Surviving The Music Industry

You've heard him from the live show, but now it's time to get to know the man behind the 90's sitcom sage advising, self-deprecating humorist songwriter, Barry Dean. Barry is the writer behind the Grammy-nominated and NSAI “Songs I Wish I’d Written” award for Tim McGraw’s “Diamond Rings and Old Barstools,”; he has co-penned two No. 1 singles for Little Big Town, “Pontoon” and “Day Drinkin’”; “Think a Little Less,” which hit No. 1 for Michael Ray; Ingrid Michaelson’s Top 40 smash “Girls Chase Boys”; and has an ever-growing list of country and pop successes.  But few actually know what it takes to get where he has gotten and in a very unconventional way. Barry takes nothing for granted. Even with his conversation with me, he drops plenty of wisdom for songwriters but also he shares an inside look at the self-doubts a songwriter feels.  What are the paradigms for a songwriter and when should you give it up?  We try to dig into his songs but the bigger message here is that Barry truly believes in the craft and it

Presented by Young Entertainment Professionals () and recorded at The Tracking Room () in Nashville, TN. We have our first live show with an inside look at Creative Nation with the founders and early believers Beth and Luke Laird and Barry Dean. Creative Nation is a Nashville-based music company founded by Beth and Luke Laird that publishes and manages the careers of Barry Dean, Kassi Ashton, Lori McKenna, Muscadine Bloodline, Steve Moakler and more. Beth, Luke, and Barry take us on an inside look of the early years of the company, company culture, and what does it look like to work and write for this unique publishing company. Luke Laird has written 23 #1 singles, is a Grammy-winning producer, an ACM and BMI Songwriter of the Year recipient.   Beth Laird is a music executive with previous work experience at BMG Music Publishing, Windswept Music Publishing and BMI.  She was listed on Billboard Magazine's "30 Under 30 Power Players to Watch" and named one of Music Row's Rising Women on the Row. Barry

Side hustle, rock music, and moving on with David Nail and Digital Brains. Adam Shoenfeld, lead guitarist for Tim McGraw, revisits to talk about his bands newest release 3.  The new EP features three heavy hitting tracks, the band is consists of three members, and all three members talk about why the side project. Adam, Corey, and Danny all have day jobs in or around music but this is the passion project. Be sure to check out the EP on iTunes and Spotify, follow the band @digitalbrainsofficial, and visit  for everything about the band.   Then David Nail, country chart-topping artist, comes in to talk about new beginnings, new project, and career. David has spent a decade leaving his unique mark on modern country music.  Known for hits like, "Red Light", "Let It Rain", "Whatever She's Got", "Nights On Fire", and so much more. David shares his journey of moving into Nashville, being discovered, and really what was it like in the days of excess. We hear the stories behind

Ups and downs, motivation, and songwriting with soul artist Samira Gibson and Drew Holcomb of Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors. Samira is a three-time Apollo Theater winner and has worked with artists like Chaka Khan, Mary J. Blige, Elle Varner, and Vic Mensa. Now stepping into her own solo career in soul music, Gibson's message is loud and clear. Positive and empowerment. Can that message be hard to maintain though? Is life a dark comedy or is it lessons of life? Stream #PWER and Already Famous on your favorite platform and follow Samira @samiraagibson. For tour dates, merch, and even music visit Then we have songwriter, entrepreneur, and artist Drew Holcomb. Most people have heard of Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors but few know the man himself. Drew is the owner of Magnolia Record Club, a vinyl record subscription plan that he and other artists curate for their subscribers. He also has his annual music festival Moon River Festival that he has spearheaded since 2014. Then throw on top of that songwriter and ar

