As songwriters, maintaining good mental health is key for both our personal and professional lives. Though our craft can allow us to heal and process emotions, we face challenges from anxiety, doubts, music industry pressures, and more. I’m honored to share an inspiring conversation with Gareth Lewis about music and well-being.

The quote for this episode is by Dan Millman: “You don’t have to control your thoughts. You just have to stop letting them control you.” During our genuine conversation, Gareth and I chat about music expressing emotions and the human condition, not letting negative thoughts take control, anxiety and doubts restricting creativity, writing songs when in the best place to do so, songwriting and healing, writing from an authentic place, the pressure from music industry expectations, and more. Also, we wrap up by talking about Gareth’s music. Our conversation is open and honest, so I hope it inspires you and shines a light on songwriting and mentle health.

Are you enjoying Write on Track? Do you have a topic suggestion for an episode? Would you like to be a guest? Email me at [email protected]. Also, I’d love to connect with you. My official website is http://demimschwartz.com, and you can find me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/demimschwartz, Instagram at http://instagram.com/demimschwartz, and Facebook at http://facebook.com/demimschwartz.

Thank you so much for listening. Until next time, stay “write on track!”

When it comes to any kind of art, there’s a blurred line between talent and craft. Both go hand in hand, but they’re also different in many ways. Artistic talent and developing craft play massive roles in the life of a songwriter and artist. I’m delighted to share an outstanding conversation with Lyle Oliver that explores this fascinating topic.

The quote for this episode is by Chris Martin: “For people who write songs, it’s a gift you’re given. You become good at the craft, but you’re given the gift.” During our insightful conversation, Lyle and I talk about being born with an artistic talent, developing skills that enhance the natural talent, the difference between artistic talent and technical skill, the importance of tapping into the imagination and connecting to music emotionally, improving key songwriting skills, remaining authentic while only using the tools and techniques needed for each individual song, the philosophy that less is more in songwriting, being unique as a songwriter, the difference between talent and craft in terms of songwriters and cover artists, the meaning of artistry, embracing moments of inspiration, advice for finding an artist voice, and more. Also, we wrap up by chatting about Lyle’s new music. This conversation is super unique and interesting, and I hope it gives you a glimpse into the difference between artistic talent and craft.

Are you enjoying Write on Track? Do you have a topic suggestion for an episode? Would you like to be a guest? Email me at [email protected]. Also, I’d love to connect with you. My official website is http://demimschwartz.com, and you can find me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/demimschwartz, Instagram at http://instagram.com/demimschwartz, and Facebook at http://facebook.com/demimschwartz.

Thank you so much for listening. Until next time, stay “write on track!”

Appreciation is truly beautiful. As artists, we have so much to appreciate both in our music careers and personal lives. I’m so honored to share an honest and vulnerable conversation with Emma Svensson all about appreciation.

The quote for this episode is by Amelia Earhart: “The more one does and sees and feels, the more one is able to do, and the more genuine may be one’s appreciation of fundamental things like home, and love, and understanding companionship.” Emma and I explore appreciation like never before. We talk about the importance of appreciation in the music industry, saying thank you, building genuine connections and mutual appreciation, being appreciative of friends, family, and supporters, appreciating the gift of music, and more. We also chat about Emma’s single, “Runs in the Family.” I’m so glad Emma joined me on the show for such an authentic conversation, and I hope it inspires you to show more appreciation in your life.

Are you enjoying Write on Track? Do you have a topic suggestion for an episode? Would you like to be a guest? Email me at [email protected]. Also, I’d love to connect with you. My official website is http://demimschwartz.com, and you can find me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/demimschwartz, Instagram at http://instagram.com/demimschwartz, and Facebook at http://facebook.com/demimschwartz.

Thank you so much for listening. Until next time, stay “write on track!”

