Today’s guest is an artist whose voice cuts through like a blade—sharp, emotional, and unforgettable. Emerging from the shadows of alternative R&B and electro-pop, she’s crafted a sonic identity that’s both intimate and cinematic. Her lyrics are deeply confessional, fearless in their vulnerability, and her production choices push boundaries while staying rooted in undeniable emotion. From viral beginnings to critical acclaim, she’s stayed true to her vision, building an aesthetic that’s dark, empowering, and always evolving. All the way from Los Angeles, California—this is the sound of raw artistry at its finest. And the writer is… BANKS!

00:00 - Intro

01:07 - Growing Up in L.A.

03:52 - Music as Math?

06:16 - 100% Songs, No Concept First

08:08 - First Song Became a Jack Collab

10:04 - Social Anxiety + Going Out Hard

12:06 - Fans, Fame & Divine Feminine Energy

15:41 - Jillian vs. BANKS

18:10 - Stage Fright to Frontwoman

21:13 - Regrets & Album Titles That Got Away

22:28 - Streaming Era Beginnings

27:02 - Indie Artist Real Talk

31:12 - Viral Hits vs. Tour Culture

34:09 - “Don’t Try To Write a Hit”

36:04 - Underrated BANKS Songs

38:05 - Why This Album, Why Now

39:28 - How “I Hate Your Ex” Happened

41:24 - Voice as a Shape-Shifter

42:02 - Collaboration Energy Shift

43:03 - Studio Magic Stories

44:14 - Writing for Other Artists?

46:18 - Why Artists Look to BANKS

48:06 - 3 Life-Changing Decisions

49:40 - Five-for-Five Lightning Round

53:08 - Music + Visuals Are One

54:16 - Ross on BANKS’ Legacy

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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.

Today’s guest is a genre-shifting phenomenon who’s redefining what it means to break through in music today. With a sound that fuses indie, alt-pop, R&B, and emo influences, he’s crafted a raw, emotionally charged catalog that’s connected with a generation—and he did it all from his sister’s closet on a phone. In just a few years, his music has racked up billions of streams, topping global charts and earning him a fiercely loyal fanbase. But beyond the numbers, he’s an artist who leads with vulnerability, reshaping how young creators think about art, success, and authenticity. He’s not just making songs—he’s shifting culture, and sharing how at the same time.

And the writer is… D4vd!

0:00 Trailer Hook — Billion Streams Surprise

1:32 Intro — From Phone to Playlist

3:15 Growing Up — Early Life and Music Influences

8:45 First Uploads — BandLab, YouTube, and Finding His Sound

13:20 Going Viral — The Moment Everything Changed

17:50 Pressure and Expectations — How He Handled the Blow-Up

20:42 My Process — How I Make Music on a Phone

23:10 Behind the Hits — How ‘Here With Me’ + ‘Romantic Homicide’ Happened

26:17 What SZA Told Me That Changed Everything

34:08 Advice for Young Artists — Make Music Nobody Wants

36:09 Beyond Music — Directing, Acting, Manga Dreams

43:35 Disrupting the Industry — Freaking Out the Business

44:40 Validation Moment — Sitting Where Legends Sit

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