Ep. 210: Jon Bellion | Choosing Art Over Algorithm

Ep. 210: Jon Bellion | Choosing Art Over Algorithm

And The Writer Is...with Ross Golan · 2025-05-13
01:46:57

Today’s guest is one of the most original minds in modern music—a genre-defying powerhouse who returns to this podcast six years after his first unforgettable visit. Hailing from Long Island, this producer, performer, and lyrical architect has built a sonic universe entirely his own. He’s the mastermind behind cinematic pop records that blur the line between the underground and the mainstream, with a resume that spans from crafting platinum hits for chart-toppers to delivering soul-baring solo projects that redefine authenticity. Now a father of three, his creativity has only deepened, as he balances vulnerability and virtuosity with relentless hustle. He’s not just a hitmaker—he’s a visionary, a builder, and a storyteller for a generation that craves depth. And the writer is… Jon Bellion!


Episode Timestamps:


0:00 Bellion’s Return & Industry Fire 

0:36 Ross ATWI Intro

2:05 Supporting Songwriters’ Rights 

2:41 Jon Bellion Returns After 6 Years 

3:56 Jon vs. the Algorithm 

6:56 AI, Effort & Meaning 

9:22 Craft Over Convenience 

11:57 Identity, Process & Philosophy 

18:21 Credit, Ego & Industry Power 

25:32 Sponsor Message from NMPA

27:09 Staying Dangerous with Purpose 

32:06 Becoming the Label 

45:07 Removing Ego from the Process 

50:41 Returning to Joy in Creation 

54:58 Art vs. Math in Production 

57:23 Hits Beyond the U.S. 

1:05:16 On Raising Creative Kids 

1:07:52 Jon's Words of Advice to His Younger Self

1:18:06 Grief, Healing & Writing Through Loss 

1:22:32 What Success Really Means in 2025 

1:25:00 Writing vs. Recognition 

1:47:58 ATWI Credits & Closing Reflections

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

And The Writer Is...with Ross Golan

Every week, we sit down with an acclaimed and venerable songwriter to intimately discuss what happens behind closed doors in the music industry. There are millions of singers, thousands of artists, and only 40 top songs per genre at a time... this podcast is about the people who make them. Produced by Joe London & Ross Golan in association with Big Deal Music & Mega House Music. And The Writer Is... ™

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • No. of episodes: 252
  • Latest episode: 2025-07-07
  • Music

Where can you listen?

Apple Podcasts Logo Podtail Logo Google Podcasts Logo RSS

Episodes