Taking songs to the finish line may be one of the most common challenges for songwriters. Thankfully, there are many tips and tricks to turn sparks of inspiration and song fragments into completed and polished gems of music. I’m so excited to welcome Mitchell Dyer onto the show to explore how to take songs to the finish line. Mitchell and I discuss the key point that everything starts with a great song, focusing on authenticity, taking fresh spins on old ideas, the emotional hook and heart of the song, crafting lyrics that are both personal and universal, ways to eliminate songwriter’s block, benefits of story boarding before writing lyrics, the beauty of prosody, getting feedback from both musicians and listeners, analyzing favorite and popular songs to discover what techniques work and resonate, writing a little each day, creating a playlist of inspiring songs, taking the pressure off, enjoying the songwriting process, and much more. My conversation with Mitchell inspired me, so I hope it inspires you and gives you golden advice for finishing fantastic songs.

Are you enjoying Write on Track? Do you have a topic suggestion for an episode? Would you like to be a guest? Email me at [email protected]. Also, I’d love to connect with you. My official website is http://demimschwartz.com, and you can find me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/demimschwartz, Instagram at http://instagram.com/demimschwartz, and Facebook at http://facebook.com/demimschwartz.

Thank you so much for listening. Until next time, stay “write on track!”

Wow, 100 episodes of Write on Track! I’m so grateful for my journey hosting this show so far. All of my guests have been fabulous and inspiring. This show has given me the chance to make new friends in all areas of the music industry. I’ve connected with such kind and talented people behind the scenes while booking episodes, and the network this show has given me is truly special. I’m delighted to celebrate 100 episodes of the show with many of my friends from around the world who have all been guests during the first 100 episodes.

The quote for this episode is by Nelson Mandela: “Remember to celebrate milestones as you prepare for the road ahead.” Hitting 100 episodes is a huge milestone, so I’m blessed so many previous guests joined me to celebrate. Get ready to hear lovely messages from Allison Leah, Daniel Nesci, Celine Ellis, Rachel Sellick from Scarlet River PR, Emilia Quinn, Linda Conway from Voice of A Woman, Eddie Davis from Heart of Indie Radio, Chris West from the Tripwire, Ronnie and Brian from Outside the Circle, Cody Murphy from Weekdays with Murph, Jess Minneci, Lindsey Farrow, Matteson Gregory, Yana, and Gilad Paz. This episode is very special to me, so I hope you have fun celebrating 100 episodes of Write on Track.

Are you enjoying Write on Track? Do you have a topic suggestion for an episode? Would you like to be a guest? Email me at [email protected]. Also, I’d love to connect with you. My official website is http://demimschwartz.com, and you can find me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/demimschwartz, Instagram at http://instagram.com/demimschwartz, and Facebook at http://facebook.com/demimschwartz.

Thank you so much for listening. Until next time, stay “write on track!”

Building an online presence as an artist goes far beyond posting content and hoping for the best. Our goal is to make special connections with fans worldwide, so being strategic and engaging is key. I couldn’t be more honored to bring you a fabulous conversation with Caitlin Mae that’s full of inspiration and radiates authenticity.

The quote for this episode is by Amrita Sahasrabudhe: “Take a risk and keep testing, because what works today won’t work tomorrow, but what worked yesterday may work again.” During our conversation, Caitlin and I talk about writing country music, taking risks, live streaming, naming a fanbase, creating video content, running a blog, the importance of consistency, and more. Also, we chat about Caitlin’s single, “Fiona,” and her Nashville experiences and plans. It was such a joy having Caitlin on the show, so I hope you love our conversation.

Are you enjoying Write on Track? Do you have a topic suggestion for an episode? Would you like to be a guest? Email me at [email protected]. Also, I’d love to connect with you. My official website is http://demimschwartz.com, and you can find me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/demimschwartz, Instagram at http://instagram.com/demimschwartz, and Facebook at http://facebook.com/demimschwartz.

Thank you so much for listening. Until next time, stay “write on track!”

For those of us who make music, it’s a goal to earn money doing what we love. I’m delighted to bring you an outstanding conversation with Steve Brown all about creating a music career that pays the bills.

The quote for this episode is by Johnny Cash: “You build on failure. Use it as a stepping stone and close the door on the past. Don’t try to forget the mistakes, but don’t dwell on it.” Steve has had such an inspiring journey so far, so I enjoyed having him on the show to chat about the roller coaster ride of success and failure in the music industry, developing a thick skin and treating mistakes and roadblocks as learning experiences, making money through playing live, keeping an open mind while exploring various opportunities involving music, performing both covers and original songs at shows, making good first impressions and aiming for professional quality, developing good mic technique, and much more. My conversation with Steve is full of inspiring gems, so I hope you love it.

