The Songwriters Podcast with Mark Baratto
The Songwriters Podcast with Mark Baratto
Mark Baratto
Have you ever dreamt of sitting down with your favorite artist and learn about their origin story, what inspires them, or what keeps them going?  The Songwriter's Podcast is a behind the scenes conversation with these talented songwriters, musicians, and artists from all over the world.  So sit back and listen in to these relaxed conversations of those who inspire us through their words. Thanks to Charlie Bauer with The Key West Songwriters Festival for the inspiration for this podcast, and his desire to share these amazing songwriters with the world. The Key West Songwriters Festival is the largest festival of its kind in the world.  Since 1997 BMI has been a presenting sponsor of the festival and has helped it grow into both a tourist attraction and favorite of island locals. The festival revolves around five days and nights where live music bliss introduces crowds to the faces, voices, and stories behind the songs!
The Sultry Sounds of James T. Slater
**NOTE** This episode was recorded many months before the COVID-19 lockdown. In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter James T. Slater to talk about how he got started, and where he is headed in his amazing career. As a special treat, today on April 17th is the release of Guys Named Captain, performed by Kenny Chesney's and written by James.  Have a listen here:  https://open.spotify.com/track/0xQKwuJHobmJAsQoEXDU6C?si=cXGmwnJuRG2tJ-qdNqCUJA More on James T. Slater James is a two time, grammy nominated, piano-playing, bilingual singer-songwriter of Bolivian American descent signed to BMG Music Publishing/Nashville with songs recorded by everyone from Carrie Underwood to Tim McGraw to Willie Nelson. Website: https://www.jamestslatermusic.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamestslatermusic/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JamesTSlaterMusic/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXJS8pWNTUt6z_E-dJcW-3g Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_T._Slater
Apr 17, 2020
1 hr 1 min
A Double Header Interview with Kylie Sackley & Anthony Smith
In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with two amazing singer-songwriters; Kylie Sackley and Anthony Smith. This was a favorite episode for me because I was able to get different perspectives from both of these artists since they don't sing together and are in two separate bands. I hope you enjoy it!! More on Kylie Instagram:  https://instagram.com/kyliesackley Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kyliesackleymusic Twitter: https://twitter.com/kyliesackley For award-winning songwriter Kylie Sackley, it’s always been about the songs first. As a wunderkind performer in her birthplace of Australia, Kylie dazzled audiences with her authentic grasp of country, her gorgeously expressive vocals, and her electrifying stage presence. When she won Australia’s most prestigious country music talent search, Star Maker (Keith Urban was a previous winner), she made the fateful decision to go the route of being a professional songwriter, and she hasn’t looked back since. “First and foremost, I’ve always been a songwriter. Writing songs was just something I had to do,” Kylie states. Throughout Australia, Kylie won numerous country music competitions, but her victory in the Star Maker competition proved to be life-changing in that it required her to make a songwriting trip to Nashville as an artist. “When I got there, I just fell in love. It was incredible having access to such amazing musicians, poets, and song craftsman. I extended my stay for 10 weeks and then went back home and applied for a U.S. work visa. With two suitcases I moved to Nashville.” Kylie’s first year on the Nashville scene was astounding. That year she co-wrote Leann Rimes country comeback smash “Nothin’ ‘bout Love Makes Sense” with highly sought after writers Gary Burr and Joel Feeney. “I thank my lucky stars for that single, it helped me get my foot in the door and get momentum as a writer,” Kylie reveals. That track, and her next co-write—Faith Hill’s “Sunshine and Summertime”—went Top 5. Kylie also co-wrote Troy Cassar Daley’s “The Sunshine Club,” Alan Jackson’s “It’s Just That Way,” and has penned songs for Thompson Square, John Rich, Lee Brice and Jodee Messina. Kylie co-wrote the track “Young In America” recorded by Danielle Bradbery, the 2013 US winner of the reality TV show, The Voice. That track landed in the Billboard Hot Country Song Chart and reached Number 53 on the US Country Airplay Chart. Kylie’s songwriting also appears on the first single from US country duo, American Young. She co-wrote the duo’s song “Love is War” which reached Number 44 on the US Country Airplay Chart. Kylie was nominated by the APRA (Australian performing rights association) for “Breakthrough Songwriter Of The Year” award in 2014. Most recently, Kylie wrote Sam Hunt’s “Speakers,” on his certified double-platinum album Montevallo. Kylie is adept at all facets of songwriting, comfortable writing lyrics, melodies, music, and contributing production ideas. “It all depends on the day. Much like a performer has to read the audience, when you’re a songwriter, you read the room. If someone really excels at composing melodies, I’ll focus on writing lyrics. I’m like a chameleon—I can do it all—but I enjoy reading the room, being open to the creative flow, and then providing what is needed,” she says. Reflecting back on it all, Kylie says thoughtfully: “On any given day of the week, I look up at the amazing talent in the room where I’m collaborating, and I pinch myself. I feel so lucky to work with these greats on a daily basis. More on Anthony Website: https://www.anthonysmith.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anthonysmithhq Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnthonySmithNashville/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/anthonysmithhq Songs written by Anthony Smith are weaved into the fabric of country music.  His songs have shaped the careers for some of the most iconic country music artists like George Strait, Tim McGraw, Blake Shelton, Chris Stapleton, Eric Church, Montgomery Gentry and others. He has won numerous awards from BMI, ASCAP, and NSAI as well as the prestigious Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year award by Music Row Magazine.  As a recording artist, his critically acclaimed record “If That Ain’t Country” produced three Billboard top 40 singles. Anthony has the uncanny and rare talent of writing songs in ways that have never been written before, that generates visuals and impacts emotions for listeners.  With memorable song titles like “Cowboy’s Like Us”, “Who Invented The Wheel”, “Half a Man”, “Run”, “I’m Tryin’”, “Up To The Depths”, “Infinity” and more, you know Anthony’s songs are interesting and capture the imagination of the listener. When you hear Anthony Smith perform his original songs and take in the lyrics, you can see why he is an award winning songwriter.  When you take in an Anthony Smith show as he entertains a sold out crowd, you can see why he is a highly favored performer. When you hear an Anthony Smith production you become a believer in all things Anthony Smith.
Mar 13, 2020
1 hr 3 min
Talking shop with superstar Shelly Fairchild
In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with singer-songwriter Shelly Fairchild. We talk about how her career began, how leaving her label for another was the best thing for her career, how being true to yourself is the only way to be... and of course, Dolly Parton. More on Shelly zoogle-video#handleVimeoPostMessage"> Shelly Fairchild isn’t new to the industry – but she’s far from old news. A staple in the Nashville music community, Fairchild hit the scene to much acclaim with her Columbia Records debut album Ride. The project introduced the young artist’s soulful, gospel-tinged brand of alternative country and spawned a Top 40 hit with “You Don’t Lie Here Anymore.” She toured with some of the biggest names in the format, including Rascal Flatts, Keith Urban and Tim McGraw, and began to dig her roots in the industry. She again found success in her second release, Ruby’s Money, which came steeped in a thick groove with elements of funk – but it was Buffalo, her crowd-funded 2017 release, that marks a milestone in her life and career.  “I’m sincerely grateful for both the good and bad things that have happened in my life. Everyone that I’ve met and worked with over the 20 years that I’ve lived in Nashville has made me who I am, and I will always carry that in my soul,” says Fairchild.  The Jackson, Miss. native started the project in May 2014, launching a PledgeMusic campaign in the hopes that she would find support of her endeavor – and after reaching her goal in just two days, she realized she had. Fairchild's 3rd full length studio record was fully funded and buoyed by the faith of her friends, family and fans.   The next two years saw Fairchild working with some of her most inspirational industry co-writers. “House on Fire,” an aching ballad reflecting on the weight of one’s past, was the first song that she remembers finishing and feeling confident that it deserved a spot on her record. Co-written by Fairchild along with Lisa Carver and Travis Meadows, the track features subtle but classic country instrumentation and the soft harmonies of one of her favorite bands, the Fairground Saints.  From there the singer/songwriter continued to pen songs that she felt carried an important message to either herself or the world around her.  Guided by Jeremy Lister and Carey Ott, Fairchild recorded eight of her co-written tracks for the record that would become known to her fans as 'Buffalo'.  Though she tackled some serious topics in her writing, Fairchild felt extremely uplifted by her own work and that of others.  “I love singers and songwriters,” she smiles.  I love to have camaraderie and deep friendships with great singers and musicians. I feel like our community in Nashville is so rich and some of my favorite voices are my friends. I am so fortunate to have worked with so many great artists on Buffalo like Wendy Moten, Lucie Silvas, K.S. Rhoads, Fairground Saints, and of course Carey & Jeremy. My heart felt like it was going to explode by the end of the recording process." Not only does Buffalo emphasize its diversity by featuring guest vocalists, but it also highlights a wide array of musical styles and influences.  “There are a lot of different elements to the music that I make,” says Fairchild. “How do you describe some of the best bands that you know? They ended up on pop radio or on country radio, but are they really that kind of act? I have so many influences and I love having them show up in my songs. It feels like that kind of music lasts longer, because it feels real.”  As for the name of her last full length album to date, Fairchild says, "In many Native American cultures, the buffalo is a symbol of gratitude and abundance. I am from Choctaw ancestry and I completely connect with the idea that though buffalo carry a lot on their shoulders, their horns are always pointing up to the sky. There’s always this hope that the weight will be lifted." A longtime hidden gem in the trove of Nashville musicians, Fairchild continues to keep her head and her heart pointing up to the sky. Between singing background vocals for the likes of Jason Aldean, Eric Church, Martina McBride, Crystal Gayle (to name a few), appearing as a regular on The Grand Ole Opry, writing songs for film and television, touring across the country and continuously working on future projects, it is clear she is just getting started.  “At times I’ve gotten down about my own path, but when I really take a good look at it – it’s not just full of detours and dead ends,” she said. “It’s a wide path, and it’s full of so many spontaneous and amazing things.” Website: https://shellyfairchild.com Instagram: http://instagram.com/shellyfairchild   Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/shellyfairchild   Twitter: https://twitter.com/shellyfairchild   Spotify: https://t.co/jL6dASNf9Q   Apple Music: https://t.co/xcXLf9bWbH   Amazon Music: https://t.co/KJvcqg6WCY
Feb 28, 2020
57 min
Getting Raw & Real with Musician Joal Rush
In this episode, Mark Baratto sings down with musician Joal Rush to talk about his musical origin story (more than 20 years ago), the time he puts into his music, and where he is headed. More on Joal Rush Born & raised in Camden, South Carolina, Joal Rush began his musical quest at an early age(singing, drumming, playing guitar & bass, as well as dabbling on piano), and has been performing live for the past two decades, sharing the stage with nationally renowned artists Zac Brown Band, Jason Isbell, Darius Rucker, Lee Brice, Shovels & Rope, Sister Hazel, Drivin' n Cryin', Edwin McCain, Jay Clifford(Jump, Little Children), Jakob Dylan, Big Head Todd & the Monsters, Styx, and Foreigner, while releasing a handful of albums along the way(Delightful Things, Imagination, Wares). Rush relocated to Nashville, TN in the summer of 2014, to focus on writing/recording the songs for his upcoming album, Kaleidoscope Emotions. Joal Rush uniquely blends influences of Folk/Pop/Rock & Soul, to create a style all his own. Website: http://www.joalrush.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joalrush Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joalrush 
