Surviving The Music Industry

Lori McKenna is the first woman to win the ACM's Songwriter of the Year in 52 years, she’s had and still is having major success in songwriting with hits like “Girl Crush”, “Wreck You”, “I Want Crazy”, and the most recent award winning hit “Humble & Kind”, and she wanted to talk to me!  Yes I did fan-boy Lori, but then we got to work.  We get to discover Lori’s journey from songwriting as a hobby to a career, we chat about her "polarizing” hits and how she handles the criticism, and some of the inside details of her songwriting.  But first we chat with Lauren Duski.  Lauren has been busy after The Voice.  We chat about touring, writing for the record, and what to look forward to. Follow Lori @lorimckennama and Lauren @laurenduski.  Download and stream their music on all music platforms!  Many thanks to musicrowwealthmanagement.com for sponsoring this episode and as always huge hugs to fatbottombrewing.com for all the love!

Jillian Jacqueline stopped by and didn't want to talk about her life.  Listen, after you do radio tour that's the last thing you really want to talk about.  So we stick to fan girling Lori McKenna, Sarah Buxton, and Natalie Hemby.  We do chat about other things: females in country music, songwriting, and breaking down her newest record Side A.  Determined to do things her own way, she is taking the music scene by storm.  Her track “Reasons” found it's way into Spotify’s Viral 50 USA list while gathering over 12 million streams on this platform alone. Named early on as one of Rolling Stone’s “10 New Country Artists You Need To Know” and praised by American Songwriter as “catchy and radio-ready as hell,“ Jacqueline has been named one of Vevo’s dscvr 2018 Artists To Watch and Pandora’s Country Artists To Watch 2018 after being selected for CMT’s coveted Next Women of Country list, as well as the network’s tastemaking “17 for 2017” rundown of emerging artists.  Visit for tour dates and everything in-between.  Fo

A continued conversation with master steeler Lloyd Green can only get better from here.  From the previous episode we discovered some of Lloyd's history with Chet Atkins, Johnny Paycheck, Faron Young, George Jones, and Tammy Wynette.  We even had a chat how Lloyd first broke into the business.  So in this part we tackle some good stuff.  Everybody knows Lloyd's most famous work but do you know his favorite projects, or even how he approaches recording in a session.  Is Lloyd hopeful for the future of the pedal steel or even country music?  

In the first part of a two part conversation, I chat with an innovator of an instrument and a genre—Lloyd Green. Over the years, Lloyd Green has become one of the most popular and respected pedal steel guitarist of all time, and arguably the best player of the E9th tuning on the pedal steel guitar. Lloyd’s session career had him booking 400-600 sessions a month on average in the prime of the instrument and the genre of country music. Lloyd is inducted into the Steel Guitar Hall of Fame, has played on over 115 number one hits and over 100 top ten hits, and has joined many artists like The Byrds, Johnny Cash, Alan Jackson, The Monkees, Paul McCartney, Charley Pride, Bob Dylan, Johnny Paycheck, and Chet Atkins' recording band The A-Team. I took a field trip to his home to have a conversation about Lloyd’s most pivotal moments in his career. From recording with George Jones, joining Faron Young’s road band, getting the call to record Tammy Wynette’s biggest hit. We also went down memory lane on how he survived wo

My ultimate dream job, a composer...Jordan Critz new early in his life that he was destined to be a composer where I knew I was destined to do —something. Still haven't figured that out yet...He's collaborated with artists like Drew Holcomb, Kris Allen, Tim Halperin, and Jason Castro; he’s written folk music and produced multiple albums with rock band Green River Ordinance. He's composed for symphonies around the country, toured with multiple artists, and is a respected engineer, as well as studio musician. Jordan Critz places about 1,000 songs a month -- his work has been featured on numerous recordings as well as film and television including Disney, National Geographic, Apple, CBS, PBS, ABC, NBC, ESPN, Lifetime, TEDx and more. We chat about discovering his talent, breaking in to the business of licensing music and how he did it, and we chat about his debut album, Edge Of The Light set to release on December 1st. Jordan lends his newest music in this episode. Visit www.jordancritz.com for everything Jordan,

