It’s a special moment when an artist releases their debut project that introduces them to the music industry. When the sophomore project rolls around, the goal is to create an EP or album that showcases growth. I’m so excited to welcome Allison Leah onto the show to talk about the transition from a debut to a sophomore project.

The quote for this episode is by John Cage: “I can’t understand why people are frightened of new ideas. I’m frightened of the old ones.” With our debut projects out in the world, Allison and I are working on our sophomore projects. We’re both going in a different direction, both sonically and lyrically, and we’re excited to create a project that is fresh and allows us to grow as songwriters and artists. Allison and I share our own journeys and thoughts about shifting gears between our first and second projects. It’s important for us to always be excited about the music we’re creating, and stepping out of our comfort zones and trying new things allows us to do so. This is truly an incredible conversation, and Allison and I hope it inspires other artists out there to explore their music and continue to grow.

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!”

Blending genres is becoming extremely common in both the mainstream and independent music scenes. The industry is starting to break away from traditional genre classifications, and artists are being more creative and innovative than ever. I’m so honored to welcome Niki Kennedy onto the show to talk about blurring genre lines and what it means for the music industry.

The quote for this episode is by Haley Reinhart: “Music continues to remind me that its boundaries are limitless.” Blending genres opens so many creative doors for artists, and Niki and I discuss it all. We talk about our genre influences, what sparked this sonic shift in the music industry, the perspectives of industry professionals, and more. This is such a fun and informative conversation that gives a fantastic glimpse into genres and how they are continuing to blur and evolve.

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 Halloween! I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to invite two of my friends, Luke Wood and Madison Young, back onto the show for some Halloween fun. I wrote a Halloween and music inspired story for Mad Libs. Once Luke and Madison choose all the missing words, Madison reads the story. Luke and I bring the music, and there are lots of laughs. After we wrap up the story, Luke, Madison, and I share our favorite Halloween candy, costumes, movies, and of course, song. Spoiler alert! We all choose the same song. Can you guess what it is? This was so much fun, and I hope you have a blast coming along for the ride.

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!”

I couldn’t be more excited to bring you a fabulous conversation with two incredible artists, Becky Lawrence and Stuart Rolfe. Becky and Stuart joined forces to record their own version of “I Need You” by Faith Hill and Tim McGraw, so I invited them onto the show to chat all about what it’s like collaborating with other recording artists.

The quote for this episode is by Patrick Lencioni: “Teamwork begins by building trust. And the only way to do that is to overcome our need for invulnerability.” Becky, Stuart, and I talk about collaboration and the importance of trust. Recording a song with another artist is a great opportunity, and Becky and Stuart share the whole process of their collaboration. They also share their favorite moments, challenges they faced, and things they learned from the whole experience. It was such an honor getting to talk to both of them. This is a fun and lighthearted conversation that’s full of so many incredible stories and insights.

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!”

Self-doubt is something all songwriters and artists face at one point or another. Even as we continue to grow, doubts find a way to make us lack confidence from time to time. I’m so excited to invite Tara Henton onto the show to talk all about songwriting and self-doubt.

The quote for this episode is by Orrin Woodward: “Doubts in your mind are a much greater roadblock to success than obstacles on the journey.” It’s not easy opening up about something as vulnerable as self-doubt, but Tara and I definitely do. When I started Write on Track, I knew that I wanted the show to capture what it’s like to be a songwriter from all angles, including the struggles and challenges as well. Tara and I paint a very real picture that shows what it’s like walking in a songwriter’s shoes and experiencing moments of self-doubt. We also share stories and experiences that have helped us work through our doubts and feel more confident in ourselves. I’m so honored Tara joined me to explore self-doubt on the show.

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!”

Being authentic is key. Songwriters and artists have to show who they really are and stay true to themselves in all aspects of their careers. I’m so excited to bring you a fabulous conversation with Charlotte Young all about authenticity.

The quote for this episode is by Whitney Houston: “I decided long ago never to walk in anyone’s shadow; if I fail, or if I succeed at least I did as I believe.” Charlotte and I talk about authenticity in a very open and honest way. As songwriters and artists, we have to be authentic in our music, while we perform, on social media, and so much more. This is such an inspiring and insightful conversation. I’m glad I had Charlotte join me on the show for this one.

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!”

Music and mindfulness go hand in hand. Being aware and looking after our mental health is extremely important. I’m so honored to share an inspiring conversation with Lisa T about music and mindfulness.

The quote for this episode is by Erin Hanson: “What if I fall? Oh, but my darling, what if you fly?” Lisa and I discuss music and mindfulness in such an honest and inspiring way. Lisa is extremely knowledgeable when it comes to mindfulness and the research surrounding it, so she shares so much great advice. We touch on various aspects of music and mindfulness, including mirror work and self-talk, dealing with rejection and criticism, social media, and the artist mindset. This conversation left me feeling inspired, and I hope it inspires you as well.

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!”

Songwriting truly has the ability to heal, both for the songwriter and listener. I’m so excited to bring you a very honest and vulnerable conversation with Meghan Pulles about songwriting and healing.

The quote for this episode is by Reba McEntire: “For me, singing sad songs often has a way of healing a situation. It gets the hurt out in the open into the light, out of the darkness.” Meghan and I talk about the healing power of songwriting. As songwriters, we’re always turning to our craft as a way to process and heal from our experiences and emotions. We heal through listening to others’ songs as well. Music is so magical, and it has a way of touching hearts, building a sense of community and understanding, and making people feel like they’re not alone. I’m so glad Meghan and I explored songwriting and healing on the show.

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!”

I’m so excited to share a very special conversation with Rachel Sellick from Scarlet River Management. Rachel is so knowledgeable and has a huge heart. I ask her about artist management, public relations, social media, and more. She shares so much great information and advice, so I hope you’re ready to take a deep dive into the music industry.

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!”

Social media has become an important tool for songwriters and artists. There’s so much that goes into it, and I couldn’t be more excited to bring you a super fun episode with Georgia Nevada.

The quote for this episode is by Will Smith: “Stop letting people who do so little for you control so much of your mind, feelings and emotions.” Georgia and I discuss all things social media, from the importance of taking breaks and not taking negative comments to heart to the content we like to post and everything in between. We share lots of laughs, stories, and insights. This is truly a conversation about social media like no other.

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!”