Worktapes
Welcome to Worktapes! This is a podcast where we tear apart songs. Why was the song written? What’s it about? What is the context and emotion behind it? Where were you at the time? What were you going through? How do lines come to you? What is the inspiration? How long did it take to write?In each episode, we talk to a writer about one song they've writtenand listen to the original demo or work tape of that song.
Episode 69 - Stephen Day - Moonshine
Stephen Day is an accomplished singer/songwriter who has performed with the likes of Teddy Swims, Ben Rector & Stephen Sanchez. His catalogue has produced over 140 million streams, sync placements including Universal Pictures and is currently touring his latest record, “Gold Mine” produced by Micah Tawlks. In this episode of Worktapes we talk about a song he wrote called “Moonshine” and listen to the original worktape as we discuss it.
Find Stephen Day
Listen to Moonshine
Worktapes is Produced by Brandon Carswell
Film & Editing by Shaun Carswell
This episode was filmed in Nashvill...
Episode 68 - Shelby Means - Streets of Boulder
Shelby Means is one of the foremost bassists in modern bluegrass. From her GRAMMY-winning work with Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway, to her travels with the GRAMMY-nominated band Della Mae, her career has spanned nearly two decades crossing more than 20 countries. She’s also an accomplished songwriter and vocalist, just released her first self tilted solo album this year. In episode 68 of Worktapes we discuss a song she wrote called, “Streets Of Boulder” and listen to the Worktape.
Find Shelby
Listen to Streets Of Boulder
Worktapespodcast.com
Worktapes is Produced by Brandon Carswell
F...
Episode 67 - Natalie Hemby - Carousel
Natalie Hemby secured her first publishing deal at the age of 19, laying the foundation for a stellar career as one of the most sought-after songwriters in the music industry. With her songs recorded by top artists like Kacey Musgraves, Maren Morris, Sheryl Crow, Miranda Lambert, Lady Gaga, Yola, Dierks Bentley, Rag'n'Bone Man, Lady A, Kelly Clarkson, Little Big Town, Labrinth, and many others, she has proven herself to be an undeniable talent. In 2021, she released her second solo album, Pins and Needles, produced by her husband and longtime collaborator, Mike Wrucke. As part of The Highwomen, alongside Brandi Carlile, Maren...
Episode 66 - Anthony Smith - Tomorrow
Anthony Smith is a versatile songwriter, producer and arranger who has achieved great success in many genres, including Country, Pop, R&B, and Jazz. His songs have been recorded by Bucky Covington, Lonestar, Clay Walker, Rodney Atkins, Chris Young, Reba McIntire, Vince Gill, Emerson Drive, Heartland, Donna Summer, Kenny Rogers to name a few. In this episode we discuss a smash #1 hit song nominated at the 2012 ACM Awards for single of the year, “Tomorrow” by Chris Young and we will listen to the original worktape of that song.
Find Anthony
Listen to Tomorrow
Ads...
Episode 65 - Dave Barnes - Someday This Will All Make Sense
With nearly 30 years of songwriting under his belt, Dave Barnes has carved his own path through rock, acoustic, country, soul, and contemporary Christian music. Over the years, he’s collaborated with a star-studded list of artists, including Amy Grant, Matt Wertz, Carrie Underwood, Thomas Rhett, and Maren Morris. He also earned a Grammy nomination for his hit song "God Gave Me You," which was recorded by Blake Shelton making it a #1 hit. In this episode we discuss his early grunge music influences, moving from playing drums into songwriting, how comedy informs his songwriting , and we listen to the worktape of hi...
Episode 64 - Mat Kearney - Headlights Home
Known for his distinct blend of pop, folk, and hip-hop, Mat Kearney has created a unique sound that has led to hits like “Nothing Left to Lose” and “Trainwreck,” which contributed to his 2006 Dove Award win. He has toured with John Mayer, Sheryl Crow, Train, Mutemath, Keane, and more. His collaborations include artists like Trent Dabbs, Kate York, Paul Moak, Matthew Perryman Jones, Brooke and The Bluff, and Micah Tawlks. In this episode, we discuss his early hip-hop influences, life-transforming grace that informed his writing, working with Brooke & The Bluff, and listen to early worktapes of the song “Headlights Home.”