"A modern Townes Van Zandt...", is what Chris Stapleton said in regards to Sam Lewis.  Armed with a soulful voice and fresh songs, Sam is taking over the Americana, Folk, & Rock 'n' Roll scenes.  Sam's journey hasn't been easy though.  We tackle his days of working security, to what led him to play music full time, his thoughts on songwriting, and the idea behind his next project.  Sam mentions Loversity as "the closest thing to a concept album." tackling themes like global warming, community, and current events.  In this episode we get a sneak peak at the newest single, "Natural Disaster".  For everything Sam visit www.samlewistunes.com and his socials @samlewistunes.  Downloads Sam's albums and songs on Spotify, iTunes, Pandora, and Youtube. Thanks as always to fatbottombrewing.com

Behind a hit song is a hit songwriter. Tim Nichols is the writer of monster cuts like Tim McGraw’s “Live Like You Were Dying”, Dustin Lynch’s “Cowboys and Angles”, Jo Dee Messina’s “Heads Carolina, Tails California”, Keith Whitley’s, “I’m Over You” and “Brotherly Love”, Billy Dean’s “Tryin’ To Hide A Fire In The Dark”, and so much more that it’s impossible to mention all of them. But we try in the conversation. From the days of sweating out gigs at Opryland, to to catch a music industry predator we cover a lot in this conversation. Tim not only pens hit songs, he also publishes them with his venture THiS Music with Connie Harrington (no relation) and Rusty Gaston. On top of that, Tim is on the Board of NSAI and the Executive Committee leading the charge of correcting ancient laws in a modern, digital age that prohibits songwriters to make a living wage. Check out www.timnichols.com and follow him on social media @timnicholstn.

Adam Shoenfeld supports Tim McGraw, plays in his own projects (Digital Brains, Sunkat & Ghost Outfit), writes music and records with artists like Jason Aldean, Big & Rich, Faith Hill, Chris Janson, R. Kelly, and Blake Shelton to name a very few, and helped create a sound in country music. Adam came up to the attic to chat about his influences, growing up, and just being who he is. A Rock/Metal guitar player playing country music. You’ve heard of secret hit makers. Adam is a secret genre changer. We gush over Jay Joyce, and hear some great stories of the life of Adam. In this episode Adam shared some tunes from his projects. To hear more checkout Digital Brains and follow them @digitalbrainstheband. For everything Adam Shoenfeld visit www.adamshoenfeld.com, and you can follow him on Facebook, Twitter (@adamshoenfeld), & Instagram (@shoenfeld). Thanks as always to www.fatbottombrewing.com for the brews.

Radney Foster stopped by the Attic to chat about his latest project, For You To See The Stars. A collection of short stories that is partnered with an album by the same title that explores the vast capabilities of a true American story teller. Radney assures us that he isn’t a spy, even though he writes from ones perspective in his book, but it wouldn’t surprise me. The man has done it all. He has written eight number one singles including, "Nobody Wins,” and “Crazy Over You as a member of the country duo Foster & Lloyd. He has countless cuts by an array of different artists like Keith Urban, The Dixie Chicks, Luke Bryan, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Hootie & The Blowfish, and Kenny Loggins to name a few. Then if that’s not enough he’s now a seasoned actor appearing in the “Troubadour” and the upcoming film, Beauty Mark. If you could summarize Radney in one word, I would have to say storyteller. We talk about his journey from Texas to Nashville, to his conversation with Willie Nelson, to landing his p

Little Big Town is good, but their band is even killer. Hubert Payne sits in the back leading the band every night to sit in the pocket. Since drumming with Little Big Town, Hubert has gotten to record on their records “Wanderlust” & “The Breaker”. We take a dive hard in the career and life of Hubert. Athlete to musician, knife fights to motivational speaking, and celebrating diversity in race through music. Follow Hubert on Facebook and Instagram @hubertpayne. If you need drums on your next track visit www.airgigs.com and Hubert can help cut drums for your next song/demo. Thanks always goes to Fat Bottom Brewing in sponsoring us and bringing a great time to great conversations.