New music, a long career, and following the muse with Reeve Powers, formerly of Beach Weather, and Josh Rouse. Reeve Powers first talks moving on. But on good terms with his former bandmates.  Since our conversation, Reeve has found a new direction from a rock sound to something along the lines of fuzzy pop.  Give Reeve's new song, Vitamin D, a listen and follow him @rvpwrs.   Then Josh Rouse comes to talk about his newest record, Love In The Modern Age. Josh is a veteran of art and he has developed a reputation as one of the leading American singer/songwriters of his generation. With 12 records under your belt, how can you not be?  His songs present themselves to you with an open heart, an innate intelligence and an absolute lack of pretension. Josh was born in Nebraska, and following an itinerant upbringing, he eventually landed in Nashville where he recorded his debut Dressed Like Nebraska.  The album’s acclaim led to tours with Aimee Mann, Mark Etzel, and the late Vic Chestnut. The followup- Home—yielded

Jennie Smythe, CEO of Girlilla Marketing, began her career in the mid-1990s working for Elektra Entertainment. The years of AC/DC, Metallica, Motley Crue, Staind, Deftones, and she was the receptionist.  With a little time and foresight, she quickly made the play to move to YAHOO! Music as Director of Marketing and Promotion, spearheading their digital content. Which was unheard of at the time. Eventually, she made her move to Nashville to work for Warner Bros. Records’ New Media Department and then as Clear Channel’s Senior Director of Content and Marketing. In January of 2008, Jennie launched Girlilla Marketing. As of today, Girlilla represents Brandy Clark, Bob Weir, Chris Hemsworth, Liam Hemsworth, Kristin Chenoweth, Maddie & Tae, Nickleback, Old Dominion, Randy Rogers Band, and to many to mention.  What is it like to represent the world's most hated and loved band? Brand activations, sponsors, relationships, how can I make money in today's music? Follow Jennie @girlillajennie and visit  for more abou

Mike Molinar is the GM of Big Machine Music (BMM), where he brings over twenty years of street smarts, creative experience, and entrepreneurial drive that's hard to think that anybody could match. Molinar oversees all aspects of BMM which was ranked Top 5 in Billboard’s 2017 Hot Country Publisher Corps and Top 10 Hot 100 Publishing Corps. BMM boasts fourteen No.1 hits and over twenty Top 20 singles since opening in mid-2012. BMM’s roster features artists and writers Brett Young, Luke Combs, Justin Moore, Trent Harmon, Maddie & Tae, Tyler Rich, Joe Don Rooney of Rascal Flatts, Jonathan Singleton, Josh Thompson, Laura Veltz, and Jessie Jo Dillon, among others.  We start with humble beginnings in San Antonio, TX where he was noticed for a natural ear for music.  After years and scanning the landscape, Mike eventually set a course for continuing a career on the business side of music.  We didn't forget about publishing. What are the challenges of publishing in a company like Big Machine's, and how does Molina

Ancient drugs, songwriting and Texas music with Greyhounds and Mando Saenz. Greyhounds own Andrew and Anthony, pop in to talk about their newest record Cheyenne Valley Drive.  This makes the bands 7th record and probably one of their rawest recording to date. They traveled to Memphis to cut songs like "No Other Woman" and "Credo" with producer Matt Ross-Spang in Sam Phillips Recording Services. The guys are no newbies in the business. After years with other bands, building their own studio in Austin, TX, and continuously touring they still make time to produce and record other projects with other artists in their own space, Bud's Recording Services. Visit www.greyhoundsmusic.com for music, tour, and merch, and follow them @greyhoundsmusic. Then Mando Saenz, Nashville based/Texas influenced songwriter, comes in to talk about his notable cuts and even deep cuts. Mando quickly grabbed the attention of celebrated producer Frank Liddell by happenstance. Before to long Mando inked a deal with Fr

High energy bands, Riot Grrrl music, and new music in this episode. First we have two-thirds of Skating Polly, Kelli and Peyton. This Riot Grrrl influenced punk band takes us behind their newest record, The Make It All Show and some of their songs.  We also dive into punk music and if the lyrics really come from an authentic place or is it just filler. Visit  for tour dates and follow them @skatingpolly.  Then I had Daniel Ellsworth swing by to give us a glimpse into Fashion, their newest record that you can pre-order now at  before their August 24th release. DE+TGL is a Nashville based indie pop rock band that understands where music is. Daniel and I chat about the climate for indie bands, we break down their records, and explore and highlight Daniel's life and career. Follow the band @deandthegreatlakes listen as we try to figure out music.  