F...
Episode 63 - Matt Wertz - Rosalee
Matt Wertz, is an indie singer-songwriter whose soulful pop tunes have struck a chord with audiences worldwide. With his signature feel good indie rock-pop, Matt crafts songs that combine catchy melodies with nostalgic undertones. Throughout his career, he’s shared the stage with icons like Dave Barnes, Thad Cockrell, Jason Mraz, Ben Rector, and Gavin DeGraw, solidifying his place as a standout in today’s singer-songwriter scene. In this episode we discuss early influences, his newest record, “Recently”, spotify for artists and we listen to the worktape of a song he co-wrote with Jon Foreman called “Rosalee”
Find Matt WertzÂ
Episode 62 - Nathan Barlowe - Feed Your Feelings
Nathan Barlowe is a talented multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and producer, best known for his work as a member of the bands Luna Halo, Five Knives, Reality Check, Honeymoon Thrillers and Keith Urban’s band as a touring musician. His music has been recorded by high-profile artists like Taylor Swift, Steven Tyler, Keith Urban, and Newsboys. Nathan has also achieved significant success in the dance music scene, with three top 10 Billboard dance singles to his name. His song placements include The Voice, American Idol, in Apple commercials, NHL Stanley Cup, the theme song for the final season of King of Queens. He is...
Episode 61 - Clay Mills - Beautiful Mess
Clay Mills is a Grammy nominated songwriter with cuts by Darius Rucker, Trisha Yearwood, Little Big Town, Lady A, Diamond Rio and more. When he’s not writing he is mentoring writers through Songtown, an organization he co-founded with hit writer Marty Dodson, offering a songwriting masterclass, community building and mentorship. In this episode we talk about how he came writing jingles in NYC, not giving up and his huge number one song cut by Diamond Rio, “Beautiful Mess”
Find Clay Mills
Listen to Beautiful Mess
SongtownÂ
Worktapes is Produced by Brandon Carswell...
Episode 60 - Thad Cockrell - What If
Thad Cockrell has been writing music for over 20 years, both under his own name and with his band, Leagues. His musical resume is nothing short of impressive, with co-writes and collaborations with artists like Joy Williams, Devon Gilfillian, Brittany Howard, Sandra McCracken, and many more. He’s also contributed to Super Bowl ads, film placements, pub deals, and even made a guest appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. In this first episode of Season 4, we discuss what it’s like to start a musical career later in life, his experience on The Tonight Show, forging a new path away...
Episode 59 - Hannah Aldridge - The Great Divide
In episode 59 of Worktapes, we are joined by Muscle Shoals native, singer-songwriter, and rock-Americana artist Hannah Aldridge. Her writing explores themes of rebellion and the allure of spiritual darkness while grappling with deeply rooted Southern Christian values. In this episode, we discuss growing up as the daughter of hit songwriter Walt Aldridge, what draws her to darker themes, how to stay authentic in an industry that prioritizes hit songs, and we listen to the original worktape of her song “The Great Divide.”
Find Hannah AldridgeÂ
Listen to "The Great Divide"Â
Produced by Brandon Carswe...
Episode 58 - Kylie Dailey - Folded Hands
In episode 58 of Worktapes, we hear from indie folk singer-songwriter and Epidemic Sound artist Kylie Dailey! Kylie’s calming, laid-back vocals and relatable lyrics, paired with enchanting arrangements by producer and husband Kevin, invite the listener to relax and feel seen. We discuss the dynamics of writing with your spouse, unintentionally becoming an artist, writing authentically while balancing family, and we listen to the original worktape of a song called “Folded Hands.”
Find Kylie
Listen to Folded Hands
Produced by Brandon Carswell
Film & Editing by Shaun Carswell
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Episode intro music written by Brand...
