Surviving the Music Industry

Most recently Randall released a collaborative project called The Marfa Tapes with Miranda Lambert and Jack Ingram. Marfa, Texas is a particularly special place for these writers, allowing them to decompress and write vulnerably together, a perfect example being their ACM Song of the Year “Tin Man.” This record is a collection of songs the trio wrote together over various trips to Marfa, encapsulated in raw and honest live recordings. In conversation, Randall shares what he thinks when attacking a project as a songwriter versus a producer. His challenges with the business as label deals that looked so good on paper have fallen through. Amazing, one-of-a-kind stories that include Emmylou Harris, Sam Bush, Jerry Rice, Guy Clark, Vince Gill, and so much more from his 4-decade career. 

Alex Kline is one of Nashville's newest hitmakers but is one of the few women to sit in the producer's chair. Originally from Minneapolis, moving to the Bay area, to eventually making her way to Boston at Berkely. It was a spring break trip and Nashville chord chart that would eventually change the course of her life. With her first and only experience of Nashville in her college years. She quit school and risked it all to move to Music City to become a songwriter/producer. After trial and error with some bands and collaborations in her new hometown. The gamble paid off with song credits with Ronnie Dunn, Gary Allen, Terri Clark, Mitchell Tenpenny, Erin Enderlin, and much more. Fast forward to the now seasoned producer, Kline Alex recently made history as the first female to solely produce a No. 1 country radio hit on the Mediabase chart. Tenille Arts' “Somebody Like That” is also the first No. 1 country radio single to be written, performed, and produced by an all-female team.

Most stories start one way for country music artists but for others like Raleigh Keegan. It's a story of redemption, joy, and sacrifice. Keegan was born in jail to a brave, selfless single mother and placed for adoption. He shares the power of forgiveness and the joy that was shared once he reunited with his mother. Even though this context might shape his identity, he affirms that he's more than just a story. Raleigh shares how he's using his music and his artistry to reshape his narrative. Songwriting is all about relatability. So how does one draw inspiration from your life story but keep the mystery so that most will feel related to your songs? Keegan shares some of the insight behind, "Long Line Of Lovers," "Easy On The Trigger," and his latest release "Drink For That."https://www.raleighkeegan.com/@raleighkeegan  

Proud Texan, Jim Beavers sits across a computer screen with host Brandon Harrington to talk about his journey from disbanded Son's Of The Desert frontman to the hit songwriter that he is today. Jim confesses that he's always been a songwriter but running a record label was the vocation of choice. It's hard to imagine that the pen behind hit songs like Toby Keith's "Red Solo Cup," Gary Allan's "Watching Airplanes," Luke Bryan's "Drink A Beer," and Dierks Bentley's "5-1-5-0," "How Am I Doin," "Sideways", and "Am I The Only One" never thought the life of a songwriter would be for him. Jim working for Capitol in its prime with Garth Brooks has seen a few things and decided that after being "kicked around" he would much rather get knocked around as a songwriter. The history and stories that Jim tells are hilarious with the truth behind them. In this episode, Jim shares the history and reason why country music and most bands don't do well, the stories and irony behind some of his hits, comedy and its place in music or even lack of it in today's country music, and the power of brain sharing the mundane to create the extraordinary.

Shannon McNally talks about ‘The Waylon Sessions' and the perspective that was already there that she resurfaced from the legendary outlaw's music. She also shares the power behind selenium, the gangster's behind record labels, and the challenge of changing narrow perspectives.

The Accidentals sit across Brandon to talk about not pranking Taco Bell, Jack White encounters, and writing with heroes for their Time Out Session 1 EP. Katie, Sav, and Michael share their origin story in the episode along with how they balance their egos to not become the stereotypical band story.

It's a podcast crossover with hit songwriter Marty Dodson from the SongTown on Songwriting Podcast. The songwriter behind Kenny Chesney's “Everybody Wants To Go To Heaven”, Billy Currington's “Must Be Doin’ Somethin’ Right” and “Let Me Down Easy” talks about redemption and even the path of his songs from the writing room to the top of the charts. Marty also shares his early years of deals, lessons learned from legendary songwriters, and even the intentions behind SongTown.

Chris and Eleot of Volk share how they landed on their brand of cowpunk, glam-rock in their debut album 'Cashville'. Embarrassing moments with musical hero's, perspectives from other artists and community, the death of genres, and how the music of Volk is pointing at the flaws of the Nashville music economy.

After a successful run of America's Got Talent, Robert Finley thinks that it's time for people to know the sharecropper's son. Robert sits with Brandon to talk about 'Sharecropper's Son' produced by Dan Auerbach, as he reflects on his time with America's Got Talent, his childhood, and how after 67 years Robert feels that you are never too young to dream nor too old to live.

Mat Kearney ("Hey Mama", "Closer To Love", "Nothing Left To Lose", "Breathe In Breathe Out") pops up on a computer screen to talk about his newest album, 'January Flower' that is releasing on May 21st and shares some of the origins of the deep cuts from the record. Mat also talks about some of his early album cycles and writing patterns, the beauty of regret and redemption, the anxieties of invasive plants, and the pressures of an artist's life.

The guy's of Southerland jump on the show to talk about what has happened for them up to their latest debut EP, 'Boot Up' that will be releasing on May 28th. Chris and Matt share everything from getting noticed in Key West, scams, past jobs, writing from a place of authenticity, and even if the swag of country hero's can be replicated today.

With more creative control and confidence, Malia Civetz releases 'Heels In Hand' EP feeling validated as an artist with something to say. Malia talks with Brandon about how she met Ross Golan and J Kash, lessons learned from pop songwriting, and changing public perception of how R&B artists are received.

Hounds frontman Jordan Slone and winners of 'Who Will Rock You?' sit with Brandon to share the Hounds' experiences before, during, and after the show. They also talk about hallucinating experiences, balancing ego with relationships, and how 'Cattle In The Sky' is part of the evolution of the rock genre.

Earnest and vulnerability mixed with a stream of conscious and intentional lyrics are an interesting balance for a pop track. For John-Robert's music, it's about where his intent lies for the perfect balance of all things artistic. John and Brandon talk about extremes and the balances in music, their relationship with obsessive thought loops and sleep, and along with writing from a perspective of exaggeration with some truth.

Dirty Heads' own Jared Watson checks in to talk about the viral success of "Vacation" and even new music from California Island. Brandon and Jared walk through the key moments from Dirty Heads album cycles, the risks involved with sobriety, the skepticism behind DMT and spiritual journeys, and how the band writes their songs that built a community around their music.

The Queen of Bluegrass, Rhonda Vincent reflects on past projects and moments that have made her career. Just after her induction as a member of The Grand Ole Opry and before her newest record 'Music Is What I See' releases on May, 28th. She sits screen to screen with Brandon to talk about trailblazers, how timing has been a factor through her life, and risks taken for the sake of lessons learned.

Brett Kissel may not feel like he is part of this new normal of the state of the world, but feels it has allowed people to be their most authentic selves. With the release of 'What Is Life?' Brett feels that this might be his truest self in his music. The CCMA and Juno award-winning country artist tells us how he's managing his identity, cancel culture, and redemption from 2020.

Pony Bradshaw is an artist that knows the value of stories told from the perspectives of culture. Calico Jim, Pony Bradshaw's latest offering, isn't a concept per se but a look into a way of life where reality can sometimes be overlooked. Pony talks about clean slates to offload past baggage, a beautiful mind to create songs, and the victims of realism.

Esther Rose released her third full-length album How Many Times and is already burnt by the topic of heartache. Seeing your work as one thing and one emotion overwhelming the conversation that then shapes the narrative isn't probably everyone's intention. So how do you change the conversation? Esther shares the source of the burnout, the prophetic sense of her music, and the discovery of her unique sound that even caught the ears of Jack White.

