Songwriter Soup

Luke Dick joins Laura and Tracy for a candid and sprawling look at money, songwriting, creativity and family. Luke’s winding path has led him through academics, warehouse jobs, an artist deal, songwriting, producing, and movie-making. Ultimately he’s emerged as one of the most unique and sought-after songwriter/producers in Nashville. His approach to money puts creativity front and center. His hum...

Break-ups are never easy, especially when it comes to co-writing. This week, our hosts examine the reasons it may be necessary to say goodbye to a collaborator and how to do it with care. The trio also talks about the virtues of Nashville’s even split policy, writing non-exclusionary lyrics, and what to do when you feel like your songs are getting worse. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/pri...

This week, Laura and Tracy are joined by songwriter Andy Albert. He details his humble beginnings in Nashville living with multiple roommates in a run-down house, struggling to get a publishing deal and nearly throwing in the towel. Spoiler alert: he sticks it out eventually scores a bunch of hits. Though his success is inspiring on its own, his openness about the difficult times makes this one of...

This in this episode, Laura, Tracy and Kevin continue down the path of the new-to-town songwriter. The trio digs into the importance of giving and receiving criticism, the beauty of an imperfect writers round performance and the many virtues of cowriting. Tracy shares how his gig at a bike shop lead to joining the band Bare Jr. and Laura tells the story of the time a publisher calling her “chicken...

In this episode, Laura and Tracy sit down with songwriter, producer and publisher Luke Laird. Luke talks the magic of writers’ rounds, being reluctant to ask for help, letting go of jealousy and the nitty gritty details of his early publishing deals. Laura also shares the story of a pivotal moment that lead to her being a songwriter. Ferocious talent, wit, and sincere humility rarely come together...

In this episode, Laura, Tracy and Kevin dive deep into the first chapter of a songwriter’s career. They discuss the no-no’s that tempt young songwriters like sliding into hit songwriters’ DMs, meeting with a publisher before they’re ready and spending money they don’t have. Laura also breaks down the dangers of having a hit too early, protecting your self esteem, and how faking it until you make i...

Jimmy Robbins’ career in music has been a winding road. From getting signed to a record deal at 17, to making jingles to afford Christmas gifts, to scoring five #1 hits in 18 months, to becoming a publisher, his path has been anything but typical. In this episode, he sits down with Laura and Tracy to talk bad deals, imposter syndrome, misconceptions about writing up, and why he’s more than a “trac...

The path of the songwriter is full of uncertainty. It comes with highs and lows creatively, socially, and financially. That kind of shaky ground can lead to all kinds of anxiety and decisions that leave you questioning everything. This podcast is made for songwriters or those on a creative journey who might need a little encouragement and sound financial advice. In the first episode, you’ll meet o...

Songwriter Soup, brought to you by American Songwriter, healthy recipes for not losing your mind and your money in the songwriting business. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .