And The Writer Is...with Ross Golan

• Ep. 212: How Russ Built An Indie Empire: Business, Burnout & Self-Belief

  This week’s guest is one of the most successful independent artists in modern music.He’s a rapper, singer, songwriter, and producer who built his career from the ground up—writing, recording, producing, mixing, mastering, and releasing everything himself.But in this rare conversation, he opens up about the side of the journey we don’t usually hear:The emotional weight of ownership, the mental toll of doing it all alone, and the belief system that kept him going when no one else did.We get into:Publishing, splits, and how he structured his businessWhy he doesn’t co-write or chase featuresThe pressure of independence and learning to let go of controlBurnout, success, spirituality, fear of falling off, and moreThis is more than a career breakdown—it's a blueprint for any creative who wants to build something real without losing their peace.And The Writer Is... Russ!Chapters00:00:00 - Trailer: A Glimpse Inside 00:00:57 - Ad Break: NMPA and the Fight for Songwriter Pay 00:01:39 - Welcome to And The Writer Is… with Russ 00:02:14 - Meet Russ: The Unstoppable Indie Force 00:03:50 - From NJ to ATL: Russ’s Early Grind 00:06:40 - Atlanta’s Snap Era and Soulja Boy Influence 00:07:53 - Homegrown Sounds: 70s Rock and Dad’s Secret Talent 00:10:11 - First Guitar: The Genesis of a Songwriter 00:11:08 - GarageBand Dreams: Crafting Early Beats 00:12:09 - Musical Influences: Lil Wayne and Pop-Punk 00:13:30 - Defining the Russ Sound 00:15:29 - Drum Programmers vs. Songwriters 00:18:23 - Publishing Game: Russ’s 50/50 Split Strategy 00:25:56 - Masters vs. Publishing: Where the Money Is 00:27:06 - Losin Control: The $850K Sample Mistake 00:28:28 - Building an Independent Empire 00:30:38 - Own Your Business: Russ’s Wake-Up Call 00:33:18 - Inspiration Is a Lie: Show Up and Work 00:34:28 - Weekly Releases: Discipline Over Inspiration 00:37:14 - Creative Sparks: Shower, Planes, and Life 00:47:26 - Cherry Hill: The Hunt for the Perfect Word 00:51:09 - Live First, Write Later 00:53:10 - The Power of Delusional Belief 01:03:11 - Russ’s Blueprint: 2 Songs a Month 01:06:57 - Respect Your Audience’s Ear 01:09:18 - The Pressure of Success and Family 01:13:55 - Therapy and Acceptance 01:14:37 - Breaking Into Acting and Hollywood 01:25:26 - Ad Break: Powered by peermusic 01:47:10 - Growth Through Vulnerability 01:48:46 - Why Russ Stays Independent 01:53:27 - Fair Pay for Songwriters 02:00:22 - The “Good Problems” of Success 02:07:38 - Chloe, Otto, and Life Lessons 02:08:57 - Outro: And The Writer Is... 02:11:42 - Why Not Me? Russ’s Final Word Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  --------  

  2:12:55
• Ep. 211: BANKS | Why One Song Isn’t Enough: Rejection & Longevity in Music

  Today’s guest is an artist whose voice cuts through like a blade—sharp, emotional, and unforgettable. Emerging from the shadows of alternative R&B and electro-pop, she’s crafted a sonic identity that’s both intimate and cinematic. Her lyrics are deeply confessional, fearless in their vulnerability, and her production choices push boundaries while staying rooted in undeniable emotion. From viral beginnings to critical acclaim, she’s stayed true to her vision, building an aesthetic that’s dark, empowering, and always evolving. All the way from Los Angeles, California—this is the sound of raw artistry at its finest. And the writer is… BANKS!00:00 - Intro 01:07 - Growing Up in L.A. 03:52 - Music as Math? 06:16 - 100% Songs, No Concept First 08:08 - First Song Became a Jack Collab 10:04 - Social Anxiety + Going Out Hard 12:06 - Fans, Fame & Divine Feminine Energy 15:41 - Jillian vs. BANKS 18:10 - Stage Fright to Frontwoman 21:13 - Regrets & Album Titles That Got Away 22:28 - Streaming Era Beginnings 27:02 - Indie Artist Real Talk 31:12 - Viral Hits vs. Tour Culture 34:09 - “Don’t Try To Write a Hit” 36:04 - Underrated BANKS Songs 38:05 - Why This Album, Why Now 39:28 - How “I Hate Your Ex” Happened 41:24 - Voice as a Shape-Shifter 42:02 - Collaboration Energy Shift 43:03 - Studio Magic Stories 44:14 - Writing for Other Artists? 46:18 - Why Artists Look to BANKS 48:06 - 3 Life-Changing Decisions 49:40 - Five-for-Five Lightning Round 53:08 - Music + Visuals Are One 54:16 - Ross on BANKS’ Legacy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  --------  

