Write on Track: A Songwriting Podcast

Writing from a title is a fabulous songwriting technique. Having a title in mind when beginning the songwriting process opens many doors for the song to evolve into something unique, complex, and full of meaning. I’m delighted to welcome back Write on Track superstar, Madison Young, for a fun episode all about writing from a title. Madison and I begin by sharing why we love this technique and list...

Sync licensing, or synchronization, is when music is used in TV, film, and other forms of visual media. Landing a sync placement can be huge for a songwriter or artist, and there’s so much that goes into this part of the music industry. I’m honored to welcome Shantell Ogden onto the show to chat all things sync licensing. We talk about the benefits of receiving a placement, deals and terminology t...

It’s time for the final Forte Face Off of Up the Scale. The outstanding contestants are Celine Ellis, Lou Mclean, and Sarah Louise. Which of them will come out on top and move on to the semi-finals? Listen to find out! Celine, Lou, and Sarah all have incredible episodes of Write on Track, so be sure to catch up on those. Thank you for tuning into the Forte Face Offs. I can’t wait for the semi-fina...

As songwriters, we have opportunities to write for our own projects and other artists’ projects as well. Writing for other artists requires a unique set of skills and qualities, and this expands a songwriter’s horizon. I’m so excited to share a fabulous conversation with Chris Andreucci about writing for other artists. The quote for this episode is by Tracy Chapman: “Songwriting is a very mysterio...

For many of us, music is the most beautiful and special part of life. The world wouldn’t be the same without music, and as music listeners, we have so many magical experiences. I’m delighted to welcome one of my best friends, Jess Minneci, onto the show to chat about loving music as a listener. The quote for this episode is by Robert Fripp: “Music is the wine that fills the cup of silence.” Jess a...

There are many stages in a music release from when a song idea is born to release day. I’m so excited to welcome Daniel Nesci back to the show to chat about “From DAW to Dawn.” We cover the songwriting process and how this varies for writers, creating demos and going to the studio, the collaboration of music production, cover art and other graphics for the release and promotion, choosing release d...

Inspiration is beautiful and mysterious. As songwriters, we’re always getting inspired at unexpected times while also being mindful of what inspires us. The great outdoors is a source of inspiration for many creatives, including my fabulous guest, Tom Cary. I couldn’t be more excited to share an outstanding conversation with Tom all about inspiration and the great outdoors. The quote for this epis...

I’m delighted to share a stunning conversation with Chelsea Gilliland, who is the front-woman of Nashville rock group, CHLSY. During our conversation, we talk about the story behind how the band formed, the benefits and challenges of a formal education in songwriting, classical music, and the business, lessons learned in the music industry, being inspired by others through hosting a music show, CH...

I’m beyond excited to share a fun episode with Tom Kwiat from Live and Amplified all about hosting a music show. I’ve been on Tom’s show, so I wanted to have him on mine. During the conversation, we chat about favorite things about hosting a music show, what makes a show sustainable, the reality of hosting a live show, funny stories from recording, finding a balance between research and authentici...

Let’s go! I’m super excited to share Forte Face Off 3 of Up the Scale. The shining star contestants for this round are Dani Galasso, Madison Young, and Meghan Pulles. Who will come out on top and move on to the semi-finals? Listen to find out! Dani, Madison, and Meghan all have amazing episodes of Write on Track, so be sure to give them a listen. Are you enjoying Write on Track? Do you have a topi...

I’m delighted to share a fantastic conversation with Molly Leikin about all things songwriting. Molly is a professional songwriter with so much wisdom and tons of stories. Our conversation is full of laughs and songwriting gems. Molly shares her journey, details about her new book, Insider Secrets to Hit Songwriting in the Digital Age, and so much advice for songwriters, both on the craft and busi...

I’m honored to share an outstanding conversation with Kent Blazy about the life of a professional songwriter. Kent has had such an incredible career so far, and I’m grateful I got to chat with him about his journey. We talk about how country music has changed, writing for country radio, the truth that it only takes one song to make it as a songwriter, the reality of the music industry today, the c...