There are people that think that they are creative, and then there are creatives like Drew Kennedy.  Drew is a creative that creates, and not just music. This prose connoisseur has 8 albums to his name, a novel, and I'm sure binders of poetry. Armed with nothing but a can do attitude, Drew learned how to write and play songs all by himself.  Years later, frequent trips from Texas to Nashville, and co-writes with other celebrated song-writers like Lori McKenna, Drew made an album that is for his generation.  "A record that I want to listen to, right now...", At Home In The Big Lonesome produced by Dave Brainard, is really something to be proud of.  This record was recorded under a pretty stressful situation though.  We talk about the record, some of my personal favorite song's penned by Drew, and removing your ego from art.  We didn't forget about Texas or it's music. Is there difference between the Texas artist and the Nashville song-writer? For everything Drew, visit www.drewkennedymusic.com and fo

Longtime Eric Church collaborator and band member Jeff Hyde, and up and coming songwriter/front man for Green River Ordinance Josh Jenkins talk all things songwriting. Jeff is a member of Eric's infamous band and has co-written some of Eric's biggest hits. "Kill A Word", "Record Year", and "Springsteen" to name a few. Then he's also penned other songs for Bobby Bare, George Strait, Charlie Worsham, Luke Bryan, Nikki Lane, and more. In 2017, Jeff released a compilation of unreleased songs that have been held has a song-writers treasure trove called, Norman Rockwell World.  For everything about Jeff and to download Norman Rockwell World, www.jeffhydemusic.com. But first, we have Josh Jenkins, front man for Green River Ordinance. Josh is a writer for SmackSongs in Nashville, TN where he's landed cuts with Jordan Davis, Muscadine Bloodline, Walker Hayes, Randy Houser, and more. Recently Josh released "Perfect Mess", produced by Eric Masse. "Perfect Mess" is settin

Songwriting is a tricky business. Especially when Nashville's songwriting has shifted stylistically within the past decade. The art of country songwriting exists through Chris Hennessee and Paul Bogart. Chris is a songwriter, musician that plays in Jamey Johnson's band, and now stepping into the spotlight. Creating and writing the music that he loves. We talk about his music, what led him to Nashville, and his newest record Ramble and all the surprise appearances. Visit www.chrishennessee.com to download the record and follow him @chrishennessee. Then we have Grammy nominated country music artist, Paul Bogart. Paul is a cowboy that rides the rodeo and plays country music.  We talk about his music, what was the catastrophe that was the catalyst for his career, and the artist that encouraged him to pursue a career in music.  Be sure to listen to Leather, Paul's Grammy nominated record, on all streaming platforms and visit www.paulbogart.com. Also, follow him @paulbogartmusic.

Kelleigh Bannen and Andrea Zonn have two things in common. Country music and struggles. Kelleigh is a songwriter/artist from Nashville, TN and the story teller behind the podcast ,This Nashville Life. Kelleigh and I chat about discovering music outside her recitals and acapella group (imagine Pitch Perfect but less sexy), what led her down her own path as an artist, and life after disappointments. She has reason to celebrate because Kelleigh just released new music and you should play it from Spotify or iTunes. Subscribe to This Nashville Life in your fav podcast player, and follow the show @thisnashvillelife. Visit  and follow her @kelleighbannen on all her socials. Andrea Zonn is the voice and fiddle in many famous recordings with Vince Gill, James Taylor, George Strait, Neil Diamond, and the list goes on for a couple of decades. We explore Andrea's entire career and her solo projects, her run-ins that become fruitful relationships, and the challenges she's faced in life and in career. Visit  for her tour d

Winner of NPR Music's 2016 Tiny Desk Series, Gaelynn Lea passed through Nashville to have a conversation in Zac Brown's music studio Southern Ground.  Since 2016 Gaelynn's life changed dramatically from teaching violin lessons to recording and writing her original music.  We start with what it's like discovering her voice and instrument, the people that crash into your life that leaves a positive impact, and maneuvering the landscape of her new found career. Gaelynn also gives some insight to what goes on within the Tiny Desk Series. Sounds great, right? But since becoming popular, how do you make the narrative of your life about the music and not a disability. For all things Gaelynn, visit and follow her @gaelynnlea.