Feb 13, 2020
28 min
The art of writing songs with Craig Wiseman & Lee Thomas Miller
In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with two of the most well-known songwriters in Nashville; Craig Wisman and Lee Thomas Miller. If you are an aspiring songwriter or musician, this episode is filled with so much wisdom, that it's a can't miss. We discuss their writing process and how they pump out over 100 songs per year... year after year. Between them, they have 33 # 1 songs, winning a number of industry awards, and have written songs for some of country music's top artists like Tim McGraw, Kenny Chesney, Dolly Parton, Blake Shelton, Luke Bryan, Dierks Bentley, Carrie Underwood, Jason Aldean, Florida Georgia Line, Brian Kelley, Brad Paisley, Trace Adkins, Terri Clark, Jamey Johnson, Chris Stapleton... the list goes on and on! Be on the listen for a little jam session by Craig Wiseman on the guitar after the closing music... ENJOY! Reach out to Craig here: Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/thebigloud Big Loud Publishing Website: http://bigloudpublishing.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigloud Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bigloud Twitter: https://twitter.com/bigloud Reach out to Lee here:  Website: http://www.leethomasmiller.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leethomasmiller More on Craig Wiseman Craig Wiseman is one of country music’s most renowned, talented and distinguished writers. From his early days of writing and drumming in Hattiesburg, Mississippi to being crowned Songwriter of the Century by ASCAP, he has indeed created for himself a monumental platform in the history of country music. As the writer of songs including Brooks and Dunn’s “Believe” to Blake Shelton’s “Boys ‘Round Here”, Wiseman has amassed over 350 cuts, 125 singles, and 27 #1’s. After moving to Nashville in 1985 to pursue a career in songwriting, he received his first chart success after having co-written “The Only One” from Roy Orbison’s album, Mystery Girl. In 1990, Wiseman signed his first publishing deal with Almo/Irving Music, and ten years later, he signed with BMG Music Publishing. In 2003, Wiseman opened his own publishing company, and within the first year of the independent company’s operation, Wiseman experienced the first single of the catalog; “Live Like You Were Dying” by Tim McGraw not only peaked at the top of the charts for ten weeks, but it also was named NSAI Song of the Year, CMA Song of the Year, ACM Song of the Year and won the Grammy Award for Best Country Song. In 2012, Wiseman co-founded Big Loud’s management division, the launchpad of Florida Georgia Line, followed by Big Loud Records in 2015. Wiseman’s success has continued to escalate at exponential levels throughout the years. He was proclaimed ASCAP’s “Songwriter of the Year” in 2003, 2005, and 2007 in addition to being named “Writer of the Year” by NSAI and Music Row in 1997. In 2009, he received the impressive honor of NSAI’s “Songwriter of the Decade” and won the 2014 Heritage Award from ASCAP as the most performed country songwriter of the century. Following those years of success, hard work & accomplishments, Wiseman was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in October of 2015. In 2017, Wiseman was honored with a CMA Triple Play Award for FGL’s “Anything Goes” & Blake Shelton’s “Gonna” & “Came Here To Forget.” Although his accomplishments are nothing less than extraordinary, Wiseman’s talents and endeavors extend far beyond the field of songwriting. As a complement to Tim McGraw’s “Live Like You Were Dying”, Wiseman co-wrote a book with the same title, which topped the New York Times Best Seller list in 2004. Additionally, he co-wrote the book A Baby Changes Everything in 2008, in conjunction with Faith Hill’s #1 single. The following year, Wiseman starred in a reality TV show, The Hitmen of Music Row, which aired on GAC. For the past 15 years, Wiseman has hosted The Stars of Second Harvest Show at the Ryman, showing his philanthropic heart and giving all proceeds to the Second Harvest Food Bank Of Middle Tennessee. To date, this musical event has raised more than $1.5 million for the food bank. Craig's Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/thebigloud Big Loud Publishing Website: http://bigloudpublishing.