Our guest this week is the legendary music publisher and song champion Rusty Gaston, CEO of Sony Music Publishing Nashville. Rusty spent 24 years building an independent publishing company (THiS Music) before a call from Jon Platt (SMP's worldwide chairman) changed the trajectory of his career entirely, and he's spent the last six and a half years leading the largest home of country music publishing on the planet, informally known around town as the Chief Encouragement Officer.

In this episode, Rusty gets honest about the loneliness that can come with leadership, the rare friendship he had with a "competitor" at another major publisher, and the real math behind commercial songwriting: why it's a game won by perspiration more than inspiration. He breaks down his philosophy on encouragement as a job description, his belief that there's no song too good to find its way in today's world, and tells the story of how Way Maker, a worship song written by one woman in Nigeria, became a global movement. He also opens up about his path from a teenage performer at Six Flags to a defining meeting in Nashville, and what he hopes to pass down to the generations of his family he'll never meet.

Whether you're chasing a publishing deal, trying to figure out what it means to lead with humility, or just want to hear someone talk about the power of a song like they've never lost the wonder of it, this one will stick with you. We're endlessly grateful Rusty made the time.

Be sure to check out his podcast, Thank a Songwriter, available everywhere you listen!

00:00 – Welcome & Intro: Rusty Gaston, CEO of Sony Music Publishing Nashville

02:56 – Overview: From Independent Publisher to Sony CEO

03:24 – "God's Plan Is Bigger Than Your Plan": Leaving THiS Music

04:37 – The Cold Call From Jon Platt That Changed Everything

06:07 – Moving to Nashville in 1996 & Sony's Country Music Legacy

07:21 – Leadership, Loneliness & the Rare Friendship With a "Competitor"

12:37 – Culture Building, Other-Centered Leadership & What Publishers Do

14:37 – Songs That Have the Power to Change the World

15:05 – Launching the Thank a Songwriter Podcast

18:39 – Why No Great Song Gets Left Behind Today

20:32 – Kix Brooks, the Seven Human Emotions & Where His Optimism Comes From

26:08 – A Third-Grade Memory That Sparked His Love of Music

27:17 – Falling in Love With Records & a Teenage Performer at Six Flags

30:13 – Learning the Word "Intern" & the Full Circle Meeting That Brought Him to Nashville

32:23 – Finding a Mentor Who Opened the Filing Cabinet

33:35 – His Advice for the Next Generation of Songwriters

34:15 – Perspiration Over Inspiration: The Numbers Game of Hit Songwriting

36:42 – Becoming CEO of Sony Music Publishing Nashville in 2020

37:10 – Purpose vs. Hustle & the Death of Ego

41:59 – The Book of Psalms & Becoming the "Chief Encouragement Officer"

49:04 – The Songs That Changed His World: Alan Jackson & Way Maker

54:10 – Happy Birthday, Seven Generations & the Legacy He Wants to Leave

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Our guest this week is singer-songwriter, artist, and killer soccer teammate of William's, Dylan Brady. He's spent the better part of a decade building a career in Nashville that has run through a record deal, a publishing deal, and now the freedom and uncertainty that comes with being independent.

In this conversation, Dylan gets honest about what it actually takes to write hit songs for a living while riding the financial rollercoaster that comes with it, navigating tough financial spots at 27 vs. 17 when he first signed his deals, and being more creatively fulfilled than ever. He breaks down the "math" behind great commercial songwriting, the vulnerability of writing his most personal record to date, and a piece of wisdom from his therapist about finding your own version of a swing set in the middle of nowhere when everything else falls away. Plus, stay tuned to the end where Willie & Dylan bonded over each of their funny and creative uncle names given by their own nieces and nephews.

We're so thankful we got to have an honest, funny, and deeply human conversation about staying creative and staying yourself while you wait for the seeds you have planted to grow.

Check out Dylan's new album, Gradual, available everywhere you stream and purchase music!

00:00 – Welcome & Intro: Dylan Brady

01:25 – Catching Up on Soccer, the World Cup & Feeling Like "Old Men"

04:15 – Recording Episode 18 & Realizing They Don't Know Each Other's Origin Story

04:44 – Growing Up on Long Island With Zero Long Island Accent

06:59 – Bonding Over Bad Fishing & Why It's a Form of Meditation

10:33 – William's Senior Project That Led Him to Nashville

12:18 – Did Dylan Even Know About the Music Industry Growing Up?

