BBC Radio Podcasts from Music Life

The time machine of tradition with Brìghde Chaimbeul, Sam Amidon, Linda Buckley and Rhodri Davies

Four folk musicians discuss the roles of tradition and place in music

Limitations are limitless, with Caterina Barbieri, Kali Malone, Moritz Von Oswald and Robert Aiki Aubrey Lowe

Can limitations be a source for creativity?

Everything's a drum with Ane Brun, Amelia Meath and Linden Jay

Three musicians discuss collaboration, navigating between genres and lyrical inspirations

Don’t overthink it with Bill Ryder-Jones, Anna Calvi and Poppy Hankin

What was the first piece of music that really affected you?

The algorithm of you with Dot Allison, Andy Bell, Bishi and Charlotte Kemp Muhl

What role should music play in education?

Technology is sensual with Laura Misch, Suzanne Ciani, Madame Gandhi and Sian O'Gorman

Four electronic experimenters discuss how they make their music

From indie to pop with Chromeo, La Roux and Empress Of

Three alternative electro-pop acts discuss how they make their music

Celebrating the vibrato with Joel Shadbolt, Dallas Tamaira, Anna Coddington and Allen Stone

How do 1970s soul sounds still influence today's musicians?

Music is your medicine with Ana Carla Maza, Lucas Santtana and Eliane Correa

Three composers discuss the music of Cuba

Your body is an instrument with Zubin Kanga, Jasmin Kent Rodgman, Laura Bowler and Neil Luck

Zubin Kanga is joined by Jasmin Kent Rodgman, Laura Bowler & Neil Luck.

Music doesn’t stop with Nightmares on Wax, Corinne Bailey Rae, Theo Croker and James Lavelle

How has the digital age helped and hindered musicians?

The magic of space in time with Galya Bisengalieva, Robert Ames, Actress and Claire M Singer

How do different instruments affect composition?

Taking your music seriously with Penguin Café, Johnny Borrell, Douglas Dare and Judi Jackson

Is it OK for musicians to rehash their previous work?

Everyone wants to be pop with Faizal Mostrixx, Afrorack, Grove and Kaya Byinshii

How do musicians feel after a live performance?

The melancholy of exile with Siavash Amini, Sarrsew, mHz and Mariam Rezaei

Four artists with ties to Tehran discuss Iranian experimental music

Breathing through your fingers with Adrian Younge, Lonnie Liston Smith, Jean Carne and Brian Jackson

Four musicians share anecdotes from their storied careers

The source is the universe with Carlos Niño, André 3000, Liv.e and Luis Pérez Ixoneztli

How does spirituality inspire music?

Running out of melodies with Beirut, Blondie's Debbie Harry and Chris Stein, and Stephin Merritt of the Magnetic Fields

Four musicians discuss how cities have influenced their songs

Kids on tour with Charlotte Adigéry, Bolis Pupul, John Carroll Kirby and Marie Davidson

Four musicians discuss second albums, having kids and collaborations

Finding new identities with Bloom Twins, Dorofeeva and Jamala

Four of Ukraine’s finest musicians on creating art in a time of war

Bluegrass rocks with Charlie Worsham, Ashley McBryde and Jaren Johnston

Three American artists discuss the art of country and bluegrass music

It’s everything but math! with Andrew Bird

Singer-songwriter Andrew Bird, Meshell Ndegeocello and Juana Molina in conversation

Allowing yourself to be possessed with GAIKA

GAIKA with Speech Debelle, Lucinda Chua and James Massiah

I'm not switching my flow with MC Yallah, Catu Diosis, Chrisman and Debmaster

Four members of Uganda's Nyege Nyege collective talk about how they make their music

We are not normal with Anoushka Shankar, Arooj Aftab, Lisa-Kaindé Diaz and Nadine Shah

What does a musican's work give their audience?

Confronting expectations with Steven Wilson, Roland Orzabal, Lucy Rose and Andy Partridge

Does the world still need new music, and is "retro mania" stopping rock from evolving?

Let the pressure make a diamond with Xefer, Apashe, Kovacs and Raja Kumari

An international quartet of musicians discuss how they have evolved through songwriting

Idols and clowns with Devendra Banhart, Phil Elverum, Jenny Hval and Bedouine

What can musicians learn from shows that go wrong?

Natural storytellers with Lea Salonga, Claude-Michel Schönberg, Gerard Salonga and Daniel Edmonds

Four giants of musical theatre discuss how they make their art

Abducted by aliens with Jeff Mills, Neue Grafik, Prabhu Edouard and Knoel Scott

Is technology overtaking artists?

Spending your creative cash with Eyedress, Homeshake, Na'Kel Smith and María Zardoya

What's the best way to get through a creative block?

Success is seasonal with Hak Baker, Benjamin Zephaniah, Celeste and Baxter Dury

How does living in London shape a musician's sound?

Don't wait for permission, with Kathryn Tickell, Laura Cannell, Amy Thatcher and Ruth Lyon

Four British folk stars discuss how they make their music

The log drum is the new 808 with Busiswa, DJ Lag, Karen Nyame KG and Scratchclart

How South Africa's amapiano and gqom scenes have gone global

Music is escapism with Nitin Sawhney, Tim Burgess, Nainita Desai and Ayanna Witter-Johnson

How does your family history affect the things you create?

Secrets of African rhythms with Sampa the Great, Thandiswa Mazwai, Emmanuel Jagari Chanda and Mag44

Some of Zambia and South Africa's best musicians discuss their music

You don't have to fit the mould, with Rara Sekar, Sandrayati, Ugoran Prasad and Rully Shabara

Four Indonesian musicians discuss music and social change

Becoming the people we want to be, with Gina Birch, Kathleen Hanna, Mark Moore, and Stephen McRobbie

Four counter-cultural artists share stories from their lives in music

Curating errors with Perera Elsewhere, Fever Ray, Paula Temple and Maral

Four artists explore the outer reaches of contemporary electronic music

Quiet is the new loud with José González, Vashti Bunyan and Erlend Øye

Three folks stars discuss the appeal of softer sounds

What Afro boom?! With Floyd Lavine, Lakuti, Coco Em and Desiree

How difficult is it for African artists to tour?

Collaborating is like dating, with Melike Şahin, Kutiman, Dijf Sanders and Ah! Kosmos

How do artists combine lyrics with music?

Meltdown special with Kokoroko, Soap&Skin, Django Django and Let's Eat Grandma

Four artists playing a festival curated by Christine & the Queens discuss making music

Insular worlds with Peter Gregson, Dobrawa Czocher, Dom La Nena and Sebastian Plano

Four cello players discuss how they make their music

200th episode: Best of the guests with John Grant

Highlights from the past four years, featuring Iggy Pop, Nona Hendryx and Elvis Costello

We are superconductors with Deena Abdelwahed, 3Phaz, Aïsha Devi and débruit

How do musicians bring their studio sounds to the live stage?

Navigating barriers with Phil Selway, Hannah Peel, Valentina Magaletti, and Errollyn Wallen

How do composers progress from a blank page to a room full of musicians?

Eurovision special with Sam Ryder, Mr. Lordi, Teya and Poli Genova

Four Eurovision stars discuss how to write a song for the musical extravaganza

Kindred spirits with Soweto Kinch, Esperanza Spalding, Eska and Tumi Mogorosi

Four modern jazz stars discuss how they make their music

Game changers with Gaye Su Akyol, Dana Colley, Marc Ribot and Via Mardot

How do musicians deal with the politics of the industry?

La Linea Latin music festival special with Francisco Carrasco, N. Hardem and Chapulines

Four inspiring Latin American musicians discuss creativity and the songwriting process

Sounds from the blockchain with Mark de Clive-Lowe, Iman Europe, dot and Pat Junior

Four artists discuss how Web3 technology has changed the way they make music

Being a fox or a hedgehog, with Molly Rankin (Alvvays), Tracyanne Campbell, Mac DeMarco and Molly Nilsson

Four indie-pop stars discuss how they make their music

Collaboration is the gift that keeps on giving, with Baaba Maal, Tricky, Jah Wobble and Chi-Chi Nwanoku

What influence does African music have in the West?

Singing for the rain to come, with Ana Moura, Pedro Mafama, Herlander and Pongo

Four of Portugal's most exciting musicians discuss their craft

The bottom is the top and the top is the bottom, with Sun-Mi Hong, Jen Shyu, Mark Guiliana and William Parker

Four boundary-pushing jazz stars discuss how they make their music

The courage to seek the unknown with Liraz, Derya Yildrim, Adrian Younge and Ladybug Mecca

A globe-trotting quartet of artists discuss how they make their music

Distinguishing what you love from who you are with Mia Gladstone, ROMderful, Maiya Blaney and Emmavie

How painful can songwriting be?

Becoming your own muse, with Amelia Moore, REI AMI, G Flip and Royal & the Serpent

Four futuristic pop artists discuss how they make their music

Creating space to disappear with Sarathy Korwar, Nwando Ebizie, Sandunes and Abel Selaocoe

Four artists diversifying the classical music space

Dancing between spaces with Santigold, Black Thought and theOGM of Ho99o9

The art of writing an arena banger

Music is a mayhem of joy with Dele Sosimi, Angélique Kidjo, the Allergies and Shingai

Four artists discuss preserving music and putting it into a new space

More is more, with Σtella, Michelle Gurevich, and Las Palabras

How do you express yourself in a second language?