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigloud Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bigloud Twitter: https://twitter.com/bigloud More on Lee Thomas Miller FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE NASHVILLE SONGWRITER'S ASSOCIATION (NSAI) 3 Time Grammy Award Nominee: 2003 Grammy nomination:   “The Impossible” (Joe Nichols) Country Song of the Year: 2009 Double Grammy nomination: “You’re Gonna Miss This”(Trace Adkins)-  Country Song of the Year “In Color” (Jamey Johnson)- Country Song of the Year Music Row Magazine: Breakthrough Songwriter of the year 2003 Awarded one of NSAI’s  ‘Ten Songs I Wish I Had Written’ 2003: “The Impossible” Awarded one of NSAI’s  ‘Ten Songs I Wish I Had Written’ 2008: “You’re Gonna Miss This” Won Song of the Year at the 2008 NSAI awards for “You’re Gonna Miss This” Nominated for Song of the Year at 2008 CMA awards for “You’re Gonna Miss This” 2009 Double ACM Nominee: “You’re Gonna Miss This” and “In Color” for Song of the Year. Won Song of the Year at the 2009 ACM awards for “In Color” Won Music Row Magazine’s 2009 Song of the Year  for  “In Color” Awarded one of NSAI’s  ‘Ten Songs I Wish I Had Written’ 2009: “In Color” Won Song of the Year at the 2009 CMA awards for "In Color" Awarded BMI's inaugural "Champion's Award" 2015 Nominated for Song of the Year at the 2018 ACM awards for "Whiskey and You" #1 Country Singles: “The Impossible” (Joe Nichols)** “I Just Wanna Be Mad” (Terri Clark)** “The World” (Brad Paisley)** “You’re Gonna Miss This” (Trace Adkins)*“I’m Still A Guy” (Brad Paisley)“Southern Girl” (Tim McGraw) "Perfect Storm" (Brad Paisley) (*received BMI Million Play Award) (**received BMI 2 Million Play Award)                                 Other top 10 singles: "It Aint My Fault" (Brothers Osborne) #9 "Crushin' It" (Brad Paisley) #7 “In Color”  (Jamey Johnson) #7 “Nothing To Die For” (Tim McGraw)  #5 “Jesus In Disguise” (Brandon Heath)  #8 "Just A Girl" (Brandon Heath) #8 Other top 20 singles: “Something To Do With My Hands” (Thomas Rhett) #15 “Crying On A Suitcase” (Casey James) #14 “Leaving Eden” (Brandon Heath) #17 Cuts include: Tim McGraw, Rascal Flatts, Dierks Bentley, Josh Turner, Brad Paisley, Joe Nichols, Terri Clark, John Michael Montgomery, Sammy Kershaw, Andy Griggs, Tracy Byrd, Tracy Lawrence, Randy Travis, Rhett Akins, Blue County, Billy Currington, Craig Morgan, The Wreckers, Chris Young, Blackhawk, Mark Wills Production credits include  Curb recording artist Steve Holy including the 2006 #1 single: “Brand New Girlfriend” and 2010 top 20 single "Love Don't Run" Website: http://www.leethomasmiller.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leethomasmiller
Jan 29, 2020
40 min
Singer, Songwriter, Guitarist, & Storyteller Scott Kirby
In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with singer, songwriter, guitarists, storyteller, sailor and road warrior, Scott Kirby. We talk about his long career as a musician, and where he goes for writing inspiration, and how a little bit of luck took him a long way. I recently saw Scott perform at the world-famous Smokin' Tuna Saloon in Key West, which I highly recommend! More on Scott Website: https://www.scottkirby.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scottkirbykeywest/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/scottkirby.keywest Singer, songwriter, guitarist, storyteller, sailor and road warrior are all words that aptly describe Scott Kirby. Writing songs for a new CD, performing 150 live shows a year throughout the US and Canada, and holding down the stage at his own club—Key West’s Smokin’ Tuna Saloon—keep the barnacles off this modern-day troubadour. A creative lyricist and accomplished finger-style acoustic guitarist with an expressive voice, Kirby describes himself as a direct descendant of the ’70s singer/songwriter movement. His