Songwriting For Guitar Podcast

Ontario based songwriter Lisa McEwen has collaborated with and written songs for some of country music’s biggest names. On this episode, she discusses the importance of mindfulness when it comes to all aspects of a career in music.

Being able to laugh off frustration and disappointment is beyond important in the music industry. In this episode, Mike shares one of his own aggravating touring experiences that seemed awful at the time, but in retrospect has become nothing more than a funny story.

Christian Burns has written for some of electronic music’s elite – Tiësto, BT, Armin Van Buuren, and Benny Benassi to name a few, and he is one of the most in demand lyricists and vocalists in the music industry. As one third of multi-million record selling Brit band BBMAK, he has conquered both the UK Top 40 and the US Billboard Top 100. This week, he shares his songwriting journey and...

Bill McShane is the singer/guitarist of the power pop band Ultimate Fakebook. Bill shares his unique perspective on guitar playing and the art of songwriting. You’ll hear about UFB’s journey from indie label, to major label, to a 16 year hiatus, and why they now released a brand new record. Download My Songwriting Guitarist Quickstart Guide Schedule A Coaching Session With Mike

Judy Stakee is a legendary music publisher, songwriting mentor, author, and speaker. Former Sr. VP of Creative at Warner Chappell Music, she’s responsible for signing and developing many of today’s most acclaimed artists and songwriters (Sheryl Crow, Katy Perry, Joy Williams, Jewel). Judy shares her 40+ years of industry knowledge in this episode with Mike. Download The Songwriting Guitarist Quick...

Are you ready for a sentimental episode? Before commercial songwriting, I taught at a local music school, and I had a privilege of teaching these two badass teenagers. . .Nolan Jack and Madeline King. Not only are they writing songs, but they are producing their own music! If you’re looking to get inspired on making more music in 2021, this episode is for you.  Download My Songwriting Guitari...

Femke Weidema chats with Mike for this week's episode. Femke is a Grammy winning musician, producer, songwriter, and composer for film and TV. She has written with the writers behind the hits of Miley Cyrus, Taylor Swift, Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Lady Gaga, and many more.

This week, Mike talks with singer/songwriter Bree Noble. Bree is founder of the Women of Substance Radio/Podcast and the Female Entrepreneur Musician podcast. Bree shares how she’s helped countless musicians learn how to make a living from their music. 

Less Than Jake guitarist and vocalist Chris DeMakes discusses what he's learned and how he's grown as a songwriter over the course of his career.

This week, Mike talks with live sound engineer and educator Michelle Pettinato. Michelle's career has been spent on the road with artists like Gwen Stefani, Goo Goo Dolls, Melissa Etheridge, Jewel Indgio Girls, and Elvis Costello. She also shares how she’s passing on knowledge to other up and coming sound engineers.

This week, Mike talks with artist, educator, and journalist Nikki O’Neill. Nikki shares how her evolving story from growing up in Sweden to interviewing amazing guitarists for Guitar Player Magazine have shaped her musical style.

This week, Mike has an inspiring and insightful conversation with guitarist, entrepreneur, and Soundstripe co-founder and CTO Trevor Hinesley,

Mike talks with sync licesning expert Michael Elsner. Michael has been a professional touring guitarist with over 2000 placements. He has also helped educate songwriters on how to enter this world of TV/Film through his course Master Music Licensing. 

This week, Mike is joined by songwriter and producer Tom Pino, who shares his journey of living in music cities from Los Angeles to Nashville.

This week, Mike talks with Nashville producer, artist, and songwriter Tyler Cain. Tyler has also been the touring guitarist for Big & Rich, Darius Rucker, Ashley Monroe, and Billy Currington. Tyler also shares his thoughts on having healthy confidence.

Mike discusses the importance of staying focused to help achieve your musical goals in 2021.

WE MADE IT TO EPISODE 20! Mike talks with legendary songwriter James McMurtry. Stephen King has said James is “the truest, fiercest songwriter of his generation”. In this episode, you’ll see why. James shares his journey and experiences like working with John Mellencamp.

Mike talks with songwriter, producer, and guitarist Forest Whitehead. Forest shares how he made connections when he moved to Nashville and ended up producing Kelsea Ballerini’s first record.

Mike closes out 2020 with Jaret Reddick, lead singer of the band Bowling For Soup. BFS is best known for singles like “Girl All The Bad Guys Want”, “1985”, and “High School Never Ends”. Jaret shares about his writing process and what it’s like writing with Butch Walker and the late Adam Schlesinger.

Aubrey has been a favorite of NPRs Tiny Desk Contest and a staple in the Austin music scene. Mike and Aubrey talk about vulnerability in songwriting and how she finds inspiration for it.

Episode Notes This week, Mike talks with Keith Jeffery from the band Atlas Genius. Stories on how Keith got his start in songwriting, recording their first album, and exact coordinates of places you should visit in Australia.

Chris Ballew (former lead singer and founder of The Presidents of The United States of America) is Mike’s guest. Mike discovers how curiosity has powered and driven Chris to a creative songwriting life. Also, this episode ends on a killer cliffhanger!

Two-time Grammy nominated and multi-platinum songwriter Shelly Peiken is this week's guest. Shelly shares the stories behind her hits, and she talks about how young songwriters need to stop concerning themselves with algorithms.

Mike talks with lead singer and founder of the Austin, Texas based Indie rock band Quiet Company. Taylor unpacks what it's like going through 18 drummers, his loss of faith, discovering power chords are all you need, and more.