Most know the BADDIE-Lexy Panterra, aka Virgin Lex, as the dancer and brains behind LexTwerkOut. But can her millions of followers embrace her new music? Lexy sits down with host Brandon Harrington to talk about her new music, the beginnings of LexTwerkOut, and the double standards she faces daily with her music and career.

Emily Weisband (Grammy award winning songwriter and artist behind BTS's "Boy With Luv (feat. Halsey)," Camila Cabello's "Consequences," "Team" by Noah Cyrus and MAX, and "Thy Will, With Hillary Scott and The Scott Family) feels that peace, confidence, security, and contentment aren't natural for humans. But through quarantine and her journey in the making of I Call It Being Human EP, she has taken practice in harnessing her inner dichotomy for the unnatural, and the act of oversharing is no longer a faux pas.

S.G Goodman visits with host Brandon Harrington close to a year after her acclaimed debut album Old Time Feeling was released to share if her feelings have changed toward some of the album's messages. Goodman's not one to hold back on personal feelings about her music and other things that run across her mind. So it only makes sense that gas station food reviews, life on the Mississippi, feuds, and also the isolation of a country on both sides of a political spectrum are all captured in this conversation.

With his head to the grindstone, it's obvious that Drew Green might have not looked up to see the success he's gained up to 2021. Drew takes us through the land-speed record of his publishing and record deal, his writing habits, how the Dirt Boy became the artist he is today, and how songs like his latest release "Hooch" are changing what people might consider country.

Nashville-based songwriter and artist, Jillette Johnson is looking at gratitude and steadiness at the release of her latest self-written project, It’s a Beautiful Day and I Love You. Just too bad the zoom call couldn't stay steady. Jillette talks identity between life and music, and her reconstruction and deconstruction process for herself and music.

Jamaican-born, United States citizen and genre-blurring artist Sanya N'kanta share his experiences as a 6-year-old immigrant to the present. Known for his music to ruffle the feathers of one political side or the other, he admits that truth is hard to hear. These Are The Days EP still reflects his truth but can there be differences in life that are true?

The fog of 2020 is still heavy for Cory Wong, even though it has been his heaviest creative output to date. Brandon and Cory cover Cory Wong & The Wongnotes variety show, finding the thread of your art for either longevity or for a time, and balancing ego and your purpose.

Sarah Buxton is the artist and songwriter behind Keith Urban's, "Stupid Boy," she co-wrote "PrizeFighter" by Trisha Yearwood and Kelly Clarkson, "Sun Daze" by Florida Georgia Line and "Fix" and "For Her" by Chris Lane. With the release of her new EP, Signs Of Life, and working in the new world of Covid, she confesses that systems have changed and now more than ever that it's important for her to reflect on how her life should be lived.

Lydia Luce, originally from Florida now a session musician based in Nashville, has seen her fair share of different musical environments. From on stage at Bonnaroo with Eminem, to leading her own community orchestra called Lockeland Strings. Each project brings its own set of complications. Gender roles in music and casting for an instrument, racial diversity, and also just talent diversity. Lydia even reminisces the feelings of playing with Rod Stewart where there was a "part to play" to fulfill the casting environment. But for change to happen, Lydia is fully convinced that curiosity and taking time to think about what changes can be made for a better world. Dark River, her latest album, was full of changes for Lydia. Admitting that each song doesn't fit in a genre, there are no apprehensions of fitting her music in a box. Even though there isn't a template, the most common thread for Lydia is that there isn't a box. 

Growing up in Hattiesburg, Mississippi in a small town populated mostly by family can leave an impression on you. Friday night lights, work ethic, and a strong relationship with parentals are the foundation of this now Sony Nashville artist. It's not lost on Adam the foundations of country living and the lifestyle of his Mississippi home. Adam shares the memories of growing in the time of Hurricane Katrina and his "lucky" moments that lead up to him as a songwriter/artist with a unique voice. Authenticity and his identity in songs may have set Adam apart from the rest, but also his work ethic of running his own business as an early empire could have contributed to his appeal to major labels. Adam also shares that when you realize your leverage, you're able to turn down major recording deals. Even when it means fulfilling a dream or the possibility of becoming a nightmare. 

