Based in Ellicott City, Maryland, Susan Veit Heslin has been writing songs and playing music most of her life.  She loves creating and listening to music.  Susan composes and performs on guitar and piano and has recently added ukulele to the mix.  She is proud to be a part of the diverse musical community that exists today. 

Dave sat down with Susan to talk about her typical songwriting process and how that compares to taking the Raw Songwriting Challenge. Along the way, we talk about proper ways to critique songs. Get ready for a raw and riveting discussion about song craft.

Bill Nash has been a musician all his life, starting as a 5 year old boy soprano, he developed an all-consuming passion of wanting to make music for the rest of his life. Bill began writing music and lyrics in his early teens and his roots are firmly embedded in what is now known as the singer/songwriter acoustic music genre. Bill is a graduate of Bradley University's School of Music, majoring in composition, and has an almost master's degree from time at the University of Colorado.

Bill has been a finalist in the Wildflower Festival songwriting contest, Regional award winner at the Kerrville Folk Festival, and many others. He’s been teaching music for 45 years and has been on staff at the Rocky Mountain Folks Festival and the Kerrville Folk Festival for a decade. He has 3 CDs available, the first called "Mostly True Stories" (1996), another called "Runs With Scissors" (1998), and the new CD "Dreaming Again" (2010). Ken Gaines from Anderson Fair says of Bill, "I've been listening to the eloquent songs of Bill Nash for a long time now. He's one of those generous spirits that you can't forget..."

Dave sat down with Bill to talk about his typical songwriting process and how that compares to taking the Raw Songwriting Challenge. Get ready for a raw and riveting discussion about the song craft.

Be sure to check out http://www.putsiecat.com/ for more music from Bill Nash.

John Bunzli is a Colorado based singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist. He has been gaining recognition for his tight, catchy songs, which often explore the darker side of the human condition but always do so with a sense of compassion and sincerity.  He is also a gifted guitarist and whether he is playing solo acoustic or howling on electric, it is clear that his instrument functions almost like an extra limb, an integral part of him. John’s vibrant, resonant voice is tailor made for telling his tales of the trials and tribulations of ordinary folks.  

His music has been featured in award-winning films, and he’s also been winner in the Combo songwriting contest, a finalist in the UllrGrass Troubadour contest, and an Honorable Mention in the Telluride Troubadour competition.

Dave sat down with John to talk about his typical songwriting process and how that compares to taking the Raw Songwriting Challenge. Get ready for a raw and riveting discussion about the craft of songwriting!

Be sure to check out https://www.johnbunzli.com/ for more music

Kevin Dooley writes authentic acoustic Americana and roots music from the Rocky Mountains. His unique American Celtic style creates a vocal and guitar blend that is organic and powerful. Kevin has released nine albums and has played the main stage and the Rocky Mountain Folks Fest, the Telluride Blues festival, and many more. Tim O'Brien says he "successfully marries the soul of acoustic with the range of rock."

Dave sat down with Kevin to talk about his normal songwriting process and how that compares to taking the Raw Songwriting Challenge. Get ready for a raw and riveting discussion about the craft of songwriting!

Be sure to check out https://www.facebook.com/kdsongsnstuff/ for more music.

Terri Sunflower is a singer-songwriter for the sensitive soul. She spins nuanced tales mixed with sensitivity and care for our humanity. She’s been writing since 2002, released an album in 2019, and was also in the line-up for Pie Fest (in Pie Town New Mexico), her first festival.

Dave sat down with Terri to talk about how she normally writes songs, and how that compares to taking the Raw Songwriting Challenge. Get ready for a raw and riveting discussion about the craft of songwriting!

Be sure to check out TerriSunflower.com for more music.

Teresa Storch is an international live performer of joyful strength and riveting, emotional power. Her soulful-Americana songwriting balances on the fence between folk and jazz, drawing comparisons to Emmylou Harris, Patty Griffin, and Shawn Colvin. She's joined by her emotional support guitarist, multi-instrumentalist Peter Lacis, who's toured nationally with Silva, Johnny & the Mongrels and Barbuda.

Dave sat down with Teresa and Peter to talk about how they normally write songs and how that compared to taking the Raw Songwriting Challenge. Get ready for a raw and riveting discussion about the craft of songwriting!

And checkout TeresaStorch.com for more music.