  55:52
• Ep. 210: Jon Bellion | Choosing Art Over Algorithm

  Today’s guest is one of the most original minds in modern music—a genre-defying powerhouse who returns to this podcast six years after his first unforgettable visit. Hailing from Long Island, this producer, performer, and lyrical architect has built a sonic universe entirely his own. He’s the mastermind behind cinematic pop records that blur the line between the underground and the mainstream, with a resume that spans from crafting platinum hits for chart-toppers to delivering soul-baring solo projects that redefine authenticity. Now a father of three, his creativity has only deepened, as he balances vulnerability and virtuosity with relentless hustle. He’s not just a hitmaker—he’s a visionary, a builder, and a storyteller for a generation that craves depth. And the writer is… Jon Bellion!Episode Timestamps:0:00 Bellion’s Return & Industry Fire 0:36 Ross ATWI Intro2:05 Supporting Songwriters’ Rights 2:41 Jon Bellion Returns After 6 Years 3:56 Jon vs. the Algorithm 6:56 AI, Effort & Meaning 9:22 Craft Over Convenience 11:57 Identity, Process & Philosophy 18:21 Credit, Ego & Industry Power 25:32 Sponsor Message from NMPA27:09 Staying Dangerous with Purpose 32:06 Becoming the Label 45:07 Removing Ego from the Process 50:41 Returning to Joy in Creation 54:58 Art vs. Math in Production 57:23 Hits Beyond the U.S. 1:05:16 On Raising Creative Kids 1:07:52 Jon's Words of Advice to His Younger Self1:18:06 Grief, Healing & Writing Through Loss 1:22:32 What Success Really Means in 2025 1:25:00 Writing vs. Recognition 1:47:58 ATWI Credits & Closing Reflections Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  --------  

  1:46:57
• Ep. 209: d4vd | The Kid Hacking Pop Music From His Phone

  Today’s guest is a genre-shifting phenomenon who’s redefining what it means to break through in music today. With a sound that fuses indie, alt-pop, R&B, and emo influences, he’s crafted a raw, emotionally charged catalog that’s connected with a generation—and he did it all from his sister’s closet on a phone. In just a few years, his music has racked up billions of streams, topping global charts and earning him a fiercely loyal fanbase. But beyond the numbers, he’s an artist who leads with vulnerability, reshaping how young creators think about art, success, and authenticity. He’s not just making songs—he’s shifting culture, and sharing how at the same time.And the writer is… D4vd!0:00 Trailer Hook — Billion Streams Surprise 1:32 Intro — From Phone to Playlist 3:15 Growing Up — Early Life and Music Influences 8:45 First Uploads — BandLab, YouTube, and Finding His Sound 13:20 Going Viral — The Moment Everything Changed 17:50 Pressure and Expectations — How He Handled the Blow-Up 20:42 My Process — How I Make Music on a Phone 23:10 Behind the Hits — How ‘Here With Me’ + ‘Romantic Homicide’ Happened 26:17 What SZA Told Me That Changed Everything 34:08 Advice for Young Artists — Make Music Nobody Wants 36:09 Beyond Music — Directing, Acting, Manga Dreams 43:35 Disrupting the Industry — Freaking Out the Business 44:40 Validation Moment — Sitting Where Legends Sit Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  --------  

  45:26
• Ep. 208: Edgar Barrera | The Max Martin of Latin Music

  Today’s guest is a Latin music powerhouse whose pen has changed the game globally. With a genre-defying catalog that spans regional Mexican, reggaeton, pop, and bachata, he’s crafted chart-topping hits that cross borders and break records. His work has earned him 26 Grammy wins, making him one of the most decorated writers in the industry today. But beyond the accolades, he’s a true musical chameleon—effortlessly fusing cultural roots with modern sounds to create melodies that resonate worldwide. He brings heart, hustle, and authenticity to everything he touches.And the writer is… Edgar Barrera!Timestamp | Chapter Title00:00 | Intro and Sponsor00:45 | Meet Your Host: Ross Golan01:08 | Follow @AndTheWriterIs01:17 | Presented by NMPA02:09 | Guest Introduction: Edgar Barrera03:00 | How Edgar Became a Hitmaker06:30 | Global Success and Crossover Hits10:00 | Writing for Regional Mexican Artists15:00 | Secrets Behind Chart-Topping Songs19:00 | Challenges and Pressure of Success23:00 | Building a Cross-Cultural Career28:00 | The Power of Simplicity in Songwriting32:00 | Lessons from Collaborating with Legends37:00 | How Edgar Approaches Artist Development42:00 | Staying Grounded Amid Global Fame47:00 | Behind The Scenes of Major Hits52:00 | Edgar’s Advice to the Next Generation57:00 | Wrapping Up: Gratitude and Staying Inspired Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  --------  

  1:19:37

Más podcasts de Educación

Podcasts a la moda de Educación

Acerca de And The Writer Is...with Ross Golan