Musical catastrophe with November Ultra, Barbara Pravi, Mélissa Laveaux, Yael Naim, and Pi Ja Ma

Exciting and innovative musicians from the French and Creole-speaking world

Breaking the mould, with Jockstrap, Flux Pavilion and Mala

What's it like to hear your song in a club?

Robot bandmates with Weyes Blood, Patrick Watson, Flume and Caroline Shaw

Do musicians face too much pressure to expose their personal lives?

Recording in wintry moments, with Angel Olsen, Julianna Barwick and Marissa Nadler

What do musicians get up to over the holiday season?

Songwriting is like keeping a flower alive, with Skin, Nona Hendryx and Paolo Nutini

Can you write a song in your dreams?

When the heart beats, the music happens, with Seckou Keita, Julie Fowlis, Anandi Bhattacharya and Richard Bona

Four artists working in musical traditions from across the world

Wearing the appropriate footwear to perform with Nyokabi Kariūki, Moor Mother, Edward Wakili-Hick and KMRU

Is making music easy?

Creating music is selfish with George Fitzgerald, SOAK, Marie Davidson, Mount Kimbie's Kai Campos and TOKiMONSTA

How can you make music that matters in today's world?

Singing in your own accent, with Amahla, Corinne Bailey Rae, Tiana Major9, and Simeon Hammond Dallas

How four soulful singers create worlds through lyrics

Learning is a lifelong process, with Thomas Attar Bellier, Dina El Wedidi, Alsarah, Alain Johannes, and Ali Güçlü Şimşek

Five artists taking folk and rock music in new directions

Thinking of taxes while performing with Alela Diane, Rhiannon Giddens, Mariee Siou and Uwade

Celebrating the many different sides of folk music

Unspoken communication with Harvey Sutherland, Yu Su, Paul Woolford and Warpaint's Stella Mozgawa

Four musicians and producers discuss the power of non-verbal connection

Get weirder with Cakes Da Killa, Nita Aviance, Rochelle Jordan and Eli Escobar

Four forward-thinking artists discuss the current climate of dance music

We’re emotional wrecks, with Poppy Ajudha, Maverick Sabre and Madison McFerrin

Finding the balance between the personal and political in songwriting

Exploring darkness, with Lamb of God, Diamanda Galás, Malevolence, and Inger Lorre

Four rock and metal stars discuss how they make their music

Quieten the mind through music, with Jitwam, GAIKA, Elle Shimada, and Nabihah Iqbal

Four eclectic artists discuss how they make their music

Marinating in the vibe of a track, with You Me at Six, PVRIS, A Day to Remember and Cody Frost

Pop-punk and rock musicians from the UK and US discuss the art of getting loud

Don't eat junk food, with Tkay Maidza, Lolo Zouaï, and Chiiild

Why making music feels like having a superhero persona

The in-betweens of sonic space with Nandele, Batida, Turkana, and TYGAPAW

Four beatmakers discuss how the sounds of Africa influence their music

You can’t force creativity, with Lynks, Xenia Rubinos, Bingo Fury and NewDad's Julie Dawson

Four artists look ahead to the End of the Road festival

I'm always singing out of tune, with ANOHNI, Hannah Peel, Hayden Thorpe and Purity Ring's Megan James

Experimental composers and musicians discuss their craft

Genres are a game with ÌFÉ, Matthew Halsall, Cécile McLorin Salvant, and Maria Chiara Argiró

An international line-up of jazz musicians discuss how they make their music

Songwriting anger with Baby Queen, Powfu, Mae Muller, and Dylan Fraser

Emerging pop stars from South Africa, Canada, England and Scotland discuss making music

Melody rules all with Rostam, Lykke Li, Hatis Noit, and Barrie

What are the best bits of the songwriting process?

Don't underestimate boredom, with FINNEAS, Maggie Rogers, Sigrid and Röyksopp's Svein Berge

Four artists setting standards in modern pop discuss how they make their music

Welsh-language music with Gwenno, Lleuwen, Hollie Singer (Adwaith) and Lloyd Steele

What does it mean for Welsh artists to make music in their own language?

Rebel against what's expected, with Poliça, Erika Dohi, Real Estate, Twin Shadow and Bessie Turner

Five acclaimed musicians discuss staying creative during the pandemic

Take courage and say something with Branko, Rita Vian, Dino D'Santiago and ZenGxrl

Four Portuguese-speaking artists discuss how they make their music

Writing is therapy, with Natalia Lacunza, Birdy, Matt Maltese and Silvana Estrada

Four young singer-songwriters discuss the art of making music

Keep your music in the fridge with QuinzeQuinze, Bonnie Banane, HSRS, Sébastien Forrester and Photay

Why music is like a dish with an infinite number of ingredients

Do weird stuff and have fun doing it, with Nova Twins, Dream Wife, Cassyette and Yonaka

Why a song doesn’t have to be personal to be meaningful

Meltdown festival with Jessie Ware, Meshell Ndegeocello, Dave Okumu and Eska

Meltdown festival featured artists and friends discuss how they make their music

Music is abstract, lyrics are concrete, with Elvis Costello, Marisa Monte, Jorge Drexler and Leo Sidran

How hard is it to make music in multiple languages?

