Eighty Unplugged

#songwriting #behindthelyrics #lyricist #poets #songwriters

In this episode of Eighty Unplugged, Maggie Marre joins us for an exclusive songwriting interview complete with a live acoustic performance of her new song “Pity Party.” Maggie Marre performs an acoustic version of her introspective song “Pity Party,” written about weaponized incompetence and how nice people can act as enablers. She shares the story behind the song. 

Maggie Marre is an independent artist whose self-reflection fuels pop ballads that are as meaningful as they are addicting. In the Season 2 Finale of Eighty Unplugged, Maggie introduces us to a new era of her musical journey in her exclusive performance and lyric breakdown of her upcoming track, “Pity Party.” She proves what’s possible as both a student and a peer to other musicians, inspiring the next generation of singer-songwriters along the way. 

🎵 Featured Song: “Pity Party”

🎙️ Songwriter: Maggie Marre 

🎧 Channel: Eighty Unplugged — conversations with songwriters about the stories behind their songs

✍🏽 Read our article about Maggie Marre here: www.eightyunplugged.com/blog/maggiemarre/pity-party

Episode Chapters 

(00:00:00) Introduction

(00:02:02) Why she chose “Pity Party”

(00:03:17) Live Performance of “Pity Party” By Maggie Marre

(00:07:03) Exclusive Interview 

(00:10:00) Studying Songwriting 

(00:16:01) The Power of Collaboration 

(00:20:23) Lyric Break Down Begins  

(00:24:52) Verse 1 Part 2: Weaponized Incompetence

(00:27:16) Anecdotes for Songwriting 

(00:29:26) Chorus Break Down: Pity Party 

(00:34:16) Verse 2 Break Down: Enablement & Defending 

(00:41:24) Ending Lyrics: Reflecting & Deflecting 

(00:46:26) Advice for Songwriters 

Eighty Unplugged is a space dedicated to songwriters and their craft! 

Support Maggie Marre by following him on these platforms!

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/23ei3yudOLqM6G1Gr3yp5j

Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/boy-on-the-moon-single/1762861029

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/albums/B0DD56VYVM

Tidal: https://tidal.com/album/381244077

Sound Cloud: https://tidal.com/album/381244077

Audio Mack: https://audiomack.com/maggie-marre/song/boy-on-the-moon

Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/us/album/629479201

Follow Eighty Unplugged: 

Website: https://www.eightyunplugged.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eightyunplugged/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Eighty-Unplugged-Podcast/61573332849196/ 

Follow on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7dZBCEo3OdHl1bsAttsZ5U?si=df230186f2d54f21

Video Production by Route 322 Collective: 

https://www.route322collective.com/

Made by humans! No AI used in this project.

#songwriting #behindthelyrics #lyricist #poets #songwriters

In this episode of Eighty Unplugged, Dom Frucella joins us for an exclusive songwriting interview complete with a live acoustic performance of his new song “Sweet Margret Ann.” Dom performs an acoustic version of his deeply personal song “Sweet Margaret Ann,” written in memory of his grandmother, who helped raise him and taught him sign language. He shares the story behind the song, his grandmother’s experiences growing up deaf, and how songwriting helps him stay connected to her memory.

Dom also discusses how a difficult breakup led him to start writing songs, his journey from playing guitar privately to performing live, overcoming fear of judgment, and finding his sound through the country, Americana, and rock genre. He explains how he writes about the past, present, and future, uses music as an emotional outlet, and finds inspiration in personal experiences. If you enjoy songwriting interviews, acoustic performances, heartfelt storytelling, and conversations about the creative process, this episode is for you.

🎵 Featured Song: “Sweet Margret Ann”

🎙️ Songwriter: Dom Frucella

🎧 Channel: Eighty Unplugged — conversations with songwriters about the stories behind their songs

✍🏽 Read our article about Dom Frucella here: www.eightyunplugged.com/blog/domfrucella/sweetmargretann

Episode Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

(00:01:43) Why he chose "Sweet Margret Ann"

(00:04:21) Live Performance of "Sweet Margret Ann" By Dom Frucella

(00:07:22) Exclusive Interview

(00:08:00) Finding Identity in Songwriting

(00:17:00) Lyric Break Down Verse 1

(00:20:17) Chorus Break Down

(00:22:23) Divine Inspiration for "Sweet Margret Ann"

(00:24:54) Songwriting Process

(00:28:09) Exaggeration & Storytelling

(00:30:59) Honesty & Storytelling

(00:34:10) Writing Inspired by His Future

(00:38:03) Music Connecting Family

(00:46:58) Verse 2 Lyric Break Down

(00:48:55) Swearing as a Lyrical Tool

(00:52:46) Advice for Songwriters

Eighty Unplugged is a space dedicated to songwriters and their craft!

