LON EP.12: Brent Baxter From Man Vs. Row—The Truth About Publishing Deals In Today’s World and The Multi-Hyphenate Songwriter

Brent Baxter is a Nashville songwriter with cuts by Randy Travis, Lady Antebellum, Joe Nichols, Ray Stevens and most notably, the top five hit 'Monday Morning Church' for Alan Jackson. He is also a songwriting coach and his blog “Man Vs. Row,” helps amateur songwriters turn pro.

Brent drops some truth bombs about "making it" in Nashville as a commercial songwriter. He talks about the importance of having a "dash" in your title, such as songwriter-singer, songwriter-producer, songwriter-barista, etc.

He wants to give dreamers some reality so that we can dream but also plan our careers so that we can have longevity in the game.

He also talks about the going rate given to new songwriters with publishing deals. 18 for 18: $18,000 for an 18 month contract. According to Baxter, the way to get the best publishing deal possible is to not need one...that is to do a lot yourself. We need to have a lot going on already in order to demand a higher rate from a publisher.

Brent moved from Arkansas to Nashville as a lyrics only songwriter. He also got the 'Monday Morning Church' cut before he landed a publishing deal.

Man Vs. Row

Alan Jackson with Patty Loveless performing Monday Morning Church

Left Of Nashville

Brandon Barnett Left Of Nashville EP