Karl Michael has collaborated with some of the biggest names in music and penned massive hits for plenty of other artists. He's recorded with all-star producers Jon Levine (Dua Lipa, The Struts, Alessia Cara) and Scott Spock (Rihanna, Britney Spears, Avril Lavigne). He's lived through crazy record deals, drops, The Voice UK, and even battles with his biggest critic; himself. Karl shares the money behind his past record label deals, the desperation of making bad decisions, and working through some of the most self-sabotaging moments of his life. Now on the other side of a healthy mental life, Karl is celebrating new music with the release of "Tunnel Vision," and "Wait A Minute". We walk through sobriety, mental health, and choosing persistence instead of self-deprecating can lead to the grateful life that everyone pursues. 

The Texas-born, Georgia-raised, Nashville-based singer-songwriter has had a hand in penning over 40 songs for the Zac Brown Band, including some of their biggest hits such as “Heavy is the Head,” “Beautiful Drug,” “Keep Me in Mind,” “Loving You Easy,” and “Homegrown.” But still, Niko confirms that it takes a certain chemistry to write songs. Now imagine your only writing partner for your music being your wife. The honesty and innermost personal detailed, Rubix cube of your feelings are now being explored with your wife. Niko being the songwriter that he is is no stranger to critics. But what is the reception of negative vibes when your personal vibe is "Good Time"? If there is any indication from haters trolling. It's not phasing Niko after his recent releases ("Good Time," "Dance With Me") at the slightest. A new record is on the way and Niko fills us in.  

The Brummies made up of vocalists and multi-instrumentalists John Davidson and Jacob Bryant, and drummer Trevor Davis, have been playing together in various incarnations since high school in the Birmingham, Alabama area. John shares the journey from basement jams to publishing songs with Major Bob (Garth Brooks) early in their career. Writing for Major Bob, John and Jacob most notably penned "Done" that was recorded by The Band Perry which earned John and Jacob their first number one. After the success of a number one, what do you do next? The obvious isn't what's obvious. John shares reinventing their sound from a country genre that can be misleading for most, collabs with Kacey Musgraves, and releasing Automatic World at a time that a band wants you to share in their vibe. Fully recognizing though that the current vibe may not be the most opportune. American Songwriter Podcast Network 

Joe Bonamassa is a two-time GRAMMY-nominated artist, has over 30 records, achieved his 24th #1 album on the Billboard Blues Chart,  with his latest release, Royal Tea. Most might remember Joe from a young age making the local news circuits to promote a tour with B.B. King or the news cycle propping him to be a young prodigy at guitar. Other collaborations include Eric Clapton, Stephen Still, Derek Trucks, Warren Haynes, Steve Winwood, Buddy Guy, and Beth Hart, just to name a few. Joe also runs a nonprofit organization called Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation with his long time business partner Roy Weisman, that supports local communities in financial distress and supports education through music. With a history like this, one might think that Brandon would have started at the beginning. It took one question from the top to allow Joe to share his thoughts on just about anything that was running on his mind in this down time. Nomadic by nature, Joe admits that this is the first time in his career that he has had to stop touring, but seems to be at peace with the decision in his grieving cycle. At the heart of the bluesman is a businessman. Joe had a lot to say about the cultural forecast that is to come because of Covid-19. Not to mention the already economic unsustainability of music. Like addictions to fame, securing your identity, and taking the criticism when you already knew you had the target on your back. American Songwriter Podcast Network