Episode 57 - Leeland & Jack Mooring - PT 2 - Still Mighty
Leeland Mooring is a Texas-based singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist with seven albums, four GRAMMY® nominations, and eight GMA Dove Award® nominations. LEELAND have become one of the most significant and standout voices in a new generation of worship music. In part 2 of this interview we we are joined by Jack Mooring who is an author, pastor and co-founder of the band Leeland. We discuss biblical worship writing vs emotive writing, modern vs. puritan worship songs, The Power Team, a word on Christmas music from Brother Terry and we listen to the worktape of Leeland’s song “Still Mighty”.
Find Leel...
Episode 56 - Leeland Mooring - Still Mighty - PT 1
Leeland Mooring is a Texas-based singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist with seven albums, four GRAMMY® nominations, and eight GMA Dove Award® nominations. LEELAND have become one of the most significant and standout voices in a new generation of worship music. In part 1 of this interview we hear about how Leeland started writing songs and touring at a young age, amazing and hilarious church stories and what shaped hi musical influence. Stayed tuned for Part 2 with Leeland coming soon!
Find Leeland
Listen to Still Mighty
Episode sponsor: Artist And
Produced by...
Episode 55 - Tia Sillers - Be Mine (Flight Attendant)
Tia Sillers is a Grammy Award-winning songwriter with #1 hits such as “I Hope You Dance” (Lee Ann Womack) and “Blue on Black” (Kenny Wayne Shepherd). A triple Songwriters Hall of Fame nominee, she has over 40 singles recorded by artists like John Waite, Trisha Yearwood, The Chicks, Five Finger Death Punch, and many more. On this episode of Worktapes, we discuss a song she wrote with the band Flight Attendant called “Be Mine” and share an exclusive listen to the worktape!
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Find Tia Sillers
Find Flight Attendant
Listen to Be Mine
Listen to I Hope You DanceÂ
L...
Episode 54 - Nicole Witt - Kiss
Nicole Witt is an accomplished Nashville-based songwriter and artist, with cuts by George Strait, Lee Brice, Terri Clark, Rodney Atkins, and Ellie Holcomb, just to name a few. In episode 54, we talk to Nicole about how to keep songwriting unique, where her passion for songwriting came from, her band, The Six One Five Collective, and we get to hear an original worktape of a song she wrote with John Paul White (The Civil Wars) called “Kiss.”Â
Find Nicole Witt
Listen to Kiss
Artist And
Produced by Brandon Carswell
Special thanks to Nick...
Episode 53 - Elvie Shane - What Do I Know
Elvie Shane is an accomplished singer-songwriter, quickly making his mark in Nashville with his authentic lyrics and soulful country sound. In Episode 53, we discuss Elvie’s appearance on American Idol, his time preaching as an evangelist, and we hear the original work tape of his song, “What Do I Know.”
Find Elvie Shane
Listen to "What Do I Know"Â
Produced by Brandon Carswell
Special thanks to Nick Autry, Sound Stage and Kent Coley for helping with this episode!Â
Film & Editing by Shaun Carswell
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Episode intro music written by Brandon Carswell & produced by...
Episode 52 - Emma Zinck - Party Song
In Episode 52 we hear from singer, songwriter & ripping guitarist Emma Zinck! We talk about going viral on social media, writing what you feel vs writing commercial and we listen to the original worktape of “Party Song”
Find Emma Zinck
Listen to Party Song
This episode is sponsored by Duke Timeless Spirits and Stories & Sounds Podcast
Episode intro music written by Brandon Carswell & produced by Micah Tawlks - "Back To Us" Worktapes show cover art designed by Harrison Hudson **All songs used by permission**
Episode 51 - Carl Anderson - Friend
In episode 51 we are joing by Nashville based singer-songwriter Carl Anderson. We discuss the pros and cons of profanity in songwriting, how he somewhat casually landed a publish deal, he plays a live song for us at the end and we hear the worktape of his beautiful heart pricking song, "Friend"Â
Find Carl AndersonÂ
Listen to Friend
This episode is sponsored by Duke Timeless Spirits and Stories & Sounds Podcast
Episode intro music written by Brandon Carswell & produced by Micah Tawlks - "Back To Us" Worktapes show cover art designed by Harrison Hudson **All...
