour.The conversation then dives into Cherry Valley Forever, the deluxe edition's five new songs, as Faith shares the stories behind "Dead Horse," "If A Man's From Texas," "Ain't Over Me Yet," her duet with Wyatt Flores ("Nothin' Better to Do"), and her collaboration with Laci Kaye Booth and Baby Nova ("Pearl Handled Pistol"). She also revisits "Bar Star" and her unlikely friendship with Billy Bob Thornton.Listeners also get a preview of Faith's acting debut in Netflix's Heartland alongside Jessica Chastain, a playful "song bracket" game ranking 2010s country hits, and her thoughts on songwriting. The episode wraps with a lighthearted, unscripted riff about opening a "Safe Space" bar for women in Nashville, capping off a funny, candid look at Faith's fast-rising career.Let’s go Off the Record with Carter Faith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Off the Record, Editor-in-Chief Lisa Konicki sits down with Dan + Shay to discuss their new album, Young,  the creative journey that brought them there, and the decision to follow their instincts rather than rush the next chapter. Dan Smyers opens up about shelving an earlier project because it “just didn’t feel like the right natural step,” while the duo explains how that experience helped them find their way forward.The duo also shares stories behind some of the album’s most personal songs and how they write from where they are in life now, including family, love, difficult moments, and mental health. Shay Mooney explains that the album isn’t built around traditional heartbreak songs, but rather “things that we’re going through,” while Smyers says the songs are autobiographical and reflect experiences that have affected them personally and emotionally.And there’s plenty to enjoy along the way. The duo revisits their experience performing the national anthem at the FIFA World Cup, talk sports, their shared love of football and hockey, and even talk about the possibility of one day playing the Super Bowl halftime show. The episode concludes with some songwriting advice from the guys, with Mooney saying, “Write a lot of them,” and Smyers reinforcing the value of staying productive and chasing the right idea.Let’s go Off the Record with Dan + Shay. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Off the Record, Lisa Konicki sits down with Train frontman Pat Monahan to celebrate 25 years of Drops of Jupiter and hear the personal story behind the hit song. Monahan reflects on loss, songwriting and the healing power of music, saying, “I think Drops of Jupiter was the first time I realized how healing music can be.” He also opens up about Train’s new album, Mad Dog in the Fog, sharing the real-life stories behind songs including “Pennsylvania Turnpike,” “To Gloria” and “Blue Brushed Butterfly.” “There’s pain through happiness, trust me,” he says of the record. The conversation touches on songwriting, his upcoming musical Begin Again, fatherhood, life on the road and staying creative after decades in music. Monahan puts it simply: “I don’t think I need people to care. I need to care.” Let’s go Off the Record with Pat Monahan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Every great song has a story. In this compilation episode of Off the Record, host Lisa Konicki talks with songwriters Gabe Simon, Ashley Cooke, Niall Horan and Jo Dee Messina as they explore the inspiration behind some of their most meaningful songs. From unexpected songwriting breakthroughs to deeply personal moments, listeners will hear how their experiences became music.Simon shares how Noah Kahan's "The Great Divide" began with a riff that made them realize "we had something magical," while Cooke recalls writing "Baby Blues" during a hungover songwriting retreat that unexpectedly produced one of her favorite songs. Horan also opens up about how "End of an Era" took on new meaning after the loss of Liam Payne, calling the writing session "like a therapy session for the three of us."Messina goes on to reveal the heartfelt stories behind "Don't Let Them Hide Your Beautiful" and "Let Me Love You," sharing how conversations about family and faith inspired both songs. This episode an intimate look at the creative process of several songwriters and the moments that enable them to create music fans love.Let’s go Off the Record for our stories behind the song episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Go behind the scenes with hit songwriter and producer Gabe Simon as he joins host Lisa Konicki to share the stories behind his work with Noah Kahan, Lana Del Rey, Dermot Kennedy, James Bay, Koe Wetzel, Jessie Murph, and more. Simon offers an inside look at the making of Stick Season and The Great Divide, sharing how he approaches every project with one goal: "I'm there to serve and to support and to uplift" the artist.Throughout the conversation, Simon discusses earning artists' trust, adapting to different genres, and the stories behind songs like Suki Waterhouse’s "Tiny Raisin" and Kahan’s "The Great Divide." He also reflects on balancing family and music, producing records around the world, and why being uncomfortable often leads to the best breakthroughs.Simon closes with thoughtful insights on social media, AI, and the future of songwriting, reminding listeners that the creative process is what matters most. "The journey of it, the failing, the succeeding—that's the best part," he says.Let’s go Off the Record with Gabe Simon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