Support Dom Frucella by following him on these platforms!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/domfrucella22

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@domfmusic

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3QHx1ucqS9xl8GHVWDzkRy

Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/dom-frucella/1715224410

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@domfrucellamusic

Follow Eighty Unplugged:

Website: https://www.eightyunplugged.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eightyunplugged/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Eighty-Unplugged-Podcast/61573332849196/

Follow on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7dZBCEo3OdHl1bsAttsZ5U?si=df230186f2d54f21

Video Production by Route 322 Collective: https://www.route322collective.com/

Audio Production by RAL Productions: https://ralproductions.com/

Made by humans! No AI used in this project.

#songwriting #behindthelyrics #lyricist #poets #songwriters An open discussion with three insightful songwriters reveals the stories behind their songwriting. Walkney shares his journey through stages of songwriting and styles. Desperate Sounds explores his style and how it had developed over time. Jimmy dives deep into the history of his life and songwriting career. We pull back the curtain even further after each songwriter has had a fulfilling episode of their own. Now, for the first time ever, we sit down with not one, but all three songwriters to have an honest conversation about the craft and culture of songwriting. 🎙️ Guests: Jimmy Mowery, Walkney, & Desperate Sounds🎧 Podcast: Eighty Unplugged — conversations with songwriters about the stories behind their songs✍🏽 Read our article here: www.eightyunplugged.com/blog/songwriterpanel/walkney/jimmymowery/desperatesounds/jeremygrossChapters: (00:00:50) Introduction (00:01:17) Journey Into Songwriting - What inspired you to start writing songs?(00:05:31) How has songwriting followed you through the different stages of life?(00:11:10) Has there been a phase in your songwriting where your approach changed?(00:19:30) Inspiration and Community - Can you share a songwriter who has really inspired you as a songwriter?(00:22:59) Can you share a song that impacted your life or your approach to songwriting?(00:31:42) Is there a song you wrote that you feel was a turning point for you as an artist?(00:39:14) How has your music community affected you as an artist?(00:44:13) "Trust your heart, write your own story, and be your own cheerleader." From one songwriter to another...(00:54:11) Pursuit of Music - Have you ever considered other outlets in your life?(00:59:20) The stereotype of songwriting in order to create good music...(01:06:23) The Last Question(01:08:52) OutroEighty Unplugged is a space dedicated to songwriters and their craft! Follow Walkney: Website: https://www.walkney.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/walkneyofficial/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WalkneyOfficial Follow on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/43dyV4dNHqxq24E1UlRvxt?si=mB82C7xzSQaphXBS_5X4mA Follow Jeremy Gross: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/desperatesounds/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DesperateSounds Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/29WL4JgDq2IV7UTbH0BnL4?si=h_PiOWXJSp2N_Tz0ps3TUQ Sound Cloud: https://soundcloud.app.goo.gl/Ros5T Support Jimmy Mowery by following him on these platforms!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jimmymowery/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jimmymowerymusic Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/58e8QpVKO4GflSPwWIMhmw?si=uklLIg0TRA6xMz4zqN0eMA Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jimmymowerymusic Website: https://www.jimmymowery.net/ Follows Eighty Unplugged: Website: https://www.eightyunplugged.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eightyunplugged/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Eighty-Unplugged-Podcast/61573332849196/ Follow on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7dZBCEo3OdHl1bsAttsZ5U?si=df230186f2d54f21Video Production by Route 322 Collective: https://www.route322collective.com/Made by humans! No AI used in this project.

#songwriting #behindthelyrics #lyricist #poets #songwriters

The featured songwriter in this episode is Augustine, a talented artist from Pittsburg PA. After a live acoustic performance of his original song "She's Only Sleeping When It's Raining," He breaks down the lyrics in an exclusive interview. The song explores the struggles of those experiencing depression and the impact it can have one their loved ones. Our conversation covers topics such as mental health, using songwriting to tell unique stories, musics impact on the local community, and more.

If you enjoy lyric breakdowns, artist interviews, and deep conversations about creativity, this episode is for you.

🎵 Featured Song: “She's Only Sleeping When It's Raining”

🎙️ Songwriter: Augustine

🎧 Channel: Eighty Unplugged — conversations with songwriters about the stories behind their songs

✍🏽 Read our article about Augustine here: www.eightyunplugged.com/blog/augustine/shesonlysleepingwhenitsraining

Episode Chapters

(00:00:00) Introduction

(00:01:28) Why he chose "She's Only Sleeping When It's Raining”

(00:02:47) Live Performance of "She's Only Sleeping When It's Raining” by Augustine

(00:06:33) Exclusive Interview

(00:08:44) Communication and Empathy

(00:14:38) Lyric Break Down Verse 1

(00:18:06) Story Telling

(00:19:09) Chorus Break Down / Mental Health

(00:21:13) Community Engagement

(00:30:19) Validation & Fulfillment Through Music

(00:32:23) Lyric Break Down Verse 2

(00:36:15) Revisiting & Rewriting

(00:44:51) Advice for Fellow Songwriters

(00:46:30) New Music from Augustine

Eighty Unplugged is a space dedicated to songwriters and their craft!

Follow Augustine

https://open.spotify.com/artist/00xec1fNNDbMHcHpb96RNJhttps://music.youtube.com/channel/UCKeBGVD5a7V6GWz-2DyPSEwhttps://music.apple.com/us/artist/augustine/1821082144https://augustinemusics.bandcamp.com/album/augustine

Follows Eighty Unplugged:

Website: https://www.eightyunplugged.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eightyunplugged/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Eighty-Unplugged-Podcast/61573332849196/

Follow on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7dZBCEo3OdHl1bsAttsZ5U?si=df230186f2d54f21

Video Production by Route 322 Collective: https://www.route322collective.com/Audio

Production by RAL Productions: https://ralproductions.com/

Made by humans! No AI used in this project.

#songwriting #behindthelyrics #lyricist #poets #songwriters

The featured songwriter in this episode is Alyssa Malvoisin, a talented artist from Tyrone, PA. After a live acoustic performance of her original song "Sober," she breaks down the lyrics in an exclusive interview. The song explores coping with the end of a relationship and compares infatuation to addiction. Our conversation covers topics such as musical theatre, using songwriting to process emotions, the local music community, and more. If you enjoy lyric breakdowns, artist interviews, and deep conversations about creativity, this episode is for you.

🎵 Featured Song: “Sober”

🎙️ Songwriter: Alyssa Malvoisin

🎧 Channel: Eighty Unplugged — conversations with songwriters about the stories behind their songs

✍🏽 Read our article about Alyssa Malvoisin here: https://www.eightyunplugged.com/blog

Chapters

(00:00:00) Introduction

(00:00:00) Why She Chose “Sober”

(00:02:30) Live Performance of "Sober" By Alyssa Malvoisin

(00:08:24) Exclusive Interview

(00:09:13) Musical Theatre's Impact on Writing

(00:12:47) Lyric Break Down Verse 1

(00:16:44) Chorus Break Down

(00:19:03) Analogies in "Sober"

(00:21:05) Verse 2 Break Down

(00:24:11) Reframing the Chorus

(00:27:10) Honesty in Story Telling

(00:32:30) Songwriting Process

(00:35:13) Performance & Community

(00:38:57) Verse 3 Break Down

(00:44:24) Verse 4 Break Down

(00:45:30) Concluding the Story

(00:47:35) Last Chorus

(00:52:30) Alyssa's Advice For Songwriters

(00:55:15) Episode Ending

Eighty Unplugged is a space dedicated to songwriters and their craft!

Follow Alyssa Malvoisin https://www.facebook.com/alyssa.malvoisin/

https://www.instagram.com/alyssamalvoisin/

https://www.youtube.com/@AlyssaMorganMusic

Follow Eighty Unplugged:

Website: https://www.eightyunplugged.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eightyunplugged/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Eighty-Unplugged-Podcast/61573332849196/

Follow on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7dZBCEo3OdHl1bsAttsZ5U?si=df230186f2d54f21

Video Production by Route 322 Collective:

https://www.route322collective.com/

Made by humans! No AI used in this project.

In this episode of Eighty Unplugged, Walkney joins us for an exclusive songwriting interview complete with a live acoustic performance of his new song “Emotion.” For the first time ever, he performs an acoustic version of his song “Emotion”, set for an official release April 14th, 2026. Walkney shares the raw truth behind the lyrics in this episode. In what he has called his deepest interview yet, Walkney opens up about his songwriting process, writing influences, subconscious creativity, and the emotional story behind the lyrics.We break down the meaning of “Emotion” in this episode and premiere Walkney's new song. We also discuss ego in songwriting, explore how heartbreak shaped the track, and talk about Walkney’s journey from touring with a full band at the age of 16 to finding his way as a solo artist. As he says in the episode, “Everybody’s scared. Everybody bleeds.” If you love lyric breakdowns, artist interviews, and deep conversations about creativity, this episode is for you.