13:05 – A Moment of Gratitude for Each Other's Kindness

14:05 – The Soccer Team as an Escape From Industry Stress

14:58 – Scoring Six Goals the Night of a Breakup & His Therapist's "Swing" Theory

17:23 – Falling in Love With Music, the Brady Brothers & a Twin Brother's Path

20:01 – Ten Years in Nashville & Staying Excited Through the Ups and Downs

21:13 – Why "Being in the Room" Is the Best Part of the Job

23:06 – Evolving From Doing Everything Yourself to Building a Team

24:34 – Creating Something From Nothing & Songwriting as Therapy

26:05 – The "Math" Behind Great Songwriting: Phrasing, Rhyme & Emphasis

31:13 – Writing His Most Personal Record Alone After Nine Years

33:26 – Behind "Lose My Mind" & "Forgot About You"

36:14 – Why "Still Looking For You Everywhere" Means So Much to Him

41:19 – Pre-Release Anxiety & Struggling to Root for Yourself

42:11 – Life Between Deals: Writing, Pitching & Scheduling It All Himself

45:35 – "The Seed You Plant Isn't the Fruit You Eat"

46:13 – The Financial Rollercoaster of Being an Artist at 27 vs. 17

48:38 – Abbey's Song "The Lottery" & Betting on Each Other

52:05 – The Harrison Ford Story: Why You Just Have to Stick Around

56:23 – The New "In the Room" Series Hill & William Are Building

58:23 – Uncle DD, Nieces & Nephews & a Children's Book in the Works

1:01:04 – Writing "Say Cheese" for a Kids' Music Compilation

1:04:46 – Shotgun Questions: Dream Collabs, Go-To Plugins & More

1:07:09 – Closing Thoughts & Thanks

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Our guests this week are brothers, songwriters, and artists Jonathan and Eli Hutcherson, who grew up eight years apart in a small Kentucky town with almost no music in the family and somehow, serendipitously, they both ended up chasing the dream in Nashville and are each actively crushing it. Since making it to town, Jonathan spent seven years as an artist and writer with Creative Nation (where he's still signed as a songwriter), while Eli is actively stepping into the independent world himself as an artist.

In this conversation, the Hutchersons get honest about what it takes to survive a writer's room: managing ego (and the insecurity hiding underneath it), letting a co-writer ride the wave instead of stepping on it, and why being yourself matters more than being impressive. They break down the real difference between publishing and masters, why streaming has changed who gets paid and how, and what pushed them both toward independence over a label deal. They also open up about faith, anxiety, and a brotherhood that turns competition into collaboration.

Whether you're a songwriter finding your voice, an indie artist weighing your options, or just someone who loves a good sibling story, this one's full of heart, hustle, and hard-won wisdom from two brothers building their own lane in Music City. Enjoy!

00:00 – Welcome & Intro: Eli + Jonathan Hutcherson

01:19 – Growing Up in Kentucky & a Family With Almost No Music

04:02 – Moving to Nashville at 18 & Signing With Creative Nation

05:44 – Finding (and Hiding) a Love for Music Growing Up

09:04 – Skipping College & Learning the Industry by Doing It

12:18 – Writing 1,500+ Songs & the "Water Spigot" Theory of Craft

15:13 – Learning From Luke Laird, Matt Jenkins & Nashville's Best Writers

17:45 – How Ego (and Insecurity) Kills a Writing Room

21:52 – Writing Together as Brothers Without Competing

27:45 – Letting a Co-Writer "Ride the Wave"

29:25 – Writing for an Artist's Voice, Not Your Own

33:21 – Believing in Your Songs Before Anyone Else Does

38:55 – Faith, David & the Psalms as Songwriting Therapy

44:55 – Finding Your Identity & Your Own Creative Stamp

47:00 – Loving Yourself, Loving Others & Where That Comes From

50:11 – Letting Emotions Roll In Instead of Fighting Them

56:03 – Publishing vs. Masters, Explained Simply

59:33 – How Streaming Changed Who Actually Gets Paid

1:00:48 – Why They Chose Independence Over a Label Deal

1:08:24 – Building a Fanbase From Nothing (and Sleeping in a Minivan)

1:09:44 – "Go Fail": The Case for Just Putting Music Out

1:14:12 – Anchors, Storms & Finding What Holds You Steady

1:17:34 – Brotherhood Over Competition

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Our guest this week has spent her career in the spaces most people don't see: the publishing offices, the writing rooms, and now the streaming platforms quietly shaping what gets heard and who gets credit. As Spotify's Songwriting & Publisher Partnerships Lead, Alex Tamashunas is one of the few people we've met working at the highest levels of this industry with a songwriter's heart still fully intact.