very first 45 was a Beatles record, and he came of musical age listening to James Taylor and other great songwriters of that era. He has never received any formal musical training but often credits Taylor with teaching him how to play the acoustic guitar. “If it weren’t for the hundreds of solitary hours in my room in Concord, New Hampshire, with a guitar and a James Taylor book, I never would have learned to play,” says Kirby. Speaking of New Hampshire and musical influences, let’s not forget fellow New Hampshire native Tom Rush who was taking the folk scene by storm in Kirby’s formative years. Coincidentally, Kirby connected with both of these artists in Key West 30 years later, which is a whole other story. After a few years in high school bands and a stint in his early 20s as a bass guitarist with a group, Kirby drifted away from music and became immersed in a career in politics: managing campaigns, writing and producing radio and TV ads, and overseeing the office of a leader in the New Hampshire legislature. He was also guitarless for eight years! In 1988, however, after tiring of the political rat race and the length and severity of New England winters, he bought a new guitar, relentlessly practiced his chops, and planned his escape. Six months later Kirby was living in Key West and performing five nights a week on a balmy beach facing the Gulf of Mexico. Kirby started writing songs after some inspirational late-night words from legendary songwriter Shel Silverstein and further encouragement from Peter Mayer, who had just joined the Coral Reefer Band. A year later he found himself recording his first CD, Too Damn Yankee, in Jimmy Buffett’s Shrimpboat Sound Studio with Peter and Jim Mayer and Roger Guth. “This was a very lucky break for me, but I was in a bit over my head,” says Kirby. “Peter, Jim and Roger were incredibly patient with me and it was a fantastic learning experience.” Between 1993 and 2006, Kirby continued to write new material and recorded four more CDs with Key West producer/engineer Dan Simpson. In 2008 luck struck again when famed drummer/producer Russ Kunkel offered to produce Kirby’s Row Me Home CD at his studio in Los Angeles. “Next thing I know I’m cutting my songs in the Hollywood Hills with Russ, bassist Leland Sklar and guitarist Dean Parks and feeling like the luckiest guy in the world.” Speaking of luck, Kirby’s wistful ballad “Lucky Enough” struck a chord with listeners on Sirius/XM Radio Margaritaville, which exposed his music to more markets around the country and led to his current touring schedule through 35 states each year. He continues to receive regular airplay on the station. Kirby joined a group of friends in 2011 to open the Smokin’ Tuna Saloon, a 200-seat bar and music venue in Key West where Kirby performs often in winter months. The Tuna is also host to the Key West Songwriter’s Festival. The festival is in its 20th year and has exploded into the largest event of its kind in the country, featuring more than 150 songwriters every year. In 2013 Kirby released his seventh CD, Sol Searching, a collaboration with producer/engineer/musician Lew London. “Lew was great to work with as he’s so multi-talented,” says Kirby. “He performed for years with Steve Goodman and is such a fine songwriter in his own right that he really understands how to build a sound around acoustically based songs.” Scott  Kirby’s latest CD, Chasing Hemingway’s Ghost, was recorded with and produced by Matt and Andy Thompson in their studio in Nashville and released in 2017. When it comes to songwriting, Kirby respects authenticity and counts on everyday life and his coastal roots for much of his inspiration. “I don’t wake up every day thinking about writing the next commercial hit,” says Kirby. “Songwriting for me is about telling stories, expressing emotions, and commentary on things I may find funny or absurd.” Over the years Kirby has shared the stage with some of his favorite artists: Carole King, Jimmy Buffett, Livingston Taylor, Tom Rush, Mac McAnally, Peter Mayer and others. When not on the road or performing in Key West, Kirby splits his time between Livingston, Montana, and the coast of New Hampshire where he can often be found sailing, a lifelong passion of this descendant of Newfoundland fishermen. Yes, Scott Kirby is—as he readily admits—lucky enough.
Jan 16, 2020
50 min
The Soulful Sound of Nick Norman
In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Key West local Nick Norman to talk about where he started, and where he is going. We find out how he got started with music and how he is constantly working to "sharpen the sword" of his craft. This is one of my favorite interviews so far because Nick is so easy to talk to and comes at his career as an open book.  More on Nick Norman Immediately recognizable, Nick is known for two distinctive gifts: his soulful voice and infectious smile. It's hard to imagine that as a young boy he was told he would never be good enough to sing in the church's youth ensemble in Columbia, South Carolina where he grew up. Today he is truly the man with a golden voice; a talented singer/songwriter who delights his audiences with soulful and inspirational performances.  It was during his childhood when Nick first acquired his passion for music; his father played guitar, while his mother encouraged him to write. Attending Baptist church exposed him to the awe-inspiring power of the choir. “It was how I first learned that you can truly make people feel what you feel, by believing in what you are singing. They sang from their hearts and that is something I believe that cannot be faked.” As a young man listening to South Carolina’s emerging musicians of the time, such as Edwin McCain and Hootie and the Blowfish, he was also drawing from the styles of legendary artists including Stevie Wonder and The Band. Inspired by an eclectic array of influences Nick created a sound all his own. Branching out from his home state he performed on stages all over the southeast, eventually finding his way to the Southernmost City of Key West in 2006. As his solo acoustic shows were drawing crowds, Nick’s songwriting was steadily being fueled by the artistic vibe of the island blending with his native southern roots.   In 2010,  Nick collaborated with longtime friends Jon Stone & Lee Brice resulting in the recording of his first studio album Hey Cheater. This heartfelt album gave fans a raw look into the personal hardships of Nick’s life by putting his heart on his sleeve in songs such as  “Libba Don’t Call” and "Varela St”. Quickly becoming a Key West anthem, “Good Whiskey” can be heard by local musicians throughout Key West on any given evening.  He has performed his original music on stages across the country that include City Winery, The Filmore, Listening Room Nashville, Key West Theater, Rams Head, Vina Robles Amphitheatre, Melody Tent and Island Time Music Festival. He has opened for acts such as Lee Brice, Lee Ann Womack, Edwin McCain, The Wailers, and The Doobie Brothers and founded the highly sought after "Sunday Ramble" concert that features local Key West musicians. Website: https://www.nicknormanmusic.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicknormanmusic Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nicknormanmusic
Dec 31, 2019
54 min
Going from NFL hopeful to Singer/Songwriter with Kyle Coulahan
In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Singer-Songwriter Kyle Coulahan. We talk about how he decided to leave the game of football as an NFL hopeful, to pursue his real dream as a Singer-Songwriter. Kyle spoke about the mentor that helped get him on his way, in a way that you can tell he missed having him around. Our interview went a little short because Kyle didn’t want to miss his friend Arlis perform, which anchors home what a great man and friend he really is. MORE ON KYLE When he was young, Kyle Coulahan's father introduced him to an old Alvarez guitar and he's been hooked ever since. Growing up in Perdido Key, Florida, Kyle split his free time between playing football and practicing on the guitar.  During Kyle's senior year of high school, he was offered a full scholarship to play football at Auburn University, and there he met producer Chip Moman (Waylon Jennings, Elvis Presley, Willie Nelson, and many more). Chip recognized a talent in Kyle that he could see growth over the years, so he introduced  Kyle to Nashville where he would write, record and network with others within the music Industry. Shortly after graduation, Kyle decided to pack his bags and guitar and relocate to Nashville to chase his dreams of becoming a professional songwriter and performer.  Kyle's influences of music range from BB King, Vince Gill to Tim McGraw and Kenny Chesney.  Kyle's music is Country with a splash of whiskey and tequila.  Kyle has recently signed with given Music Publishing and produced an EP of his own songs called Pirates and Gypsies, and his new single called She Quit Me. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kylecoulahan Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bigcoul Twitter: https://twitter.com/kylecoulahan Apple Music: https://www.apple.com/us/search/kyle-coulahan?src=globalnav