Episode 50 - Abner Ramirez - Johnnyswim - Moonlight
EPISODE 50! A special episode celebrating a major milestone! In this episode, we talk to Abner Ramirez of the band Johnnyswim. How can songs save your life? Are they merely an art form, or do they carry something more spiritual, mystical, or universal? Can a song bring two people destined for each other closer together? Abner has the answers. For this special 50th episode, we get an exclusive listen to Abner and Amanda as they write the title track for their 2019 album, Moonlight.
Find Johnnyswim
Listen to "Moonlight"
Watch The Johnnyswim Show on MAX
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Episode 49 - The Young Fables - Daddy's Girl
In episode 49 of Worktpes we are joined by Wes Lunsford & Laurel Wright of The Young Fables!Â
We discuss writing songs at early ages, how songwriting can be healing through heavy loss and suffering, their documentary, " The Fable of a Song" and we hear the orginal worktape of their song, "Daddy's Girl"Â
Find The Young Fables
Listen to Daddy's Girl
Watch The Fable of a Song
This episode is sponsored by Duke Timeless Spirits and Stories & Sounds Podcast
This episode was recorded at Sound Stage Studios in Nashville, TN
Episode 48 - Brad Sample - Getaway Driver
In episode 48 of Worktapes we talk to songwriter, guitarist and recent contestant on The Voice, Brad Sample. We discuss growing up in Nashville, tackle the subject of being the sideman vs the artist dream and listen to the original Worktape of his song "Getaway Driver.
Find Brad Sample
Listen to Getaway Driver
This episode is sponsored by Duke Timeless Spirits and Stories & Sounds Podcast
Episode intro music written by Brandon Carswell & produced by Micah Tawlks - "Back To Us" Worktapes show cover art designed by Harrison Hudson
**All songs used by...
Episode 47 - Matt Damron - Waiting On A Breakthrough
In episde 47 of Worktapes all the way the Province of Quebec we are joind by writer/producer, Matt Damron. Matt and Brandon have been friends for nearly 25 years and bring up some inside stories, joint musical endevors, not giving up on a song until it done and listen to the original worktape of Matt's song, "Waiting On A Breakthrough".Â
Find Matt DamronÂ
Listen to "Waiting On A Breakthrough"Â
Listen to Matt & Brandon's joint project, Nice Dreams
This episode is sponsored by Duke Timeless Spirits and Stories & Sounds Podcast
Episode intro musi...
Episode 46 - Sam Outlaw - Someone Quite Like You
In episode 46 of Worktapes we talk to Americana Award winner Sam Outlaw! We discuss making records with produce Cheyenne Medders, what brought Sam from Southern California to Nashville and we listen to the original worktape of his hit song, "Someone Quite Like You"Â
Find Sam Outlaw
Listen to "Someone Quite Like You"Â
This episode is sponsored by Duke Timeless Spirits and Stories & Sounds Podcast
Episode intro music written by Brandon Carswell & produced by Micah Tawlks - "Back To Us" Worktapes show cover art designed by Harrison Hudson
**All songs used...
Episode 45 - Kevin Dailey - Hey Lover
In Episode 45, we are joined by Grammy Award-winning composer, producer, mixer, and songwriting multi-instrumentalist Kevin Dailey! We discuss his dad's musical influence on him, how to stay organized and engaged in the writing process, and we listen to the original worktape of his beautiful song, "Hey Lover."
Listen to "Hey Lover"
Find Garden Friend
Find Kevin Dailey
https://www.kevindaileymusic.com/
This episode is sponsored by Duke Timeless Spirits and Stories & Sounds Podcast
Episode intro music written by Brandon Carswell & produced by Micah Tawlks - "Back T...
Episode 44 - Kent Coley | Brandon Carswell - 110
In episode 44, Kent Coley flips the script by asking to interview Worktapes show host Brandon Carswell. Kent has been in the music industry for over 25 years, working with labels like Forefront and bands like Leeland. He has experience in publishing, production, and management, and is an all-around wonderful human being.
We discuss the importance of not giving up on a song you believe in, even if it doesn’t have commercial appeal. We also talk about the mysterious dynamics of being in a band with your sibling, and we hear the original, nearly 20-year-old worktape of Brandon's song "110."
