Dead Wax

What Makes The PERFECT Pop Song? with Madi Yanofsky

Episode Summary

On this week’s DeadWax, Jack and Ryan sit down with songwriter Madi Yanofsky to unpack her formula for writing the perfect pop song. Together, they break down what makes hits like Adele’s “Someone Like You” and Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso” so irresistible — from melody and structure to emotional storytelling and production choices. In the Patreon-exclusive extended episode, Madi dives even deeper, analyzing Lewis Capaldi’s “Someone You Loved” and revealing how she balances craft and instinct, and why simplicity can be the hardest thing to master in modern pop.

Episode Notes

Hosts: Jack Conte, Ryan Lerman

Guest: Madi Yanofsky

Executive Producer: Ryan Lerman

Production Managers: Rachel McGowan, Phineas Alexander

Audio: Jack Light

Theme Music Mixed by: Caleb Parker