Episode 36 Rhett Akins: Hit Songwriter & Recording Artist

How did people get started in the industry before platforms like The Voice and American Idol? For many, their breaks came by producing and circulating demos of the songs they’d written. The big goal? Become a recording artist. The short-term goal? Have someone else record their songs and start making a name for themselves. This is exactly what happened for hit country songwriter and recording artist Rhett Akins. After dropping out of college and spending time working at his father’s oil and gas company, he started creating demos and submitting them to the big companies. One of those demos led him to record his own album and he has since spent the last 25 years helping to change the world of country music. He’s had numerous number one hits and has hit the triple threat charts multiple times. His work is truly prolific and it all started with him and his brothers creating a “band” in their bedroom. Rhett has a love of music that has pushed him through good and bad times in the industry and it will sustain him as we move into a new era of writing and recording. Listen as he and Andy discuss his early days in the industry, the motivation behind his songs, and one of the biggest downfalls of the industry. Rhett is extremely open about his experiences and even takes the time to sing one of his favorite songs. This is one interview you won’t want to miss if you’re craving that down-to-Earth soulfulness and vibe from the artists you love.   Show Highlights: [00:10] Rhett Akins has spent the last 25 years changing the world of country music. Learn more. [01:36] How Andy and Rhett connected.  [03:00] Rhett shares his favorite songs and genres of music.  [04:54] More about his early musical career with his brothers.  [05:53] Dig into his college years and why he left school.  [07:16] Why he chose to work for his father’s oil and gas company.  [08:12] The story behind him becoming a demo singer and songwriter.  [10:15] How the process worked on his first album.  [13:26] Why his songs helped to engage the crowd during live performances.  [14:50] One of the biggest issues in the music industry.  [17:45] What have been some of the difficult parts of this business for Rhett?  [21:09] Learn more about the facets of the music business and songwriting.  [24:18] How a track can inspire and lead to an entire song. [27:15] All about the Peach Pickers, Rhett’s regular writing group.  [29:53] More about how their sound evolved.  [32:46] Why “I Lived It” is one of his favorite songs.  [35:54] Rhett performs the song live.  [39:16] How does he look back on his career and what he’s accomplished.  [41:57] Has the pandemic affected his attitude, mood, or career?  [44:53] What he’s looking forward to in the near future.    LINKS & RESOURCES Rhett Akins: www.rhettakins.com https://www.facebook.com/RhettAkins https://www.instagram.com/officialrhettakins/   Songs discussed:  Take A Back Road, Rodney Atkins https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7KgmvTVmeQ  Boys Around Here, Blake Shelton https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4y8tyE5EyKI   I Lived It, Blake Shelton https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXQVT8aagcc   Mentioned during the interview:  Episode 30 Jeremy Stover: Hit Country Songwriter and Producer   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. Sponsor: Kushner Entertainment Check out Andy's Other Podcast: The Wedding Biz