Sodajerker On Songwriting Bonus: Jamie Cullum and Billy Bragg (Live)
Jan 13, 2026
Jamie Cullum, an award-winning singer-songwriter and pianist, shares insights on writing for the Royal Shakespeare Company and the importance of collaboration in songwriting. He emphasizes the role of the piano in his creative process and discusses his journey through music theory. Billy Bragg, a political activist and folk-punk musician, reflects on songwriting as a means of connection, arguing for empathy and honest perspectives in his work. Both artists explore how music can inspire change and foster community, showcasing the art of songwriting from their unique perspectives.
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Use Theory As A Practical Tool
- Study music theory when stuck to gain practical tools, not to replace honest songwriting.
- Jamie found theory during COVID opened options like chord movements to fix structural problems.
Learn Standards To Grow Your Vocabulary
- Learn songs deeply to absorb musical language and expand your songwriting vocabulary.
- Jamie learned thousands of standards playing cocktail piano and used them to inform his own songs.
Fusing Influences Creates Identity
- Combining disparate influences creates a unique artistic voice rather than choosing one side.
- Jamie fused jazz standard idioms with rock/pop instincts to find his identity.
