How to Write Songs for Alan Jackson, Lady Antebellum, & Randy Travis

Some songwriters would kill for the chance to work with just one multi-platinum artist. Songwriter Brent Baxterhas worked with a handful of them. One of his songs even made it onto Rolling Stone's list of the 40 Saddest Country Songs of All Time. How does a songwriter get to write for multi-platinum artists, and what's it like writing songs for Alan Jackson, Lady Antebellum and Randy Travis? I brought Brent on the podcast to find out. You want to make friends you can rise with not friends you have to rise above." - Brent Baxter Some of the things that we discuss include How to write for songs for superstars Songs Brent admires for their craftsmanship How songwriters are like Special Forces Practical tips for moving to an industry hub like Nashville and getting connected with the community there The business side of being a songwriter and some challenges involved Why being a successful artist is all about being in the service industry Why sync licensing can be more profitable for songwriters When does it make sense to sign a publishing deal How to prepare for a collaboration with a big name What a well-written song involves We also discuss these songs that Brent wrote: "Monday Morning Church" (Alan Jackson), "When Your Lips Are so Close" (Gord Bamford), "A Woman Scorned" & “Last Night Last” (Lady Antebellum), and "Every Head Bowed" (Randy Travis). At the end of the episode, you can hear a demo of a song Brent co-wrote with WILKES, who is currently featured on NBC's The Voice. Want to hear an interview with someone who was featured on NBC'sThe Voice? Then check out this interview I did with bluesy rocker Lane Mack, who was a contestant on the show in 2016.  # Sponsor for this Episode nsavides productions – I make videos and tell stories. My new video portfolio is here! # The video I shot of The Rayo Brothers is coming soon. # Say hello: podcast@nsavides.com # Related Things # Brent on Facebook, Instagram giftfrombrent.com, where you can get a free copy of Brent’s book, Think Like a Pro Songwriter! Songwriting Pro, where Brent helps other songwriters turn pro Facebook community  C.L.I.M.B. music podcastthat Brent co-hosts with John Dwinell Facebook community Brent’s event where you can play for a hit Music Row publisher on June 19 Nashville Songwriters Association International Update on the Music Modernization Act Help the Baxter family bring an orphan home Shortcut for the podcast: nicksav.show Music for the show provided by Rob Costlow. # Bands & Musicians Mentioned Alan Jackson  Bob Dylan  Crosby, Stills, Nash &  Young The Beatles Bruce Springsteen  Carrie Underwood Dan Hill Dierks Bently Don Wiliams  Garth Brooks  George Jones  George Strait Gord Bamford Janet Jackson Jimi Hendrix Lady Antebellum  Lee Ann Womack Old Dominion Randy Travis  Ray Stevens  The Rayo Brothers  Taylor Swift  WILKE # Other Music Industry People Mentioned Brandon Kinney, co-writer of “Every Head Bowed”  Byron Hill, producer and co-writer of “When Your Lips Are So Close”  Casey Kessel, co-writer of “A Woman Scorned”  Doug Johnson, co-writer of “Three Wooden Crosses” Erin Enderlin, co-writer of “Monday Morning Church" Graham Nash, writer of “Our House”  Hillary Scott, singer of Lady Antebellum  Keith Stegall, producer of “Monday Morning Church”  Kim Williams, co-writer of “Three Wooden Crosses”  Jerry Crabbe, writer of "He stopped loving her today” John Armstrong, co-writer of “A Woman Scorned”  # If You Liked the Show Sign up for The nsavides Newsletter. Subscribe or leave an honest review: Apple Podcasts   Spotify Say hello on Twitter:  @nsavidesPRO Thank you for visiting!