Episode 43 - Joe Nash - When You Got A Good One
In episode 43 we sit down with Joe Nash at the world renowned Sound Stage Studio in Nashville to talk about his time in "Watson & Nash", the imprtance of having a back up plan while persuing your art, and we listen to to original worktape of his latest song "When You Got A Good One"Â
Find Joe Nash
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Listen to "When You Got A Good One"Â
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Special thanks to Nick Autry, Sound Stage and Kent Coley for helping with this episode!Â
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This episode is sponsored by Duke Timeless SpiritsÂ
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Episode intro mus...
Episode 43 - Joe Nash - When You Got A Good One
In episode 43 we sit down with Joe Nash at the world renowned Sound Stage Studio in Nashville to talk about his time in "Watson & Nash", the imprtance of having a back up plan while persuing your art, and we listen to to original worktape of his latest song "When You Got A Good One"Â
Find Joe Nash
Listen to "When You Got A Good One"Â
Special thanks to Nick Autry, Sound Stage and Kent Coley for helping with this episode!Â
This episode is sponsored by Duke Timeless SpiritsÂ
Episode 42 - Cheyenne Medders - O My Goodness
In episode 42 we are joined by guitarist, producer and songwriter Cheyenne Medders. We discuss writing songs as a teenager, playing in a band with his brothers, writing with The Secret Sisters and hearing the worktapes of Cheyenne's song "O My Goodnes"
Hear "O My Goodness"
Find Cheyenne
Hear "The Damage" by The Secret Sisters
This episode is sponsored by Duke Timeless SpiritsÂ
Episode intro music written by Brandon Carswell & produced by Micah Tawlks - "Back To Us"
Worktapes show cover art designed by Harrison Hudson
Episode 41 - Common Man - Can I Know You
In episode 41 we are joined by indie alt pop (not neo folk)Â duo Common Man. We discus what it's like being married while being in a band together, the importance of being your self and defining the culture of your art, we define what "neo folk" even is...(or we try) and we hear the worktape of a wonderful single called "Can I Know You".Â
Find Common Man
Listen to Can I Know YouÂ
Neofolk, also known as dark folk, folk noir, or apocalyptic folk, is a musical genre that mixes traditional folk roc...
Episode 40 - Jonas Litton - Good Mourning (Stories & Sounds)
In episode 40 we hear from Nashville native Jonas Litton about how we met in prison, busking in his teens, his new podcast Stories & Sounds and we hear the worktape of a song he wrote called Good Mourning.Â
Find Jonas LittonÂ
Listen to Good MourningÂ
Listen to Stories & Sounds
Episode intro music written by Brandon Carswell & produced by Micah Tawlks - "Back To Us"
Worktapes show cover art designed by Harrison Hudson
**All songs used by permission**
Episode 39 - Stu G - Solid Rock
In episode 39 we hear from Stu Garrard from the band Delirious? Stu talks about the band's beginning to touring with Bon Jovi. He tells all about The Beatitues Project that he embarked on post Delirious?. We nerd out on gutiars and pedals. We talk faith and we hear the orginal worktape of a song he wrote with Martin Smith called "Solid Rock".
Listen to Solid RockÂ
Find Stu
Listen to Delirious?Â
The Beatitues ProjectÂ
The Kilt Pedal by JHS
Episode intro music wri...
Episode 38 - Nick Wheeler - Gives You Hell
In episode 38 we talk to guitarist & founding member of The All American Rejects, Nick Wheeler. We discuss the early days of the band, working with Danny Elfman, co-writing songs with Weezer's frontman, Rivers Cuomo and we listen to the original worktape of the bands biggest No. 1 song, "Gives You Hell".Â
Find Nick Wheeler
Listen to "Gives You Hell"Â
Find The All American RejectsÂ
Listen to Weezer's "Put Me Back Together"Â
Jack's Lament (AAR Version) (Nightmare Before Christmas)
The Future Has Arrived from Disney's "Meet The Robinsons"
Episode 37 - Brandon Carswell - Glimmer
In Episode 37 of Worktapes the host becomes the interviewee! Brandon Carswell (the host of Worktapes) is interviewed by Jordan Allen Dean. We get deep talking about happy sounding sad song, the struggles of depression and listen to the original worktapes of Glimmer.Â
Listen to Brandon Carswell
Listen to Glimmer
Visits https://www.brandoncarswell.com/ for more
Listen to Jordan Allen DeanÂ
This episode was sponsored by 9 To 5 Warriors : A 90'S INSPIRED ACTION FIGURE SERIES
RECAPTURING THE MAGIC OF THEÂ SATURDAY MORNING CARTOON ERA
Episode intro mus...
