Songwriter Connection

This week on Songwriter Connection, we're joined by country music hitmaker Michael Peterson. From chart-topping success and standing ovations at the Grand Ole Opry to overcoming personal and professional challenges along the way, Michael's journey is one of perseverance, faith, and determination. We'll talk about the road that took him from the Pacific Northwest to Nashville, the obsta...

This week on Songwriter Connection , Dave welcomes Charlie Mangus of the Okie Music Collective for a conversation about one of the biggest challenges facing songwriters today: getting great songs heard by the people who can make a difference. With thousands of songs being written every day, only a small percentage ever reach the decision-makers in the music industry. Charlie shares how the Okie Mu...

This week on Songwriter Connection, Dave Lenahan welcomes Nashville singer-songwriter and podcaster Sarah Harralson to the dining room table for a conversation filled with music, creativity, and compelling stories. Sarah discusses her new EP, Just The Beginning , and the accompanying short film that expands the project's message beyond the music. She shares the inspiration behind the songs, he...

This week on Songwriter Connection , we welcome Oklahoma native and Nashville rising star Emily Elgin. Emily's journey has been anything but ordinary—from working at Coyote Ugly and chasing her dreams on American Idol to becoming a full-time touring artist with a growing fan base across the country. Around the dining room table, Emily shares the stories behind her music, the twists and turns t...

Join us for a special episode of Songwriter Connection as rising artist Āelle gathers around the dining room table with some of her closest friends, collaborators, and fellow musicians for an unforgettable evening of music and conversation. With new music on the horizon, Āelle shares the stories behind her upcoming releases and gives listeners an inside look at her creative journey. The highlight...

On this episode of Songwriter Connection , we welcome singer-songwriter Megan Barker to the dining room table for a conversation filled with music, stories, and a family legacy deeply rooted in songwriting. For Megan, songwriting is truly in her blood. Her father built an impressive career as a songwriter, penning songs recorded by artists such as Ronnie Milsap, Barbara Mandrell, and Hank Williams...

On this episode of Songwriter Connection , we welcome Australian country troubadour Angus Gill — an award-winning singer-songwriter known for his sharp storytelling, heartfelt lyrics, and unmistakable sense of humor. From his roots in rural Australia to the stages of Nashville, Angus has built a reputation as one of the most authentic voices in modern country music. In this conversation, Angus sha...

This week on Songwriter Connection , we sit down with Nashville-based alt-acoustic artist Nicole Alexis (N/A), a true one-woman force in modern DIY music. Fresh off the release of her debut EP Mirrors and Smoke , Nicole opens up about the journey from performing stripped-down covers online to finally turning the lens inward and telling her own stories—raw, honest, and unapologetically real. With s...

On this episode of Songwriter Connection , we welcome rising country artist Adysen Malek —a fresh voice bringing heart, honesty, and a whole lot of soul to Nashville’s songwriting scene. With a style that blends modern country storytelling and emotional authenticity, Adysen is quickly making a name for herself as both a compelling artist and a gifted songwriter. In this episode, she shares the sto...

A true songwriter at heart, Allie has carved her own lane in country music with honest lyrics, emotional depth, and a fearless authenticity that connects with fans across the globe. Allie has stepped out from the spotlight of her roots to build a career entirely on her own terms—and she’s doing it her way. In this episode, Allie shares the stories behind her latest music, the inspiration that fuel...

This week on Songwriter Connection , we’re joined by Nashville singer-songwriter Lauren Lucas — a true Music City original with a story that hits just as hard as her songs. Growing up surrounded by music and sharpening her craft right here in Nashville, Lauren has built a reputation as a powerful vocalist and an honest, fearless writer. From her time studying at Belmont to performing on some of th...

This week on the podcast, I’m thrilled to welcome Emily Burdette—an incredibly talented singer-songwriter and Belmont University grad, now based in Wilmington, North Carolina. We dive into her journey, the craft behind her songwriting, and what inspires her as a rising artist. Plus, Emily treats us to a special live performance around the dining room table. Don’t miss this inspiring episode.

On this episode of Songwriter Connection , we welcome “The Coastal Cowgirl,” Kimberly Dawn. Originally from Canada and now splitting time between Nashville and the West Coast, Kimberly brings a refreshing blend of classic country storytelling and modern country spirit to her music. Known for songs like “Deere John,” “Leave Her Better,” and “In Love With Tennessee,” Kimberly’s writing is rooted in...