The colour of sound with Eyal El Wahab, Ana Kravanja, Kees Berkers, and Bex Burch

Can you fall in love with a musical instrument?

Being country is being yourself, with Scotty McCreery, Tenille Arts, Matt Stell and Hailey Whitters

Four rising stars discuss the art of making country music

Eurovision 2022 with Cornelia Jakobs, MARO, Alexandra Rotan (KEiiNO), SuRie and Dami Im

Eurovision stars past and present discuss how they created hit songs for the show

Heal yourself, with Carlotta Cosials, Depresión Sonora, NAVXJA and BERNARDA

Four young Spanish musicians discuss where their best ideas come from

You can't please everyone with Enny, Priya Ragu, Hatchie and Miso Extra

Can writing gibberish help you make music?

Song separation anxiety with Noon Garden, Go Kurosawa, Yukimi Nagano and Serra Petale

Psychedelic pop musicians discuss why you can’t be emotionally detached from your music

'I don't have an identity beyond music', with Planningtorock, Peaches, Hard Feelings and Colin Self

Electronic musicians exploring themes of gender, sexuality, and queer life and culture

Songwriting is painful with Allysha Joy, Latanya Alberto, Joya Mooi and TEEKS

Why disagreeing can be a good thing for songwriters

Best songs use the worst equipment with JyellowL, shiv, Kojaque and Gemma Dunleavy

Four key voices on the Dublin music scene discuss the art of storytelling

Clean the house before recording with Poppy Ackroyd, Büşra Kayıkçı, Sven Helbig and Hania Rani

Four pianists and composers discuss their craft

The gaming community with Olivier Deriviere, Lena Raine, Joris de Man and Chipzel

Four composers answer listeners' questions about making music for video games

Know the rules so you can break them, with L'Rain, Keyon Harrold, Hinako Omori and Sinkane

Is writing music like walking to the shops?

The research project with Kiefer, Malaya, Mia Gladstone and DJ Harrison

Why making music is a good excuse to research what has gone before

Carnaval do Brasil, with Thiago França, Beto, Maíra Freitas and Flaira Ferro

Four Brazilian musicians discuss their country's carnival season

Sleeping with your instruments with Elsa y Elmar, Will Joseph Cook, Soko and Jules Crommelin (Parcels)

Does working alone lead you to have negative thoughts?

Kryptonite to my ears with Joel Culpepper, Mysie, Anaiis, and TYSON

Four soulful artists discuss navigating their own voices

Making your music sound 'human', with Heba Kadry, Sarah Davachi, Marta Salogni and Faten Kanaan

Engineers, composers and producers discuss the art of the recording studio

Stay hydrated with Cakes Da Killa, UNIIQU3, Shaun Ross and Jubilee

How do you tell if music you're working on is hitting the mark?

Musical collage with Mad Professor, Suzanne Ciani, Matthew E. White and Georgia Anne Muldrow

How listening to music lets you travel through time

The great Black music symposium with Angel Bat Dawid, Qur'an Shaheed, Dr Adam Zanolini and Ben LaMar Gay

Four multi-talented musicians discuss the importance of not conforming

Found sounds with Matthew Herbert, Matmos, Nwando Ebizie and Kate Carr

Making music from the sounds of everyday life

Bass: How low can you go? with Laura Lee, Blu DeTiger, Karina Rykman and Adeline

Four bass players discuss what the low end brings to music

Home for the holidays with MØ, Sigrid, Tove Lo and Alma

Why are Scandinavians so good at making pop music?

Let words come out of your body with Kae Tempest, Porridge Radio, Goat Girl and Dan Carey

How do you let go of the idea of who you are?

'I modelled my studio on a sauna' with Sylvan Esso, Alexis Taylor, Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith and Ed Russell

A collection of electronic experimenters discuss how they make their music

The 'look at me' gene with Poté, Pierre Kwenders, TSHA and Heléna Star

Four rising stars discuss how they make their music

The writing room with Kirby, Gallant, Baby Rose and Durand Bernarr

Four of the most exciting names in contemporary R&B discuss the secrets of their craft

Rey Sapienz, Toya Delazy, Catu Diosis and Hagan

Why it's important to dance when making music

Throwing laptops across the room with Lauren Mayberry, Bartees Strange, Ellie Rowsell and Hannah Reid

Some of today's biggest indie stars discuss the realities of touring

Vintage v modern with James Petralli, Jeff Parker, Heba Kadry, Eric Pulido and McKenzie Smith

What difference does vintage equipment make to a musician's sound?

