Nsai Coffee Break

Songwriter and recording artist Phil Wickham is our guest on today’s episode. His new album “Living Hope” was just released a week ago and if you have not yet heard it, it's absolutely beautiful! While he was in Nashville we had the pleasure of welcoming him to NSAI to talk about the songwriting process of the new project. Phil co-wrote the title track with Brian Johnson of Bethel Music, and collaborated with Hollyn, Chris Tomlin, Kristian Stanfill and several others for the vision of this project. Be sure to visit www.philwickham.com for tour dates and information on where you can listen to the album. Listen to the video format of this interview here: https://www.nashvillesongwriters.com/nsai-coffee-break-season-2-episode-11-phil-wickham

Today’s guest, songwriter/producer/artist Gavin Slate is with us. Originally from Toronto, he moved to Nashville a few months ago to work closely with the music scene here. Gavin has scored placements on NBC’s Rookie Blue, the 2016 NHL All-Star Game and writes frequently with Donovan Woods, Todd Clark, Adam Hamrick, Emily Reid and others . He has an extensive background in production for his own music as well as that of other artists in the Canadian Country Market including the James Barker Band. Earlier this year they took home a SOCAN Country Music Award for their song “Chills” written by Gavin, James Barker, Travis Wood and Donovan Woods. Gavin has shared the stage with Lindi Ortega, The Strumbellas, Hunter Hayes, Donovan Woods, Shane McAnally, Tony Arata and more. In this episode we chat about the festival circuit and ways songwriters can craft songs that engage fans in this type of concert atmosphere. We also share our individual experiences at the NAMM Conference that took place in Nashville a few wee

The guests in this episode are the writers and performers behind Passion, the worship team that leads Passion Conference. This faith-based event stemmed out of Passion City Church in Atlanta over 20 years ago and has brought together more than 32,000 students from 700 universities and 35 countries. Kristian Stanfill, Melodie Malone and Brett Younker share their perspectives on writing worship music with inspiration from their faith and why business comes second to the mission of creating engaging and honest worship songs. Their newest collection, “Whole Heart,” topped #1 on Billboard’s Top Christian Album’s charts and speaks to the various elements of God’s character and vision for Passion Conference. I loved talking with them about how they came together as a team and the message they hope to bring to listeners and Passion Conference attendees. Visit www.passionmusic.com for news on music, upcoming Passion Worship Nights and conference dates. And of course pick up the latest album Whole Heart. The live reco

Today's guest has spent time curating his songwriting craft from the likes of Country, Blues and Americana influences such as Merle Haggard, Ray Charles and Darrell Scott. Ben Danaher is Texas native and comes from a musical family, specifically his father who spent time touring as a singer/songwriter and greatly impacted Ben’s decision to pursue that same career for himself. We chat about his musical background, moving to Nashville and performing alongside his peers Steve Moakler, Sean McConnell, Ryan Beaver and more. Additionally he shares stories behind his sync cuts for “The Ranch” on Netflix and CMT’s Nashville. His latest single “Hell and High Water” was written with Maren Morris and is a preview of the songs you’ll hear on his full-length album “Still Feel Lucky” set to release this September. Not only is he a very talented songwriter but you will definitely want to check out his performances on the road. He kicks off his first tour in Europe this summer which includes a show at the Black Deer Festival

In this episode you’ll have the pleasure of hearing confessions of serial, #1, award-winning songwriter, Shelly Peiken. She and Meredith Brooks took a risk with their '90s pop anthem “Bitch,” which ended up topping the charts, receiving a Grammy nomination and several tv/film placements. Shelly received her first #1 hit with Christina Aguilera for “What A Girl Wants” followed by “Come On Over Baby.” In our interview we chat about her songwriting career, and her most recent tour series, "Living Room Live" where she shares her journey through monologue and song. The tour is based off her grammy nominated book, “Confessions of a Serial Songwriter,” which we talk about in this interview as well. I had a great time getting to know Shelly during her visit to Nashville for Tin Pan South Songwriting Seminar this past April. She highlights advice for writing pop music and other creative outlets that have inspired and complimented her music career. Visit shellypeiken.com for more information on her book, upcoming even

Our guest today is Nashville native and one of Capitol CMG’s breakthrough artists, Riley Clemmons! Riley quickly climbed the charts with her debut single “Broken Prayers” a song born out of the soulful singer’s journey to finding her own voice. We talk about the gospel and pop influences that have contributed to her writing style as well as the group of industry songwriters she has worked with to produce her upcoming album. For a list of upcoming tour dates and news about her upcoming album, visit rileyclemmons.com. If you’re interested in getting involved with NSAI, check outnashvillesongwriters.com for info on our membership program, premium events and more.

Our guest today is country music up and comer, Jenna Paulette. Jenna’s music is a blend of rooted Texas country and modern big city glam, a style she calls the New West. Jenna first made waves in the country/pop genre with her debut single, “Coolest Girl In The World” co-written with Jordan Reynolds and Sydney Cubit. The single made it in the U.S. Top 100 Charts for iTunes and has been featured on CMT, The boot.com and more. Jenna also wrote and recorded the song “Studio 1A” for the interactive video app, VideoBomb, which was featured on a segment of the Today Show’s Kathie Lee and Hoda. Her latest single ILYSM short for (“I love you so much”) was released in March followed by the recent music video premiere on “Taste of Country.” I had a blast chatting with her about the songwriting process, production influences and artist branding strategy. We even talk about her love for ranching in her hometown outside Dallas, Texas. You can watch video version on our Youtube page and website nashvillesongwriters.com/n

About this episode: Today’s guest is platinum selling country star, RaeLynn! We recently enjoyed coffee at the Kimpton Aertson Hotel to get the backstory on her latest single “Queens Don’t” an empowerment anthem that encourages self-love to anyone and everyone who hears it. Additionally RaeLynn tells us about her songwriting inspirations, creative community and the process of discovering her voice in songs like “Love Triangle,” “Wildhorse” and “Lonely Call.” 

2018 has started off strong for this vibrant entertainer. She was recently nominated for ACM’s Best New Female Vocalist of the Year and became the first country star to represent a TooFaced makeup collection. We chat about the song she wrote for the “Life’s A Festival” makeup line and more here on NSAI Coffee Break. Visit raelynn.com for upcoming tour dates, where you can find her latest music and news on the upcoming album yet to be released. RaeLynn is on the road now sharing her diverse collection of songs, as part of CMT’s Next Women of Country To

About this episode: We’re featuring a Facebook LIVE interview from this past week with country songwriter/artist, Carly Pearce! Since the day she convinced her father to let her quit highschool and pursue a job performing at Dollywood, Carly has paved her own way to becoming the highest charting solo female debut since July 2015. With years of hard work and perseverance she’s taken the world by a storm with her debut album, “Every Little Thing;” The title track, written by Pearce, busbee and Emily Shackleton, makes Carly the only solo female with a charting Country debut single to achieve GOLD certification in 2017. In this episode, the Kentucky native shares how Dolly Parton encouraged her to become the artist she is today and what life experiences fueled an authentic storytelling process for her songwriting. Carly recently received her first ACM nomination for Best New Female Vocalist of the Year among many other accolades in 2017. Rolling Stone Country has called “Every Little Thing” a sturdy, declarative

About this episode: Today’s guest is a Nashville-native and one of the most talented piano musicians of our time. Songwriter/artist Gabe Dixon, began playing music at age 7, with exposure to household names like Elton John, The Allman Brothers and Paul Simon. Natural talent and interest in music, led him to pursue a career writing songs and performing alongside names like: Gavin DeGraw, Alison Krauss and Union Station, OAR, Supertramp and many others. Early in his career he picked up a gig playing keys and vocals on Paul McCartney’s 2001 album “Driving Rain” and shortly after performed with the Beatle’s legend at a fundraiser concert in New York City. I was excited to have him in the studio last week to talk about his evolution from The Gabe Dixon band to going solo, and co-writing hits like “All Will Be Well” and “Find My Way” with songwriter and Semisonic frontman, Dan Wilson. Gabe also expands on the theme and production process for this recent album “Turns To Gold,” and why the uncertainty that comes

