Pat Monahan: ‘Drops of Jupiter,’ Fatherhood & Train’s Next Chapter

On this episode of Off the Record, Lisa Konicki sits down with Train frontman Pat Monahan to celebrate 25 years of Drops of Jupiter and hear the personal story behind the hit song. Monahan reflects on loss, songwriting and the healing power of music, saying, “I think Drops of Jupiter was the first time I realized how healing music can be.” He also opens up about Train’s new album, Mad Dog in the Fog, sharing the real-life stories behind songs including “Pennsylvania Turnpike,” “To Gloria” and “Blue Brushed Butterfly.” “There’s pain through happiness, trust me,” he says of the record. The conversation touches on songwriting, his upcoming musical Begin Again, fatherhood, life on the road and staying creative after decades in music. Monahan puts it simply: “I don’t think I need people to care. I need to care.” Let’s go Off the Record with Pat Monahan. 00:00 – 25 Years of “Drops of Jupiter” 03:00 – How “Drops of Jupiter” Came From a Dream 06:00 – Pat Monahan Picks His Favorite ’00s Song 11:30 – The Stories Behind Train’s New Album 18:30 – Why Specificity Matters in Songwriting 27:00 – Pat Monahan on Writer’s Block 31:00 – Did Pat Know His Songs Would Be Hits? 37:00 – Writing Songs in Nashville vs. LA 43:00 – Pat Monahan on Broadway & “Begin Again” 47:00 – Pat’s Favorite Artists Right Now