Surviving the Music Industry

Jon Randall Jul 06, 2021

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 Jun 29, 2021

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.

Raleigh Keegan Jun 24, 2021

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

Jim Beavers Jun 22, 2021

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 Jun 15, 2021

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 Jun 08, 2021

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.

Marty Dodson Jun 01, 2021

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.

Volk May 27, 2021

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.

Robert Finley May 25, 2021

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 May 20, 2021

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.

Southerland May 18, 2021

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.

Malia Civetz May 13, 2021

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.

Jordan Slone of Hounds May 11, 2021

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.

John-Robert May 06, 2021

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.

Jared Watson of Dirty Heads May 04, 2021

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.

Rhonda Vincent Apr 27, 2021

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 Apr 22, 2021

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 Apr 20, 2021

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 Apr 15, 2021

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.

Lexy Panterra, aka Virgin Lex Apr 13, 2021

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 Apr 06, 2021

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 Apr 01, 2021

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.

Drew Green Mar 30, 2021

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.

Jillette Johnson Mar 23, 2021

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.

Sanya N'kanta Mar 16, 2021

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?

Cory Wong Mar 09, 2021

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 Mar 04, 2021

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 Mar 02, 2021

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.

Adam Doleac Nov 24, 2020

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 Nov 19, 2020

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.

Niko Moon Nov 17, 2020

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.

John Davidson of The Brummies Nov 10, 2020

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.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Surviving the Music Industry

Related Podcasts

1

2

3

4

5

6