New country artist Ashley Cooke joins Off the Record with American Songwriter Editor-in-Chief Lisa Konicki for a lively conversation about the making of her self-titled sophomore album, the stories behind her songs, and the experiences that shaped this new chapter of her career.Cooke opens up about writing through heartbreak, family loss, and personal growth, explaining why she decided to make this record her most vulnerable yet. “I want people to really feel like they know me as a person with this record,” she says, adding that she “word vomited a lot” in the songwriting process to create music that feels relatable.Beyond the music, Cooke reflects on her unconventional journey—from performing as a child, attending Belmont University, and building a career through social media—to becoming one of country music's rising artists. She also shares her love for lyrics, her songwriting process, and why she believes the best songs come from real life.Throughout the episode, Cooke dives into standout tracks like “The Girl Who Cried Wolf,” “Sleepless in Seattle,” and “When We’re 30,” while discussing healing, relationships, and the courage it takes to tell the truth in song. Cooke admits she no longer writes with awards or radio in mind, saying, “I didn’t chase the radio with this record. I didn’t chase awards with this record… it just means more to me if it’s something that I care about and that the music is real.”Let’s go Off the Record with Ashley Cooke Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Lisa Konicki sits down with Grammy-winning artist, songwriter, and musician Steve Wariner on this episode of Off the Record to reflect on a career that spans more than five decades. Wariner shares stories from his days touring with Dottie West at just 17 years old, learning from legends like Chet Atkins, Kris Kristofferson, Roger Miller, and Johnny Cash, and offers an inside look at the relationships and experiences that shaped him into one of country music's most respected artists. He also dives into the inspirations behind classics like "Holes in the Floor of Heaven."Wariner later opens up about another of his passions—painting—and explains how creativity connects the two worlds. He compares approaching a blank canvas to writing a new song, saying, "You're going to make something out of nothing, but you've got to have a vision." He also reveals how songwriting and painting place him in the same creative mindset, describing it as "It's a zone, I call it," where ideas take shape.This episode is filled with career memories and behind-the-scenes stories, showcasing Wariner's enduring passion for creating. Whether he's reminiscing about country music's golden era, discussing new songs he's writing, or explaining why he'll always keep painting regardless of who sees the finished work, Wariner delivers an inspiring conversation that listeners won't want to miss. Let’s go Off the Record with Steve Wariner. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Calling all Jo Dee Messina fans—and anyone who loves hearing the stories behind great country music—you won't want to miss this conversation. Messina sits down with Editor-in-Chief Lisa Konicki on Off the Record to reflect on more than 30 years in country music. She opens up about how her perspective has changed, saying, "I have more wisdom now than I did then," and shares why she believes artists don't have to "sacrifice your entire life and all your belief systems" to pursue success. The conversation also dives into Messina's new personal album, Bridges, on which she co-wrote every song but one. A first for the artist. She talks about balancing life as a single mom, songwriter, and touring artist, saying, "I just try to be true to who I am and not try to fit into everything else."Beyond the music, Messina shares her heart for faith, family, and inspiring the next generation of artists. She discusses her dream of creating Broom Tree Haven, a ministry designed to provide a place of peace and restoration for artists and others experiencing life's pressures. From hilarious moments about social media and raising teenage boys to heartfelt stories of perseverance, this episode will leave listeners with a deeper appreciation for both the artist and the woman behind the music. Let’s go Off the Record with Jo Dee Messina. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Off the Record, Young the Giant shares stories about their sixth studio album, Victory Garden, and their creative writing journey. The band discusses how stepping away from distractions and writing together in nature helped shape what they call their most collaborative record in years. "We've kind of established and found our home... that home is just where we are all the time. It can be within you," frontman Sameer Gadhia explains.The conversation delves into the album’s theme of “radical empathy,” how becoming parents inspired them to see the world through a child's eyes, and why they hope the music encourages listeners to reconnect with themselves and others. "I want people to feel a sense of hope for the future... and a sense of belongin," Eric Cannata shares about the band's vision for the record.They also dive into the stories behind songs like "Different Kind of Love," "Bitter Fruit," and "Life Is a Long Goodbye,” the impact of "Cough Syrup," life on tour, and the evolution of their songwriting. This episode offers an intimate look at a band committed to growth, and creating music that brings people together. Let’s go Off the Record with Young the Giant. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Off the Record, Grace Potter joins host Lisa Konicki for a wide-ranging conversation about her upcoming album Trespasser, songwriting, creativity, family life, and the experiences that shaped her latest music. Potter reflects on the 15th anniversary of “You and Tequila,” her friendship with Kenny Chesney, and the creative freedom she found while traveling across the country and writing songs inspired by the people and places she encountered.Listeners will hear Potter discuss the themes at the heart of Trespasser—belonging, wandering, identity, and self-acceptance. She describes the album as a deeply personal journey, saying, “I think the masks have come off,” and explains how the songs reflect a fuller understanding of who she is as an artist, wife, mother, and storyteller. The conversation also explores the unusual stories behind songs such as “Lost Cafe,” “Gasoline,” and “War On The Mountain.”Thoughtful and humorous, Potter sums up the album’s spirit with a memorable observation: “No matter how crazy you feel at any moment in your life, you can find solace in knowing that there is a weirder fire burning in a different dumpster somewhere right over the horizon.”Let’s go Off the Record with Grace Potter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Off the Record, hit songwriter Shane McAnally joins Editor in Chief Lisa Konicki to share the story behind his journey. McAnally reflects on the challenges he faced in his career, the moments that kept him going, and what it means to be recognized as one of the 30 Greatest Living American Songwriters. He shares how embracing his true self as a songwriter helped unlock a deeper level of creativity and connection with listeners. “When I realized it was a superpower... it really turned something that I thought would keep me out of country music into something that put me square in the middle of it,” he says. The conversation also explores the future of songwriting, including social media, streaming, and AI, while focusing on McAnally’s belief in the power of authentic storytelling. He also goes behind the stories of some of country music’s biggest songs, including “Merry Go ’Round,” “Mama’s Broken Heart,” “Vice,” and “Body Like a Back Road,” and dives into his creative partnerships with artists like Kacey Musgraves, Miranda Lambert, and Sam Hunt. Let’s go Off the Record with Shane McAnally. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this inspiring episode of Off the Record, host Lisa Konicki sits down with reggae legend Ziggy Marley to discuss his new album, Brightside, a project that he describes as a healing journey. Marley opens up about songwriting as therapy, mental health, embracing vulnerability, and creating music that reflects his own experiences. “I made this album for myself. It was never like, ‘Let me make this album for the world.’ This music was for me,” Marley shares.Listeners can look forward to an engaging conversation that goes beyond music. Marley reflects on the legacy of his father, Bob Marley, the inspiration behind songs like “Many Mourn For Bob” and “Racism Is A Killa,” his fascination with the healing power of music, and his unique approach to creativity. Throughout the episode, he shares personal stories and life lessons, offering a glimpse into his world.Whether you're a longtime fan of Marley, a music lover, or someone looking for inspiration and positivity, this episode offers an honest look at an artist who continues to evolve while staying true to himself.Let’s go Off the Record with Ziggy Marley. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices