Daring to Suck: A Grace Askew Podcast

Have you ever wondered about the journey of an artist from picking up their first instrument to performing on the big stage? Join us as we navigate the musical trail with independent artist, Matt Jordan, who shares his intimate narrative from his teenage years with a guitar to his transformative journey to Nashville. Matt's captivating story is a beacon of commitment to his craft, filled with hurdles he's hurdled and the precious guidance he received from his father, steering him towards the music hub, Nashville. 

The role of parenthood has been a significant influence on Matt's creativity. As a dedicated father and artist, he unveils his strategies to overcome creative blocks and the cruciality of taking a step back from his craft to make room for fresh inspiration. His relentless pursuit of his dreams and refusal to accept mediocrity, all while setting an exemplary standard for his children, provides a treasure trove of wisdom for those cruising through their own creative journey.

In the digital age, social media plays a crucial role in the music industry. Matt shares his unique insights on navigating this online landscape as an independent artist. His journey offers a fresh perspective on the importance of authenticity and staying true to one's creative vision in the constantly evolving music scene. Whether you're an aspiring songwriter, an independent artist, or a music aficionado, this episode is packed with relatable anecdotes and precious advice from a seasoned musician. So tune in and let Matt Jordan's musical journey enlighten your artistic path.

Support the show

Outside of these inspiring interviews, Grace offers further artistic growth opportunities through semi-annual songwriting retreats held in Memphis, TN and 1:1 Zoom coaching! All details can be found at her website: GraceAskew.com

What happens when you immerse yourself in creativity for 365 days straight? Join us as we navigate the inspiring journey of Devan Yanik, a pro tunesmith who set himself the audacious task of crafting an original song every day for a whole year. There's something to be said about the power of discipline, as Devan's commitment resulted in a stunning collection of melodies that not only improved his songwriting skills but also provided a fresh perspective on the creative process. 

Get ready to delve into the nuances of songwriting, as Devan shares his insightful experiences of cultivating a daily creative routine, and how it helped him to trust his voice and ditch the pursuit of perfection. We also discuss how regular practice builds resilience and adaptability, essential traits for any artist. Devan poignantly likens songwriting to a gym workout, emphasizing the importance of patience, determination, and dedication in sculpting the best compositions. 

Finally, we look to the future, as Devan contemplates his plans post-challenge. From sifting through his melodic treasure trove to making waves in the vibrant Nashville music scene, his ambition is as potent as ever. Whether you're a songwriter seeking inspiration or a music enthusiast interested in the behind-the-scenes process, this episode offers intriguing stories, practical advice, and a peek into the life of an artist committed to his craft. This is a conversation that will inspire you to take your own creative endeavors to the next level.

Support the show

Outside of these inspiring interviews, Grace offers further artistic growth opportunities through semi-annual songwriting retreats held in Memphis, TN and 1:1 Zoom coaching! All details can be found at her website: GraceAskew.com

Have you ever wondered what it's like to work with the greats of the music industry, or how nature can inspire creativity? Join us for a lively conversation with the talented Tiffany Goss as we explore her journey to Nashville and her experiences in the music industry. From working at Warner Brothers Records and EMI Music Publishing to signing with Curb, Tiffany has rubbed elbows with some of the greats like Faith Hill and Dwight Yocum.

Discover how Tiffany's connection to nature has become her spiritual experience and source of inspiration. We chat about her song 'Church Anywhere', written with the late Kyle Jacobs, and the beauty of nature's lessons in grace and resilience. Hear about Tiffany's upcoming trip to Alaska, her lifelong dream of writing songs in Nashville, and how self-knowledge can be gained through adventures and taking risks out of our comfort zones.

Tiffany also shares her thoughts on persevering in the face of challenges and the ever-changing music industry. Learn how she's taken care of her mental health, navigated the music industry, and celebrated her successes - even if they don't come in the form of a big hit or number one. We wrap up our conversation by discussing the importance of being grateful, respecting the history of the music industry, and learning from those who have come before you. Tune in to hear Tiffany's insights and experiences that you won't want to miss!

