Debbie Brewer

The podcast "Storybound," conceived and hosted by Jude Brewer, is a unique audio project that pairs established and emerging literary voices with musical compositions. Launched in collaboration with Lit Hub and The Podglomerate, the show debuted in December 2019 and quickly gained traction, surpassing a million downloads in its initial year. Brewer's inspiration stems from his earlier "Storytellers Telling Stories" concept, aiming to enhance the narrative experience through the integration of music. This approach is described as an evolution of a live reading, where elements like beats and chord progressions help convey the story's momentum and emotional arc.

"Storybound" is distinguished by its deliberate pairing of well-known, award-winning authors with less recognized musicians and composers. Over its seasons, the podcast has featured a wide array of talent, including Pulitzer Prize winners and bestselling authors alongside indie artists. The musical aspect has also evolved, with later seasons incorporating more experimental and cross-genre compositions, sometimes arranged and sampled by Brewer himself. This sonic experimentation reflects Brewer's desire to define the show's identity within the podcasting landscape. The format has also seen variations, with some seasons including direct conversations between Brewer and guests, adding another layer to the listener's experience.

Jude Brewer's podcast "Storybound" is built on the principle of merging literary readings with original music. Brewer likens the relationship between the text and the score to the conceptual expansion of a live reading, suggesting that musical elements like rhythm and harmony can guide the listener's emotional journey and perception of narrative progression. The show's genesis can be traced to Brewer's "Storytellers Telling Stories," a project that laid the groundwork for "Storybound's" signature approach. This distinctive format involves juxtaposing prominent authors, including those with critical acclaim and bestseller status, with emerging musical talent. This curatorial choice has been a hallmark of the series since its inception, creating a dynamic interplay between established literary figures and developing artists.

The musical landscape of "Storybound" has undergone significant development throughout its run. Initially, Brewer managed arrangement and sound design for the early episodes, with specific exceptions for scoring and mixing. As the podcast progressed into its second season, a dedicated Head Mixing Engineer was brought on board. Season three marked a notable shift towards more experimental music, incorporating cross-genre compositions and sampling that Brewer himself created and arranged. This evolution in sound design was a deliberate choice by Brewer to establish a more defined identity for the podcast within the broader dramatic podcasting community. The production also includes an introductory segment by Brewer, often followed by a "bedroom-pop" style theme, setting a distinct tone for each episode.

Over its various seasons, "Storybound" has hosted a diverse roster of literary talent and musical artists. Season one featured acclaimed authors such as Mitch Albom and Lidia Yuknavitch, alongside podcast creator Jack Rhysider. Subsequent seasons broadened the scope, including science fiction writers like Charlie Jane Anders and Pulitzer Prize-winning critics such as Soraya Nadia McDonald. The podcast has also showcased a wide range of musicians, from indie singer-songwriters to established groups like Portico Quartet and Ben Folds, particularly in season four. Season five announced an expanded lineup including Debbie Millman and Tommy Davidson, indicating a continued commitment to featuring a varied spectrum of creative voices. Additionally, season four included a unique radio drama adaptation funded by a grant, highlighting the project's diverse narrative and production approaches.

“beats or time signatures or chord progressions”

“I'm going to get past this moment.”