Business of Songwriting | Notes on Napkins

November 28, 2023
by Sara Light

GOLD STARS Report: SongU.com Songs Recently Picked Up for Pitches (Edition 10-31-23)

CONGRATULATIONS to these SongU members for having their songs signed or pitched for the following leads during the time period 10/1/2023 – 10/31/2023.

Pitch For Publisher. Traditional Country. TRADITIONAL COUNTRY FOR 3 ARTISTS. Street Pitch guest and publisher, Bob D., who has already generated income for SongU.com members is looking for Traditional Country songs to pitch to upcoming projects for the following three artists…

• Matthew Soileau “THE GHOST IN THE ROOM” (Date picked up: 10/5/2023)

Pitch For Publisher. Film/TV/Media.Updated 10/6/2023: Music Publisher who will be acting in the capacity of publishing administrator only. Seeking Broadcast Quality original songs and tracks:…

    • Bradley Dawson “WOMAN” (Date picked up: 10/1/2023)
    • Beerand Flies “PLENTY OF FISH” (Date picked up: 10/1/2023)
    • Matty Gottesman “LIGHTNING STRIKES TWICE” (Date picked up: 10/1/2023)
    • David Johnson “THE BEST THINGS IN LIFE ARE FREE – VERSION 2” (Date picked up: 10/1/2023)
    • James Kelso “HEAR MY HALLELUJAH” (Date picked up: 10/1/2023)
    • James Kelso “ONE EIGHTY” (Date picked up: 10/1/2023)
    • James Kelso “MOVER OF MOUNTAINS “ (Date picked up: 10/1/2023)
    • Kevin Kenney “BANGIE BANGIE BOOM BOOM” (Date picked up: 10/1/2023)
    • Michael Mironen “UNDER THE HOOD” (Date picked up: 10/1/2023)
    • Dana Pagane “CHORUS VERSION SONGS OF CHRISTMAS “ (Date picked up: 10/1/2023)
    • Douglas Stanglin “NICE” (Date picked up: 10/1/2023)
    • Clare Steffen “FEEL THE RHYTHM” (Date picked up: 10/1/2023)
    • Malcolm james Stretten “HOLD ON” (Date picked up: 10/1/2023)
    • Rita Weyls “BLUE DENIM BLUE” (Date picked up: 10/1/2023)

Pitch For Song Plugger. Country. CODY HIBBARD. Extended! Street Pitch guest, J.N., veteran independent songplugger who has generated income for SongU members is looking for songs for artist (currently in development deal), Cody Hibbard. Seeking mainstream contemporary country radio …

• Carin Fradin “IF I WAS YOUR HOMETOWN” (Date picked up: 10/16/2023)
• Carin Fradin “ONLY A BACKROAD KNOWS” (Date picked up: 10/16/2023)

Pitch For Song Plugger. Contemporary Country. NAOMI COOKE JOHNSON. Extended! Street Pitch guest, J.N., veteran independent songplugger who has generated income for SongU members is looking for songs for BMG artist, Naomi Cooke Johnson. Seeking UPTEMPOS and MIDS. Think Shania Twain meets Kane Brown. …

• Rhondalynn Pisanello “TRUMORS” (Date picked up: 10/16/2023)

Pitch For Publisher. Country. CHAPEL HART. Extended! Street Pitch guest, Dallas G., veteran music publisher, who has already generated income for SongU members, is listening for hit radio singles for Music Brothers Productions artist, rising female Country trio, Chapel Hart. The …

    • Ricky Amburgey “THE BULLY” (Date picked up: 10/6/2023)
    • Robbi Atkins “THE MANIACAL RIDE” (Date picked up: 10/6/2023)
    • Jonathan Chin “BIG BAD WOLF (ALT VOCALS)” (Date picked up: 10/16/2023)
    • Jennifer Ferguson “LOVE RULES” (Date picked up: 10/16/2023)
    • Ronald Hill “DROP OF SOUL (SUNG BY REBECCA LYNN HOWARD)” (Date picked up: 10/6/2023)
    • James Hoppe “ARETHA” (Date picked up: 10/6/2023)
    • James Hoppe “COOKIE JAR” (Date picked up: 10/16/2023)
    • Cassie Leuffen “HYMN” (Date picked up: 10/6/2023)
    • Templeton Thompson “IN THIS RODEO” (Date picked up: 10/16/2023)
    • Rita Weyls “I’M UNBROKEN “ (Date picked up: 10/16/2023)

Pitch For Song Plugger. Country. CLAYTON JOHNSON. Extended! A Street Pitch guest and veteran independent songplugger who has generated income for SongU members is looking for songs for currently unsigned artist, Clayton Johnson. seeking Contemporary Country ballads and mids/ups with …

• Carin Fradin “IF I WAS YOUR HOMETOWN” (Date picked up: 10/16/2023)

Pitch For Publisher. Contemporary Country. BLAKE SHELTON. Street Pitch guest and publisher, Bob D., who has already generated income for SongU.com members, is looking for songs for Warner Brothers artist Blake Shelton. Updated: Seeking big meaningful songs, any tempo. Nothing redneck or about …

• Carin Fradin “JUST RIGHT” (Date picked up: 10/1/2023)

Pitch For Publisher. Country. DANJO. Street Pitch guest and publisher, Bob D., who has already generated income for SongU.com members, is looking for songs for Rad Records artist Danjo (www.danjomusic.net). Has to be a SUPER CATCHY COUNTRY TUNE that is well written. Upbeat and danceable …

• Ricky Amburgey “THAT SOBER AGAIN” (Date picked up: 10/1/2023)

Pitch For Publisher. Holiday Themed. QUICK PITCH! CHRISTMAS SONGS. Street Pitch guest, Dallas G., veteran music publisher, who has already generated income for SongU members, is listening to songs for Christmas Songs, Various Artists for Steeple Country Records. Listening for Christmas …

    • Ray Kayanek “ONE MORE” (Date picked up: 10/2/2023)
    • Templeton Thompson “HAPPY YEEHALIDAYS” (Date picked up: 10/2/2023)
    • Templeton Thompson “MARY’S LULLABY (ON THIS HOLY NIGHT)” (Date picked up: 10/2/2023)
    • Ed Williams “THIS CHRISTMAS TIME” (Date picked up: 10/2/2023)

Pitch For Licensing Agent. Pop, Singer Songwriter, Indie. FALLING IN LOVE MONTAGE SCENE. Street Pitch guest, Nancy P. is seeking songs for sync licensing. Please read the entire brief before submitting and pitch appropriately. We are seeking an upbeat, sweet, innocent, sunny song for this love story. Something …

• Swagata Banerjee “LOVE MAKES MY WORLD” (Date picked up: 10/6/2023)
• Eric Spiegel “LENS (SINGER-SONGWRITER/INDIE POP)” (Date picked up: 10/6/2023)

Pitch For Licensing Agent. HipHop, Metal, Rap, Rock. HIGH ENERGY SONGS FOR TV SERIES. A Street Pitch guest and sync licensing agent is seeking songs. Please read the entire brief before submitting and pitch appropriately. We are seeking fast-paced, loud, chaotic, in-your-face songs for openers, action, …

• Michael Mironen “TORCHHEAD” (Date picked up: 10/20/2023)

Pitch For Licensing Agent. Singer Songwriter, Alternative, Indie. EMOTIONAL MONTAGE SONGS (NO LOVE SONGS). A Street Pitch guest and sync licensing agent is seeking songs. Please read the entire brief before submitting and pitch appropriately. Seeking emotional songs and tight storylines that provide a feeling of closure. …

    • Angela Randion “WHAT IF” (Date picked up: 10/21/2023)
    • Templeton Thompson “HOME” (Date picked up: 10/25/2023)
    • Templeton Thompson “COMMON GROUND” (Date picked up: 10/25/2023)

Pitch For Other. Pop. POP BALLAD FOR INDEPENDENT FILM. A sync agent is providing an exclusive brief to SongU.com members. Please read the entire brief before submitting and pitch appropriately:

• Kelly Jett “HOLD YOUR BREATH” (Date picked up: 10/3/2023)

Pitch For Other. Holiday Themed. FESTIVE HOLIDAY MUSIC FOR CHRISTMAS AD CAMPAIGN. A sync agent is providing an exclusive brief to SongU.com members. Please read the entire brief before submitting and pitch appropriately…

• Cassie Leuffen “I’VE FALLEN IN LOVE WITH CHRISTMAS” (Date picked up: 10/3/2023)

Pitch For Other. Country, Folk.Folk-Country Song for Indie Road Trip Film A sync agent is providing an exclusive brief to SongU.com members. Please read the entire brief before submitting and pitch appropriately…

• Brad Yunek “BORDERLINE OF YOU” (Date picked up: 10/11/2023)

And a round of congrats to those marked ‘Maybe’ too. Keep up the great work, everyone!

About Pitching at SongU.com: On the SongU virtual campus, success is achieved through our focus on education and making each song the strongest it can be BEFORE spending money on a demo. We offer numerous opportunities for songwriters to reach their goals, from one-on-one coaching to live feedback sessions, to peer and mentor co-writes.

October 9, 2023
by Sara Light

GOLD STARS Report: SongU.com Songs Recently Picked Up for Pitches (Edition 9-30-23)

CONGRATULATIONS to these SongU members for having their songs signed or pitched for the following leads during the time period 08/16/2023 – 09/30/2023.

