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Song Diving with Tift Merritt
American Songwriter's "Song Diving" podcast has released a new episode featuring singer-songwriter Tift Merritt, in which she discusses the stories behind songs including "Sugar," "Traveling Alone," "Mad World," "Tambourine," and "Good Hearted Man." The episode forms part of an ongoing interview series in which the outlet explores how artists develop their songwriting craft, offering listeners insight into Merritt's creative process and influences.
During the conversation, Merritt talks about the songwriters who shaped her style, including Emmylou Harris, Carole King, Maria McKee, Townes Van Zandt, and Dusty Springfield, as well as themes such as vulnerability in songwriting, stepping back from the music industry to reconnect with her voice, and how songs can act as personal manifestos. The episode is available on platforms including Spotify, Apple and Amazon, with an extended video version and a companion "mixtape" of related songs offered to American Songwriter members.
In short
- Podcast episode features songwriter Tift Merritt discussing her creative process
- Covers stories behind songs like "Sugar" and "Mad World"
- Explores influences including Emmylou Harris and Townes Van Zandt
Explained simply
Tift Merritt is an American singer-songwriter whose music draws on folk, country and rock. In songwriting, a “voice” means the distinctive style and point of view a writer brings to a song, as well as the sound of their singing.
American Songwriter is a music publication that interviews artists about how they make songs. Its Song Diving series looks at the stories and influences behind individual tracks; Merritt names songwriters and singers such as Emmylou Harris, Carole King and Townes Van Zandt among those who shaped her.
The conversation touches on vulnerability in songwriting and taking time away from the music industry to reconnect with her own approach. This offers listeners context for how an artist’s influences and experiences can shape the songs they write.
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