About this episode: Award winning Christian Songwriter/Artist Matthew West joins us for Episode 1 of Season 2 to talk about his new album “All In,” which rests on the theme of what it means to fully invest in the most important areas of our lives. He also shares advice about songwriting and producing that he’s learned throughout his career that I think you’ll enjoy. Matthew West has more than 130 songwriting credits to his name, including cuts by Rascal Flatts, Scotty McCreery, Casting Crowns, Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, Mandisa and more. For a list of tour dates and info on where you can purchase “All In," visit www.matthewwest.com. Video Version of this episode can be found at: http://bit.ly/CBMW_Youtube Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (@NSAIOfficial) to stay up to date with upcoming events and more. Be sure to check out our website, nashvillesongwriters.com to learn how you can become a member of our organization and elevate your songwriting craft. ABOUT NSAI COFFEE BREAK SERIES: N

About this episode: Steve Seskin is one of the most successful writers in Nashville today, with a boatload of songs recorded by Tim McGraw, Neal McCoy, John Michael Montgomery, Kenny Chesney, Collin Raye, Peter Frampton, Waylon Jennings, Alabama, Mark Wills, and Peter Paul and Mary. On today’s podcast, he talks about his journey as a songwriter and why life is something "you learn as you go." About this podcast: Welcome to NSAI Coffee Break podcast, a series featuring legendary and modern-day songwriters, artists and music industry executives. Each episode highlights their creative journeys, including the successes and the in-betweens, and where they are headed to next!

About this episode: After teaching privately in Tallahassee, Fl. for eight years, songwriter and educator, Steve Leslie moved to Nashville in 1992. He was signed to a staff songwriting position at EMI Music Publishing shortly thereafter, where he had songs recorded by Kenny Rogers, Mark Chesnutt, George Strait, Darryl Worley, Rhonda Vincent, and Neal McCoy, to name a few. Steve earned a Grammy Certificate for the title cut to Ricky Skaggs' 2004 "Brand New Strings" which won a Grammy Award for Best Bluegrass Album of the Year. From 2007-2014 he maintained a career as an independent songwriter and music publisher, with songs recorded by Darryl Worley and Darius Rucker. From 2011-2014 Steve was Adjunct Professor of Songwriting at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee. In 2014 Steve started SNG Music, LLP. In this episode Steve highlights how to gain inspiration for your songwriting craft and the experience he has gained in both the songwriting and publishing sectors of the industry. About this podcast: Wel

About this episode: There's no shortage of guitar teachers in Music City USA...they don't call Nashville "Guitar Town" for nothing. But Dave Isaacs has earned a reputation as one of the best: not simply a guitar and piano teacher but as a musical mentor to performing artists, songwriters, and performers as well as beginners, weekend warriors, and perpetual beginners. Dave's approach to teaching develops not only guitar playing but the whole musician, building real skills, confidence, and musical knowledge. In this episode Dave will be sharing techniques for writing melody and more. About this podcast: Welcome to NSAI Coffee Break podcast, a series featuring legendary and modern-day songwriters, artists and music industry executives. Each episode highlights their creative journeys, including the successes and the in-betweens, and where they are headed to next!

About this episode: In 2011, Luke and Beth Laird decided it was time to take a fresh business approach to publishing and artist management. In this episode of Coffee Break, I chat with the couple about their careers in both the business and songwriting sectors of the industry and advice they’d give to individuals seeking growth in their craft. Creative Nation is home to a variety of songwriters and artists including: Barry Dean, Kassi Ashton, Lori McKenna, Luke Laird, Mags Duval, Muscadine Bloodline, Natalie Hemby, Steve Moakler and Tyler Johnson. In just five years the team has generated 15 #1 hits and songs recorded by Eric Church, Kenny Chesney, Miranda Lambert, John Legend, Little Big Town, Ingrid Michaelson, Ne-Yo, Carrie Underwood and several others. This is an audio recording of a video interview we filmed last week. You can find Parts 1 and 2 on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nsaiofficial About this podcast: Welcome to NSAI Coffee Break podcast, a series featuring legendary and modern-