Pitch For Publisher. Christian Contemporary (CCM), Inspirational, Gospel, Christian Praise/Worship. CHRISTIAN MUSIC FOR VARIOUS ARTISTS AND LABELS. Street Pitch guest, D.G., veteran music publisher, who has already generated income for SongU members, is listening for a broad spectrum of Christian music in any genre: Praise & Worship, CCM, Southern …

    • Ricky Amburgey “MAKE ME THE MOON” (Date picked up: 8/25/2023)
    • Ricky Amburgey “ME ON THE CROSS” (Date picked up: 8/25/2023)
    • Cheryl Ashton “ROCKS ACROSS THE RIVER” (Date picked up: 9/1/2023)
    • Cheryl Ashton “HERO IN HEAVEN” (Date picked up: 9/1/2023)
    • Robbi Atkins “THAT GOODBYE” (Date picked up: 8/18/2023)
    • Jerry Blackburn “FORGIVEN” (Date picked up: 8/18/2023)
    • Amelia Boles “OH, I BELIEVE “ (Date picked up: 9/2/2023)
    • Wes Bullock “EMPTY HANDS” (Date picked up: 8/18/2023)
    • Rick Burge “AN ACT OF FAITH (SOLDIER ON)” (Date picked up: 9/1/2023)
    • Jonathan Chin “GOOD NEWS” (Date picked up: 9/1/2023)
    • Priscilla Connolly “MY ROCK” (Date picked up: 8/18/2023)
    • Priscilla Connolly “OUR JOURNEY “ (Date picked up: 8/18/2023)
    • Donald Eidman ” KINGDOM WISE “ (Date picked up: 9/2/2023)
    • Bill Ekhoff “ONE FAITH ONE BODY ONE HOPE” (Date picked up: 9/1/2023)
    • Bill Ekhoff “ANSWERED BY YOUR GRACE” (Date picked up: 8/18/2023)
    • Heidi Huettner “SHINING ON ME” (Date picked up: 9/2/2023)
    • Bobby Johnston “BLESSED” (Date picked up: 8/18/2023)
    • Bobby Johnston “THE NEWS THAT NEVER CHANGES” (Date picked up: 8/18/2023)
    • Jim Karns “THE DAY I MET THE DEVIL DEMO” (Date picked up: 9/2/2023)
    • Kevin Lynch “WE ADORE YOU” (Date picked up: 9/1/2023)
    • Abigail Marmion “IT’S MY TURN” (Date picked up: 9/1/2023)
    • Abigail Marmion “OUT OF SLUMBER” (Date picked up: 8/25/2023)
    • Abigail Marmion “MY SPIRITUAL EDGE” (Date picked up: 8/25/2023)
    • Abigail Marmion “PRAY YOU HOME” (Date picked up: 8/25/2023)
    • Abigail Marmion “TRUST YOUR OUTCOMES TO GOD “ (Date picked up: 8/25/2023)
    • Abigail Marmion “IN SPITE OF IT ALL” (Date picked up: 9/1/2023)
    • Terri Mcpherson “GREAT MERCY GOOD GRACE” (Date picked up: 9/1/2023)
    • Karen Mitchell “I WILL TRUST YOU 06192022” (Date picked up: 9/2/2023)
    • Karen Mitchell “THROUGH NOW UNTIL THEN” (Date picked up: 9/2/2023)
    • Russ Parrish “YOU’RE HERE” (Date picked up: 9/1/2023)
    • Tommy Patterson “COME ON IN THE WATER’S FINE” (Date picked up: 9/1/2023)
    • David Pellegrini “HEM OF HIS GARMENT” (Date picked up: 9/1/2023)
    • David Pellegrini “HE FILLED ME UP *” (Date picked up: 9/1/2023)
    • David Pellegrini “JESUS ALL I NEED **” (Date picked up: 8/18/2023)
    • Angela Randion “ON MY KNEES” (Date picked up: 9/1/2023)
    • Michelle Robison “THE BRIGHTEST STAR” (Date picked up: 9/1/2023)
    • Clare Steffen “DON’T LET YOUR HEART BE TROUBLED” (Date picked up: 9/1/2023)
    • Lashana Stephenson “THE GOOD NEWS” (Date picked up: 9/1/2023)
    • John Welch “COVERS ME” (Date picked up: 9/1/2023)
    • John Welch “YOU ALREADY WON” (Date picked up: 9/1/2023)
    • Rita Weyls “LOVING IN THE MOMENT” (Date picked up: 9/1/2023)
    • Brian Wheatley “JOY ON THE JOURNEY” (Date picked up: 8/18/2023)
    • Stacey Young “I WORSHIP YOU” (Date picked up: 9/1/2023)
    • Stacey Young “BE STILL” (Date picked up: 9/1/2023)
    • Stacey Young “I WANTA THANK U LORD” (Date picked up: 9/1/2023)
    • Brad Yunek “I WORSHIP YOU” (Date picked up: 8/18/2023)

Pitch For Publisher. Country. TROY CARTWRIGHT. This is a Behind-the-Scenes (BTS) enabled pitch…which means that as you go through the submission process, you will have an OPTIONAL add-on opportunity to attend a live listening session with the guest as he listens to your song. Limited …

• James Hoppe “SHOUTING HALLELUJAH” (Date picked up: 8/19/2023)

Pitch For Publisher. Country. JOE NICHOLS. Extended! Street Pitch guest and publisher, Bob D., who has already generated income for SongU.com members, is looking for songs for Quartz Hill Records artist Joe Nichols (joenichols.com). Seeking ONLY UPTEMPO ala Luke Combs ‘Beer Never …

    • James Deborde “COUNTRY FUNK” (Date picked up: 8/20/2023)
    • Derek James “WHO DON’T” (Date picked up: 8/20/2023)
    • Carey Latham “GIRL IT AINT ME” (Date picked up: 8/31/2023)
    • Carey Latham “”IF I DO ANYTHING”” (Date picked up: 8/18/2023)

Pitch For Publisher. Country, Rock. CAITLIN MAE. Street Pitch guest and publisher, Bob D., who has already generated income for SongU.com members, is looking for songs for Dream Music artist Caitlin Mae. Seeking UPTEMPO rockin’ country strong female songs. For direction Gabby Barrett, …

• Ronald Hill “DROP OF SOUL (SUNG BY REBECCA LYNN HOWARD)” (Date picked up: 8/31/2023)

Pitch For Publisher. Country. ALEX MILLER. Extended! Still looking. Street Pitch guest, Dallas G., veteran music publisher, who has already generated income for SongU members, is listening to songs for Billy Jam recording artist Alex Miller, American Idol Season 19 contestant. I …

    • Vita Dennis “LEARN TO FLY” (Date picked up: 8/25/2023)
    • Al Raebuck “BOY, YOU BETTER RUN” (Date picked up: 9/12/2023)
    • Eric Spiegel “BLAME IT ON A FEEL GOOD SONG” (Date picked up: 9/5/2023)
    • Eric Spiegel “AIN’T ENOUGH WHISKEY” (Date picked up: 9/5/2023)
    • Avrim Topel “HURT PEOPLE HURT PEOPLE (MALE)” (Date picked up: 9/5/2023)

Pitch For Licensing Agent. Pop, Rock, Singer Songwriter, Indie. SONGS FOR CABLE ROM COM. Street Pitch guest, N.P. is seeking songs for sync licensing. Please read the entire brief before submitting and pitch appropriately. We need 2 types of music for this romantic comedy film:
First type – Cool, upbeat, …

• Hilton Severson “LET’S DO SOMETHING WILD” (Date picked up: 9/6/2023)

    • Jerry Blackburn “LOOSE CHANGE” (Date picked up: 9/5/2023)
    • Carey Latham “I AIN’T YOUR BOOTS” (Date picked up: 9/12/2023)
    • Carey Latham “LITTLE BIT” (Date picked up: 9/12/2023)
    • Kenneth Riggins “GIRL GOTTA DO/ LYRIC REWRITE” (Date picked up: 9/12/2023)
    • Rita Weyls “STRONG MEDICINE “ (Date picked up: 9/12/2023)

Pitch For Publisher. Country. GEORGE STRAIT (2). IMPORTANT UPDATE ON AUGUST 4TH! The Strait camp is ONLY seeking UPTEMPOS now. Please no more Midtempo or Slow song submissions. Submissions for this pitch will be a hard deadline of AUGUST 28th. Here’s a second chance to get …

    • Dennis Duff “SQUARES” (Date picked up: 8/30/2023)
    • Derek James “BRINGS THE NEON” (Date picked up: 8/30/2023)
    • Paul Longwell “TEXANS IN THEIR HEARTS” (Date picked up: 8/30/2023)

Pitch For Licensing Agent. Americana. SONGS FOR NEW CABLE NETWORK SERIES. Street Pitch guest, N.P. is seeking songs for sync licensing. Please read the entire brief before submitting and pitch appropriately. We are seeking lots of cool Americana, Roots music, and Alt-Country songs for this …

• Michael Taylor “GLORY HALLELUJAH SKY_FV” (Date picked up: 9/6/2023)

Pitch For Licensing Agent. HipHop, Rock. MUSIC FOR ANIMATED SERIES. Street Pitch guest, N.P. is seeking songs for sync licensing. Please read the entire brief before submitting and pitch appropriately. We need punk, hard rock, indie rock – some moody, but mostly high energy, fun, crazy, rebellious …

• Beerand Flies “STARS ON STILTS “ (Date picked up: 9/18/2023)
• Avrim Topel “THIS IS THE VIBE” (Date picked up: 9/18/2023)

• Ricky Amburgey “BUY MYSELF A BEER” (Date picked up: 9/30/2023)
• Paul Jarvis “LINES” (Date picked up: 9/30/2023)

• Scott Miller “ZERO TO HILLBILLY” (Date picked up: 9/30/2023)

Pitch For Publisher. Contemporary Country. RODNEY ATKINS. Street Pitch guest and publisher, Bob D., who has already generated income for SongU.com members, is looking for songs for Curb Records artist Rodney Atkins. They are looking for 2-3 mids/ups with meaty lyrics, meaningful themes. No slow …

• Eric Spiegel “NEVER TOO LATE” (Date picked up: 9/30/2023)

    • Ricky Amburgey “WONDER” (Date picked up: 9/26/2023)
    • Robbi Atkins “LITTLE SIMPLE CHRISTMAS THINGS (V4)” (Date picked up: 9/26/2023)
    • Reesa Bebb “CHRISTMAS CAME CALLING” (Date picked up: 9/26/2023)
    • Nancy Blandford “MY CHRISTMAS PHOTOGRAPH “ (Date picked up: 9/26/2023)
    • Carey Latham “ABOUT A KING” (Date picked up: 9/27/2023)
    • Sarah Motes ashley “LITTLE PLUG-IN TREE” (Date picked up: 9/27/2023)
    • Daniel Obrien “LET’S CALL AT THE MANGER (REV)” (Date picked up: 9/26/2023)
    • Tommy Patterson “SANTA’S CAUSE” (Date picked up: 9/26/2023)
    • David Pellegrini “A KING WITHOUT A COUNTRY” (Date picked up: 9/26/2023)
    • David Pellegrini “GODS BEST GIFT OF ALL ( JOY JOY)” (Date picked up: 9/26/2023)
    • Rhondalynn Pisanello “THE STAR OF BETHLEHEM” (Date picked up: 9/27/2023)
    • Russ Pruitt “HIS FATHER’S NAME” (Date picked up: 9/27/2023)
    • Tim Schlesener “EMPTY CHAIR” (Date picked up: 9/26/2023)
    • Hilton Severson “THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT” (Date picked up: 9/27/2023)
    • John Smith “HEAVEN TONIGHT 2” (Date picked up: 9/27/2023)
    • Mitch Townley “GET OUR CHRISTMAS ON” (Date picked up: 9/27/2023)
    • Claire Ulanoff “MOUNTAIN TOP CHRISTMAS” (Date picked up: 9/27/2023)
    • Claire Ulanoff “WAITING IN THE WINGS 3” (Date picked up: 9/27/2023)
    • Perry Walp “HEAVEN’S LIGHT “ (Date picked up: 9/27/2023)
    • Rita Weyls “CHRISTMAS SPIRIT NOW” (Date picked up: 9/26/2023)

And a round of congrats to those marked ‘Maybe’ too. Keep up the great work, everyone!

October 9, 2023
by Sara Light

GOLD STARS Report: SongU.com Songs Recently Picked Up for Pitches (Edition 8-15-23)

CONGRATULATIONS to these SongU members for having their songs signed or pitched for the following leads during the time period 06/16/2023 – 08/15/2023.

    • Russ Parrish “YOU’RE HERE” (Date picked up: 6/20/2023)
    • Claire Ulanoff “THE LESS TRAVELED ROAD (ACOUSTIC)” (Date picked up: 7/6/2023)
    • Brian Wheatley “HE CAME DOWN” (Date picked up: 7/6/2023)

Pitch For Licensing Agent. Pop, R&B, Rock, Soul, Indie. Documentary Series. Street Pitch guest, N.P. is seeking songs for sync licensing. Please read the entire brief before submitting and pitch appropriately. We’re looking for songs with themes of hope, identity, overcoming, perseverance, modern love, self-confidence/self-love. …

• Robert Quigley “SHINE” (Date picked up: 7/31/2023)
• Malcolm james Stretten “BORN READY” (Date picked up: 7/31/2023)

    • Robbi Atkins “A FATHER’S DANCE” (Date picked up: 7/20/2023)
    • Rick Burge “HE SHOWED LOVE” (Date picked up: 7/20/2023)
    • Mac Millen “JESUS LOVES US THIS I KNOW” (Date picked up: 7/4/2023)
    • David Nicastro “TO YOU MY LORD” (Date picked up: 7/20/2023)
    • Michael Taylor “ONE DOOR CLOSES, ONE DOOR OPENS_DEMO02*” (Date picked up: 7/20/2023)
    • D Toomey “LAY YOUR BURDEN DOWN” (Date picked up: 7/20/2023)
    • Mitch Townley “LET HOPE RAIN” (Date picked up: 7/20/2023)
    • Rita Weyls “PRAY” (Date picked up: 7/20/2023)
    • Rita Weyls “WHEN THE SUN COMES UP” (Date picked up: 7/20/2023)

Pitch For Song Plugger. Country. KAYLEY GREEN. EXTENDED! Street Pitch guest, J.N., veteran independent songplugger who has generated income for SongU members is looking for songs recently signed new artist on Sony Records, Kayley Green. Update: Need standouts, rhythmic, strong, self-aware, …

• James Hoppe “ARETHA” (Date picked up: 8/15/2023)

Pitch For Licensing Agent. Blues, Pop, Rock, Soul, Alternative, Indie. MUSIC FOR HBO SERIES, HACKS. Street Pitch guest, N.P. is seeking songs for sync licensing. Please read the entire brief before submitting and pitch appropriately. This HBO series starring Jean Smart is back in production and scheduled to air late …

• Beerand Flies “WALK A MILE! “ (Date picked up: 7/12/2023)
• Beerand Flies “BECAUSE I’M COOL LIKE THAT” (Date picked up: 7/12/2023)

Pitch For Licensing Agent. Folk. FOLK SONGS FOR HORROR MOVIE. Street Pitch guest, N.P. is seeking songs for sync licensing. Please read the entire brief before submitting and pitch appropriately. We’re seeking an ‘end credits’ song for a minimalist ambient slasher film in the …

• Matty Gottesman “SKELETON” (Date picked up: 6/22/2023)

Pitch For Publisher. Country. RYAN LARKINS Street Pitch guest, D.G., veteran music publisher, who has already generated income for SongU members, is listening to songs for singer/songwriter and recording artist Ryan Larkins. Ryan recently signed a record deal with Red Street Records …

• Thomas White “GLAD I CAME IN LAST” (Date picked up: 7/11/2023)

• Carin Fradin “IF I WAS YOUR HOMETOWN” (Date picked up: 6/22/2023)

Pitch For Publisher. Contemporary Country. LILY ROSE. Street Pitch guest and publisher, Bob D., who has already generated income for SongU.com members is looking for songs for Big Loud Shirt artist Lily Rose. Seeking contemporary, vulnerable and raw songs ala Tracy Chapman meets Maren Morris. …

• James Deborde “IT AIN’T CHEATIN'” (Date picked up: 8/1/2023)
• Eve Suchy “HOLD MY TEQUILA “ (Date picked up: 8/1/2023)

• Ricky Amburgey “THAT SOBER AGAIN” (Date picked up: 8/1/2023)

    • James Deborde “IT AIN’T CHEATIN'” (Date picked up: 7/24/2023)
    • Derek James “WORN TO BE WILD” (Date picked up: 7/24/2023)
    • Rick Lane “BRING IT ON” (Date picked up: 7/24/2023)

Pitch For Licensing Agent. Pop. MUSIC FOR VANDERPUMP RULES-SEASON 11. Street Pitch guest, N.P. is seeking songs for sync licensing. Please read the entire brief before submitting and pitch appropriately. ‘Vanderpump Rules’ is an American reality television series on the Bravo …

• Kelly Jett “HOLD YOUR BREATH” (Date picked up: 8/2/2023)
• Kelly Jett “RIGHT AT THE WRONG TIME” (Date picked up: 8/2/2023)

    • Carin Fradin “LET THERE BE DIRT” (Date picked up: 8/15/2023)
    • James Hoppe “YOUR CALL” (Date picked up: 8/15/2023)
    • Carey Latham “GIRL IT AINT ME” (Date picked up: 8/3/2023)
    • Carey Latham “COUNTRY SUMMER NIGHT” (Date picked up: 8/9/2023)
    • Mitch Townley “BROKE ON YOU” (Date picked up: 8/15/2023)
    • Thomas White “SOLID COUNTRY GOLD “ (Date picked up: 8/3/2023)

Pitch For Licensing Agent. Pop, Rock, Indie. GEN Z POP/INDIE MUSIC FOR 2 NETWORK TV SERIES. Street Pitch guest, N.P. is seeking songs for sync licensing. Please read the entire brief before submitting and pitch appropriately. We are gathering songs for the production company for a couple …

• Michael Mironen “OPEN THE MAIN GATES” (Date picked up: 8/2/2023)

• James Deborde “GETTIN’ OVER YOU” (Date picked up: 8/15/2023)

And a round of congrats to those marked ‘Maybe’ too. Keep up the great work, everyone!

June 15, 2023
by Sara Light

GOLD STARS Report: SongU.com Songs Recently Picked Up for Pitches (Edition 6-15-23)

CONGRATULATIONS to these SongU members for having their songs signed or pitched for the following leads during the time period 05/03/2023 – 06/15/2023.

• Kelly Collins “HERE I AM” (Date picked up: 5/10/2023)

Pitch For Song Plugger. Country. SHENANDOAH. Street Pitch guest, J.N., veteran independent songplugger who has generated income for SongU members is looking for songs for 8 Track Entertainment artist, Shenandoah. Seeking ‘classic Shenandoah’ uptempos or mids to complete new album for …

• Janet Devers “CAN’T WE TRY” (Date picked up: 5/17/2023)

• Michael Boehnlein “THE LIMESTONE CHURCH” (Date picked up: 5/11/2023)
• Michael Boehnlein “BLUEGRASS MOUNTAIN HOME” (Date picked up: 5/11/2023)

    • Bobby Johnston “BLESSED” (Date picked up: 5/4/2023)
    • Abigail Marmion “TRUST YOUR OUTCOMES TO GOD “ (Date picked up: 5/10/2023)
    • David Pellegrini “ALL MY DAYS” (Date picked up: 5/4/2023)
    • Rory Scott “BORN AGAIN” (Date picked up: 5/4/2023)
    • Mitch Townley “ALWAYS ENOUGH” (Date picked up: 5/4/2023)
    • Rita Weyls “ARE YOUR REASONS RIGHT “ (Date picked up: 5/4/2023)

    • Ricky Amburgey “THANK YOU GOD FOR MY MAMA” (Date picked up: 5/30/2023)
    • Robbi Atkins “LITTLE BOY “ (Date picked up: 5/30/2023)
    • Paul Jarvis “UNTIL YOU”VE RAISED A DAUGHTER (YOU”LL NEVER UNDERSTAND)” (Date picked up: 5/16/2023)
    • Carey Latham “CALL YOU MAMA UP” (Date picked up: 5/16/2023)
    • Avrim Topel “SONS AND SINGLE MOMS 2.0” (Date picked up: 5/16/2023)
    • Brett Turner “MY MAMA’S BOY DEMO” (Date picked up: 5/30/2023)
    • Brad Yunek “HER DRESS” (Date picked up: 5/16/2023)

    • Heno Head “BETWEEN HELL AND HALLELUJAH” (Date picked up: 6/5/2023)
    • Kenneth Riggins “YOU ARE IN CONTROL/2” (Date picked up: 6/9/2023)
    • Matthew Soileau “POUR CHOICES (RE-WRITE)” (Date picked up: 6/5/2023)

Pitch For Publisher. Country. LAUREN ALAINA. Street Pitch guest and publisher, Bob D., who has already generated income for SongU.com members is looking for songs for Big Loud Records artist Lauren Alaina. Seeking UPTEMPO story songs. Nothing too sweet. Think less about romance and …

• Carin Fradin “SONG DRUNK” (Date picked up: 5/31/2023)
• Derek James “WORN TO BE WILD” (Date picked up: 5/31/2023)

Pitch For Publisher. Country. SAM GROW. Street Pitch guest and publisher, Bob D., who has already generated income for SongU.com members is looking for songs for Average Joe Records artist Sam Grow. Seeking great story telling songs. Listen to “This Town” https://newcountrysongs.com/sam-grow/this-town/ …

    • Ricky Amburgey “THAT SOBER AGAIN” (Date picked up: 5/31/2023)
    • James Hoppe “SOMETHING’S UP” (Date picked up: 5/31/2023)
    • Derek James “ONLY A BACKROAD KNOWS” (Date picked up: 5/31/2023)
    • Carey Latham “GUESS WHERE I AM” (Date picked up: 5/28/2023)

Pitch For Song Plugger. Contemporary Country. MORGAN EVANS. Street Pitch guest and publisher, Bob D., who has already generated income for SongU.com members is looking for songs for Warner Brothers artist Morgan Evans. Seeking early Keith Urban type singles for radio 38-yr old Australian male country …

• Jonny Born “HOW YOU LOOK AT ME – DEMO” (Date picked up: 5/31/2023)

    • Wes Bullock “DESPERATE” (Date picked up: 6/7/2023)
    • David Johnson “I GIVE IT UP TO YOU” (Date picked up: 5/16/2023)
    • Carey Latham “DID YOU SEE THE MOON LAST NIGHT” (Date picked up: 5/16/2023)
    • Rita Weyls “ARE YOUR REASONS RIGHT “ (Date picked up: 5/31/2023)
    • Thomas White “LET THE HEALING BEGIN” (Date picked up: 5/16/2023)

Pitch For Licensing Agent. .Vintage-retro styles, Acoustic Pop, Singer-songwriter, Folk HEALTHCARE COMMERCIAL. QUICK PITCH! Street Pitch guest, N.P. is seeking songs for sync licensing. Please read the entire brief before submitting and pitch appropriately. This …

• Hilton Severson “LET’S DO SOMETHING WILD” (Date picked up: 5/24/2023)

• Matty Gottesman “SIXTH SENSE” (Date picked up: 6/7/2023)
• Matty Gottesman “SLEEPLESS SUMMER” (Date picked up: 6/7/2023)

Pitch For Licensing Agent. .INDIE ALT ROCK MEETS GRUNGE MURMUR. Bob Dellaposta has been asked to pre-screen the songs submitted for this sync licensing opportunity. NOTE: There are 5 spots listed separately on this page, each with different musical needs. PLEASE READ THE …

• David Nicastro “FALLEN FROM GRACE” (Date picked up: 6/12/2023)

Pitch For Licensing Agent. Film/TV/Media. MURMUR. Bob Dellaposta has been asked to pre-screen the songs submitted for this sync licensing opportunity. NOTE: There are 5 spots listed separately on this page, each with different musical needs. PLEASE READ THE SYNOPSIS, AND THE MUSIC NEEDS FOR …

• Wayne Gamache “IN CASE OF FIRE” (Date picked up: 6/12/2023)

And a round of congrats to those marked ‘Maybe’ too. Keep up the great work, everyone!

May 5, 2023
by Sara Light

GOLD STARS Report: SongU.com Songs Recently Picked Up (Edition 5-5-23)

CONGRATULATIONS to the following members for having their songs signed or pitched for the following leads during the time period 03/01/2023 – 05/02/2023.

Pitch For Publisher. Blues, Pop, Reggae, Singer Songwriter, Alternative, Indie. From SongU mentor and publisher, Bob Dellaposta. Opportunity for direct Licensing for Germany, Poland, France, Belgium, Italy, UK, Sweden, Norway and Europe. We need happy, positive, carefree, cheerful, fun rhythmic feel good music. Male or female vocals that families can enjoy while shopping or eating lunch or dinner in malls, retail stores, elevators, bars, night clubs, casinos, cruise ships, restaurants, phone hold music, jukeboxes, live shows …

    • Matty Gottesman “DON’T PLAY DUMB” (Date picked up: 3/7/2023)
    • John Schutt “MAGICAL CLASH CRASH” (Date picked up: 3/7/2023)
    • Douglas Stanglin “IT SURE SEEMED REAL TO ME (POP)” (Date picked up: 3/7/2023)
    • Malcolm Stretten “TIME OF YOUR LIFE” (Date picked up: 3/7/2023)

Pitch For Publisher. Country. LAINE HARDY. Extended! Street Pitch guest, D.G., veteran music publisher, who has already generated income for SongU members, is looking for songs for BUENA VISTA RECORDS artist Laine Hardy. Season 17 winner of American Idol. Laine is currently writing and cutting songs for this project, so the bar is very high. Before pitching please check out these songs to hear his voice and style. â€œThe Ground I Grew Up Onâ€ https://youtu.be/tap-kjERcxg and …

• D Toomey “CRY YOU A BAYOU” (Date picked up: 3/2/2023)

Pitch For Publisher. Country. MaRYNN TAYLOR. Extended! Street Pitch guest, D.G., veteran music publisher, who has already generated income for SongU members, is looking for songs for Black River Records artist MaRynn Taylor. Listening for UPTEMPOS only! No ballads. Needing 90’s style Country in the sphere of Sara Evans and early Trisha Yearwood. Songs can also have elements and nuances of Suzy Boggus and Mary Chapin Carpenter, all with a Dixie Chicks vibe. Nothing salacious, …

    • Robbi Atkins “HUMAN HEART (2021)” (Date picked up: 3/14/2023)
    • Robbi Atkins “I LOVE US” (Date picked up: 4/6/2023)
    • Mitch Townley “GIRL IN A SUMMER SONG” (Date picked up: 3/14/2023)
    • Rita Weyls “STRONG MEDICINE “ (Date picked up: 4/6/2023)
    • Thomas White “SMALL TOWN LOVE” (Date picked up: 3/14/2023)

Pitch For Publisher. Contemporary Country. TEGAN MARIE. Street Pitch guest and publisher, Bob D., who has already generated income for SongU.com members is looking for songs for Warner Brothers artist Tegan Marie. This is a 19-year old singer that was first signed to a major label at age 13. She needs fun young Country to show off her powerful vocal range. FEMALE vocal demos only. Listen at these links: https://www.teganmarieofficial.com/ ; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcq1rtdWTpA ; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HcBUNClV9T8. …

• James Hoppe “TALK TO THE HAND” (Date picked up: 4/2/2023)

Pitch For Publisher. Country. GREG PRATT. Extended! Street Pitch guest and publisher, Bob D., who has already generated income for SongU.com members is looking for songs for indie artist Greg Pratt, (producer Jace Williams) and setting out on a 2023 tour. This artist was born and raised in Memphis, TN. Deep baritone voice. UPDATE: Pitch your best Country radio-friendly UP-TEMPO, EDGY, Country ROCKERS that would break this artist to mainstream. MALE vocals only. Listen to previous …

• Eric Spiegel “180” (Date picked up: 4/1/2023)

Pitch For Licensing Agent. Pop, R&B, Soul, Indie. SONGS FOR CLOTHING BRAND FALL CAMPAIGN. Street Pitch guest, N.P. is seeking songs for sync licensing. Please read the entire brief before submitting. Pitch appropriately. Looking for upbeat songs for this multi-demographic company. Hooky, memorable, earworms, but must have an authentic feel- not just ‘made for sync’.
– The sounds should be optimistic but not overly cheery or too pop-y
– No aggressive or overly sexy songs
– …

• Matty Gottesman “DON’T PLAY DUMB” (Date picked up: 3/20/2023)
• Matty Gottesman “LIGHTNING STRIKES TWICE” (Date picked up: 3/20/2023)

Pitch For Licensing Agent. Pop, Rock, Singer Songwriter, Indie. INTENSE & MOODY SONGS FOR POPULAR NETWORK SERIES. Street Pitch guest, N.P. is seeking songs for sync licensing. Please read the entire brief before submitting. Pitch appropriately. Looking for songs with one of these two vibes: 1. Tension. We need songs with tension to play during montages and tense moments. Dramatic spots where ‘everything is on the line’ and we don’t know how it will turn out. Male or Female. Genres: Edgy Indie Rock & …

• Matty Gottesman “LIGHTNING STRIKES TWICE” (Date picked up: 3/20/2023)

Pitch For Song Plugger. Country. NATE BARNES. Street Pitch guest, J.N., veteran independent songplugger who has generated income for SongU members is looking for songs for Quartz Hill artist Nate Barnes. Seeking radio-friendly break-through hit songs in the direction of Luke Bryan’s “All My Friends Say” and “Beer Never Broke My Heart”. Can also consider full-blown drinkin’ party songs (not quirky or beachy) for a cool Country image. PITCH FOLLOW-UP: If this guest expresses interest …

• Thomas White “GLAD I CAME IN LAST” (Date picked up: 3/21/2023)

Pitch For Publisher. Country. JAMESON RODGERS. Street Pitch guest and publisher, Bob D., who has already generated income for SongU.com members is looking for songs for Sony artist Jameson Rodgers. Seeking UP-TEMPO show openers. MALE vocal demos only. For his look and sound, listen to ‘Porch With a View’ at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGBFBHHzB5w and ‘Missing One’ at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aa8kZkFYXrE . Submit male up-tempos only. Pitch follow-up info: If this guest …

    • Carin Fradin “ONLY A BACKROAD KNOWS” (Date picked up: 4/1/2023)
    • Carin Fradin “JUST RIGHT” (Date picked up: 4/1/2023)
    • Carey Latham “EVERY DAMN THING” (Date picked up: 3/21/2023)

Pitch For Publisher. .Acoustic Country / Modern Bluegrass. WESTWEND. Street Pitch guest and publisher, Bob D., who has already generated income for SongU.com members is looking for WestWend, currently label-shopping. SUBMIT male/female duets, acoustic country, modern bluegrass ala Alison Krauss & Wade Bowen. For more about this artist go to https://www.westwendmusic.com/home. Pitch follow-up info: If this guest expresses interest in your song, before pitching …