🎵 Featured Song: “Emotion”

🎙️ Guest: Walkney

🎧 Podcast: Eighty Unplugged — conversations with songwriters about the stories behind their songs

✍🏽 Read our article about Walkney here: https://www.eightyunplugged.com/blog/walkney/emotion

Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

(00:01:09) Walkney’s Background in Songwriting

(00:02:27) Why He Chose “Emotion”

(00:03:31) Live Acoustic Performance “Emotion”

(00:06:45) Exclusive Interview

(00:10:58) Lyric Breakdown: Verse 1

(00:13:50) Ego in Songwriting

(00:22:12) Chorus Breakdown

(00:27:29) Mentality, Growth & Outlook

(00:39:51) Lyric Breakdown: Verse 2

(00:43:26) Inspiration vs. Connection

(00:48:22) Vocal Expression

(00:52:52) Final Lines Breakdown

(01:02:34) Advice for Songwriters

(01:03:55) New Music & What’s Next

Follow Walkney:

Website: https://www.walkney.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/walkneyofficial/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WalkneyOfficial

Follow on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/43dyV4dNHqxq24E1UlRvxt?si=mB82C7xzSQaphXBS_5X4mA

Subscribe for more songwriter interviews and lyric breakdowns!

Follow Eighty Unplugged:

Website: https://www.eightyunplugged.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eightyunplugged/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Eighty-Unplugged-Podcast/61573332849196/

Follow on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7dZBCEo3OdHl1bsAttsZ5U?si=df230186f2d54f21

#songwriting #behindthelyrics

Join Eighty, a passionate songwriter and host of Eighty Unplugged, as she explores the deeper meaning behind her original song "Love’s Not Enough." In a world where music is often consumed quickly and categorized for easy access, Eighty offers a refreshing look at songwriting as a personal and soulful expression. This video dives into the inspiration, lyrics, and emotions behind the song, revealing how love alone may not be enough to sustain a relationship without compromise and growth.

Through thoughtful lyric breakdowns and references to iconic artists like The Beatles and J. Cole, Eighty shares her journey of understanding love’s complexities and the challenges of change within relationships. The video also touches on how listeners can interpret songs differently based on their own experiences, highlighting the subjective nature of art. Watch the full video and listen closely to "Love’s Not Enough"—then share your thoughts on what the song means to you!

🎵 Featured Song: “Love’s Not Enough”

🎙️ Guest: Eighty 

🎧 Podcast: Eighty Unplugged — conversations with songwriters about the stories behind their songs

Chapters: 

(00:00) Introduction

(00:50) Live performance of “Love’s Not Enough” 

(04:11) Background 

(04:55) First Verse / Beatle Reference 

(06:20) J. Cole / Song Perspective 

(07:45) Chorus / Love’s Not Enough 

(08:47) Verse 2 / Compromise  

(09:33) Sting / Art is Subjective 

(10:50) Song Meaning 

Follows Eighty Unplugged: 

Website: https://www.eightyunplugged.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eightyunplugged/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Eighty-Unplugged-Podcast/61573332849196/ 

Follow on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7dZBCEo3OdHl1bsAttsZ5U?si=df230186f2d54f21

 #thebeatles #thepolice #j.cole #lyricbreakdown 

Eighty Unplugged presents songwriter Jimmy Mowery performing “Damaged Goods” live. In this episode Jimmy performs his song and then breaks down the lyrics, inspirations, and songwriting choices in an in-depth interview.

Read our blog post about Jimmy Mowery here: https://www.eightyunplugged.com/blog/

Chapters: 

(00:00) Introduction

(00:24) Why he chose “Damaged Goods” 

(00:51) Jimmy Mowery Performs “Damaged Goods”

(04:15) Story Behind “Damaged Goods”

(06:09) Motivation as a Songwriter 

(07:50) Lyric Break Down 

(08:24) Verse 1 

(10:13) Chorus 1

(10:53) Guidance from Parents 

(12:10) Country Influences & Emo Roots  

(16:10) Verse 2 

(16:30) Alcoholism & Family Affiliations 

(20:00) Chorus 2

(20:25) Internal battles 

(21:47) His mother’s opinion of this song 

(23:07) Degree in songwriting 

(27:21) Education vs experience 

(29:02) Writing for others 

(38:59) Verse 3 

(39:18) Feeling like “Damaged Goods” 

(40:25) Writing catchy songs 

(42:36) Advice for Songwriters 

Support Jimmy Mowery by following him on these platforms!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jimmymowery/  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jimmymowerymusic 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/58e8QpVKO4GflSPwWIMhmw?si=uklLIg0TRA6xMz4zqN0eMA 

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jimmymowerymusic 

Website: https://www.jimmymowery.net/ 

Follow Eighty Unplugged: 