Follow Tiffany on IG! @tifftycent

*"Sad People, Pretty Houses" was actually written with Karley Scott Colling and Brian Bunn 

Support the show

Outside of these inspiring interviews, Grace offers further artistic growth opportunities through semi-annual songwriting retreats held in Memphis, TN and 1:1 Zoom coaching! All details can be found at her website: GraceAskew.com

What happens when a Mississippi man with a passion for writing finally makes his way to Nashville? We had the pleasure of sitting down with the incredibly talented songwriter Ken Hart to find out. In this episode, we explored Ken's journey to the heart of the music industry, where he found his place among legendary songwriters at the Frank Brown Songwriters' Festival and learned to navigate the Nashville scene with the help of mentors and friends.

Throughout our conversation, Ken openly shares his experiences and insights on the challenges and realities of the music industry. We discuss the limited revenue streams for songwriters, the importance of diversifying income, and how his sobriety has impacted his creativity and focus in the demanding world of music. Ken's generosity with his gifts and his dedication to his craft are truly inspiring, as he reminds us that it's essential to share our art, even when it may not feel like a hit at the time.

Join us for a fascinating look into the life of a passionate songwriter as we follow Ken Hart's winding road to Nashville. From his early days writing poems and teaching himself to play guitar, to his experiences touring and learning from music legends, Ken's story offers valuable lessons for anyone pursuing their dreams in the music industry or beyond. Don't miss this incredible conversation with a truly remarkable artist.

Ken's Instagram: @kenneth.c.hart

Support the show

Outside of these inspiring interviews, Grace offers further artistic growth opportunities through semi-annual songwriting retreats held in Memphis, TN and 1:1 Zoom coaching! All details can be found at her website: GraceAskew.com

What does it take to make it in the music industry, and how can a love for music and a willingness to "dare to suck" propel you forward? Join me as I chat with Nashville-based songwriter and veteran musician, Adam Browder, about his incredible journey from Birmingham, Alabama to the heart of the music industry, and the inspiring lessons he's learned along the way.

From his experiences at the University of North Alabama's music program and working in legendary studios, to life on tour with Kip Moore, we delve into Adam's unique story. We discuss the importance of collaboration, the songwriting process, and how taking risks and daring to suck can lead to amazing creative breakthroughs. Get ready for an engaging conversation filled with fascinating stories about Adam's collaborations with the likes of Gary Nichols, Jason Isbell, and John Paul White.

As we wrap up our conversation, we explore the artistic side of creativity, inspiration, and the importance of taking risks to grow as an artist. Adam shares his thoughts on collaboration, believing in yourself, and the rewards that come with taking risks in the music industry. Whether you're an aspiring musician, a country music fan, or simply curious about the behind-the-scenes world of the music industry, this episode is a must-listen. So, tune in and be inspired by Adam's amazing journey and his passionate love for music.

Adam's Instagram: @browdermusic
AdamBrowder.com

Support the show

Outside of these inspiring interviews, Grace offers further artistic growth opportunities through semi-annual songwriting retreats held in Memphis, TN and 1:1 Zoom coaching! All details can be found at her website: GraceAskew.com

We kicked off season two of our podcast with a heart-to-heart conversation with the incredibly talented musician Daniel Ethridge from the band Troubadour Blue. Our chat with Daniel took us on an inspiring journey, tracing his roots from growing up in California and Texas, the life-changing decision to learn guitar, and the challenges and opportunities that led him to his current success in the competitive Nashville music scene.

Throughout our discussion, we explored the significance of having unwavering belief in oneself and staying motivated even during the most difficult times. Daniel opened up about his experiences with Troubadour Blue, the growth and learning process as a musician, and his determination that ultimately landed him a much-coveted publishing deal. We also touched on the dynamics of the Nashville music industry and the friendly rivalry between Nashville and Memphis.

In the final part of our conversation, Daniel shared the struggles of juggling his music career with other responsibilities, and the invaluable support he received from his wife Callie during those tough moments. We talked about the power of having a supportive partner and how Daniel managed to make it through the global pandemic and back to music. Don't miss this insightful and inspiring chat with Daniel Etheridge as we jump into a brand new season of the podcast!

Support the show

Outside of these inspiring interviews, Grace offers further artistic growth opportunities through semi-annual songwriting retreats held in Memphis, TN and 1:1 Zoom coaching! All details can be found at her website: GraceAskew.com

Host Grace Askew closes out Season 1 of The Artists Journey with artist mentor and coach Patrick Ermlich. Patrick is a life-long artist guide, writer, creative director, business developer and Chief Marketing Officer of Gramophone Media in NYC.