It hasn't been that long ago since The Voice, Season 7 aired with Taylor Phelan.  Since then Taylor has been on the road, writing new material, and releasing his EP, 1 Of 2 in 2017.  Now he's celebrating the release of 2 Of 2.  Discover some of our awkward exchanges with celebrities, how to separate literary from realism in songs, and what music is for Taylor. Visit www.taylorphelan.com for everything Taylor and follow him @taylorphelan.  Also, Exile is celebrating 55 years as a band.  The oldest "self contained" band still in the market.  We explore the history of the band, how much has music changed, and the challenges of crossing genres.  We take a look at how fast life moves after the huge success of a song and what to do when everybody is looking at you for "what's next?" Follow the band @exileofficial, and buy tickets to a show near you and merch at www.exile.biz.

Steve Moakler represents the future of American songwriting.  He's known to capture the spirit of blue collar workers, underdogs, and the little wins of life. Whether it be love songs, party songs, or truth songs. Armed with philosophical ideals and a passion for relatable truth.  Other veterans like Luke Laird, Travis Meadows, and Barry Dean for example all hail him as a co-writer and an equal in the songwriting room. Besides his own music he's also penned songs for many artists like Dierks Bentley, Jake Owen, Eric Church, Kellie Pickler, Ben Rector and Matt Wertz.  We talk about Steve's newest record Born Ready, his journey from PA to Nashville, and our defense mechanisms we all have as creatives.  For Steve's music and tour dates, visit  and follow him @stevemoakler.

Producer, songwriter, label owner, and artist is only the short list of how to describe Femke Weidema.  Not to many people will learn a different language, move to a different country, and tackle becoming head of her own label.  Femke is taking all that she's learned from Paul Simon, Hans Zimmer, and even Pete Anderson and giving sage advice to her artists and giving them a place to distribute music.  To learn more about Femke's label visit  and follow her . Paul McDonald is no slacker either.  After taking a couple lumps from life, this American Idol alum is back in action with his very personal album, Modern Hearts. We chat music, life, relationships, and TMZ. For everything Paul visit  and follow him .

Country music artist and songwriter, Brandy Clark, has a natural ability to tell the truth. Whether it be a song that portrays her dark comedic sensibilities, or in conversation. We discuss life before music and finding her tribe,  telling the truth in music even when it's the most difficult, and how she penned some of the most empathetic songs in modern country music.  Visit  for music and tour dates. Then follow her @thebrandyclark.

Recorded at The Ryman, Genevieve and Marc from Company of Thieves let me invade their green room to talk about their newest projects, and what happened in their 5 year hiatus when things seemed to be going good for the band. Visit  for all things of the band. Also, there's a clip of Daniel Ellsworth sharing the details of Daniel Ellsworth + The Great Lakes' newest records. Daniel also shares his thoughts on music streaming and and it's challenges for artists. Check out their newest records at www.danielellsworthandthegreatlakes.com. 

Tyminski is a member of Union Station, a world renowned bluegrass artist and musician, and has lent his voice on major tracks including "The Man of Constant Sorrow" from the Coen brothers' film "O Brother, Where Art Thou...", and Avicii's "Hey Brother".  We take a look at his early career, chat about life after "The Man of Constant Sorrow", and we take a look behind the songs of his newest project, Southern Gothic. Download & stream Southern Gothic on your favorite platform. Visit  for tour dates and give him a follow @tyminskimusic.