About this episode: THiS Music publisher Rusty Gaston shares why hard work prevails over talent when it comes to writing great songs. In the early beginnings of his career, he discovered his knack for recognizing the next radio hit was in a fact a job. This realization led him to put his song sensibility to the test in music publishing. Rusty has an extensive background in working both label and publishing sides in the industry and our conversation is sure to motivate the songwriter, artist and music business professional alike. About Rusty Gaston: Rusty knew when he moved to Nashville to attend Belmont University that publishing was where he belonged and his track record has proven him right. He hit the ground runnihng with his first job at SmithHaven Music where he secured artist deals for writer/artists Jeff Bates and Will Hoge. From there he was hired by top producer Byron Gallimore (Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Jodee Messina) to run his publishing company, Song Garden, which thrived under Rusty’s guidance

About this episode: To Tim Hunze, dedication to your songwriting craft and building your network are two very important factors in pursuing a career in the music industry. In 2011, Tim opened the doors of Parallel Music Nashville in partnership with JP Williams. Tim’s day to day includes managing a roster of songwriters and artists including Jon Mabe, Jesse Lee, Lance Carpenter, Zella Day, Alex Hall, Blake Chaffin, Ryan Beaver, Jenn Schott and more. In our conversation we touch on Tim’s early beginnings in artist management his favorite podcasts, media outlets and how he scouts those future radio hits. About Tim Hunze: Upon graduation from Middle Tennessee State University and armed with a degree in Recording Industry Management, Tim started his own record label, Rhythm and Grooves Records. The label had strong initial success with a hit video on BET and a charted single on Billboard charts. Ultimately, Hunze sold his interest in the company. In 1993 Tim then took at job as archive manger at Great Cumber

About this episode: From performing to working in artist development and now publishing, Katie Jelen has experienced it all. At a young age, she played music at coffeehouses in her hometown of Philadelphia, including an Open Mic that was frequented by the likes of Amos Lee and Norah Jones. In this episode we discuss why work ethic in any area of the industry is essential to career growth, the artist branding strategies she learned while working for Ingrid Michaelson’s team and some of the best concerts she’s seen at the Hotel Café. Katie is the head of artist relations and publishing at Secret Road Music Services and she offers valuable advice in this interview that you don’t wanna miss. About Katie Jelen: A "recovering singer-songwriter," she is a classically trained vocalist with a degree in Music Industry as well as a law degree from Drexel University with a concentration in intellectual property. Her responsibilities at Secret Road include setting up co-writes, coordinating the fulfillment of creative b

About John Tumminello: Entrepreneur and music industry leader John Tumminello shares how his passion for supporting emerging artists led him to leave his banking job in New York, move to Nashville and start up one of the leading free music events in town. In 2007 he co-founded Music City Unsigned, a program dedicated to helping up&coming artists grow their following. This initiative then led to Musicians Corner, an outdoor “gathering space for music-lovers and creators alike.” It has grown to 65,000 attendees since it’s early days in 2010 and takes place in Nashville’s Centennial Park. Past performers include Vince Gill, Emmylou Harris, St Paul & the Broken Bones, Chris Stapleton, Family of the Year and several others. And what sets this event apart is it’s incorporation of local artisans, food trucks and other small businesses in the city for people to enjoy. About this podcast: NSAI Coffee Break is a series featuring legendary and modern-day songwriters, artists and music industry executives. Each episod

About Jimmy & Sarah Robbins: Jimmy is a songwriter/producer at Roundhill Music. His catalog of #1 hits include, Blake Shelton’s “Sure Be Cool If You Did”, “It Goes Like This” for Thomas Rhett, Keith Urban and Miranda Lambert’s duet “We Were Us,” “Whatever She’s Got” by David Nail and “Beachin’” by Jake Owen. Jimmy latest project involved producing RaeLynn’s debut album, Wildhorse, alongside songwriter Nicolle Galyon. Sarah is a music publisher who's worked with both Big Machine and Big Yellow Dog. Jimmy and Sarah founded their own publishing company in 2016, Jimmy Robbins Music. About this podcast: NSAI Coffee Break is a series featuring legendary and modern-day songwriters, artists and music industry executives. Each episode highlights their creative journeys, including the successes and the in-betweens, and where they are headed to next!