The C.L.I.M.B. with Johnny Dwinell and Brent Baxter

Have you ever wondered how hit songwriters come up with such interesting angles for song titles? What is the process? And how do they choose the most interesting direction? Well, here’s your chance to listen in as Brent and Johnny dive into the song title “If Tomorrow Was Yesterday.” Thanks to David Pritchett for submitting this great title! LISTEN NOW: http://bit.ly/ittomorrowwasyesterday You’ll...

This question was submitted by a Climber for the “Pick Johnny’s Brain” episodes, but Johnny felt it was worth a little more time and a lot more digging into! How on earth does one get more Randoms at shows? And how do you get people wanting to come back to see your live show over and over again?  LISTEN NOW:http://bit.ly/Randomsatshows In this episode, Johnny and Brent dive into this topic, give s...

So, you’re a great songwriter… how do you get cuts? In this episode of Pick Johnny’s Brain, Johnny brings in a special guest… the one and only Brent Baxter and Brent and Johnny tackle this question together! Thank you to Mike Parker for submitting such a great question!!!  LISTEN NOW: http://bit.ly/PJB007 PS: Get your free PDF download of 21 Biggest Reasons You Don’t Have More fans today and impro...

The music industry world is changing rapidly, and this includes the role that Music Publishers play. How has their role changed, what is it that they do now and how can YOU get on their radar? LISTEN NOW: http://bit.ly/evolvingroleofmusicpublishers All these questions and more are covered by Brent and Johnny on this episode of the C.L.I.M.B. as they dig into the part that publishers play and how Y...

How would you write to the song title “Pass Me The Heartache?” How many directions will this title go and which direction is going to be the most intriguing? If you want to feel like you’re in the room during the first 15-30 minutes of a pro co-writing session, then THIS is the episode FOR YOU! And if you have a song title you’d like Brent and Johnny to tackle on a Song Title Challenge episode, pl...

Chris Mara, the owner and creator of Welcome to 1979 – A studio like no other – talks with Johnny and Brent in this compelling and informative episode. Welcome to 1979 has grown to become a multi-faceted recording studio that is integral to the Nashville Community. What do they do and how do they do it? LISTEN NOW: http://bit.ly/ChrisMara PS: Get your free PDF download of 21 Biggest Reasons You Do...

Want to know how to market and sell your music, merchandise and more? Johnny tackles his favorite marketing tactics in this episode, and shares some of his successes with theses tactics. Listen to this episode to learn some of Johnny’s tips and tricks when it comes to selling! PS: Get your free PDF download of 21 Biggest Reasons You Don’t Have More fans today and improve the promotion efforts for...

Have you ever heard a song and thought… “Man, I wish I’d written that.” Every year NSAI announces the “10 Songs I Wish I’d Written” award to the top ten songs that songwriter and music industry professionals vote on. In this Episode, Brent recaps his night at the awards, the ten songs that were chosen for 2019 and even talks about his own “10 Songs I Wish I’d Written” award. Dive into this episode...

Not many people get to hear what it’s like to be inside a pro songwriters room! If you’ve ever wondered what the first 10-15 minutes looks like, then this episode is for YOU!  Be a fly on the wall as Brent and Johnny dive into the song title “Lawnboy Maserati” and brainstorm which direction to drive this song. LISTEN NOW: http://bit.ly/lawnboymaserati And, as always, we’d love to hear your take on...

Yet another question submitted to the “Pick Johnny’s Brain” mini series that warranted the attention of a full episode! How do you know what your brand is and how do you refine it? How does knowing your brand help you know your audience? You can find the artist brand questionnaire here: www.daredevilproduction.com/discoveryourbrand All these questions and more answered in this episode. PS: Get you...

“How do I market my music when I don’t have a budget?” It’s one of those million dollar questions all artists want to know, and the answer may surprise you… LISTEN NOW:http://bit.ly/marketmusicnobudget Shout out to Climber Eric Godswill for sending this music marketing question in for this episode fo pick Johnny’s brain.  PS: Get your free PDF download of 21 Biggest Reasons You Don’t Have More fan...

How does one write a hit song without writing it? Is writing a life changing song really about just sitting down and writing the words? And what does it mean to write from “within” the song, instead of “about” the song. Tune in as Brent and Johnny talk about how to write a song that hits home, comes from the heart and gives people all the feels. PS:Get your free PDF download of 21 Biggest Reasons...

Have you ever wondered what a professional co-writing session looks like? How does it start and how do the writers land on a direction for the song title? Tune into this episode of Song Title Challenge to get a glimpse of what the first 15-20 minutes of a pro songwriting room looks like as Brent and Johnny tackle the title “Left Undone.” As always, we’d love to hear what direction you come up with...

The band Tool just released their most recent album, the first in 13 years, which features a 10+ minute single and costs $45 and it’s a #1 album! What does this mean for artists and the music industry? How is the market changing? Find out in this episode. In this episode, Johnny and Brent talk about Tool’s big release and what this means for the ever changing music biz. PS:Get your free PDF downlo...

At first, Johnny thought this question was silly…but then he realized that EVERY single songwriter goes through this horrific mental space Why is it so scary to contact Music Supervisors, Publishers, Music Industry Execs, etc. Find out in this episode. PS: Get your free PDF download of 21 Biggest Reasons You Don’t Have More fans today and improve the promotion efforts for your music. Go to GiftFro...

How do you take a typical cliche’ and turn it into a hit lyric, and what does this episode have to do with a piñata? In this episode, Brent and Johnny dig into the infamous cliche’ and what kinds of phrases to steer clear of when you want to write an intriguing and fresh lyric. Also, be on the lookout for the “Cliche’ Piñata that will be posted every Tuesday in the C.L.I.M.B. and Songwriting Pro s...

What kind of lyrical direction could a writer come up with on the title “New Teeth and a Used Trailer”?? You absolutely won’t believe what Brent and Johnny came up with on this one. Listen to a 15-minute brainstorm on 4-5 different conceptual approaches to writing song lyrics for this song. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Naivetè may keep you blissfully ignorant, but if you want to win the game, you’re going to have to learn to play the game. If you’re an indie artist, any genre, this is a MUST LISTEN! The bottom line is that in order to succeed in the music industry, you must transform into a professional…which means you’re going to have to be a student of the game. This episode breaks down a recent Bob Lefsetz Le...

What value does a PR company provide an artist on their debut release? How does an artist find a reputable PR company and work with them? These are the questions submitted by CLIMBer Jay Thomason regarding the upcoming release of his debut CD. You might be surprised at Johnny’s response to this one. PS: Get your music promo mindset right and download Johnny’s free guide 21 Biggest Reasons You Don’...

“Ok songwriters, you’ve built up your song catalog and secured a meeting with a publisher. Now, how do you pick which song(s) to play? What are publishers really looking for? In this episode, Brent and Johnny share valuable advice straight from multiple publishers mouths. Who knows, this information may just help you secure a follow up meeting. PS: If you have a song that you feel is ready to pres...

If you read this song title, on the surface it seems a little shallow and one-dimensional, but you’ll be amazed at how deep Brent and Johnny go creating multiple different conceptual ideas for writing the lyrics to “Alcohol Involved”. How would you write this one? If you have an idea that Brent & Johnny didn’t think of, comment on the post below. PS: If you’re ready to share some of your songs wit...

Should you buy streams and fans? Is that organic or will it hurt you? What’s the deal with and what’s the difference between honest paid promotion and fake streams & fans. In this episode of the C.L.I.M.B, Johnny and Brent discuss FAKE streams, followers and fans and how it affects your success. If you’d like to contact our Spotify promoter, you can find them at ItsNoRequests.com  PS: If you’re lo...

I’ve been playing for about 30 years, in various bands but just for fun or one-off gigs mostly. I now want to do more serious and directed performing of covers and originals. What’s a good “Starter Pack” press kit marketing package to get into venues, gigs, etc.?Website, CDs, Social media, call or email venues and ask what they want when hiring artists? – Joel Dusek It’s time for another episode o...

What could you learn from getting in depth feedback from hit publisher Joe Dan Cornett on not one, but TEN different songs? You need to spend 33% of your in proximity to the people who are farther up the food chain than you to succeed. Here’s a great way to learn from a pro. Get multiple value bombs in this episode of the C.L.I.M.B. as Brent and Johnny recap the recent play to publisher event with...

If you’re a songwriter, how would you write this title? What angles could you use to approach it? In a pro songwriting room, songwriters like to start the session brainstorming the hook to make sure they’ve chosen the best approach. Listen in as Brent and Johnny bounce around ideas for “Margarita Reasons.” What direction will they take it? Where would you take it? PS: If you’d like to explore this...