Episode 36 - Drew Creal - Individuate
In Episode 36 of Worktapes we have the pleasure of hearing from Drew Creal of the band Xaphon!Â
We discuss all things metalincluding our favorite metal bands, unpack what Christian Death Metal really is, ask if evil and the devil are actually real, and talk about Drew's song Individuate.Â
Listen to Xaphon
Shred Riffs on YouTube
Shred Sessions Podcast
Instagram @Xaphon777
Episode intro music written by Brandon Carswell & produced by Micah Tawlks - "Back To Us"
Worktapes show cover art designed by Harrison Hudson
**All songs use...
Episode 35 - Colonel Cobalt - Phatt
The infamous Colonel Colbalt from the band Cobalt Minor joins us in Episode 35 of Worktapes. Was he really raised by coyotes? Did he really grow a full beard by age 11? Was one of the most famous Christmas songs of all time stolen from him? We will takle these questions and talk about his upcoming song hit song, "Phatt"
Cobalt Minor
Listen to Phatt
All music in this episode was written and recorded by Colonel Colbalt and can be heard in full on Colbat Minor's latest album.Â
This e...
Episode 34 - John Canada - Prove You Wrong
John Canda is a great songwriter and drummer in The Brook & The Bluff. In episode 34 fo Wortapes he tells us how he learned how to play drums through videos games, singing in an acapella quartet during highschool and we get to listen to the worktape of "Prove You Wrong", a song he wrote for the band's record, "Bluebeard".Â
John Canada
Prove You Wrong
https://www.brookandbluff.com/
This episode was sponsored by 9 To 5 Warriors : A 90'S INSPIRED ACTION FIGURE SERIES
RECAPTURING THE MAGIC OF THEÂ SATURDAY MORNING CA...
Episode 33 - Frank Watkinson - This Could Be My Last Song
In Episode 33 we have the pleaseure of hearing from Frank Watkinson! Despite not having a tradional career in music Frank began sharing his songs and cover songs on YouTube where he quickly resonated with a global audience going viral and even had cuts featured in a show on Apple TV's Original Series "Home Before Dark". He ranked 2nd place in the American Songwriter Magzine contest with his song "This Could Be My Last Song". We discuss Frank's songs, pets, fame and listen to "This Could Be My Last Song"Â
Frank Watkinson on YouTube
"This Could Be...
Episode 32 - Chris Tapp - Blow Wind Blow
In this episode of Worktapes we are joined by Chris Tapp, frontman for The Cold Stares. We discuss guitars, adding a bassist to the band, AI songwirting and we listen to the worktape for The Cold Stares song "Blow Wind Blow" .Â
The Cold Stares
Chris Tapp
This episode was sponsored by 9 To 5 Warriors : A 90'S INSPIRED ACTION FIGURE SERIES
RECAPTURING THE MAGIC OF THEÂ SATURDAY MORNING CARTOON ERA
Episode intro music written by Brandon Carswell & produced by Micah Tawlks - "Back To Us"
Worktapes show cover art designed by...
Episode 31 - Nick Autry - Cops and Robbers
In this episode of Worktapes we hear from Nashville producer and songwriter, Nick Autry! We talk about how he ended up running Sound Stage on music row, learning from mistakes in the music industry, working with Luna Halo and we listen to the original worktape of his song "Cops and Robbers".Â
Listen to Cops and Robbers
Nick AutryÂ
Sound Stage
Cops and Robbers was written by Nick Autry, Lauren McLamb &Â Chris Rafetto
This episode was sponsored by 9 To 5 Warriors : A 90'S INSPIRED ACTION FIGURE SERIES
RECAPTURING THE...
