Songs of Note
A music podcast about the songs we love, and the stories behind them.
Our Editor's Take
Songs of Note is a podcast for music lovers. But more than that, it could be an excellent show for people who appreciate storytelling. Ryan Gregg, the host, enjoys a wide range of genres and is in constant search for new artists to listen to.
Over time, Ryan found that knowing the song's story can make it much more enjoyable. Understanding the events in a singer's life when they wrote a song could add another layer of intrigue. It might allow the host to have a much greater emotional connection. With his podcast, Ryan hopes to help other music fans find the same bond and admiration.
The host of Songs of Note has his own background as a songwriter. Ryan is the founding member of a Christian alternative band called Addison Road. They were active in the early 2000s and released five studio albums. Ryan was the guitarist and also wrote many of the songs. This experience helps the host understand what goes into writing music. He knows how pain, joy, or anger can manifest in lyrics and melody.
Each podcast episode analyzes a single song over the course of 30 minutes to an hour. The first thing Ryan does is provide context about the time period and the artist's life. For instance, in one episode, Ryan discusses "Strawberry Fields Forever" from The Beatles.
With this song, the host tells the story of John Lennon's childhood. He explains how Lennon's mother's death affected the rest of the musician's life. He also details the connection between the artist's mother and the place the song describes. Later, Ryan also explains how critics and audiences received the song. He discusses the record's impact on the music industry.
Ryan also often invites music experts to provide their perspectives about the songs. For instance, in one episode, he speaks to Gered Mankowitz. The rock photographer worked with musicians like Jimi Hendrix. In another episode, the host interviews the lead singer of Jars of Clay.
Songs of Note might help expand the listener's knowledge of songwriting. It can be an informative, compassionate, and also compelling podcast.
Episodes