I’m so excited to share a fabulous conversation with Chuck Smith all about songwriting and today’s music industry. Chuck has such a round and rich perspective of the music business from many years of experience and opportunities as a songwriter, teacher, and artist. We had an honest and informative chat that I hope inspires you and gives you a glimpse into what it’s like to be a musician in today’...

Evolution is essential for songwriters. As we continue to develop our craft and explore new opportunities, we grow and expand our horizons. I’m delighted to share an outstanding conversation with Tudor Nacu about the songwriter’s evolution. The quote for this episode is by Matt Dillon: “One of my greatest fears is not being able to change, to be caught in a never-ending cycle of sameness. Growth i...

As songwriters, we have the power to make an impact with our music. Through using our voices and writing songs with strong and meaningful messages, we can spark change. I’m super excited to share a fabulous conversation with Kelley Swindall about writing songs with strong messages and inspiring change. The quote for this episode is by Madeleine K. Albright: “It took me quite a long time to develop...

As artists, we often bounce back and forth between having doubts and feeling confident. Much of this has to do with overcoming the intimidation factor of the music industry and feeling like we belong. I’m so excited to share an inspiring conversation with Laura Mustard about intimidation vs community in the music industry. The quote for this episode is by Daniel Radcliffe: “I think the most creati...

Experiencing anxiety and maintaining a healthy self-esteem are two aspects of being an artist that are important to talk about. I’m honored to welcome Emme Lentino onto the show for a very authentic chat about anxiety and self-esteem in the music industry. Mental health is important to both of us, so what we discuss in this episode is close to our hearts. The quote for this episode is by Chelsea H...

Graphic design is such an essential part of an artist’s brand and music career. From artwork for releases to promotional graphics, each piece of art should be created with intention. I’m so honored to bring you an inspiring and informative conversation about graphic design for artists with one of my graphic designers, Eddie Davis. The quote for this episode is by Edward de Bono: “There is no doubt...

Inspiration is all around us, and as songwriters, we have to trust inspiration. Sometimes, it can be difficult to know which song ideas hold the most potential. It can be hard to embrace new ideas when doubts cloud inspiring moments. Still, finding ways to open our hearts and minds to inspiration leads to our most amazing songs. I’m so excited to welcome Trace Ellis onto the show to chat all about...

Let the games continue! I’m so excited to share Forte Face Off 2 of Up the Scale. Please welcome Daniel Nesci, Luke Wood, and Peter McDermott. Which of these shining star contestants will come out on top and move on to the semi-finals? Listen to find out! Daniel, Luke, and Peter have outstanding episodes of Write on Track, so be sure to give those a listen and catch up on the other amazing convers...

As songwriters, the gift of our craft allows us to pour our thoughts and feelings out and turn them into songs that bring us comfort. I’m delighted to share a very special conversation with Emily Faye that explores finding comfort in saying goodbye and the journey of writing vulnerable songs. The quote for this episode is by Maya Angelou: “I long, as does every human being, to be at home wherever...

Developing our voices as artists is a complex and evolving journey. In order to find our artist voices, we have to jump hurdles, explore our sound, commit to becoming better singers, and so much more. I’m super excited to welcome Dani Galasso back onto the show to chat all about cultivating the artist voice. The quote for this episode is by Gemma Sugrue: “You want to find singing that feels like b...

Networking is absolutely key for songwriters. It requires many personal and professional skills to network effectively and build a good reputation in the music industry. I’m so honored to welcome Kevin McCarty, who is the co-founder and CEO of We Should Write Sometime, onto the show to talk all about networking for songwriters. The quote for this episode is by Sallie Krawcheck: “My advice for folk...

One of the most beautiful things about being a songwriter is that growth is endless. As we grow as people, we change as writers. Songwriting is a journey that’s full of learning, evolving, and special moments of realization. I couldn’t be more honored to welcome Sebastian Javier onto the show to chat all about growing as a songwriter. The quote for this episode is by Paul Simon: “It’s very helpful...

As songwriters, our goal is to allow listeners to connect to our music on a meaningful level. A way that we do this is through musical expression. No matter what the lyrics are saying, the musical choices we make lead to listeners feeling a certain way. We have the ability to evoke emotions both while writing and performing songs, whether that be live or on a studio recording. I’m so honored to we...