• Reesa Bebb “KISS ME LIKE IT WAS THE FIRST TIME (REWRITTEN – NEW DEMO)” (Date picked up: 4/1/2023)
• Jim Purtell “WALK AWAY FREE” (Date picked up: 3/20/2023)

Pitch For Licensing Agent. Country, Rock. GRITTY ROCK/COUNTRY FOR SUPERHERO MOVIE. Street Pitch guest, N.P. is seeking songs for sync licensing. Please read the entire brief before submitting. Pitch appropriately. We’re looking for gritty, hard driving rock or country rock leaning songs. Something in the direction of ‘Heavy Is The Head’ by Zach Brown Band and Chris Cornell. Our character is the reluctant hero who has to become king, so even better if lyrics relate to this theme. MALE …

• Jonny Born “WARNING ON A WHISKEY BOTTLE” (Date picked up: 4/13/2023)

Pitch For Publisher. .Americana, Bluegrass, Texas Dirt Country. JIMMY BOWEN. Street Pitch guest, D.G., veteran music publisher, who has already generated income for SongU members, is looking for songs for Santa Fe Entertainment artist Jimmy Bowen. Listening for UP-TEMPO songs for highly acclaimed musician and high tenor singer, Jimmy Bowen. Up-Tempo Americana, Bluegrass & Texas Dirt Country; think Vince Gill and Ricky Skaggs in your song selection. The songs Jimmy …

    • Wes Bullock “BRUSHSTROKES” (Date picked up: 3/30/2023)
    • Michael Taylor “JUST ALONG FOR THE RIDE_VER1” (Date picked up: 3/30/2023)
    • Mitch Townley “WAITING ON A TRAIN” (Date picked up: 4/10/2023)
    • Thomas White ” NO PLACE LIKE TEXAS” (Date picked up: 3/30/2023)
    • Thomas White “LEFT ON BROADWAY” (Date picked up: 3/30/2023)
    • Ed Williams “LIQUOR ME UP” (Date picked up: 4/20/2023)
    • Timothy Williams “SCREEN DOOR” (Date picked up: 4/20/2023)

Pitch For Publisher. Country, Inspirational, Gospel.Inspirational / Positive Country / Americana Gospel CHRIS GOLDEN. Extended! Street Pitch guest, D.G., veteran music publisher, who has already generated income for SongU members, is listening for songs for singer and multi-instrumentalist Chris Golden. Chris is the son of William Lee Golden of the legendary Oak Ridge Boys, and considers his musical talents “a gift from God”. In 1995, he began performing with the Oak Ridge Boys playing guitar, …

    • Michael Boehnlein “BLESSINGS FLOW” (Date picked up: 4/12/2023)
    • Garland Bost “HEAVENS LOOKING BETTER EVERYDAY” (Date picked up: 5/1/2023)
    • Carey Latham “SINNER MAN” (Date picked up: 4/26/2023)
    • Paul Longwell “I’M ALSO A SON” (Date picked up: 5/1/2023)
    • Brad Mckinney “WORDS TO LOVE BY” (Date picked up: 4/27/2023)
    • Phillip Sandifer “FIND YOUR OWN WAY” (Date picked up: 5/1/2023)
    • Thomas White “RIDE WITH ME” (Date picked up: 4/26/2023)
    • Thomas White “MAMA HELD THE GLASS” (Date picked up: 4/26/2023)
    • Brad Yunek “A FARMER’S WIFE” (Date picked up: 3/22/2023)

Pitch For Publisher. Country.‘Mama’ Songs Only. Read full description for details. THE OAK RIDGE BOYS. Street Pitch guest, D.G., veteran music publisher, who has already generated income for SongU members, is listening for one of the most distinctive and recognizable acts in music industry history, The Oak Ridge Boys. Songs can be any tempo, but must be written to describe, characterize, encapsulate and relate to everything beautiful and endearing about mamas (mothers). …

    • Robert Otting “BOX OF BUTTONS V3” (Date picked up: 4/6/2023)
    • Monty Savitz “I NEVER WOULD’VE SAW THE LIGHT” (Date picked up: 5/2/2023)
    • Thomas White “NEVER WOULDA SAW THE LIGHT” (Date picked up: 5/2/2023)

Pitch For Publisher. Traditional Country. JORDAN OAKS. Street Pitch guest, D.G., veteran music publisher, who has already generated income for SongU members, is listening for songs rising country singer and musician Jordan Oaks (independent). Seeking Modern Day Traditional Country songs. Jordan performed over 200 shows nationwide last year, appearing alongside notable country stars such as Joe Nichols, Jimmie Allen, Parmalee, Priscilla Block, Kip Moore, Rodney Atkins and others. Jordan has …

• Eve Suchy “SIPPIN'” (Date picked up: 5/1/2023)

Pitch For Publisher. Contemporary Country. RODNEY ATKINS. This is a Behind-the-Scenes (BTS) enabled pitch…which means that as you go through the submission process, you will have an OPTIONAL add-on opportunity to attend a live listening session with the guest as he listens to your song. Limited enrollment – Details inside. (BTS end date: 4/19). LISTING: Street Pitch guest, J.N., veteran independent songplugger who has generated income for SongU members is looking for songs for Curb artist, …

• James Hoppe “FALL APART TOGETHER” (Date picked up: 5/2/2023)

Pitch For Licensing Agent. Pop, Indie. Modern Indie Songs For Communication Brand. Street Pitch guest, N.P. is seeking songs for sync licensing. Please read the entire brief before submitting. Pitch appropriately. Looking for indie songs that have an uplifting and positive tone. Mid to uptempo – not hypersonic speed, but with energy that will propel the visuals. Lyrically it could be about giving back, community, coming together, lifting each other up, making the world a better …

• Matthew Soileau “ONE LIGHT” (Date picked up: 4/24/2023)

And a round of congrats to those marked ‘Maybe’ too. Keep up the great work, everyone!

February 24, 2022
by Sara Light Leave a comment

Inside the (Surprising) Writer’s Room with Special Event Winner Jonny Born!

For our Fall 2021 SongU Special Event Pitch, “Staff Writer for a Day,” the Creative Director of Winsongs Music Publishing, Kirby Smith, listened to over 200 songs. She selected one writer, Jonny Born, to win the coveted “staff writer for a day” prize which featured a co-writing session with Winsongs’ artist/writer Eric Van Houten. This month Jonny flew from his home in Utah to Nashville, TN, for that session. He told me later that he was glad he made the trip to write in person because the visit was full of surprises, and the creative energy in the writer’s room was tangible.

Jonny, how’d your staff writer session go?

It was amazing! In addition to Eric Van Houten from WinSongs, Kirby added a new artist/writer named Nick Boyd to the meeting as well, and I am so glad she did. Watch out for this kid. He is the real deal!

You had another happy surprise too, right?

We wrote in Liz Rose’s office and I was pumped. I can’t even imagine how many monsters have been written in those walls. I took a picture before the meeting. I know it looks like I’m not happy, but that’s my “Jon, get your head in the game and show up and contribute, it’s time to go to work” face!!! HAHA. Honestly, I just wanted to get a picture before anyone saw me taking a selfie and figured out I was a nervous rookie!

**Songwriter, Jonny Born, in Liz Rose Music Writer’s Room**

You don’t look like a rookie! What happened when Eric and Nick arrived?

After we chatted for a while and just got to know each other a bit, we talked about what we wanted to write.

How’d the writing process go?

I had about 15-20 hooks/ideas I’ve been saving for that day. I pulled out what I thought was the most intriguing one — a concept around the word “Unmade,” with the chorus starting out, “I can’t lie, the way you kissed me, left me drunker than the whiskey.” And ending with: “Now, I can’t lie, in this bed that we unmade.” They dug it, and we dove in. I was SUPER worried about keeping up and adding value in that room, but was happy that by the end of it, I’d contributed about 40+% of the lyric, most of the music/progressions, and the hook. I felt I belonged in the room.

That’s terrific! It’s great that you came prepared with so many ideas, even though they liked the first one you presented.

Those guys made it modern, and fresh, and really really cool. It’s certainly one of the better ones I’ve written, but those boys write every day. They also seemed happy with it.

Did you learn anything new about the writing process from this experience?

The experience did shine a light on some areas where I get to improve and up my writing game. New ways to approach a lyric, and a top line. How to get out of my comfort zone and do things lyrically, and musically, that aren’t expected and are new and fresh. Mixing up the lyric syncopation, etc. I’m going to dig in and really get to work on that. You’ll see an improvement in my writing because of this. It makes me wonder how good I could get if I was here, and had the chance to write with better writers every day.

What was your overall experience with the Staff Writer for a Day Special Event?

I just wanted to express my gratitude again for creating this opportunity for me. I feel really, really blessed to have had the chance to be part of SongU and get better at the craft, and have the chance to meet you, and be able show up and be “in the room.”

Jonny, THANK YOU for chatting about your “Staff Writer for a Day” experience so that we can all learn from it! Here’s the WORKTAPE of “Unmade” (with your vocal).

“Unmade” written by Jonny Born, Eric Van Houten, and Nick Boyd

September 2, 2021
by Sara Light Leave a comment

Matt Soileau, SongU Special Event Pitch Winner, Writes Like a Pro!

Winner of our February/March 2021 SongU Special Event Pitch “Staff Writer for a Day with Curb/Word Entertainment,” Matt Soileau (pronounced in Louisiana French as “swallow”) answered our questions about his writing process. He also filled us in on the co-write session set up by Senior Creative Director of Publishing Ciara Shortridge with hit songwriter Bobby Tomberlin (“One More Day”).

Matt’s interest in songwriting started in 2016 in Texas from a random conversation about songwriting with one of his physical therapy patients. He was hooked when he learned that he could write the words to a song without the music. Until then, he didn’t even know there was such a thing as a “lyricist.” He admits that his first attempts were “horrible.” He and a co-worker would banter back and forth. He would create titles and lyrics to songs from the conversations, but they were always joke-type songs. They would watch a Country Music channel sometimes at work and would hear songs like T-Shirt and Trailer Hitch and say, “man, that’s pretty easy, simple, everyday stuff right there. We can make up lyrics and titles like that.” He learned later that it was a little more complicated than that.