Are you enjoying Write on Track? Do you have a topic suggestion for an episode? Would you like to be a guest? Email me at [email protected]. Also, I’d love to connect with you. My official website is http://demimschwartz.com, and you can find me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/demimschwartz, Instagram at http://instagram.com/demimschwartz, and Facebook at http://facebook.com/demimschwartz.

Thank you so much for listening. Until next time, stay “write on track!”

Professionalism is one of the most important qualities someone should possess, especially in the music industry. Many core traits fall under the professionalism umbrella, and being professional plays a massive role in reputation and success. I’m honored to welcome Linda Conway back to the show for a fabulous chat about professionalism.

The quote for this episode is by Paul Anka: “Once you realize that you’re in something that you’ve always wanted and you don’t want to lose it, you behave differently. And that means the integrity, the professionalism, and knowing what’s right from wrong and still making choices that you probably wouldn’t have made.” Linda and I chat about professionalism like never before. We talk about the music industry as a business, music industry friendships, mutual respect, reliability, accountability, separating the personal from the professional, business communications, setting and respecting boundaries, artist and fan interactions, healthy business relationships, mindfulness, leadership, and more. I’m glad I had Linda on the show to chat about all things professionalism because this is a topic I’m passionate about. I hope our conversation inspires you to become more professional while you chase your dreams.

Are you enjoying Write on Track? Do you have a topic suggestion for an episode? Would you like to be a guest? Email me at [email protected]. Also, I’d love to connect with you. My official website is http://demimschwartz.com, and you can find me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/demimschwartz, Instagram at http://instagram.com/demimschwartz, and Facebook at http://facebook.com/demimschwartz.

Thank you so much for listening. Until next time, stay “write on track!”

Happy New Year! I’m delighted to kick off another year of Write on Track. 2023 has the potential to be a year of dreams coming true, so the first step is to chase those dreams. Rachel Sellick from Scarlet River PR joins me on the show for a second time to chat all about chasing dreams and PR tips for the new year.

The quote for this episode is by Ray Bradbury: “Love what you do and do what you love. Don’t listen to anyone else who tells you not to do it. You do what you want, what you love. Imagination should be the center of your life.” Rachel and I have such a fantastic conversation that is full of inspiration, insights, and advice. We talk about doing what we love, challenges that come with chasing a dream in the arts, the importance of imagination to achieve growth and success, the truth about education in an artistic career, applying acquired skills to a dream, PR tips for artists, and so much more. I love my chat with Rachel, and I hope it inspires you as you chase your dreams in 2023.

Are you enjoying Write on Track? Do you have a topic suggestion for an episode? Would you like to be a guest? Email me at [email protected]. Also, I’d love to connect with you. My official website is http://demimschwartz.com, and you can find me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/demimschwartz, Instagram at http://instagram.com/demimschwartz, and Facebook at http://facebook.com/demimschwartz.

Thank you so much for listening. Until next time, stay “write on track!”

Wow, it’s almost time to tie the bow on 2022, but I couldn’t wrap up a fantastic year of Write on Track without some fun. I’m super excited to welcome two of my friends, Jess Minneci and Paige Ruderman, back onto the show for winter mad libs. The three of us had a total blast. I wrote the story, and Jess and Paige filled in the missing words. After finishing the story, we answered winter themed questions. There are so many laughs along the way. I reveal my questionable spelling skills, Jess declares that she believes Frosty is real, and Paige gets roasted for disliking hot chocolate. I couldn’t have had a more fun time ending the 2022 Write on Track episodes with Jess and Paige. I hope you enjoy listening, and get ready to ring in 2023 so soon!

Are you enjoying Write on Track? Do you have a topic suggestion for an episode? Would you like to be a guest? Email me at [email protected]. Also, I’d love to connect with you. My official website is http://demimschwartz.com, and you can find me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/demimschwartz, Instagram at http://instagram.com/demimschwartz, and Facebook at http://facebook.com/demimschwartz.

Thank you so much for listening. Until next time, stay “write on track!”