Cory Marks is one of the latest artists to meld metal music with country lyrics. A sound developed with Kevin Churko (Ozzy Osbourne, Papa Roach, Modern Science, Five Finger Death Punch, Disturbed, In This Moment, Shania Twain, and Hellyeah) on Who I Am, Cory's latest album. Not the most trendsetting music on country radio for those that do listen to the radio. No surprise if you know that Cory isn't one to follow the current waves that "the man" sets. For one not to follow trends, it's a pattern in life. Cory was a semi-pro hockey player from Canada that was in training as a fighter pilot for one thing. A few nights in jail is probably the only thing for an "outlaw" that would be common in his life. Coming from a musical family and being introduced to some of the original outsiders like Merle Haggard and Waylon Jennings. It took one night while in college to jump on stage for the first time publicly that set the tone and change Cory's career trajectory. Now in the game, nostalgia and sad songs from artists like Merle Haggard and Jimmy Rodgers are what's missing in country music. Cory even adds that there is more in common with the pain and angst of Pantera, with the lonesome songs of country music than people realize. Can you write "I shot a man in Reno..." and not live that moment in today's lyrics? American Songwriter Podcast Network

Bryan Wayne's "What If She's An Angel", recorded by Tommy Shane Steiner was a #2 hit in 2002 and hit it big as BMI's Millon Air award hitting 1 million spins. Bryan has also had top 25 single success with Chris Cagle's "Country By The Grace of God" and Big and Rich's "Kick My Ass". The MuzikMafia was a collection of country artists and songwriters that changed and shaped the sounds of the early 2000's that we still hear today. Bryan, being a part of that transition of country music also shared cuts with Clay Walker, Emerson Drive, Rodney Carrington, Jason Blaine, and others during his 20 plus year career as a songwriter. In 2017, Bryan was diagnosed with ALS-Lou Gehrig's disease. Knowing the disease was going to rob him of his voice, he recorded and re-recorded some of his big hits using his singing voice. While You Wait is available where music can be downloaded and streamed as well as www.bryanwaynemusic.com.  American Songwriter Podcast Network

When you might figure out Melody Federer’s music. Melody releases something that will surprise you. It's no wonder since she calls her style of music "genre-agnostic". Makes sense once you see her collaborations from Burt Bacharach, P!nk, Hilary Duff, to electroclash producers Plastik Funk and Gazzo. She’s written R&B tracks for Kelly Rowland, traditional folk-rock tunes for Jacob Whitesides, and crafted alongside Michael Buble. Texas-born in a religious setting, Melody thought the nomadic life suited her best. She's lived in New York, Paris, Los Angeles, and Nashville. But shares why she has settled down in Washington state in conversation and how that affects her perspective on music. A songwriter at heart, Melody shares some pretty personal insight into her process. The emotions of abandonment, loneliness, subconscious or stream of consciousness writing are tapped into, but also the balance of TMI details to put in songs. Are writing "happy" songs a little bull-shit? In life, when is something worth fighting for, and should you fight for something that isn't healthy? American Songwriter Podcast Network

Born and raised in New Hartford, New York and now residing in Buffalo, New York, Stephen Babcock feels that he's found his place. With the current COVID circumstance that many deal with, Stephen is taking the hand that he's dealt and taking it to his music. Working toward a larger project he's released "Notting Hill" based on the rescheduling of his wedding, and "Bowery" that he admits that he's hopeful. Hopeful that life's circumstances can move toward the better. Both Stephen and Brandon are fans of David Rameriz and Donovan Woods, so taking a look at their music and how either empathy versus sympathy can impact genuineness in one's music. In the age of a social media boom, where can one fit in if they find themselves not fitting in? Should you take part in the trends? Then patience...if you have it, are you winning?  American Songwriter Podcast Network

Since moving to Nashville from Hartstown, Pennsylvania, Luke Laird has penned and produced hits for artists including Eric Church, Kacey Musgraves, Carrie Underwood, Little Big Town, Brad Paisley, and many others, earning 24 No. 1 hits and two Grammys along the way. Instead of spending too much time in the history and story of his hit songs, Luke answers some of Brandon's questions on how to get a hit. Why not ask the guy that watched Brooks and Dunn write some of their hits in person? From speed, the track guy, the influences of rap in today's country music, and even some of the specifics and nuances of lyrics that major artists won't cut. His first and ever most personal album Music Row is a bit of a timestamp from where Luke was and where he currently is. From sobriety, past friendships, joy, pain, love. Music Row touches on the journey of one man that feels relatable and has you evaluating your humanity.  American Songwriter Podcast Network

