Ok, strap in guys, this will be the most entertaining episode of Songwriter Soup so far, and maybe forevermore. Laura’s prediction for future Songwriter Of The Year, Thomas Daniel, is on the podcast this week, representing (for now, and not for long) the middle class songwriter. By that we mean, Thomas is fully in the meat of ‘publishing deal land’ and hasn’t had that first big hit… YET (absolutely inevitable). His questions and perspectives help fill in some very crucial blanks in the Songwriter Soup ecosystem, and the trio is so grateful and happy to discuss them. This episode covers a ton about mentorship, particularly why hit songwriters sign up and coming songwriters, and how they maybe, kinda, sorta shouldn’t necessarily do that. It also addresses the future of the songwriting industry and the importance of financial literacy at all stages of the career. Enjoy this episode and prepare for sore abs, Thomas is one funny MFer. 

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Ryan Hurd (“Heartless” Diplo feat. Morgan Wallen, “What My World Spins Around” Jordan Davis, “What If I Never Get Over You” Lady A) sits with the Songwriter Soup trio to talk brass tacks music industry business. Ryan describes the justifiable lure of releasing your own music exactly the way you like it, but helps fill in some blanks about how complicated, time consuming, FREAKING expensive and not-at-all-casual it is to switch from songwriter to artist. This episode breaks down so much of the nitty-gritty ins and outs of record deals, merch & touring and pulls back the curtain on the fiscal balancing act that is “doing an artist thing.” A MUST LISTEN if those words are in your periphery.

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Grammy-winning songwriter and artist Brandy Clark (“Mama’s Broken Heart” Miranda Lambert, “Follow Your Arrow” Kacey Musgraves, Shucked on Broadway) has carved out one of the most respected careers in modern music. Brandy joins the Soup crew for a heartfelt conversation about trusting your instincts, recognizing those life-changing moments, and choosing purpose over pressure. From the Music Row to Broadway, this conversation weaves through the highs, the pivots, and the magic that comes with creating songs that truly mean something.

00:00 Introduction

01:20 Brandy Clark's Songwriting Journey

09:27 Some Love for Lindyville 

27:59 Writing 'Follow Your Arrow', Appreciating Kacey Musgrave's

35:54 The Value of Music: Personal Impact vs. Mass Appeal

36:55 Balancing Creativity and Commercial Success

37:46 Iconic Songs

43:29 The Impact of Overworking Arists

46:39 The Joys and Struggles of Touring

01:01:25 SHUCKED!

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Grammy winning hit songwriter, Shane McAnally (“Body Like A Back Road” Sam Hunt, “American Kids” Kenny Chesney, “Fancy Like” Walker Hayes) has achieved every imaginable accolade and is seen by the community (and most certainly, this Songwriter Soup crew) as one of the greatest songwriters of this era. The trio sits down with Shane for a candid conversation about how addicting the mountain top is, and how gratitude and service can hit like dopamine, if you allow yourself to pivot towards them. Enjoy this episode!

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https://youtu.be/LSrAa7-AV9c

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Carrie Karpenin (“High Road” Koe Wetzel & Jessie Murph, “The Man That Came Back” Jessie Murph, “People Vs. Maryanne Sue” Devon Again) sits down with the SS crew this week to discuss the journey for girls in boy spaces (behind drum thrones and producer seats), the thrill and exhaustion of being a touring musician, and letting your cowriters remind you who you are. This episode covers the risk tenured writers take when lobbing well-placed insults at a newbie and the pain that can cause, how softness is an asset, and how important “taste” is when it comes to making music. Enjoy our conversation with the delightful, Carrie K! 

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The songwriting community lost one of its finest. Hall of Fame Songwriter, Brett James (Jesus Take The Wheel” Carrie Underwood, “On My Way To You” Cody Johnson, “Mr. Know-It-All” Kelly Clarkson) was known by so many of us as a remarkably open and loving human. He was a fierce songwriter rights advocate, and one of the biggest contributors to the American Songbook in this era. His accomplishments as a songwriter span decades and reach heights we all dream of, but pale in comparison to his kindness. May we all be remembered this way. This episode originally aired on September 9th, 2024. We’re re-releasing this episode of Songwriter Soup this week to celebrate the life of our dear friend, Brett James.

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Grammy award winning songwriter and producer, Jordan Reynolds (“Tequila, “Speechless” Dan + Shay & “10,000 hours” Justin Bieber & Dan + Shay), joins the Songwriter Soup crew to discuss a songwriter’s search for a hero, A.I., studio aesthetics, and the subtle care that comes from making a slow cup of coffee for cowriters. Jordan, a music row staple and everyone’s favorite conversationalist, is a perfect way to start off season three-ever continued, now on YouTube! 

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Two time BMI songwriter of the year, Jesse Frasure (“Halfway To Hell” Jelly Roll, “Dirt On My Boots” Jon Pardi, “Marry Me” Thomas Rhett) closes out the spring season, as always, joined by the Songwriter Soup trio.

This episode includes a candid conversation about the highs, the lows, the ease, the difficulty, and the jealousy that come standard with all of our songwriter dreams. Jesse opens up a candid conversation on how to ‘dismantle the bomb’ of driving yourself insane, worrying about things you absolutely can’t control.

The group discusses the importance of keeping your ego in check without suppressing it entirely, and how to stay humble without turning humility into an inferiority complex. Complicated stuff!

Enjoy this episode and we will be back in the fall! Love y'all! 

Listen to Jesse Frasure: The Songwriters Playlist on Apple Music

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You might recognize today’s Songwriter Soup guest’s name and voice—Rob Ragosta (“Need A Favor” & “Winning Streak” Jelly Roll) is the brother of previous SS guest, Joe Ragosta!

On this episode the group talks about family, community and how important the maintenance of both can help keep your head on straight through the ups, downs, highs and lows of the songwriter grind. It also covers the delicate balance of ego and humility and the wisdom of not looking down at anyone, or looking too far up at anyone either.

The road is long, friends you never can tell where everyone ends up! Best to be a kind person to everyone. Enjoy this episode of The Soup!

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This week on Songwriter Soup, the trio is joined by Nashville producer and songwriter, Trent Willmon. This episode covers a wealth of information about production, vocals, and why Trent is open (and even excited!) to record outside songs with his frequent collaborator, Cody Johnson. For those of you who don’t know, an outside song is a song that an artist cuts without being on the copyright. There are a thousand reasons why that is going out of style and a thousand reasons why it shouldn’t.

The discussion also meanders around studio etiquette, covering the subtle art of working with artists in the vocal booth and how incredible Nashville’s studio cats are. Enjoy! 

Trent Willmon: The Songwriters Playlist on Apple Music

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