Episode 20 Lori McKenna: Grammy-Winning Hit Songwriter

The power of a good lyric is truly amazing. Thankfully, there are people like Lori McKenna in the world who can craft deeply emotional lyrics that inspire and motivate. She joins Andy today to chat about how she got into music, what it is like to write music with and without co-writers, and to talk about her recently released album, The Balladeer.  Lori grew up with a love of music. She lost her mother at a young age and her four older brothers, older sister, and father found solace in the beauty of music. She credits her brothers with establishing her music education and instilling a love of music at an early age.  She didn’t immediately look for ways into the music industry. Instead, she got married and started a family, but she knew something was missing. Listen as she shares how she got her start and why she often feels overcome with gratitude for the life she leads. There is no question that the changes in the music industry, over the last decade, have been immense. One thing that never changes is the ability of writers to evoke emotion from the listener. Lori gives a true insider’s look into the writing process and what it takes to keep going each and every day.  Her new album The Balladeer is available to order. Click here to find out more.    Show Highlights: [00:10] Lori McKenna is an amazing singer-songwriter. Listen as Andy shares just a few of her accolades.  [02:45] What was her earliest memory of being touched and moved by music?  [05:18] Which influences in her life shaped who she is today?  [06:39] How did the early passing of her mother affect her life and songwriting?  [09:27] Learn more about the long history between Lori and her husband.  [11:28] Why it’s so important to have a place to come home to.  [14:07] How does the writing process change when writing alone versus when co-writing?  [17:15] When writing alone does she start with one part of a song versus another?  [20:20] Does she get close to the actual melodies versus the words?  [23:05] Learn how Girl Crush came into existence.  [25:23] What’s it like to write with superstars?  [28:13] How does she feel about her most recent album?  [31:32] Lori shares how one of the most poignant songs on her album got its name. [34:15] There is so much in all this that is helping to learn and grow together. [35:18] What does she dream about now?    LINKS & RESOURCES   Lori McKenna: www.lorimckenna.com The Balladeer: https://orcd.co/theballadeer Instagram: @lorimckennama Mentioned:  Episode 16 Beth Laird: CEO Creative Nation for Hit Songwriters, Producers, Artists   Follow The Music Makers:  The Music Makers on Instagram   The Music Makers podcast theme song was written and produced by Andy Kushner with help from the rhythm section and horn players of the band, SoundConnection: Elliot Jefferson, Lamonte Silver, Keith Hammond, Roy Lambert, Joe Herrera, and Craig Alston.   Sponsor: Kushner Entertainment    Check out Andy's Other Podcast: The Wedding Biz