On this episode of Songwriter Connection , Dave welcomes rising country artist Jadynce Jean to the table for a conversation about music, determination, and chasing a dream at a young age. With powerhouse vocals and a natural connection to her audience, Jadynce has been performing since she was just six years old and hasn’t slowed down since. Now splitting time between Kansas and Nashville, she’s b...

🚨 APRIL FOOLS… but not really. 🚨 I got so fired up about Episode #260 of Songwriter Connection that I jumped the gun and moved it up to April 1st … and yeah, we’re having a little fun with it 😄 Join us as we welcome one of Nashville’s New Faces of Country Music — Kelsey Hart . Kelsey built his foundation the real Nashville way — as a songwriter first — landing cuts with artists like Dylan Scott...

This week on Songwriter Connection , we’re joined by Nashville-based singer/songwriter Chandler Marie — a small-town Georgia native who took a leap of faith to the “little big town” of Nashville and hasn’t looked back. With several million streams across platforms, eight nominations at the Josie Music Awards, and recognition as a Spotlight Artist at CMA Fest, Chandler is quickly becoming one of co...

This week on Songwriter Connection , we’re joined by one of Nashville’s rising stars — Mark Taylor — a songwriter and performer you definitely want on your radar. Mark has shared the stage with some of country music’s greats, earned awards for his songwriting, and built a reputation in Music City as both a powerful writer and a captivating live performer. Now, he’s adding “entrepreneur” to the mix...

This week on Songwriter Connection, we’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with my special guest, Sean Turk McNamara! Sean and his wife own McNamara’s Irish Pub right here in Nashville. He’s an Irish singer-songwriter, a pub owner, and a storyteller who’s performed over 6,000 shows in Music City. He’s kept the Irish tradition alive, and today he’s sharing live songs and the stories behind them, aroun...

This week on Songwriter Connection , we sit down with Elliott Booe, an artist who’s putting his career in the fast lane. From booking nonstop shows to playing the Muscle Shoals Songwriters Festival and recording at the legendary FAME Studios, Elliott is checking off milestones most artists only dream about. Along with his band, The Impromptu’s, he’s opened for Brantley Gilbert, Alabama, and BlackH...

We’re thrilled to welcome Jericho — an award-winning songwriter with an incredible voice and a gift for unforgettable storytelling. Jericho has been singing since the age of two , writing songs and performing since childhood. As the daughter of a Green Beret soldier , her journey is marked by resilience, heart, and determination. By just 21 , she had already landed her first publishing deal — and...

We wrap up our two-part conversation with Trey Ackerman —songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, audio engineer, producer, IT expert, and creative thinker. In Part 2 , we continue and conclude our deep discussion on AI in music , sharing final thoughts, real-world takeaways, and where Trey believes the balance between technology and creativity ultimately lands. It’s a thoughtful, honest look at how art...

Songwriter Connection – Part 1 of 2 with Trey Ackerman In this two-part conversation, we sit down with Trey Ackerman —songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, audio engineer, producer, IT expert, and all-around creative force. In Part 1 , we take a deep dive into one of the most talked-about topics in today’s music industry: AI and its growing role in songwriting and music production . Trey shares real-...

This week on Songwriter Connection , Dave sits down with the incredible Bandana Cheyenna , the powerhouse songwriter who co-wrote Dasha’s smash hit “Austin (Boots Stop Working).” With major honors from both the People’s Choice Awards and ASCAP , Bandana has quickly become one of Nashville’s most compelling voices in the writing community. Bandana takes us straight into the writer’s room to break d...

This Week on Songwriter Connection: Join us as we welcome Olivia Harms, fresh off her captivating performance on the TV show "The Road," produced by Taylor Sheridan and Blake Shelton, and featuring Keith Urban and Gretchen Wilson. Olivia is western music royalty, having traveled the world at a young age with her mother, Joni, who is in the Western Music Hall of Fame. Remarkably, Olivia&#39...

This week on The Songwriter Connection , we’re pulling up a chair at the dining room table with Jeff Dayton —a true songwriter’s songwriter and one of the most respected musical voices around. Jeff is a songwriter, producer, podcaster, and beloved Trop Rock favorite whose career spans some of the biggest stages in music. He served as bandleader for Glen Campbell , and his legendary resume also inc...