In this conversation, Alex opens up about the uphill battle of building real fandom around the people who write the songs, what Spotify's new Song DNA feature means for songwriter visibility, and why AI in the writing room is less a creative tool and more a shortcut that costs you something. She also gets into the advice she wishes more emerging writers heard: the power of first impressions, finding your tribe, and knowing when to shoot your shot.

Whether you're trying to navigate publishing, figure out your next move as a songwriter, or just curious about what's really happening inside one of the world's biggest music platforms, we think this one has something for you. We're so grateful Alex made the time to sit with us. Hope you enjoy!

00:00 – Welcome & Intro: Alex Tamashunas

01:00 – How Alex & Willie Met + the Hunter Hayes Connection

03:18 – Growing Up in New Jersey & Falling in Love with Country Music

07:00 – Why Nashville Over LA? Following the Lyric

09:00 – What Does a Music Publisher Actually Do?

11:27 – From Bartending to Publishing to Spotify

13:37 – Spotify's Song DNA Feature & Giving Songwriters Visibility

19:07 – The Gap Between How Much Songwriters Matter & How Little They're Celebrated

23:00 – Building Fandom Around Songwriters: Is the Appetite There?

26:40 – The Double-Edged Sword of Music Personalization & the Loss of a Shared Heartbeat

33:58 – Algorithmic vs. Editor-Curated Playlists: Why Both Matter

35:30 – Advice for Independent Artists & Songwriters Finding Their Footing

43:50 – The Importance of Mentors & Finding a Great Publisher

45:00 – When Songwriters Become Artists: Why Alex Loves Seeing That Transition

48:50 – AI in the Writing Room: Where It Helps & Where It Costs You

56:35 – Authenticity, Connection & What Listeners Are Really Starving For

59:00 – Falling Back in Love with Music & Artist Rec: Annika Bennett

01:03:35 – The Importance of Writing Alone Once a Week

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London-born artist and songwriter Karl Michael joins the Bilby & Ella Show for a conversation rooted in resilience, identity, and staying power.

Raised on rap, soul, and R&B, Karl spent years honing his craft and building momentum as an artist, from competing on The Voice UK to stepping into his own as a solo act. His journey reflects a deep commitment to growth and a willingness to evolve along the way.

Now based in Nashville, Karl has written with names like Bruno Mars, Teddy Swims, and Yungblud, while continuing to develop his own sound as an artist. In this episode, he opens up about navigating the highs and lows of the industry, growing in confidence as a vocalist, and learning to trust who he is in the room.

It’s a conversation about perseverance, self-belief, and what it takes to keep going when the path doesn’t look how you expected.

Be sure to check out Karl’s latest single “Way Less Lonely” available now ahead of his upcoming EP.

00:00 Intro + Welcoming Karl Michael

02:10 Growing Up in London + Early Musical Influences

07:20 Falling in Love with R&B, Soul & Pop

11:40 Chasing Music Full-Time + Early Career Moments

17:20 Early Breaks + Writing Opportunities

23:30 Writing with Bruno Mars + Major Collaborations

28:50 Finding His Sound as an Artist

34:30 Moving to Nashville + Finding His Place

40:10 Overcoming Personal Setbacks + Resilience

45:20 The Highs and Lows of the Music Industry

50:30 Building Confidence as an Artist

54:30 Final Thoughts + What’s Next

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Worship leader and artist David Dennis joins us for a conversation rooted in faith, creativity, and calling.

Currently serving at The Belonging Co. in Nashville, David has become known for his powerful voice and presence, with many recognizing him from songs like “The Joy” and “I Know That I Know.” But as he shares in this episode, his journey is about far more than the stage.

In this conversation, David opens up about his path to Nashville, the challenges and uncertainties he faced along the way, and how his understanding of worship has evolved over time. He gives an honest look at what it means to lead from a place of humility, how to maintain the right posture while performing, and the tension of balancing artistry with a life centered on honoring God.

We also dive into the creative process behind worship music, the shifting landscape of Christian music, and what it looks like to pursue both excellence and authenticity in the room and on stage.

Whether you’re an artist, worship leader, or creative trying to stay grounded in your purpose, this episode is a real, raw, and encouraging look at building a life and career that’s rooted in something deeper.