Website: https://www.eightyunplugged.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eightyunplugged/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Eighty-Unplugged-Podcast/61573332849196/ 

Follow on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7dZBCEo3OdHl1bsAttsZ5U?si=df230186f2d54f21 

Acoustic, acoustic session, singer songwriter, songwriter interview, songwriter session, songwriting process, behind the lyrics, live performance, intimate performance, studio session, acoustic concert, interview podcast, music podcast, artist spotlight, Pennsylvania, Philipsburg  Artist, PA Musician, how songs are written, song meaning explained, writing a song, song inspiration, behind the music, music interview, Tiny Desk- Style, MTV Unplugged- Style, Audiotree- Style 

Eighty Unplugged presents songwriter Jeremy Gross (aka Desperate Sounds) performing “I Remain” live. In this episode Jeremy performs his song and then breaks down the lyrics, inspirations, and songwriting choices in an in-depth interview.

Read our blog post about Jeremy Gross here: https://www.eightyunplugged.com/blog/

Chapters: 

(00:00) Introduction

(00:31) Songwriter’s Motivation 

(02:10) Why he chose “I Remain” 

(03:28) Jeremy Gross Performs “I Remain”

(07:19) Inspiration behind “I Remain” 

(08:36) Desperate Sounds Pseudonym

(11:10) Lyric Break Down 

(14:11) Chorus Break Down 

(18:27) Music as a Mantra

(20:07) Expression & Validation 

(23:01) Verse 2 Break Down 

(27:28) Anger & Acknowledgements

(30:34) Bridge Break Down 

(32:50) Verse 3 Break Down 

(39:25) Large Concept & Exploring Emotions

(41:54) Advice For Songwriters 

(42:42) Outro

Jeremy Gross: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/desperatesounds/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DesperateSounds 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/29WL4JgDq2IV7UTbH0BnL4?si=h_PiOWXJSp2N_Tz0ps3TUQ 

Sound Cloud: https://soundcloud.app.goo.gl/Ros5T 

Follows Eighty Unplugged: 

Website: https://www.eightyunplugged.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eightyunplugged/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Eighty-Unplugged-Podcast/61573332849196/ 

Follow on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7dZBCEo3OdHl1bsAttsZ5U?si=df230186f2d54f21 

Acoustic, acoustic session, singer songwriter, songwriter interview, songwriter session, songwriting process, behind the lyrics, live performance, intimate performance, studio session, acoustic concert, interview podcast, music podcast, artist spotlight, Pennsylvania, Philipsburg Artist, PA Musician, how songs are written, song meaning explained, writing a song, song inspiration, behind the music, music interview, Tiny Desk- Style, MTV Unplugged- Style, Audiotree- Style

Eighty Unplugged presents songwriter Alea Reid performing “Georgia” live from the MNTG Music & Arts Festival in Altoona, PA. In this episode Alea performs the song and then breaks down the lyrics, inspirations, and songwriting choices in an in-depth interview.

Read our blog post about Alea Reid here: https://www.eightyunplugged.com/blog/

Chapters: 

(00:00) Introduction

(00:56) Alea Reid Performs “Georgia”

(04:11) Interview Begins 

(05:29) Social Media Strategy for Artist 

(06:48) Music as an Art 

(08:13) Song Selection: “Georgia” 

(09:36) Lyric Breakdown 

(09:55) Verse 1 

(10:57) What Georgia represents 

(13:30) Chorus

(15:05) Missing Childhood Homes  

(16:26) Verse 2 

(17:40) Wizard of OZ 

(19:38) End of the Song 

(21:12) Advice for Songwriters 

(25:07) Upcoming Events for Alea Reid 

(28:33) Outro 

Alea Reid: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alea_reid/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alea.tobin 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1oKuLvsGXyX0tvRxF4ZsEq 

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@aleareid/featured 

Tik Tik: https://www.tiktok.com/@aleareid 

Follows Eighty Unplugged: 

Website: https://www.eightyunplugged.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eightyunplugged/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Eighty-Unplugged-Podcast/61573332849196/ 

Follow on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7dZBCEo3OdHl1bsAttsZ5U?si=df230186f2d54f21 

Acoustic, acoustic session, singer songwriter, songwriter interview, songwriter session, songwriting process, behind the lyrics, live performance, intimate performance, studio session, acoustic concert, interview podcast, music podcast, artist spotlight, Pennsylvania, Altoona Artist, PA Musician, how songs are written, song meaning explained, writing a song, song inspiration, behind the music, music interview, Tiny Desk- Style, MTV Unplugged- Style, Audiotree- Style