Count It Off!

Count It Off Episode 69

Get ready to bright-side your playlist! In this episode, we are diving deep into the sunny, uplifting world of award-winning West Coast indie pop-country artist Eileen Carey. Known for her infectious blend of California pop arrangements and storytelling country roots, this powerhouse independent singer-songwriter has been dominating the independent music scene with chart-topping tracks and a signature "West Coast Pop-Country" sound that radiates pure positivity. We chat about her career journey, her empowering new singles like "Carry Me Away" and "Every Day," and how she balances life as a musician, kickboxer, and founder of The Music Mom blog. Whether you are a lifelong fan of crossover country-pop music or just searching for your next favorite female artist on music streaming platforms, this episode is packed with feel-good vibes, musical inspiration, and a little bit of cosmopolitan country magic you won't want to miss!

David Hungate was there when the Los Angeles studio scene was making history.

As the original bassist for TOTO, including Jeff Porcaro, Steve Lukather and David Paitch, Hungate played on the band’s first four albums — and before that, he laid down the unforgettable bass line on Boz Scaggs’ “Lowdown,” sessions that helped define the sound of ’70s LA. But the hits are only half the story.

In this episode of Count It Off, David takes us inside the studios, stages, tours and more that came with being one of the most in-demand musicians of his generation. He shares stories of recording massive records by Christopher Cross, Olivia Newton-John and the hijinks and characters that made the road and studio sessions unforgettable. Hungate and his group of comrades were the engine behind some of the biggest records in popular music.

Stepping away from the LA scene, he spentthe next four decades contributing to an extraordinary collection of hit records — including multiple #1s by Dolly Parton, Randy Travis, Alan Jackson and George Strait.

It’s the story of a humble, gifted musician who was there for some of the biggest moments in pop and rock history — and who has the stories to prove it. Don't miss this!

In this awesome episode, we sit down with Gary Talley, legendary guitarist and original member of The Box Tops, the Memphis band behind the #1 hits “The Letter” and “Cry Like a Baby.” Gary takes us behind the scenes of the Memphis music scene, at American Sound studio, singing on You Were Always On My Mind with Willie Nelson, sharing stories from touring across the country with iconic acts like The Doors and The Beach Boys, as well as being there for records being made for Neil Diamond, Herbie Mann with the legendary Memphis Boys studio musicians. From classic rock and soul to the recording studios and road stories that helped shape the sound of the ’60s, Gary Talley has a firsthand perspective on some of the greatest music and musicians of the era.

If you're a deep fan of the late 60s hits, you'll LOVE this episode. Enjoy!

What happens when a love of music, a family legacy, and a passion for helping artists come together? On this episode of Count It Off, we sit down with Krisita Burket, indie music publicist and founder of Dad & Daughter, a company inspired by her own father’s music career and the songs that influenced her journey. Krisita takes us behind the scenes of music publicity, artist promotion, digital marketing, social media, music PR, and artist development, sharing how she helps Nashville and international independent artists build their brands, reach new audiences, connect with fans, and grow their careers in the digital age. Whether you’re an indie musician, singer-songwriter, emerging artist, Nashville artist, music industry professional, or longtime music fan, this conversation offers an inside look at what it really takes to get heard in today’s crowded music landscape. Discover the story behind Dad & Daughter and hear Krisita’s perspective on independent music, music marketing, digital promotion, streaming, social media strategy, and the modern music business — only on Count It Off.

This episode charts the incredible journey of Liverpool singer-songwriter Bronnie as she makes the leap from Merseyside to Music Row.

She has already logged millions of streams across social media and built a passionate, international fan base entirely on her own terms. Now, Bronnie is bringing her unstoppable positive energy and powerhouse talent to the global stage. In this episode, we sit down with the rising star to discuss her transition from the UK acoustic circuit to collaborating with top songwriters in America's country and Americana capital. Prepare to be completely won over by her infectious optimism, fierce work ethic, and the undeniable charm that is taking the international music scene by storm. [1]

Count It Off welcomes one of Nashville's most accomplished hitmakers, Keith Follesé.