Check out more on Patrick here: https://www.thecompass-method.com/

Gramaphone Media Inc. 

Partick's Medium posts: https://www.thecompassmethod.medium.com/

Instagram: http://instagram.com/patrickermlich

Follow Grace on Instagram: http://Instagram.com/graceaskew

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Become a one-time supporter via the Virtual Tip Jar

Support the show

Outside of these inspiring interviews, Grace offers further artistic growth opportunities through semi-annual songwriting retreats held in Memphis, TN and 1:1 Zoom coaching! All details can be found at her website: GraceAskew.com

Host Grace Askew chats with the prolific, eccentric artist Muck Sticky on all things being a working artist. His story of finding strength in being an independent artist, staying true to his path - no  matter how high his level of success  - will truly inspire you.

Born and raised in Memphis, TN, Muck Sticky comes from a long line of musicians. His great-grandparents founded one of the first gospel bluegrass quartets in 1929 known as The Wayfaring Strangers, and both of his grandfathers were well known musicians. One was Gene Lowery of The Dixie Four who often recorded at Sun Studios in Memphis, and sang backing vocals for artists like Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Charlie Rich.

Between the ages of 16-23, Sticky was employed in many different fields including carpentry, restaurant service, bricklaying, water park lifeguard, and ice cream truck driver. In the year 2000, with the money he earned from his manual laborer job at a local convention service company, he bought an 8-track recorder and began creating his first album. In January 2001, he gave his first live performance at a “Battle of the Bands” concert in his hometown Memphis, TN. Since Sticky recorded all of his music alone, he decided to attach wigs, hats, sunglasses, and instruments to 6-foot tall floor lamps and call them his “band”. To this day he frequently brings them on stage during his shows, but the show has grown to include his mother, sister, best friends, and his fans.

Sticky was featured on the MTV series $5 Cover, which centers around the careers of singers from the Memphis, TN area. The show is produced by Craig Brewer, director and writer of the 2005 movie, Hustle & Flow.[1]

He has released a feature film entitled Muscadine Wine.

A review described Sticky as an artist who "comes across as a backwoods midpoint between Beck and Mungo Jerry...somewhere between Slim Shady and Weird Al."[2]

Watch his 2nd feature film, "Dig That, Zeebo Newton," here.

Curated Spotify playlist for Muck Sticky can be listened to here.

 Muck Sticky on  Instagram.

Grace Askew on Instagram.

Support the show

Outside of these inspiring interviews, Grace offers further artistic growth opportunities through semi-annual songwriting retreats held in Memphis, TN and 1:1 Zoom coaching! All details can be found at her website: GraceAskew.com

Host Grace Askew chats with the prolific and legendary artist Mike Doughty on his career,  spanning over 30 years, on he has managed to stay so resilient through all of the curve balls that the music industry may throw.  His  constant  forward motion and momentum via new,  innovative projects keeps Mike deeply connected to his loyal tribe of followers, especially through his weekly songwriting  projects - available on his Patreon. Tune in as  Grace and Mike talk all things on the life of being a  working artist!

Curated Spotify playlist for Episode 6 -  all things Mike Doughty

Follow Mike on Instagram

Follow Grace on Instagram

Become a personal patron to the podcast!

Or be a  one-time supporter via the Virtual  Tip Jar

Support the show

Outside of these inspiring interviews, Grace offers further artistic growth opportunities through semi-annual songwriting retreats held in Memphis, TN and 1:1 Zoom coaching! All details can be found at her website: GraceAskew.com

Host Grace Askew interviews long-time Nashville songwriter Olivia Rudeen on her early days of honing her craft and getting her foot in the door as a songwriter in the publishing world. Her commitment to constantly co-writing  and getting herself out of her comfort zone with her craft is something to learn from and you'll certainly  leave feeling inspired.

Follow Olivia on Instagram: https://instagram.com/oliviarudeen?igshid=14wgiktbhq6yq

Follow Grace Askew on IG: Instagram.com/GraceAskew

This week's curated playlist of Olivia's songs can be listened to here: 
https://instagram.com/oliviarudeen?igshid=14wgiktbhq6yq

Support the show

Outside of these inspiring interviews, Grace offers further artistic growth opportunities through semi-annual songwriting retreats held in Memphis, TN and 1:1 Zoom coaching! All details can be found at her website: GraceAskew.com