**Songwriter, Matt Soileau and Family in Big Bend National Park, TX**

Like many new songwriters, Matt says the ideas for songs, titles, and twists on clichés were not the problem, but writing a complete song in a song-form to a melody was. Motivated to enter his lyrics into song contests, he teamed up to co-write with musicians and vocalists and started submitting his first “bad” songs. The contests led him to educational sites for songwriters, including SongU, and he began studying everything he could find about songwriting.

He wrote in secret for a year in fear that he “may not be good enough” and that those around him would laugh and think this was crazy. Eventually, he started to get some honorable mentions in songwriting contests, then semi-finalist, then finalist placements. He says that only then did he feel comfortable telling his wife and friends that he had entered into this new mid-life experiment. He says, “I didn’t understand why it was happening at that time but I just knew I felt so fulfilled when I was writing that this must be my purpose in life.”

How often do you write? Do you have any set schedule or unique ways to enhance your creative process?

I “work” on songwriting every morning, but I do not write songs every morning. I have a family with three kids and a wife, and a day job. For that reason, my writing time is anywhere from 4 AM to 9 AM before my family wakes up. That sounds bad, but I am an early riser that needs little sleep to operate. I like a quiet setting and some strong coffee to aid the process. I get to go longer on weekends if the kids don’t have early activities. I have dry spells like every other writer. When I’m not feeling inspired, I do clerical work related to my songs, like organizing e-mails, reading educational things, and looking for new networking opportunities. If the lyrics aren’t there, I sometimes find new ideas for titles or songs in general. Some mornings I listen to other artists, and that spurs ideas.

“We watched a Country music channel sometimes at work and say, man, that’s pretty easy, simple, everyday stuff right there. We can make up lyrics and titles like that. I learned later that it was a little more difficult than that.”
-Matt Soileau

Tell us about the pitching for this Special Event with Ciara Shortridge, Curb/Word Publishing Creative Director. Four of your songs ended up on the contenders’ list! How did you decide which of your song to submit to the Special Event Pitch?

This was difficult for me. I have demos of a lot of songs already completed because it seems like my creativity is a steamroller at times and won’t stop. I enjoy that completion process so much. It is hard for me to choose my best song because you think all of them are good when you create them. But then, if you get into an evaluation or pitching process with professionals, you start to realize their flaws. But I was simply submitting a few Country songs and few Contemporary Christian songs. I have had several bursts of inspiration in Contemporary Christian, which I think are some of my best songs. I’m glad that Ciara agreed when she judged the contest.

That seems like an excellent strategy to show your range as a writer. What were your first thoughts when you found out that you were the winner?

It was such an honor and validation to have a professional from a major label saying good things about my songs and picking me as the winner. Ciara’s comments were so nice and just gave me a good feeling about what I had done with my songs and how they could affect people in a positive way. She said that my song, So Help Me God, “resonates with me,” and she “loved it,” and “the double meaning of the hook knocked me out.” I played this song for a family member, and they cried because of its emotional impact. Even if this song never gets on the radio, it has still changed the world in some way and touched people already. That’s a great feeling and one of the goals of my writing.

I was also immediately anticipating the gift of a pro co-write with Bobby as well, and it was a really neat experience. This win [in addition to the Nashville Songwriter’s Contest win] has led to a couple of in-person co-writes when I make a trip to Nashville in November.

Here’s the song that rose the to top of the Special Event Pitch contenders list for Emily:

So Help Me God (Soileau/Chase)

I noticed that you submitted very well-done guitar/vocals rather than full-band productions. Ciara seemed to be drawn to them, which says a lot about the quality of the writing. You invited one of your co-writers to the session as well (with permission from Ciara and Bobby). Why was that?

I write with Brandon Chase, who does the vocals for most of my songs. He is now singing with the Christian group I Am They and was a former Voice contestant. His vocals are amazing! He is also very strong with melody, and that’s how we usually divide up the labor in our writes even though he has lyric skills as well. I just knew having him present would enhance the writing. I also wanted to invite him to show my gratitude since he was a co-writer on most of my contest songs, and I couldn’t have won without him.

How did you prepare yourself ahead of time for the co-write session with hit writer Bobby Tomberlin? Did you come with ideas or just let the ideas flow after you got in the “writer’s room” (aka online meeting)?

Because I consider myself the “idea and lyric guy,” I prepped by going through a lot of my song ideas stored on my phone and in my e-mail. I’m constantly jotting down new titles, ideas, and lines. So I suggested a few different songs, and we then decided on “Happy Accidents” as the best choice for our write. I can’t contribute to melody much because of my skill set, so I wanted to try to really contribute on the front end of the song. We completed it in two writing sessions about a month apart. I prepared for our second writing session by doing a lot of lyric writing on my own for the second verse and bridge. I can write and contribute in the moment during a writing session, but, because of the way I usually write, I like to slowly ruminate on lyrics in the early morning hours.

Can you walk us through the writing process a bit?

It was a Zoom session since I live in Texas. We did introduce ourselves and just said a few things about ourselves to get started. There was a little talking and joking, but we started getting into the write quickly. I shot out a few ideas, and Bobby picked the one he liked the best. Brandon agreed and very quickly started playing some melody options on his guitar. We did two sessions to complete the song. The first was about 40 minutes after dealing with some tech issues and the second one was about an hour to finish up.

Are you, Brandon, and Bobby happy with the song you wrote? Is anything happening with it in terms of pitching?

The writing team was happy with the song when we finished it. We thought it was a unique presentation of the common but never old theme of love. We felt like the chorus was pretty “catchy” and could get listeners singing along. We didn’t get a lot of feedback yet from the Creative Director. We have not decided to do a full demo on this song yet, only a phone recording so far. I’ve learned that to pitch a song effectively, you can’t just throw it out there to everyone. It took me a while to learn that. But pitches should be strategic and targeted to specific artists that are looking for specific types of songs. So far, we haven’t found a match for our song in that way, so it is not being pitched. But if I see the right opportunity, I will definitely put it out there.

Thanks for sharing the worktape that came out of the session…

Happy Accident (Soileau/Chase/Tomberlin)

Your overall experience with the Staff Writer for a Day Special Event?

It was a great experience and opportunity. It was great to meet Bobby and write with him when you look at his songwriting accomplishments and cuts. I am very grateful and will always give SongU credit for my first co-write with a major-label pro writer. It’s just a great way to get a more quality writing experience in my back pocket to move the songwriting journey forward. It’s another step along the way to network and also hopefully get closer to my goal of getting some cuts in Nashville and commuting there regularly to write at some point..

Matt, thanks so much! We appreciate your sharing your experience so we can all learn from it.

August 12, 2021
by Sara Light 4 Comments

GOLD STARS Report: Songs Recently Picked Up (latest update)

Hi Everyone,

Our summer Gold Stars Report is here! For those of you who are not familiar with SongU.com, here’s how it works. Our members achieve success using a holistic approach focusing on education and numerous opportunities to reach their goals. These include online Song Feedback sessions, written Coaching evaluations, Private consultations/collaborations with our Music Publisher and Hit Songwriter Mentors, a Member-Website with a Cowriter search feature, and more. Our personalized approach gives every writer an opportunity to make each song as competitive as possible before spending money on a demo. Once their song is ready, we offer monthly Pitch opportunities with a GUARANTEED response from our Street pitch guests. And here are the results!

CONGRATULATIONS to the following members for having their songs signed or pitched for the following leads during the time period MAY 27th through AUGUST 12th 2021.

Pitch For Licensing Agent. .Top 40 Female Pop, Soul, Chillout-House, World Music AMURCO MUSIC LICENSING. Re-Opened for submissions! This is an UK-based licensing company with a catalogue of 70,000+ tracks, offering playlisting and syncing opportunities. They are currently interested in receiving submissions for the following types of music: Current Top 40 Pop (Female), Soul, Chillout/Chill House, and World. Here is a note to us from Joel at Amurco: “Our our deals …

    • Rachel Amidei “HOLDING OUT HOPE” (Date picked up: 7/9/2021)
    • Rachel Amidei “DIGGING” (Date picked up: 7/9/2021)
    • Robbi Atkins “GET IT DONE” (Date picked up: 7/9/2021)
    • Robbi Atkins “FABULOUS**” (Date picked up: 7/9/2021)
    • Robbi Atkins “DEAR BOY” (Date picked up: 8/9/2021)
    • David Chong “IT DOESN’T GET BETTER THAN THIS” (Date picked up: 7/9/2021)
    • Priscilla Connolly “CHRISTMAS WITH YOU “ (Date picked up: 7/9/2021)
    • Sally Edwards “I NEVER LIED” (Date picked up: 8/9/2021)
    • Sally Edwards “FASHIONISTA” (Date picked up: 8/9/2021)
    • Sally Edwards “CHANGING MY ECOLOGY” (Date picked up: 8/9/2021)
    • Shawn Fitzgerald “BLACK SATIN SHEETS” (Date picked up: 6/16/2021)
    • Beerand Flies “BITTER LOVE” (Date picked up: 7/9/2021)
    • Beerand Flies “SNOW ANGELS “ (Date picked up: 6/16/2021)
    • Beerand Flies “RIVERS FLOW” (Date picked up: 6/16/2021)
    • Beerand Flies “BIRDS” (Date picked up: 8/9/2021)
    • Beerand Flies “HIRAETH” (Date picked up: 8/9/2021)
    • Beerand Flies “LOVE RAT” (Date picked up: 8/9/2021)
    • Beerand Flies “I’M AWESOME!” (Date picked up: 8/9/2021)
    • Janet Herring “AND THEN I TURNED AROUND” (Date picked up: 7/9/2021)
    • Janet Herring “SHE’S A JEWEL” (Date picked up: 7/9/2021)
    • Janet Herring “I’VE BEEN TRYING TO REACH YOU” (Date picked up: 7/9/2021)
    • Kevin Kenney “BABY STEPS” (Date picked up: 8/9/2021)
    • James Laev “TALKING TO AN OLIVE” (Date picked up: 6/23/2021)
    • Bob Love “DIAMOND SOUL” (Date picked up: 6/23/2021)
    • Pete Papageorge “FUNDAMENTALLY BLUE” (Date picked up: 7/9/2021)
    • Stephen Peters “ANGRY AS HELL” (Date picked up: 8/9/2021)
    • Tina Rivera “IT’S ALL ABOUT ME” (Date picked up: 6/16/2021)
    • John Schutt “MORE LIKE THAT” (Date picked up: 7/9/2021)
    • Shaun Thomson “SEKAI HEIWA (WORLD PEACE)” (Date picked up: 8/9/2021)
    • David Will “DON’T DISMISS ME” (Date picked up: 6/23/2021)