'My studio is a mess', with Julien Baker, mxmtoon, Thao Nguyen and Quinn Christopherson

Is there a good side to being selfish?

The three things you need to write a song, with Zara Larsson, Nina Nesbitt, Brian Higgins, Darin and Jörgen Elofsson

Five big names from the world of pop discuss the art of making hits

Chaotic composing with Jabu Morales, Luedji Luna, Céu and Sara Tavares

Musicians from Brazil and Portugal discuss art, motherhood and tradition

The beauty of sampling with Anchorsong, Loraine James, Gold Panda and Sandunes

What song would you make if you knew billions of people were going to listen?

All my instruments have names with Esperanza Spalding, Marcos Valle, Patrick Paige II and Tom Misch

What did your first love sound like?

The cost of being honest with Cola Boyy, Faye Webster, Cherry Glazerr and Juan Wauters

Do you have to leave a city to appreciate it?

I'm not hyperpop with Mallrat, Ninajirachi, Daine and Donatachi

Four young Australian artists pushing the boundaries of pop music

Limitless technology with Tom Furse, Caroline Shaw, Holly Herndon, Arushi Jain and Mat Dryhurst

Can computers make music feel more human?

Singing is cool again with Sinead Harnett, Grades, Jae Stephens and Monro

Is naming songs easier than writing them?

Notting Hill Carnival with General Levy, Lady Banton, Mikey Dread and Alicai Harley

Four Carnival stars share their love of Europe's largest street festival

The importance of space with Cassandra Jenkins, Arooj Aftab and Charlotte Dos Santos

Can an artist ever really say a piece of work is complete?

School first, music second with Vagabon, Vieux Farka Touré, Mary Lattimore and Mereba

What impact does a musician's family have on their artistic journey?

An instrument of healing with Jenn Wasner, Helado Negro, Meg Duffy and Joseph Shabason

Can selfishness benefit the creative process?

When fans don't like your best song with Ray BLK, Joeboy, 2baba and Ayra Starr

Four young stars talk about the current Nigerian music scene

'Good for the ego, bad for the soul' with Manika Kaur, Ali Riaz Baqar, Gurujas Khalsa and Abi Sampa

Four musicians offering new perspectives on traditional Asian music

Giving voice to the voiceless with Ian Brennan, Alex Magaga, Van-Anh Vo and Gilbert Uwitonze

How music helps persecuted people heal and find refuge

Everybody is a musician with Tshepang, Chelsea Wolfe, Anna von Hausswolff and Colin Greenwood

What's it like to make a sound that can never be recreated?

Forgetting the words on stage with Stuart Braithwaite, David Pajo, Rachel Goswell and Du Blonde

Members of Mogwai, Slowdive and Slint are among the guests discussing how they make music

100th episode: Best of the guests

We celebrate Music Life’s 100th episode with some of the highlights from Episodes 50–100.

The tricky third album with Japanese Breakfast, Julia Stone, Black Belt Eagle Scout and Becca Mancari

Why do artists often find their third album is the hardest to make?

'Are you proud of your music?' with Billy Nomates, Simone Marie Butler, Xenia Rubinos and Radie Peat

What songs do musicians write when they think no-one else will hear them?

'Songwriting made me who I am' with Ice T, Aurora, Amy Lee and Oli Sykes

How do musicians work through creative differences with their collaborators?

Bullied for making music with Will Joseph Cook, dodie, Boys World and Alfie Templeman

Young artists discuss building a fanbase on social media

Getting personal with Lila Iké, Sevana, Jaz Elise and Naomi Cowan

Four rising stars celebrate the sounds of Jamaica

Eurovision! With Conchita Wurst, Duncan Laurence, Daði Freyr and Emmelie de Forest

Four of Eurovision's biggest stars discuss the international music extravaganza

Music as a tool for self-expression with Biig Piig, Nayana IZ, Puma Blue and Louis Culture

What's it like to make music as an introvert?

Influences and identity with Adrian Younge, Ali Shaheed Muhammad, Brandee Younger and Alissia

How do artists use their music to show respect for what's come before?

Creative catharsis with Gazelle Twin, Lucrecia Dalt, Cosey Fanni Tutti and Keeley Forsyth

Four artists working beyond the mainstream discuss how they make their music

Give it some space with Alex Isley, Tiffany Gouché, India Shawn and Gwen Bunn

How do you know if a song is actually good?

'I was told I was too much' with will.i.am, Static & Ben El, Lioness and Lady Leshurr

What's the best way of writing a song?