From penning chart-topping songs for Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Lonestar, Martina McBride, and many other country superstars, Keith has spent decades crafting the songs that define generations of country music.

In this episode, Keith takes us inside the art and business of hit songwriting—sharing his creative process, what separates a good song from a great one, and the lessons he's learned from writing some of Nashville's biggest hits. He also reflects on navigating an ever-changing music industry while staying true to the craft.

We also explore the incredible musical legacy of the Follesé family, including Keith's sons, Ryan and Jamie, who helped propel the pop-rock band Hot Chelle Rae to chart-topping success. From songwriting across generations to life in Music City, this conversation is packed with stories, insight, and inspiration.

Whether you're a songwriter, a music fan, or simply curious about what it takes to create songs that stand the test of time, you won't want to miss this episode of Count It Off.

You never really know who you're going to meet when you travel. This week, we veer way off the usual musical path for a unique interview.

I was recently in Berlin and happened to meet two guys—both named Chris. who were both teaching English to young children. in China.

What made their story so amazing was this: the kids spoke no English, and neither Chris spoke Chinese.

With 16 years leading my songwriting residency in 5th grade classrooms, I had to ask these wonderful fellows to join us on Count It Off and see how our stories aligned. We'll hear Chris and Chris share the funny moments, the challenges, the surprises, and the friendships that grew out of one unforgettable experience. I hope you enjoy this unique story.

Ep. 63

It's Ep. 62 and we're back with Count It Off!

From the first note, you know — it's his golden baritone, rich and steady, the kind of voice that echoes the great storytellers like Don Williams and Vern Gosdin.

This is Darrell Clanton.

His journey started at home, watching his guitar-playing father turn simple chords into something magical. That spark became a fire. As a kid in Florida, Darrell was already playing barrooms before he was old enough to be in them, learning the craft the hard way — one crowd at a time.

That road led him to Nashville, a hit record on Warner Brothers and an ACM nomination for New Artist of the Year — a moment that proved the kid from the Florida bar circuit had something special. But his heart eventually pulled him back home, where he still plays a hundred shows a year.

Driven by optimism, rooted in tradition, and powered by a voice built for country music — Darrell Clanton is still out there, doing what he was born to do.

Welcome to the show. There's lots of laughs, memories of Nashville in the 70s and 80s, and they'll surely put a smile on your face.

Ep. 61 - Chubby Carrier - "Ain't No Party Like a Chubby Party cuz a Chubby Party Don't Stop!"

Stop what you're doing and spend a few minutes with one of the most energetic, positive bandleaders out there anywhere. Chubby hails from the heart of the Louisiana music scene and he's a 3rd generation Creole squeeze box man. I could talk about him but instead, I dare you not to start smiling, tapping your feet and feeling like it's time to dance! One of my favorite friends in the biz and he talks about his upbringing, his motivation and his family pride.

Count It Off Ep. 60 - Chris Gantry

“If you can write a song that’s got a timeless message in it, you’ve done your work.”

Get ready for an amazing history session with one of the true Music Row legends, our guest Chris Gantry. Chris wrote the Glen Campbell smash "Dreams of the Everyday Housewife and was the inspiration for Kris Kristofferson's classic "The Pilgrim, Chapter 33." We dive into his road from Queens NY to Nashville, living the gypsy life with pals Shel Silverstein, publishing pioneer Bob Beckham and Kris, sneaking thru the back door at the Opry when nobody cared that you did... and so much more.

We pull quotes from his book "Gypsy Dreamers in the Alley" and get to hear a little of his upcoming album "Worth Every Nail."

Take notes, y'all. It's a true master class in songwriting, full of passion, spirit and wisdom. Don't miss this one!!