00:00 Intro + Meet David

03:10 Georgia to Nashville: David’s Roots

05:35 Growing Up in Church + The Start of His Story

09:34 Belmont, College Years + A Really Hard Season

16:53 How David Got Connected with The Belonging Co.

23:25 Practicing Humility with Your Gifts

30:03 Stepping Back Into Songwriting + Their Creative Process

40:00 Technical vs. Authentic Songwriting

43:00 How David Prepares for Writing Sessions

47:30 Songwriting as a Worship Leader

51:45 Connecting Theology to Songwriting

55:30 Creating Content as a Worship Artist

59:00 Frannie Cash, Forrest Frank, Josiah Queen + More

01:02:45 Entering Your 30s: Life + Perspective Shift

01:07:10 Music That Shaped David + Early Influences

01:15:00 Dream Collaborators for David’s Solo Project

01:18:00 Closing Thoughts + Encouragement

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Songwriter Brett Sheroky has spent years behind the scenes writing songs for artists like Blake Shelton, Jake Owen, Matt Stell, Cody Jinks, Randall King, and Tucker Wetmore. His songs have climbed the charts, hit #1 on Texas radio, and appeared on shows like The Voice and American Idol.

Now, with the release of his debut album Rock Paper Scissors, Brett is stepping out from behind the songs and into the spotlight as an artist.

In this episode, Brett joins Bilby & Ella to talk about the craft of songwriting, the realities of navigating today’s music industry, and the long road it takes to build a creative life. He also opens up about a life-changing season that reshaped his perspective on music, career, and the time we’re given to pursue what matters most.

Blending the spirit of 90s country with the grit of 70s rock, Brett Sheroky’s music feels both timeless and fresh. This is a conversation about songwriting, resilience, and staying true to the art.

Listen now and check out Brett’s debut album Rock Paper Scissors, available everywhere.

00:00 Brett Sheroky’s Open Heart Surgery Story

05:10 Living With a Heart Condition & Perspective on Life

11:20 Brett’s Path Into Songwriting

17:40 Moving to Nashville & Learning the Writing Room

24:05 Live Shows in Nashville + The Dawes Story

31:10 Brett’s Debut Album “Rock Paper Scissors”

38:15 Social Media’s Impact on Discovering Artists

45:45 Brett, Bilby & Ella’s Definition of Success

52:30 The Demand for Authentic Artists Today

59:20 Brett Reflects on 17 Years in Nashville

01:05:40 Breaking Down Other Artists’ Rise

01:12:30 Will AI Be the Next Napster?

01:19:50 Inviting God Into the Songwriting Process

01:26:40 What’s Next for Brett’s Music

01:31:50 Final Thoughts & Wrap Up

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7x Grammy Award–nominated songwriter and Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee Jeffrey Steele joins us for an honest conversation about the craft, calling, and emotional core of songwriting. With more than 60 charting songs including “What Hurts the Most,” “My Wish,” and “The Cowboy in Me,” Jeffrey reflects on the life experiences, observations, and faith that have shaped his voice as a writer.

We talk with Jeffrey about his journey from playing rock clubs in Los Angeles to finding his way into Nashville’s writing rooms, and how losing his voice at a pivotal moment forced him to rediscover songwriting from the inside out. Along the way, he shares what it looks like to trust instinct, lean into collaboration, and chase honesty over perfection.

Throughout our conversation, Jeffrey offers perspective on creative longevity, the power of being fully present in the room, and why the best songs often come from real conversations and lived experience rather than chasing trends or clever rhymes.

This one felt special to us. It’s a masterclass in intuition, humility, and the long game of creativity from one of Nashville’s most influential songwriters, and we hope it encourages you wherever you are in your own creative journey.

00:00 – Introduction & Jeffrey Steele’s Songwriting Journey

02:05 – Do You Write What Was Never Said?

12:16 – From Rock Bands to Nashville Writing Rooms

20:59 – Losing His Voice & Reinventing Himself as a Writer

23:40 – How to Read the Room as a Songwriter

34:20 – “Never Do It for the Money” (Kris Kristofferson Story)

36:56 – Overthinking vs. Letting the Song Happen

46:07 – The Arrangement Behind “The Cowboy in Me”

48:09 – Grief, His Father & “What Hurts the Most”

1:01:38 – Why 90s & 00s Songs Still Hit Today

1:19:13 – Jeffrey Steele’s New Song “A Voice” (Not Being the Second Best Merle Haggard)

1:43:35 – Writing to Help the World, Not Hurt It

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CJ Solar joins Bilby & Ella for an honest conversation about navigating independence, creativity, and longevity in today’s music industry.