Muted musicians with Liraz, Bedouine, Daniel Smienk and Tolga Boyuk

Four musicians with Middle Eastern and Mediterranean roots discuss music and heritage

The disappearing album with Eyedress, Dâm-Funk, Jessica Pratt and Low Leaf

Four Los Angeles artists discuss how they make their music

You are what you make with Ibeyi, Kindness, Hiatus Kaiyote and Charlotte Day Wilson

A global gathering as part of the BBC World Service Festival

'My feet felt like a metronome' with Rostam, Santigold, Dijon and Samantha Urbani

What comes first - melody or lyrics?

Don't run away from pressure with Caroline Polachek, Perfume Genius, Jlin and Oneohtrix Point Never

Four experimental musicians discuss their links to poetry.

A million ways to make a song with Eliza Shaddad, This Is the Kit, Oddisee and Gaidaa

How do politics and heritage feed into the creative system?

Toys in the studio with Hannah Peel, Tunng's Mike Lindsay, Falle Nioke and JFDR

Four innovative musicians discuss the power of the concept album

Comparison is the thief of joy with Liz Lubega, R-Kay, Intalekt and TINYMAN

Does self-doubt get in the way of creating?

History in the making with Mickey Guyton, Jimmie Allen, Abby Anderson and Twinnie

Four country stars discuss how they tell stories in songs

The courage to be disliked with BŪJIN, Desire Marea, Lynn Daphne Rudolph and Jackie Queens

BŪJIN welcomes three eclectic artists based in South Africa

'Educate yourself quickly' with Sarathy Korwar, Nadine Shah, James Holden and Nubya Garcia

Is there something inherently dysfunctional about being a performer?

Dancing in the kitchen with Eris Drew, Octo Octa, Kate Pierson and Jayda G

How 1950s rock'n'roll influences today's dance music

Writing under blankets in planes with Aloe Blacc, Gregory Porter, Kadhja Bonet and Chelsea Jade

What happens to the creative process after losing those closest to you?

Chaos vs perfection with Ami Dang, Elisita Punto, Nazar and Tuna Pase

Does it matter if songwriters don't know where their songs will end?

'Swans ruined our recording' with Ólafur Arnalds, Agnes Obel, Dustin O'Halloran and Hania Rani

Are composers happiest working alone?

Trapped in an idea with David Byrne, St Vincent, Sinkane and Vagabon

Do artists make music to make people think or move their feet?

The science behind the perfect hit with Becky Hill, MNEK, Ella Eyre and Frances

Is there a formula for writing the perfect hit?

Coconut water and confidence with Kranium, Masego and Alicai Harley

Is an airport a good place to work on music?

Loving and hating the studio with Tune-Yards, Haim, Black Pumas and Chicano Batman

How much do musicians consider the audience when they're writing?

The politics of pleasure with Thurston Moore, Brix Smith, Sunn O)))'s Stephen O'Malley and Rachel Aggs of Sacred Paws

How much does politics influence the work musicians create?

The importance of improvising with Bebel Gilberto, Martha Wainwright, Sam Amidon and Martin Hayes

How important are family and tradition in music?

Magic moments with Paul Epworth, Arlo Parks, Dave Okumu and 100 gecs

What's it like to work with analogue equipment in a digital world?

The ‘Lost Beats’ folder with Felicia Douglass, Sly5thAve, Leon Michels and Tiana Major9

How quarantine hobbies have fed into musicians' work

Music in our grandmother's DNA with Kelsey Lu, Beverly Glenn-Copeland, Lotic and Fatima Al Qadiri

How do our ancestral backgrounds influence the stories we tell?

Recording tradition with Derya Yildirim, Yousra Mansour, Hasan Nakhleh and Merve Erdem

What can music tell us about tradition?

Floppy disks and cassette tapes with Témé Tan, Nick Hakim, Raquel Berrios and Ela Minus

Is an album a single piece of work or a playlist of songs?

Musical resistance with Rina Sawayama, Angel-Ho, Shamir, and Mykki Blanco

Where do artists get the inspiration to create when they are not performing?

Heart v technique with Norah Jones, Nitin Sawhney, Anoushka Shankar and Soumik Datta

How does being a solo artist differ from being part of a band?

Songwriting first dates with Melanie C, Nadia Rose, Rae Morris, and Jin Jin

How do you build a songwriting team?

Dark places and bliss with Reuben James, Izzy Bizu, Scribz Riley and Gracey

If you could go back in time and alter a piece of work, what would you change?

Getting into trouble with Moonchild Sanelly, Etuk Ubong, Cuppy and Bryte

Are there things musicians can't say in their music?

Musical dreams with Ishmael Butler, KeiyaA, IAMDDB and Bishop Nehru

Have you ever dreamed an idea for a song?