Terry McBride in his growing up years was one of the most sought-after bass players in the local Austin music scene. After auditioning in his father's band, his career was proven more so with other Texas collaborations like Lee Roy Parnell, Bill Carter and the Blame, Jimmy Dale Gilmore, Johnny Duncan, Rosie Flores, and Delbert McClinton would soon follow. As one does eventually, songs become of interest. A meeting with Jody Williams, former BMI Vice President of Creative, and MCA President Tony Brown would soon discover and start the 1990's legacy of McBride and The Ride. Songs like "Sacred Ground" a #1 Single in 1992 surely would have locked in their success but such is the ride a quick one, the demise came from a surprising angle. A near-death experience, on and off the wagon, and co-writes and cuts with Brooks and Dunn. Terry shares that there is no feeling than the cut of a song and to live in sobriety is a life worth living for these days. Celebrating more than a decade sober, he's releasing his latest project Rebels and Angels on October 23rd. American Songwriter Podcast Network

Ben and Emily of Carolina Story first met in Memphis, TN. The Arkansas and South Dakota natives took a chance on a start-up school program, but more importantly, they started their relationship as they were forming the band. They admit it was never easy from the beginning. Ben shares the financial and emotional woes of writing in Nashville when they first began as a duo. The constant no's or being told that they are left of center began to take its toll. Ben and Emily swore they wrote the last song that they'd ever write. Even life's moments were validating them for more of a domestic lifestyle, but then serendipity has a way of kicking the doors wide open. Now celebrating their second LP, Dandelion, we take a look at how their producer Paul Moak helped them discover the value of a character as opposed to the ego of an artist. Then the identity of a married duo and the challenges of when work meets life. As songwriters, you share pretty deep feelings that most wouldn't tell their spouse that can sometimes be oversharing. Well, what if now you learn new things about your marriage you weren't prepared for. Could it be a burden or freeing for the world to know those special moments and feelings?  American Songwriter Podcast Network

Waylon Payne is the son of country artist Sammie Smith ("Help Me Make It Through the Night," "Then You Walk In," Merle Haggard's "Today I Started Loving You Again") and Jody Payne (Willie Nelson's long-time guitarist). It's safe to say that Waylon's childhood looks a little different than most. Living with his Aunt and Uncle at the age of 2 months till adulthood would be a foundation that would set the tone for religion, hard drugs, sexual abuse, but probably more important is understanding who he is. Now out on the road with Willie Nelson and the family, he learns acceptance. But until Hollywood became his next destination that would launch his career into film (Walk The Line, Crazy, Turnabout), introductions to Keith Gattis, Lucinda Williams, and more set the stage for country music in Los Angeles. Even though Blue Eyes, the Harlot, the Queer, the Pusher & Me is his most personal project yet, are there still things left unsaid? Waylon now is in recovery and celebrates sobriety by putting more of himself out there in his music. Hoping that it really helps the ones that need it the most.  

Eloise Alterman is one of the freshest voices from Big Yellow Dog Music (Maren Morris, Tenille Townes, Meghan Trainor, to name a few). Originally hailing from Detroit, Eloise made the journey to Nashville with the intention of an artist's career. Something that many don't do from her home town, she went against the grain and instead of college. She opted for loneliness. Such a scary emotion that many wouldn't think to turn to as a strength. After not knowing anybody from Music City, her loneliness became something to embrace and not to run away from anymore. Eloise shares the cultural dynamic of Michigan and family, using her emotional past to write music, and then what it's like to revisit old scars to keep feeling those raw emotions. The Other Side wrestles internally with feelings of fear, danger, unreciprocated love in a relationship. Is it worth revisiting these emotions for the sake of art?  American Songwriter Podcast Network

