Madonna Songbook Podcast

Stephen Bray on Madonna’s Into the Groove: From Kitchen Demo to TikTok Hit

“Into the Groove” is back in the UK Top 20 thanks to a TikTok trend – but how did this song even happen, and why does it still work on dancefloors today? In this episode of Madonna Songbook, host Giulio Mazzoleni sits down w ith legendary songwriter and producer Stephen Bray, who created the song with Madonna, to revisit the low‑tech kitchen recording that became one of Madonna’s most loved tracks after it “accidentally” became the soundtrack song of Desperately Seeking Susan.​
Bray generously talks about how the song was originally written for another artist, and why having “no pressure” gave the song its lightness and joy. He remembers Madonna singing in a tiny apartment with no headphones, and explains why Madonna refused to re‑record the vocal because she knew it was already done. The conversation dives into Madonna’s instinct for knowing when a track is finished, her spontaneous songwriting process with simple tools, and the contrast between her meticulous visual work and her instinctive, fast music‑making. You will also find out about unreleased songs like First There’s a Kiss, Warning Signs, Desperately Seeking Susan and the art of sequencing albums.
If you care about Madonna’s music, pop songwriting craft, and how old hits find new lives in the algorithm era, this episode is for you.
​ Watch more Madonna Songbook episodes with Donna DeLory, André Betts, Tomi Martin and Paul Pesco on this channel.
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Find out ALL about Madonna’s music, all of her 500 songs in the book MADONNA SONGBOOK – limited edition: www.lnk.bio/MadonnaSongbook

Inside Madonna’s Rise: guitarist Paul Pesco on Demos, Tours, and Determination

Guitarist and songwriter Paul Pesco joins Madonna Songbook host Giulio Mazzoleni to share his story of working with Madonna from her earliest days in music to their world tours together. Paul recalls Madonna’s 1979 audition for Patrick Hernandez, her rise from New York’s club scene, and his role in shaping early recordings like “Everybody,” “Aint No Big Deal,” “Burning Up,” and “Lucky Star.” He also performed with her on The Virgin Tour, Live Aid, and The Girlie Show, playing guitar on the “Erotica” album and songs like “Deeper and Deeper,” and “Why’s It SO Hard,”witnessing firsthand her drive and creative evolution. In this in-depth conversation, Paul reflects on collaborating with such a legendary artist and the shared perseverance and adaptability that defined both his and Madonna’s journeys. An interview with Paul Pesco is also available on the book Madonna Songbook : www.lnk.bio/MadonnaSongbook
 

The real story: Madonna’s Justify My Love + Erotica. Producer André Betts speaks!

A very rare, candid interview with producer Andre Betts, who made with Madonna the mega hit Justify My Love and some songs from the Erotica album in 1990, 1991 and 1992. Find out all the secrets behind the making of songs like Justify My Love with Lenny Kravitz, The Beast Within, Where Life Begins, Waiting, Secret Garden, Did You Do It and the unreleased track Dear Father.
Betts discusses his journey from a young producer in the Bronx to collaborating with one of the biggest pop stars in history. He reflects on the creative process behind the song, the challenges faced during production, and the significance of Madonna's artistic decisions. In this engaging conversation, Andre Betts discusses the creative process behind the songs, the collaborative dynamics, and the humorous moments that defined their working relationship. From the prank that led to the song 'Did You Do It?' to the emotional depth of 'Waiting' and the unreleased track 'Dear Father,' Betts provides a unique insight into the music industry and the artistry of one of pop's greatest icons. Remixes, songwriting, house parties, studio time in the middle of the night, union contracts, trust, rats in the studio and much more.
Find out about the book Madonna Songbook at www.lnk.bio/MadonnaSongbook

The new life of MADONNA'S THIEF OF HEARTS - with QUEERTY's GRAHAM GREMORE

Madonna’s song Thief of Hearts is at the center of a TikTok trend bringing the 1992 song back to life. Host Giulio Mazzoleni analyzes the background of the song and the making of the album Erotica. With guest Graham Gremore from QUEERTY, he discusses the value of the song, Madonna’s songwriting, the essence of 90s dance music, her influence on contemporary artists, activism, and the resurgence of her music on TikTok. It also explores the themes and impact of Madonna's album Erotica on contemporary music.
Check out all the facts and stories behind Madonna’s Erotica and all of her other records in the book Madonna Songbook : ⁠https://lnk.bio/MadonnaSongbook⁠
 