'I forgot to hit record' with Ellen Allien, Afrodeutsche, Catnapp and Mentrix

How the sounds of history make their way into music

The science of soundtracks with Max Richter, Hans Zimmer, Hildur Guðnadóttir and Angélica Negrón

Four of today's most notable film and TV composers discuss how they got started in music

Obsessed with production with Kelly Lee Owens, Jessy Lanza, Jehnny Beth and Tei Shi

How hard is it to record animal sounds?

Throwing away lyrics with Chali 2na, Omar, Skye Edwards and Rodney P

What's the first step in the creative process?

'Synths are my best friends' with Suzanne Ciani, Marie Davidson, Sui Zhen, and Lorenzo Senni

Four leading electronic artists discuss the joy of synthesisers

'I get scared' with Azekel, Kwesi Arthur, Shab and Little Dragon's Yukimi Nagano

How hard is it to make music with people you don't know?

The art of pop with Soweto Kinch, Charlotte Adigéry and Jordan Rakei

What role does ego play in art?

The best of the guests

Music Life digs out some of the highlights of the series so far for its 50th episode

The words, the rhythm, the melody with Angelique Kidjo, Melissa Laveaux, Flavia Coelho and Maya Kamaty

Why asking questions can be more important than finding answers

Fascinations with the future, with Rvdical the Kid, Gafacci, Ria Boss and Keyzuz

How do you deal with imposter syndrome?

Dance and wash the dishes with Laetitia Sadier, Peter Zummo, Mabe Fratti and Marie Merlet

How do you define originality?

Accidents, humour, and guilt with Joy Crookes, Georgia, Jaz Karis and Afrikan Boy

What life lessons do you learn from working in music?

Turning fear into excitement with Austra, Dry Cleaning's Florence Shaw, Dan Deacon and Cosmo Sheldrake

The strange places musicians find inspiration

Creative freedom with Labdi, Hibotep, Karun and Faisal Mostrixx

A show dedicated to artists from the Kenyan and Ugandan underground

'Why didn't I think of that?' with Ella Eyre, Mahalia, MNEK and Hamzaa

What do you look for in a collaborator?

'I don't like rules' with Moelogo, Pongo, Silvastone, and Viva Msimang

Do record labels help or hinder the creative process?

The influence of family with Soweto Kinch, Shingai Shoniwa, Eno Williams and Barney Artist

Jazz saxophonist Soweto Kinch hosts Shingai Shoniwa, Eno Williams and Barney Artist

Music therapy with Kane Brown,Holly Macve and Olivia Lane

Three young country stars discuss music's therapeutic effects

The voice of the inner critic with Caroline Polachek, Robert Glasper, Colin Greenwood and Tamino

Radiohead’s Colin Greenwood talks music with Tamino, Caroline Polachek and Robert Glasper

Overcoming obstacles with Melisa Whiskey, Zlatan, Lyta, and Garry Mapanzure

Four rising stars of African music share the major obstacles they've had to overcome

'Do my friends like my music?' with Shura, Kim Petras, Mae Muller and Ego Ella May

How does social media affect your creativity?

'Never plan' with La Roux, Channy Leaneagh, Elaha Soroor, and Dana Gavanski

What makes artists want to write more?

Singing in the dark with Niariu, Dyo, Lady Donli and Marla Brown

Is it easier to sing in the dark?

Musical identity with Sinkane, Emel Mathlouthi, Laima Leyton, and Shirley Tetteh

How do you turn an idea into a song?

Delving into the subconscious with Jon Hopkins, Anna Meredith, Holly Herndon and Max Cooper

Four of today's most exciting electronic musicians discuss composing and creativity

Playing to people who don't look like you with Sarathy Korwar, Damien Escobar, Fehdah and Osman Gerein

What kind of relationship do musicians have with their instruments?

'Playing live is scary' with Marika Hackman, Eliza Shaddad, Dino D'Santiago and Ayo Odia

How big is the difference between playing in the studio and on the stage?

'Write about what you know' with Yuna, mxmtoon, Shakka and Alex.tbh

A journey all over the musical dial with rising stars Yuna, mxmtoon, Shakka and Alex.tbh

Soul v technology with Raphael Saadiq, Moses Boyd, Denai Moore and Samm Henshaw

How can you use technology to make music with soul?

Strange fan encounters with Nabihah Iqbal, Nilüfer Yanya, Laura Lee and Gaye Su Akyol

What's dating like for musicians?

Drumming for legends with Tony Allen, Billy Cobham, Femi Koleoso and Dele Sosimi

Discussing the art of jazz with two of the greatest drummers of all time

Composing naked with Christophe Chassol, Sudan Archives, Emmanuel Jal and Ala.Ni

Four musicians discuss unusual ways to get their creativity flowing

Clichés with Gabriella Cilmi, Natacha Atlas, Carmen Souza and Soud Massi

How do you stay true to your artistic vision?

Cultural exchange with Sinkane, Cautious Clay, Lea Lea and Elenna Canlas

What can you gain from collaborating with other artists?