Rebecca and Megan Lovell of Larkin Poe are singer/songwriter, multi-instrumentalist sisters creating their brand of Roots Rock 'n' Roll: gritty, soulful, and flavored by their southern heritage. Originally from Atlanta and currently living in Nashville, they are descendants of tortured artist and creative genius Edgar Allan Poe. Starting as a trio of sisters playing the folk and bluegrass circles, Rebecca and Megan share the beginnings of their music, path, and even how they've become who they are today. Larkin Poe in recent years started their own Tricki-Woo Records and has received Grammy nods which would confirm that they are, "self-made wo-men."  Blues and rock have a history of irony and speaking for the disenfranchised, so why would their music be any different? We discuss the insidiousness of the issues that the band put under a microscope in their songs from their newest album Self Made Man, and how they're flipping the script of how the disenfranchised characters that have been a staple in media are now the empowered voices of a new generation. 

Born and bred in Texas, Thomas Csorba has a knack of writing songs like how Walt Whitman writes poetry. Only at 23 he's able to write with earnest intent with characters that carry strong emotions. No doubt the degree in English Literature from Baylor plays in that but his musical heroes play a big role in that as well (Townes Van Zandt, Woodie Guthrie, Tom Waits). His self-titled debut album is set to be released September 25th and this episode we go through his influences and the emotions leading up to creating his music. Obviously, 2020 has its ups and downs for Thomas (he and his fiance changed and planned a different kind of wedding about 11 times now) but there's also the emotional rollercoaster of your debut album being released and the hurdles to share with people. We go through the different "worlds" of Texas, the pressures of legacy, the songs from his debut album, and songs that are so good that it's impossible to mess up. American Songwriter Podcast Network

A dash of punk with a cup of B-movie Tarantino vibes, and mixed with attitude might describe Blackout Balter's debut LP Animal. As for Phil Cohen though (the MIT grad, former military and pro hockey player, lead singer of the band) we learn that their fan's interactions and reactions make up what Blackout Balter's mantra may be. To enjoy life. Through conversation, we learn the value of education and how that intertwines with Phil's writing for the band. Artistically and lyrically speaking, the band strives to push the boundaries or even perception of rock and roll by calling their personal style, "smart rock and roll". Common themes from Animal include more of an emotional rollercoaster rather than narrative-driven stories that can leave you thinking more and finding something new every time you listen back. You should pay extra attention to the bridges of their songs, by the way. Phil shares their genesis story of the band being discovered by The Killers, how his time in the military in Afghanistan was a life-changing experience, and how a schoolyard fight offers it's own life lesson(s). 

Daughter of a screen and Civil-Rights writer and housewife Gretchen Peters fully admits to having a childhood like the AMC hit MADMEN, automatically should set the pace to living an internal artist life like songwriting. A sudden life shift brought Gretchen to Boulder, Colorado, and thus began a love of country, Mickey Newbury, jam bands, and the freaks and misfits alike. In conversation, Gretchen shares the truth behind Martina McBride's, "Independence Day," and the inspirations behind the major characters from her biggest songs. The threads that make a Peters song, and what got her songs cut during a pivotal moment for women in country music. 

After moving to Nashville from his hometown, Anacortes, Washington, in 2017, Joey Hendricks quickly made a name for himself in the songwriting community as a talented lyricist and gifted musician. He signed a publishing deal with Parallel Entertainment (now absorbed by Anthem Entertainment), whose head, Tim Hunze, encouraged him to make the leap into solo artistry by cutting a few of his own songs. Heavily inspired by Neil Young and John Mayer, it was the stories of country music that lead Joey down the road to country music.  Joey touches on anxiety and depression and how that even played into his "one-shot" with American Idol. Luckily with all the one-shots that Joey has taken, the constant has been his love with music and songwriting. 

