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Elvis Costello, Sinead O’Connor, David Crosby, David Hinds and Selwyn Brown of Steel Pulse, Billy Bragg, Benjamin Clementine, James Dean Bradfield and Nicky Wire of The Manic Street Preachers, Craig David, Robbie Williams, Guy Chambers and Spandau Ballet’s Gary Kemp and Tony Hadley give a masterclass in the art of songwriting.

In the second of three programmes, John Wilson looks back over more of his conversations with 45 acclaimed songwriters for Â鶹Éç Radio 4's series ‘Mastertapes’.

Recorded with an audience of fans at the Â鶹Éç Maida Vale studios in London, each guest focuses on a key album from their career, describing in detail how dozens of much loved hit songs were written.

Now, the ‘Mastertapes’ guests are brought together to offer a unique how-to guide to writing the perfect song.

In this episode, Elvis Costello denies his role as a protest singer and David Crosby describes the process by which the song ‘Ohio’ became an anthem for ‘70s American counterculture.

Presented and produced by John Wilson.

Made for Â鶹Éç Radio 4 Extra and first broadcast in May 2021.