Wilco formed in 1994, and 21 years later, they released their 9th album, Star Wars. In this episode, Jeff Tweedy, the band’s singer and principal songwriter, breaks down the song Magnetized. In addition to collaborating with his five bandmates, John Stirratt, Pat Sansone, Mike Jorgensen, Nels Cline, and Glenn Kotche, it turns out Jeff Tweedy makes an active effort to remove his own ego from the process of songwriting. Here, you’ll hear why.

Buy “Magnetized” on iTunes.

 

I spoke with Jeff Tweedy at The Loft, @wilco’s recording studio in Chicago. New episode out now. songexploder.net/wilco

A photo posted by Song Exploder (@songexploder) on Dec 2, 2015 at 7:09pm PST

For a transcript of this episode, click here.

Natalia Lafourcade has won eight Latin Grammys, including three for the song Hasta la Raíz, which won the 2015 Song of the Year and Record of the Year, as well as Best Alternative Song. In this episode, Natalia breaks down the writing and recording process for the track, which borrows from a traditional Mexican folk music called huapango, but also still includes a Juno synthesizer and a pop sensibility.

Buy “Hasta la Raíz” on iTunes.

Watch the music video:

For a transcript of this episode, click here.

Youth Lagoon is the moniker of Trevor Powers, who has been releasing albums under the name since 2011. In this episode, Trevor breaks down “The Knower,” the lead single from his newest record, Savage Hills Ballroom. He talks about how the idea for the song started by manipulating sampled vocals, and how he flew to Bristol to record the album with producer Ali Chant.

Buy “The Knower” on iTunes.

Watch the music video:

For a transcript of this episode, click here.