Belting out with Donna De Lory - singer songwriter and legendary Madonna backup vocalist

In this episode host Giulio Mazzoleni discusses with singer, songwriter and legendary Madonna backup vocalist Donna De Lory about recording sessions with Madonna. The conversation highlights Madonna's leadership in the production process and the collaborative nature of vocal layering. Donna De Lory and Giulio Mazzoleni also discuss the enduring legacy of other iconic female artists before Madonna and their influence in the music industry: Diana Ross, Carole King, Karen Carpenter. They also explore Donna's personal journey in music and songwriting.
 

Madonna's La Bambola, all you need to know!

In this podcast episode, Giulio Mazzoleni discusses Madonna's new song 'La Bambola' and her collaboration with Dolce & Gabbana. The episode provides insights into the background of the song, its significance, and the context of its release as part of a special campaign.

Bedtime Stories with Tomi Martin

In this engaging conversation with host Giulio Mazzoleni, Tomi Martin shares his experiences working with Madonna, delving into the creative process behind her music, particularly the Bedtime Stories album and the Untold Chapter EP. The discussion highlights the importance of storytelling in music, the evolution of Madonna's sound, and the personal influences that shape artistic expression. Tomi reveals how Madonna created those songs in the studio. For more stories on those sessions with Tomi Martin, check out the book Madonna Songbook  https://lnk.bio/MadonnaSongbook IG @MadonnaSongbook
 

The Cover Songs - with Keith Caulfield

In this final episode of Madonna Songbook Podcast’s season 1, host Giulio Mazzoleni celebrates Madonna's cover songs with special guest Keith Caulfield from Billboard Magazine. The conversation delves into specific covers like 'Fever' and 'I Want You', discussing their origins and the artistic choices behind them. The episode also highlights ‘Santa Baby’ and ‘Don’t Cry For Me Argentina (Miami Mix)’. Check out the Cover Songs playlist on Spotify ⁠https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5Zryn8KnA0lsZd1uTJ7zDy?si=ae040c33a91247a2⁠
Buy the book at this ⁠ ⁠for FREE worldwide shipment https://www.fishpond.com/Books/Madonna-Songbook-EN/9788884354853
Or find out how else to order Madonna Songbook: ⁠⁠https://lnk.bio/MadonnaSongbook ⁠

The Seduction Songs - with Steve Blame

In this episode, Giulio Mazzoleni and Steve Blame – former MTV Europe News Editor and podcaster of Pop The History Makers – delve into Madonna's seduction songs, exploring iconic tracks like 'Justify My Love' , 'Erotica' and many more. They discuss the cultural impact of these songs, Steve's personal experiences interviewing Madonna, and her evolution as a political artist. The conversation highlights Madonna's role in challenging societal norms and her influence on music and culture.
Check out the Seduction songs playlist on Spotify  https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5VH65w7ldiBUe2sPGA0VxW?si=3776bebaeb2f40d3
Buy the book on https://fishpond.com  for FREE worldwide shipment or find out how else to order Madonna Songbook: ⁠https://lnk.bio/MadonnaSongbook   ⁠  

The Latin Songs - with Parri and Augustine from SantaMadonna

In this episode, Giulio Mazzoleni and guests Parri and Augustine from Aregentinian podcast SantaMadonna explore Madonna's Latin songs, focusing on 'La Isla Bonita' and 'Medellín'. They discuss the cultural significance of these tracks, their impact on pop music, and how Madonna's work reflects her fascination with Latin culture. The conversation highlights the evolution of her music and the themes that connect her Latin-flavored songs, showcasing her artistry and influence in the music industry. Check out the Latin songs playlist on Spotify ⁠https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1Vbanl6KxOREVKWarwUVWa?si=4114cc3113e342ba⁠ and find out how to order the book Madonna Songbook: ⁠https://lnk.bio/MadonnaSongbook⁠