'Don't move your hair so much' with Self Esteem, Maisie Peters, Rakel Mjoll and Alex Cameron

Rebecca Lucy Taylor - AKA Self Esteem - meets Alex Cameron, Maisie Peters and Rakel Mjoll

Waking up in a good mood with Seun Kuti, Sheila Maurice Grey and Eno Williams

Singer and saxophonist Seun Kuti meets vocalists Sheila Maurice Grey and Eno Williams

Fed up of the plain old form with Iggy Pop, Anna Calvi, Jason Williamson and Leron Thomas

Leron Thomas is joined by Iggy Pop, Anna Calvi and Jason Williamson

The art of the wedding DJ with John Grant, Jarvis Cocker, Gruff Rhys and Simon Raymonde

John Grant, Jarvis Cocker, Gruff Rhys and Simon Raymonde discuss life on tour

Dismantling preconceptions with Stephanie Phillips, Blick Bassy, Gabriela Quintero and Daymé Arocena

Musicians from three continents discuss how influences manifest themselves in their music

Advice to your younger self with Quantic, Tamar Osborn, Pete Wareham and Orphy Robinson

Musician and engineer Quantic is joined by Tamar Osborn, Pete Wareham and Orphy Robinson.

Inequalities in the music industry with Raye, Jacob Banks, Tenesha the Wordsmith and Melle Brown

Raye is back presenting, with guests Jacob Banks, Melle Brown and Tenesha the Wordsmith

Video game inspirations with James Lavelle, Elsa Hewitt, Skinny Pelembe and Rahel Debebe Dessalegne

Skinny Pelembe is joined by James Lavelle, Elsa Hewitt and Rahel Debebe Dessalegne

Mental health and music with Stephen Malkmus, Peter Hook, Jesca Hoop and BC Camplight

BC Camplight is joined by guests Peter Hook, Stephen Malkmus, and Jesca Hoop

Why gigs feel like football matches with Kojey Radical, Shabaka Hutchings, Nubya Garcia and Ashley Henry

Kojey Radical and guests discuss how to write about something you’ve not experienced

Divine inspiration with Rhiannon Giddens, Josh Turner, Cam and Justin Osborne

Rhiannon Giddens talks about life making music with Josh Turner, Justin Osborne and Cam

Missing your friends' birthdays with Arlo Parks, RAYE, Kabaka Pyramid and JMSN

RAYE discusses life making music with Kabaka Pyramid, Arlo Parks and JMSN

Does your heritage affect your sound? With OSHUN, Uche and Carla Marie Williams

Carla Marie Williams talks life making music with OSHUN and Uche from Da Beatfreakz

Reggae today with Don Letts, Hollie Cook, Josh Rudge and Eva Lazarus

Don Letts discusses life making music with Hollie Cook, Josh Rudge and Eva Lazarus.

Is there a place for politics in music? With Benjamin Zephaniah, Novelist, Sophia Thakur and Hussain Manawer

Benjamin Zephaniah with guests Novelist, Sophia Thakur and Hussain Manawer.

How has the music industry changed over time? With Lee Fields, Nina Nesbitt, Pixie Lott and Barns Courtney

Pixie Lott with guests Nina Nesbitt, Barns Courtney and Lee Fields.

How hard is it to be original? With Sally Beamish, Rob Lewis, Jo Quail and Robin Haigh

Rob Lewis, with guests Sally Beamish, Jo Quail and Robin Haigh

Would you make music for no money? With Swindle, Joel Culpepper, Ahnanse and Lioness

Joel Culpepper, Ahnanse and Lioness join Swindle to talk influences and weird spaces

Why The Smiths are actually happy with Quantic, Rosie Lowe, Emma-Jean Thackray and Adriano Adewale

Adriano Adewale, Emma-Jean Thackray and Rosie Lowe join Quantic to discuss writing styles

The pitfalls of being pigeonholed with Femi Koleoso, Connie Constance, Nadia Rose and Maverick Sabre

Femi Koleoso, Connie Constance, Nadia Rose and Maverick Sabre discuss buzz and faith

When the demo is better than the final song with Jacob Collier, dodie, Lianne La Havas and Makaya McCraven

Lianne La Havas, Makaya McCraven and dodie join Jacob Collier to discuss 'demo-itis'

What would Beyonce do? With Ghetts, JP Cooper, Kojo Funds and Carla Marie Williams

Ghetts, Kojo Funds and JP Cooper join Carla Marie Williams to talk beating writer's block

Rookie errors on social media with Guy Garvey, John Grant, Planningtorock and Fiona Brice

Planningtorock, Fiona Brice and Guy Garvey join John Grant to talk anxiety and self worth

The preview

Four different musicians talk together each week about what matters most: making music.