Brandy Clark is a songwriter and artist with a background that includes six Grammy-nominations and songs recorded by Sheryl Crow, Miranda Lambert, The Band Perry, Reba McEntire, LeAnn Rimes, Billy Currington, Darius Rucker, and Kacey Musgraves. When we first met Brandy on the show (Episode: 86) we get to know her and dig in a little bit in her writing style. This time around starts with an apology from our last meeting. Finding the humor in the situation, we move on and step on the toes of today's current climate. Brandy self admits that she's not a "political" person, but shares that in a world of extremes. What's wrong with the middle, and that's not to be confused with apathy. Extremely passionate about human rights, we talk about the BLM and LGTBQ+ comments from both sides and what that even means for music. Fears of going back into closets, the feeling of being the "others" and exclusion in community and society. Then the conversation of Brandy's early decision to stay true to who she is and acceptance leads her to her present life path. We take a look at the transition from her highly acclaimed Big Day In A Small Town  album to Your Life Is a Record (which is out now on all streaming platforms). Dealing with a lot of changes while doors are shutting and being willing to walk through the doors that are wide open takes guts. But is taking artistic risks worth the possibility of validation? 

Mac McAnally is a singer-songwriter, session musician, and record producer that spans a career of over six decades. His career includes chart-topping singles as an artist from an impressive catalog. Including his most recent release Once and A Lifetime. He's had songs recorded by Kenny Chesney, Alabama, Sawyer Brown, David Allen Coe, Steve Wariner, Shenandoah, and more. Session credits that include Roy Orbison, Thelma Houston, Hank Williams Jr., Jerry Reed, Toby Keith, and Keith Whitley are worth mentioning. Then also a long time member of Jimmy Buffett and The Coral Reefers. You might think with a career like Mac's he would be someone that walks with confidence in any situation. But self admits he's still as shy as he was at his first bar gig where chicken wire protected the band and chain saws used as applause. We highlight some pretty big moments in Mac's vast career, but reflection and wisdom should be some pretty key takeaways. One might even be surprised by the pearls and surprises in conversation that can be used in everyday life. A great reflection of a songwriter that isn't afraid to face his fears.  American Songwriter Podcast Network

Growing up in St. Louis, Chris Bandi knew that he had a music legacy to fulfill. The legendary Duck Room, Chuck Berry, Nelly-pretty big shoes to fill. From an early age, music was a goal. College was more than an education and frat life came to be something taken advantage of by Chris when a show was booked he brought the venue to a packed house. Confessing Ole Miss to be a place to cut his teeth for his eventual career, he also put his marketing degree to work. The move to Nashville was bound to happen, and his first glimpse of success would follow suit. Chris released "Man Enough Now" in 2017 and an immediate reaction garnered just over 5,000 streams on its first day. By the end of the week, they had 25,000 organic streams. Soon 1 million weekly streams of the mentioned song would set up Chris with his publishing and record deal. Today he's followed up with his recent Chris Bandi EP that already includes viral Tik Tok traction solidifying that you can still have a hit in midst of Covid-19 America. Vulnerability and the relatability of Chris's songs seem to be what people gravitate toward. He admits that he does live in the past, but I think this lends itself to self-evaluations and even nostalgia that parallels with what his fans love about his music. American Songwriter Podcast Network

Nikki Yanofsky's career I'm sure would have blossomed into what it would eventually be just because of the sheer talent, but it was one slot that she secured at the Montreal International Jazz Festival that would exponentially set her up as a major artist. There and soon after she would be rubbing shoulders and capturing the attention of Quincy Jones, Phil Ramone (Billy Joel, Paul Simon, Stevie Wonder), Herbie Hancock, Rod Temperton (“Thriller,” “Rock With You,” “Boogie Nights”), and many others. We go through the years of feeling like a black sheep and acceptance being the key to dust off the negative stereotypes that follow with a label. Even fear acting as a calibrator to share your innermost feelings as an artist and when to use that fear in your art. Rod Temperton being a personal friend and mentor in Nikki's life, Nikki shares some of Rod's writing styles of Prosody and what made the quality of such songs like Michael Jackson's, "Thriller", what they are. Taking these lessons from Rod, mentors, producers and even life lessons, Nikki's newest album Turn Down The Sound is one that pushes the pop genre but gives a tip of the hat to those that laid the groundwork before. Decategorizing genres, today's quality of music, and even personal acceptance are all things discussed in the life of Nikki Yanofsky.    American Songwriter Podcast Network