After years of success as a songwriter with cuts by Jason Aldean, Morgan Wallen, Justin Moore, Joe Nichols, and Jerrod Niemann, including the multi week number one hit “Up Down,” CJ opens up about life after stepping away from a major publishing deal and what it means to fully bet on himself as an artist.

In this episode, CJ breaks down the tension between writing for others and building a personal catalog, how AI and modern demo tools are reshaping songwriting, and why authenticity and imperfection matter more than ever. He shares hard earned perspective on touring economics, door deals, building sustainable live markets, and the realities of promoting music in an algorithm driven world.

CJ also gives an inside look at his upcoming full length album, from choosing live tracking over polish to assembling a lineup of legendary players to capture a more human, timeless sound.

Whether you are a songwriter navigating multiple lanes, an independent artist building from the ground up, or a listener curious about what it really takes to sustain a creative life, this episode offers rare clarity, honesty, and long game perspective from someone still very much in the fight.

00:00 Snowpocalypse setup, travel, and catching up

06:59 Screens, meditation, and protecting creativity

09:02 Content pressure and the modern artist’s reality online

17:26 AI demos, pitching culture, and what wins now

24:10 Authenticity vs perfection (Zach Bryan, mistakes, and “human” records)

30:05 CJ’s story: Baton Rouge to Nashville

31:58 Early cuts, first wins, and writing “Up Down”

32:56 The shift to social-first labels and why CJ stepped away

34:54 Touring weekends, building fans, and balancing writer vs artist

36:42 The new full-length album: why now and what it represents

42:11 Recruiting the band and capturing a more human sounding record

47:36 Going fully independent: life after the publishing deal

53:49 Touring economics, door deals, and making new markets work

01:05:27 Building a touring plan with data, strategy, and songwriter rounds

01:11:18 The content creator era, earning “mystery,” and letting fans in

01:22:54 Closing thoughts and wrap

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Mark Hill is one of Nashville’s most trusted session bass players and producers, a quiet force behind countless records that have shaped modern country, Americana, and Christian music. Raised in a small farming town in southern Illinois and introduced to music through gospel, Mark found his calling early and built a career around preparation, adaptability, and serving the song above all else.

A five-time ACM nominee and two-time ACM Bass Player of the Year, Mark Hill has logged hundreds of sessions a year, earning his place as a first-call musician by mastering far more than just the instrument. From his first Nashville recording session at just 11 years old to touring and recording with artists like Keith Urban, Mark’s journey reveals what it really takes to survive in the session world: musical fluency, emotional intelligence, and an unwavering work ethic.

In this conversation, Mark breaks down the realities of becoming a professional session musician. Digging the well. Reading the room. Knowing when to lead and when to disappear. He shares stories of mentorship, lessons learned in high-pressure rooms, and how producing later in his career has deepened his understanding of what artists truly need to feel supported.

Whether you’re an aspiring session player, a producer shaping records, or a listener curious about the musicians behind the music, this episode offers rare, hard-earned insight into building a sustainable creative life, one session at a time.

01:07 Meet Mark Hill

02:51 Gospel roots and getting started young

05:08 First songs, learning by ear, and early musical instincts

12:22 Watching the pros and realizing what “professional” looks like

13:45 The Nashville Number System explained

19:26 Leadership on sessions and charting for the room

22:18 Jimmie Lee Sloas, mentorship, and learning by observing

29:41 Taking the producer seat and learning to serve the artist

31:17 Rental properties, Nashville chaos, and meeting Sinclair

38:27 Producing an 80s leaning project with Dann Huff and friends

39:25 How many sessions per year and what the workload is really like

40:26 Insomnia, Ambien, and life on the road

44:58 What it takes to survive in Nashville long term

49:56 Advice for aspiring session musicians and getting in the pool

54:48 Touring, the modern music economy, and making it work

57:31 The Keith Urban call and the pressure of saying yes

1:00:05 Building a “clean tour” and leading at a high level

1:01:05 Band leader responsibilities, calendars, and setlist decisions

1:02:27 The bus moment, belief, and the Field of Dreams analogy

1:08:15 Pay structure, hospitality, and taking care of the band

1:11:45 Recording stories with Michael Bublé and Eric Stonestreet

1:17:59 Final thoughts on approachability, longevity, and legacy

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