Guthrie Trapp comes up to the attic to share some of his new record, Life After Dark, that’s not even released yet. You can hear it here first as well as his journey from a kid in Alabama to the future of the legendary status of a Nashville guitarist. You’ve seen him or heard him play with John Oats, Jerry Douglas, Sam Bush, Patty Loveless, Albert Lee, Kellie Pickler, and so much more. Guthrie takes us through a guided tour through his unconventional childhood growing up with some of the biggest blue grassers and songwriters of the time, to playing in the Don Kelly Band on Broadway. Then we take a dive in to what makes Guthrie tick. Whether it be different music genres, or the state of country music. Visit www.guthrietrapp.com for all thing Guthrie including lessons through www.artistworks.com, booking clinics, or knowing the next time Guthrie is playing in his many projects. Follow Guthrie on Twitter & Instagram @guthrietrapp and on Facebook @guthrie.trapp. Don't forget to download and stream Guthrie's m

I had a chance to catch up with Filmore between his road gigs to talk about his life, music, and his overall journey in music. Filmore has had mad success in Spotify streams and iTunes downloads that has parlayed him to tour with Sam Hunt, Walker Hayes, Chase Rice, and hang out with the guys from Florida Georgia Line to write some new material. We chat about pop music in country and where all the hate is coming from, and of course tackle genres. Then what is Filmore doing that’s different than the rest? Fans, check out some of the stories behind some of his current hits and projects. Keep up with tour dates and new music at www.filmoremusic.com, and follow him on Facebook and Instagram @filmoremusic. As always thanks to Fat Bottom Brewing for providing the secret sauce to every episode. Visit www.fatbottombrewing.com.

What we need right now are more good vibes. I had a chance to catch Coast Modern while they were wrapping up their current tour, and after the conversation and experiencing the live show…Good vibes and an experience out of reality is exactly what Coleman and Luke have done with Coast Modern. Coast Modern is known for their West Coast vibe, indie alternative-pop music. With crazy streams and downloads, the band has went from an idea to creating and molding genres. In this episode we dive in to the origin of the band, breakdown their songs and creative process, and learn that hashtags can change lives. Visit www.coastmodernmusic.com for all things Coast Modern. To be part of the Coast Modern experience follow them on Facebook and Instagram @coastmodernmusic, and Twitter @coastmodern. Download and stream on Youtube, Spotify, iTunes and Pandora.

In this week’s episode, is the first part of a series that is exploring the genre of Americana Music and the people that are working in Americana. David Ramirez is one of many Americana artists that is defining and shaping a genre that is over a century old. Being a “non-traditional” Americana artist, David has traveled the country and explored hardships, the kindness of the American people, and all the while writes all of his own music. We talk about homelessness, inner struggles for a songwriter, and David’s new project “We’re Not Going Anywhere”. Download and stream his music everywhere music is available. For everything David Ramirez visit www.davidramirezmusic.com. Follow him on Facebook @davidramirezaustin, Twitter & Instagram @davidramirez

Picture a songwriter. Now what are they playing. A double bass, right?! Then you’re thinking about Scott Mulvahill. Scott is an artist that is stepping out from the sidelines, into the spotlight with his debut EP, 'Top Of The Stairs’. An active member of Ricky Skaggs’ band Kentucky Thunder for 5 years now, Scott has played with some of the best. Other artists like Alison Krauss, Barry Gibb, Bruce Hornsby, Brad Paisley, Peter Frampton, Steven Curtis Chapman, Emmylou Harris, and many more. In this episode, we talk about stepping out of your comfort zone, and Scott’s memorable moments that led up to becoming the artist he his meant to be. Check out everything Scott at www.scottmulvahill.com, and follow him on all social platforms @scottmulvahill. Don’t forget to check out the newest release, 'Top Of The Stairs' here http://smarturl.it/sm_tots.

Some people call it a secret, others just call it a Monday night in Nashville, but for Ward Guenther Whiskey Jam has been a community for fans, artists, and the music industry. In this episode, Ward takes us through his journey from touring with Billy Currington and David Nail to running a national brand. Whiskey Jam has scaled to merchandising and their own brand of whiskey, you nailed it, Whiskey Jam. In the past 6 years, Ward has curated a platform for rising artists and pros like Lady Antebellum, Melissa Etheridge, One Republic, The Fray, Chris Young, Brett Eldredge, Luke Combs, Ryan Beaver, The Cadillac Three, Thomas Rhett, Maren Morris, Chris Stapleton, and way more to name. Ward shares what he’s learned about artists from watching some grow in to the legends that their going to be. Visit www.whiskeyjam.com for all news and updates. Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @whiskeyjam and don’t forget their Spotify playlist that has all the music played at the last 200 shows, Whiskey Jam Revolver.

During part of Mike Bosner’s mini vacation to CMA Fest 2017, he made time to educate me of the world of theater. There was and is no better person to do that right now. Mike is one of the producers behind Beautiful: The Carole King Musical and he is becoming a force in the commercial theater world. We take a walkthrough of his life to becoming one of the youngest, successful theater producers in history. Of course we talk about the life and music of Carole King, the muse and music of behind Mike’s multi Tony Award winning production. Then what’s the business of theater off stage, what does it take to be a producer in theater, and how is theater surviving the music industry? You can follow all things about The Carole King Musical at www.beautifulonbroadway.com and keep up with Mike on Instagram, @mikebosner.

Not to many people in today’s world are able to capture an audience by song and emotion. Caitlyn Smith helps us in this episode discover what makes her different from the rest. We take a trip through childhood and then fast forward to where she is being revered as one of the most career watching artists in recent years. With massive cuts from Meghan Trainor, John Legend, James Bay, Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks, Cassadee Pope, Kenny Rogers, Lauren Alaina, and Lady Antebellum it’s easy to understand why. What’s it mean to find your sound and all the while writing songs for other artists? Genre, what’s that?! You can always visit all things Caitlyn Smith at www.caitlynsmith.com. You can also keep up with her journey through her socials; Facebook/Youtube @caitlynsmithmusic and Twitter/Instagram @caitlynsmith. Don’t forget to download and stream her major debut EP, Starfire, on all music platforms including Spotify and iTunes.

One Grammy, major Guitarist of the Year Awards, Nashville, and when you roll them up in a ball you get Brent Mason. One of the most celebrated and recorded guitarist of our modern time shares his story from humble beginnings to being recognized as one of the greatest players to grace a recording studio. You’ve heard his playing on the biggest hits spanning 4 decades of recorded music. Artists such as Chet Atkins, Keith Whitley, Randy Travis, Alan Jackson, Waylon Jennings, Joe Diffie, Sammy Kershaw, Don Mc Lean, Brooks & Dunn, George Strait, Travis Tritt, Billy Ray Cyrus, Faith Hill, Luke Combs, William Michael Morgan, Easton Corbin, Reba McEntire, Clint Black, Kenny Rogers, and way more have featured Brent as lead guitarist and even songwriter. We take a trip from the decision to move to Nashville, to being discovered. Brent even takes the time to share his wisdom of the industry. You can visit www.brentmason.com to schedule Skype lessons, book a session, and look up all things Brent Mason including his s

I met up with Justin Niebank, off campus at Star Struck Studios as he was mixing Blake Shelton’s newest single. Enough said, right?! But you should know the reason why I had a chat with a multi grammy award winning Engineer/Producer. Justin has the reputation as a ‘wizard’ behind the console and is one of the most prolific engineers behind the board. You can hear his work from artists like Taylor Swift, Blake Shelton, Kid Rock, Bon Jovi, Keith Urban, Rick Springfield, Johnny Winter, R. Kelly, Bob Seger, Shakira, Rodney Crowell, Vince Gill, Brett Eldredge, Koko Taylor, and so…so much more. Talking to a high profile mixer/producer/engineer like Justin, we don’t talk about his projects. We talk more about what makes him tick. How does one stay so relevant in his field for a career that spans 4 decades. So in this episode we tackle some more introspective details of Justin’s work history. Visit www.justinniebank.com to book a session today.