Recently I was interviewed by Craig Garber for his very popular podcast and show "Everyone Loves Guitar." One of Craig's gifts as a host is in creating a safe space and then asking his guests for answers to really real…

Michael Noble Backstage at the Opry

 

Michael Noble is a hit songwriter, session guitar player and member of the Grand Ole Opry band. His story is a fascinating and weaves in names like Roy Orbison, Kenny Rogers…

One of the greatest gifts of my life is the opportunity to learn from other songwriters, and listen to their Nashville stories. Watch this episode of Canine Carpool Karaoke with hit songwriter Jane Bach as she shares stories about…

 

In-the-Round: Me, Jan Buckingham and Donna DeSopo. Photo credit Bill Warrington.

Years ago, a friend shared a story with me about a very challenging hike she went on. The trail would end at an amazing summit that…

Last October I gave up desserts. For those of you who know me this is a VERY big deal as my sweet tooth is legendary. But, there was one thing I just couldn't give up: CHOCOLATE.

After trying…

Berklee Americana Showcase at The Family Wash with my Band
Michael Boris, Me, Bill D, and Nick Arbuckle
Nashville is now officially in recovery mode from the 17th Annual AmericanaFest extravaganza. The event brings thousands of fans and artists to…

Me with Vocal Producer Judy Rodman

How exciting- you're getting ready to record new music!!!

Recording on any level means you need to make some decisions about where you'll record, how you'll record and who you'll record with. All these…

Recently I was giggling with a good friend and fellow songwriter about what a typical day looks like as an indie artist. This particular day, in addition to my eight hour day job, I...

• Reviewed and completed a music license…

A few years ago I saw a bumper sticker that said "Increased Happiness by Lowered Expectations."

In my opinion, this little gem of wisdom can be applied to so many areas of life--including our independent music careers. Now, I'm not…

There is a question that we as artists and musicians have to face eventually: Should Music be Free?

Most people who are creators will say 'no' right off the bat, because we value our work and know that there…

I seem to do a lot of mentoring and coaching of other artists. This isn’t because I feel like I have this all figured out in building a music career, not even close. It’s mostly because I know how hard…

Eddie Bayers in his 'office' on the Grand Ole Opry

As a 16-year-old Eddie Bayers became an orphan, and it was then he started the long road to making a living as a musician.

It's been an interesting journey at…

 

Michael Boris, Bill DiLuigi, Manuel and me

CMA Music Fest 2015 was a total blur and a total blast!

A few of my favorite moments include:

- Performing at Manuel's Couture. You probably know him best as the American…

Bryan Jones, CPA and Friend to Musicians

Once a year in Nashville I go see Bryan Jones, partner at CPA Consulting Group, to talk about taxes. It's much better than my annual visit to the dentist, not only because…

We see it everywhere in the music biz: [Insert Artist Name here] has a new single! But, what does that really mean?

Well, to break it down, there are SINGLES, Singles and singles...

The SINGLE- Major Label Release or the…

Brian Kolb with his Original Pawnshop Guitar

Brian Kolb was 15 years old when he and his brother Dan started writing their first song together on a $200 pawnshop guitar. While a few years have rolled by, one thing hasn't…

 

Dave Illustrating the Album Mosaic behind “Stripes”

 
Studio Outtakes: Grammy-Nominated Producer Dave Brainard on 12 Stories
 
Dave Brainard was nominated for a Grammy for producing the Brandy Clark album12 Stories. I recently caught up with Dave and was…

"Love Shouldn't Hurt" Lyric Video
If you don't have big money to make a big budget video (like me and most other indie artists), consider lyric videos to bring your song to life!

There are essentially a couple low-cost ways…

Me, Joe and Cullen with his furry sidekick

On a recent radio station visit to Knoxville I had the chance to meet Cullen Kehoe, Programmer/Production DirectorAmericana Nights, WFIV 105.3 FM. For those of you who may not know, My…

This edition of the blog may stir the pot a bit, and this is only my opinion, but I think some of these realities need to be shared- especially with newcomers to the industry. So, here are five reasons that…

For the first time I'm promoting a record of mine to radio. And, I'm learning a lot about how promotion at radio works. So, here are a few tips for you artists who are about to embark on the same…

Gary and me talking music at Edgehill Cafe

With credits like Keith Whitley, Charlie Pride, Alabama, Kenny Chesney, Billy Currington and Alan Jackson to his name, Gary Prim is one of the top keyboard players in Nashville. What also makes…

The Vocal Team: Me with Thom Flora and Judy Rodman

When I asked John Willis (producer) and Judy Rodman (vocal producer) who we should have sing male background vocals on my new record, they both looked at each other and…

Leslie Ellis, photo by Sheri O’Neal ©2009

Leslie Ellis is a no-nonsense, level headed, roll-up-your-sleeves kind of person. And what she said this year from the stage at the Tin Pan South songwriter’s festival hit me as just as hard…

Brad Hardisty, Shantell Ogden, John Willis

Thanks to Brad Hardisty for stopping by the studio and interviewing me about the new record!

Here's a little excerpt:

"I’ve partnered with some of the best hit writers is Nashville, Jan Buckingham and…