Pitch For Publisher. Christian, Gospel. JASON CRABB. Extended! Still fully active. UPDATE: 7/1/21: “I spoke with Jason’s manager Philip the other day and he said what I’ve sent them is great, and they still continue to listen to songs, but nothing as definitive as a ‘hold’ has materialized. They’re asking me to send more songs, so I’m hoping something will ultimately stick.” Street Pitch guest, D.G., veteran music publisher, who has already generated income for SongU members is looking …

    • Rick Burge “HE SHOWED LOVE” (Date picked up: 7/27/2021)
    • Krystal Kuehn “THE LORDS PRAYER (THIS IS HOW WE PRAY) – KK” (Date picked up: 7/27/2021)
    • Abigail Marmion “PRAY YOU HOME” (Date picked up: 7/27/2021)
    • Abigail Marmion “TRUST YOUR OUTCOMES TO GOD “ (Date picked up: 6/22/2021)
    • James Oliver “LET GO LET GOD*” (Date picked up: 7/22/2021)
    • Ava Paige “WE CALL THE PRODIGALS HOME” (Date picked up: 7/22/2021)
    • Mitch Townley “NUMBERED (SDB)” (Date picked up: 7/22/2021)
    • Tery Wayne “SOMETIMES” (Date picked up: 7/27/2021)

Pitch For Song Plugger. Country. JULIA COLE. Extended! “Send me your A-list songs.” Street Pitch guest, J.N., veteran independent songplugger who has generated income for SongU members is looking for songs for independent artist Julia Cole. Julia has had over 20,000,000 streams and has been featured on CMT, Audience Network, The CW, Radio Disney and others. Seeking songs in the Florida-Georgia Line musical style (and perhaps lyrical direction of subjects they’ve covered), but that …

• Noel Cohen “WHO IS THIS GIRL?” (Date picked up: 6/9/2021)

Pitch For Licensing Agent. Adult Contemporary, Singer Songwriter, Indie. ROMANTIC BACKGROUND MUSIC For CBS TV Sitcom. Extended! Pitch guest, N.P., is seeking two types of VOCAL songs for season 2 of this charming show:
1. Soft Pop style songs that have a romantic feel. Think warm and honest (not cheesy) current adult contemporary/soft pop that could be playing in a restaurant. Nothing too electronic, rocking or distracting as it is laying under dialogue.
2. Acoustic Indie Singer-Songwriter songs that have …

• John Cirillo “STARS DON’T LIE” (Date picked up: 6/3/2021)

Pitch For Publisher. Country. TENILLE ARTS. Deadline approaching. They’re in the studio reviewing what they have. Will still be listening briefly for the undeniable hit that might beat what they already have. Street Pitch guest, D.G., veteran music publisher, who has already generated income for SongU members, is looking for songs for Reviver Records artist Tenille Arts. Looking for radio friendly songs, specifically up tempo, or the right mid-tempo that fits the project. Need …

• Alexsi Mallory “GIRL HEART” (Date picked up: 6/8/2021)

Pitch For Publisher. Country. JOE NICHOLS. Street Pitch guest and publisher, Bob D., who has already generated income for SongU.com members is looking for songs for the first album in three years from Quartz Hill Records and multi-platinum selling artist Joe Nichols. Looking for radio-friendly Country HITS. All tempos. His newest release this month is “Home Run” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adUpbiLy-Qs . For the latest news on Nichols visit: http://www.JoeNichols.com and follow …

    • Ricki Bellos “BLUE SKY RAIN” (Date picked up: 7/5/2021)
    • John Cirillo “DRIVE SLOW” (Date picked up: 7/5/2021)
    • Jamie Trent “AIRPORT MARGARITAS” (Date picked up: 7/5/2021)

Pitch For Publisher. Country. Troy Cartwright. Street Pitch guest and publisher, Bob D., who has already generated income for SongU.com members is looking for songs for Warner Music Nashville artist Troy Cartwright. Looking for Country RADIO songs and VULNERABLE songs. Research artist before pitching https://www.troycartwright.com/about . This pitch will stay open on an ongoing basis until artist is no longer seeking outside songs. Pitch follow-up info: If this guest expresses …

• Avrim Topel “LOVE YOU LIKE THAT” (Date picked up: 7/14/2021)

Pitch For Licensing Agent. Film/TV/Media. LULLABIES FOR PSYCHO KILLER TV SERIES. Street pitch guest, N.P., needs original lullabies and public domain covers that will sound ironic/paradoxical to scary, tense, stalker scenes that lead to murder. Think sweet childlike lyrics with simple/sparse production that lull the listener into a false sense of security. Songs with slightly sinister/dark undertones or instrumentation can work as well. Ballads and midtempos. Male or female vocals. GENRES: …

• Beerand Flies “LULLABY FOR A KILLER “ (Date picked up: 6/10/2021)

Pitch For Publisher. Country. EDDIE MONTGOMERY. Back on the board. Still looking! Street Pitch guest and publisher, Bob D., who has already generated income for SongU.com members is looking for songs for Average Joe Entertainment Group artist Eddie Montgomery. Looking for rowdy, rough, up-tempo Country radio hits Ala Montgomery/Gentry. Pitch follow-up info: If this guest expresses interest in your song, before pitching it, they will ask for publishing if a major recording results …

    • Jonny Born “RAIN AND RUST” (Date picked up: 7/25/2021)
    • Ronald Brown “YOU’LL BELIEVE IN THE RIDE” (Date picked up: 7/25/2021)
    • D Toomey “DRINK IT IN” (Date picked up: 7/16/2021)
    • Thomas White “SHOOT MY TRUCK” (Date picked up: 7/25/2021)

Pitch For Publisher. Country, Pop. MACY MARTIN. Street Pitch guest and publisher, Bob D., who has already generated income for SongU.com members is looking for songs for label-shopping artist Macy Martin. Looking for YOUTHFUL POP CROSSOVER songs. Think Disney. Speaking to girls and her generation. For artist sound watch this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imhdgiAv_Bw . Pitch follow-up info: If this guest expresses interest in your song, before pitching it, they will ask for …

    • Adam Avery “DOING THAT” (Date picked up: 7/25/2021)
    • John Cirillo “GOOD MORNING MIDNIGHT” (Date picked up: 7/25/2021)
    • John Cirillo “LOST AMEN- FEMALE” (Date picked up: 7/25/2021)

Pitch For Manager. Holiday Themed. BRIANA DOMENICA. UPDATE, SongU mentor Dallas Gregory manages this artist. “Keep songs coming. I’m planning to meet with her in person mid-July.” Looking for a Christmas single to be recorded late summer/early fall for release in November. She will also be filming a video of this single for release, which will coincide with the single release. Briana is a CCM artist, so nothing risquÃ© or off-color will be considered. “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Clause” …

    • Robbi Atkins “LITTLE SIMPLE CHRISTMAS THINGS (V4)” (Date picked up: 7/7/2021)
    • Steve Bryant “A MAGIC CHRISTMAS EVE” (Date picked up: 7/7/2021)
    • John Cirillo “THE SOUND OF CHRISTMAS” (Date picked up: 7/7/2021)
    • John Cirillo “TINSELTOWN” (Date picked up: 7/29/2021)
    • Bill Gue “HALLELUJAH (GLORY TO GOD)” (Date picked up: 7/29/2021)
    • Bill Gue “THE GREATEST GIFT” (Date picked up: 7/29/2021)
    • Sarah Motes ashley “I HEARD THE BELLS / BE STILL” (Date picked up: 7/7/2021)
    • Daniel Obrien “NOEL D’AMOUR” (Date picked up: 7/29/2021)
    • Bill Ohanlon “ONE CHILD” (Date picked up: 7/7/2021)
    • Jeff Roe “LIGHTS” (Date picked up: 7/29/2021)
    • Melanie Smith “MARY, JOSEPH AND JESUS” (Date picked up: 6/29/2021)
    • Perry Walp “HEAVEN’S LIGHT “ (Date picked up: 6/29/2021)

Pitch For Licensing Agent. Pop, Rock, Indie. PROMOS FOR DISNEY+ SHOWS. Street Pitch guest, N.P. is Looking for two types of songs for these (see below references). The theme is: You can come to Disney+ for your favorites, but also new original content. The vibe/tone is: awestruck/wonder. Songs are aimed at ADULTS – sophisticated, and modern. Excellent productions. Male or female vocals. Specifics:
1. Fun, Wondrous, Adventurous. Think Misterwives – “The End”, Florence + The Machine – …

• Isobel Greenhalgh “BEAUTIFUL WORLD” (Date picked up: 6/30/2021)

Pitch For Publisher. Traditional Country. DAN SMALLEY. Street Pitch guest and publisher, Bob D., who has already generated income for SongU.com members is looking for songs for Big Machine Label Group artist Dan Smalley who is being produced by veteran Keith Stegall (Alan Jackson, Zac Brown Band). Looking for traditional Country HITS ala Chris Stapleton. Pitch follow-up info: If this guest expresses interest in your song, before pitching it, they will ask for publishing if a major recording …

    • John Cirillo “LOST AMEN” (Date picked up: 7/9/2021)
    • Patrick Mcwilliams “LET IT BURN” (Date picked up: 7/9/2021)
    • D Toomey “HOLDIN’ OUT FOR HEAVEN” (Date picked up: 7/9/2021)

Pitch For Music Supervisor. Pop, Rock. BACKGROUND & SOURCE MUSIC FOR CABLE NETWORK SERIES. Pitch guest, N.P., is seeking two types of We need 2 types of songs here:
1. Pop in the style of Ava Max, Camila Cabella, Zayn, Harry Styles, etc.
2. Pop/Rock songs – Think upbeat and fun everything from produced pop to songs with organic instrumentation. Lyrics are not important, as long as the tone is upbeat and modern. A la Olivia Rodrigo, American Authors, “Fitz & The Tantrums “Head …

• Beerand Flies “LOVE RAT” (Date picked up: 7/13/2021)

A special shout-out to those you whose songs are on the report for the very first time! And a round of applause to those whose songs were marked ‘Maybe’ too. Keep up the great work, everyone!

April 14, 2021
by Sara Light Leave a comment

Strategies for Pitching Songs (and Meeting The Beatles) with David Stark!

SAVE THE DATE: April 22, 2021 at 1PM EST/5PM GMT. Meet Songlink founder David Stark in the SongU e-classroom and ask him your questions!

SongLink founder and Editor/Publisher David Stark has worked in the music business for over forty years, for such companies as DJM (Dick James Music), Decca Records (as international press officer), MAM Records (head of international promotions), Billboard / Music & Media, and various other music industry and pro-audio magazines, before launching SongLink International music tipsheet in 1993, and Cuesheet (for Film/TV and Ad music) a few years later. His recently released book, “IT’S ALL TOO MUCH: Adventures of a Teenage Beatles Fan in the 60’s and Beyond” is getting rave reviews.

Young David Stark with John Lennon outside Capitol Radio, London, 1974.

In October 1995 David received a prestigious Gold Badge Award at London’s Savoy Hotel for outstanding services to the UK songwriting industry from the British Academy of Composers & Songwriters. He has also served as a jury member at song contests, and/or has attended music industry events as far afield as Australia’s Gold Coast, Copenhagen, Cuba, Dublin, Helsinki, Bali and Jakarta (Indonesia), Gibraltar, Hong Kong, Poland, Prague (Czech Republic), Bucharest (Romania), plus Los Angeles, Nashville, Miami, New Orleans, New York and Vancouver. He has built SongLink up from small beginnings to a recognised worldwide brand name, and has made many friends and industry contacts over the years, hence his reputation as the man who knows (almost!) everyone in the music industry.

In 1999 David co-wrote the book “Inspirations – The Stories Behind The Songs” (Sanctuary Publishing) with DJ/broadcaster Mike Read and Michael Randolfi. The book features interviews with many famous songwriters who donated lyrics for auction by Sotheby’s in March 1999 under the banner ‘Hits Under The Hammer’, raising over £250,000 for childrens’ charities Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy and Norwood Ravenswood.

David was also a founding partner of the Unisong Song Contest which ran from 1997 to 2008, and as well as giving cash and prizes worth over $100,000, the contest also made donations to such worthy causes as Amnesty International, the Earth Love Fund and various songwriters’ associations worldwide.

A huge music fan since the 60’s, David has some amazing stories and items of personal memorabilia from meeting many top artists, including all of The Beatles on various occasions, and attending hundreds of concerts and other music events for the past 50 years. In December 202 he published “IT’S ALL TOO MUCH”, a memoir of his numerous encounters with the Beatles in the ’60s and beyond. He’s also a lifelong drummer who has played in many bands, including The Trembling Wilbur’s tribute band for the past ten years.

Registration for the online Meet & Greet on April 22nd starts on April 15th in the SongU Activity Area >> View/Edit Live Courses. If you register at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting, you can submit a question to David ahead of time to be sure that it gets answered.

Author and veteran music business professional, David Stark.

February 18, 2021
by Sara Light Leave a comment

Featured SongU Mentor: Tom Paden – Follow Every Lead.

All SongU members have the opportunity to forge a creative connection with any of our award-winning coaches. These mentors offer written feedback on songs in progress, focusing on lyrics, music, originality, and commercial potential. Today’s spotlight, Coach #814, aka Tom Paden, is one of SongU’s best-kept secrets since 2005. The insights he offers with his coaching feedback elicit responses from our members, such as, “Gave me chills just now reading your evaluation! Thanks so much for all you said here and saying you are proud. Really makes me feel good! Onward to the charts. Thanks to you and all you do. Nothing would happen without your wisdom!” Our songwriters want to make him proud because he never hesitates to let them know he’s rooting for them.

Congratulations on your recent success with the song “Window in the Wall” recorded by Olivia Newton-John and her daughter, Chloe Lattanzi. Your co-writers on this song are Eddie Kilgallon and Tajci Cameron. Tajci is from Croatia. Can you talk about how this 3-way Tennessee/Croatia writing collaboration came about and your experience working on a song with someone from another country and culture?

I met Tajci in 2016. I was president of my neighborhood’s Homeowner’s Association and her husband came to me with a problem with his house or something, I can’t quite remember. When he found out that I was a songwriter, he showed me all the pictures of when Tajci was a teen star in Croatia and introduced us. Tajci had been living in the states a long time so there was no language barrier or anything like that. She told me that she needed a song for the Eurovision song contest that is held every year in Europe. This is a huge competition. So, I called Eddie we went to her house and and wrote the song “Window in the Wall.” Initially, we wrote this song as a relationship between two people. Then in May of 2020, Eddie and I rewrote the first two lines, both channels, and most of the bridge to give it a broader “world” meaning.

Olivia Newton-John called you personally to tell you how much the song touched her heart. When and how did she hear the demo?

My cousin Cyndie who lives in Bremen, GA has always taken an interest in my songs. I had sent the song to her after I demoed it. This was in early June. (As an aside, Cyndie had breast cancer and met Olivia Newton-John in a clinic in Bremen and became friends over a few months. The director of the clinic is famous and Olivia would fly from Los Angeles to Bremen to go there.) In early October, I was working out at the gym when I got a text from Cyndie saying she had sent the song to her friend Olivia and hoped I wasn’t mad. She told me that Olivia wanted to record it as a duet with her daughter. I had no who this friend “Olivia” was because I had never seen a much earlier text mentioning her full name. By this point, I had pitched the song hard, over 150 times, and had not gotten any takers. So I texted back, sure, why not? I really didn’t care who recorded the song. I asked Cyndie what Olivia’s last name was so that I could get her a mechanical license. She texted back, I think she still goes by Newton-John. Well, I just about dropped the weights on my foot when I read that! Wow, Olivia Newton-John! That night, Olivia called me. She was so sweet and lovely over the phone. She told me that my song had touched her heart and that she was going to record it. She said the song was bringing her out of retirement. The whole thing was blowing my mind.

I’m fascinated by the unconventional route that led you first to Tajci and then to Olivia Newton-John. It really shows that you never know where those serendipitous relationships are going to come from.

I have always made it a point to follow every lead. When I was leaving home for Nashville in 1985, my grandmother, Nannie, told me to get in touch with a songwriter in Nashville. Her friend had sold him a house. I thought to myself, whatever, I certainly don’t need any help from Nannie. I loved my grandmother, but… Well, about two months in, I called that songwriter and for the next four years he was my mentor. He helped me write songs and I’ll always be indebted to him. His name is Layng Martine Jr. He wrote songs for Elvis, The Pointer Sisters, Reba McEntire, Trisha Yearwood, and many others. I told myself then that I would always follow any lead that I was given because you just never know. Thanks Nannie!

Gotta love the Nannie! When I first moved to town in the early 90’s I met Layng at the Nashville Songwriters Association. He was always so humble and friendly. His song “The Greatest Man I Never Knew” (co-written with Richard Leigh) is one of my all time favorite songs.

Tom, as a producer, what’s your process? Do you have certain gear and/or software you prefer? Have you been writing and/or tracking songs with new artists?

As a producer, I rent a studio. It’s usually County Q because they do such great work. I’ve been producing independent artists since 1989. I’ve done a lot of projects over the years. If I’m working with an artist, I will pitch them over 100 songs from some of the best songwriters in Nashville. I always send a detailed budget and keep a balance statement. If there’s money left over after everything has been paid, then I send them back a check. I want to always be transparent with my clients. Many times I write with the artist and we record those songs as well.

If you could give emerging songwriters and producers one great piece of advice, what is it?

Join SongU! Haha. I would say a couple of things. Spend more time on your ideas. Artists are looking for fresh, new, different, and unique ideas and titles. Writing another “I love you” or “I’m broken hearted and blue” song will not get you anywhere. Once you have a pitchable song, pitch it to everyone and anyone. The music business is a numbers game. The more pitches, the more chances your song will be recorded. Also, pitch to the independent artists. I’ve probably had over 600 indie artists cuts. Some were great and others…well not so great. I still got paid and you never know who will be that next super star.

How have you been holding up during the quarantine? Besides your musical pursuits, what keeps you occupied? Any TV shows, books, activities you’ve been enjoying?

I always stay busy. I have my two kids, Thomas, who is 21 and attending MTSU and Grace Lee who is 19 and attending Birmingham Southern College. I love to write songs, workout and play racquetball and pickleball, hunt and fish, and I’m an avid book reader. My friends and family occupy my time. I am never bored. I am grateful for everyday and keep a positive outlook on life.

Thanks for taking the time to chat about songwriting with us today, Tom! As always, we appreciate your dedication and great mentorship to the SongU members!

What Our Members Are Saying:

1/8/2021 – “Yours is probably the most helpful and constructive evaluation I’ve ever had. I will get back to work on this! Thank you!! ” — Grahame M. (FL)

9/2/2020 – “Thank you SO MUCH for your encouraging words and the [Best of SongU] star! Stay well! ” — Robbi A. (TX)

8/14/2020 – “Thank you so much for the great thoughts! I always appreciate your insight! Take care and I have sent you a couple other things, so I’ll look forward to getting those back, as well.” — Kerry J. (KY)

6/30/2020 – “I’m beyond thrilled!! I was afraid you’d tell me it was too sad. This means so much to me and after I get the music and demo, I will send for you to listen. Thanks a million for this review. As always, you’re the best!” — Rita W. (OH)

About Coach #814: Tom Paden has had songs recorded by major artists, including Aaron Neville, Tammy Wynette, Restless Heart, Ricochet, Kenny Rogers, Lee Greenwood, and most recently Olivia Newton-John. This coach is also a producer and has a strong background in music and specializes in evaluating country and adult contemporary songs.

Coaching Philosophy: “I enjoy working with all songwriters. I will point out the positive things a writer does, but I am also honest and to the point, so the writer can learn and grow. I enjoy hearing new songs and I give my best on every evaluation.”

Notes on Napkins

musings for songwriters

Category Archives: Business of Songwriting

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Featured SongU Mentor: Tom Paden – Follow Every Lead.