Dec 17, 2019
12 min
Behind The Scenes Talk with Cliff Cody
In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with singer-songwriter Cliff Cody. We talk about how he went from bouncer to songwriter to give it a shot in Nashville.  With nothing lucrative insight and family life calling, Cliff gave up music and moved to his wife's hometown in Ohio.   After many nights staring at his guitar sitting in the corner, Cliff picked up that 6 string again to give it one more shot, (with a little motivation from his wife), and the rest is now history! More on Cliff Cody Working as a bouncer at a West Texas honky-tonk, Cliff Cody’s life changed forever when the waitress dared him to sing at Karaoke Night. Lucky for Cliff, a band was in the audience looking for a lead singer. They offered Cliff the job that night. The next day he bought a guitar, a week later he had written his first song and 6 months after that, he moved to Nashville.   After living in Nashville for 4 years with little success, Cliff went back to school and became an RN. While at a songwriter’s retreat in Wyoming, he met his songwriting hero—D. Vincent Williams and he told Cliff something that would change his path. “Whatever “it” is, you’ve got it and I don’t think you even realize it.” That was the encouragement he needed and in 2005 Cliff signed his first publishing contract with EMI/Sony Music. “Chasin Whiskey” was Cliff’s first cut and recognized as a highlight of Julie Roberts’ album “Men and Mascara” by Rolling Stone Magazine. Cliff's second cut was "Glad You're Gone", a song he co-wrote with the members of Halfway to Hazard David Tolliver and Chad Warrix.  He co-wrote "Gotta Go to Heaven" with artist Josh Thompson and co-wrote the first single on D. Vincent Williams' freshman album, "Down by the River."  Since first playing the Key West Songwriters Festival 12 years ago, Cliff has become a favorite and regular performer in the Keys. He has opened for Dwight Yoakam, Gary Allen, Jamey Johnson, Randy Houser, Phil Vasser, Aaron Lewis, Blackberry Smoke, David Allan Coe, Parmalee, Tracey Lawrence, Travis Tritt, The Charlie Daniels Band, Chris Young, Justin Moore, Ashley McBride and many more. Cliff made the Top 15 national finalists on the ABC talent Show "Rising Star" and wrote a song for the book, "The Shoe-Burnin' - Stories of Southern Soul" available on Amazon. His soulful voice and story telling style of writing has helped Cliff build a loyal following. He makes fast friends and forever fans and once you hear him, you become both. Cliff met his wife Amy at the legendary Bluebird Cafe and they married in 1998. They live in a log cabin with their 125 pound rescue dog--Bronx in the hills of Appalachian Ohio. They are enormously proud of their only child, Veronica who is an honor student at Ohio Wesleyan University—who doesn’t call home nearly enough.  Where to find Cliff Website: https://www.cliffcody.com Where he's playing: https://www.cliffcody.com/calendar Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cliffcody
Dec 4, 2019
26 min
Singing, Songwriting & Festivals with Arlis Albritton
In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Singer, songwriter, and all-around cool guy, Arlis Albritton. We talked about his journey and how he got started in music (hint, it was the mailroom), navigating the Nashville writing scene, and how he is expanding his talent into the festival arena, with the St. Augustine Songwriters Festival:  http://staugustinesongwritersfestival.com More on Arlis Arlis started writing full time, getting numerous cuts on acts like Julie Roberts, Keith Anderson, Jeff Bates, Halfway To Hazard and John Michael Montgomery to name a few. More recently Luke Bryan cut “Too Damn Young” on Luke’s triple-platinum album Tailgates and Tanlines. Arlis also had the honor of co-producing his song “Good Morning Sunrise” on Jamey Johnson’s Grammy and ACM nominated album. Arlis saw some chart success with “Won’t Be Lonely Long” by Josh Thompson, reaching number 25 on the Billboard charts. Arlis’s songs have been placed in Nissan commercials as well as the television show “The Voice” Website: http://arlisalbritton.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arlisalbritton Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arlis.albritton *Shout-out to Nick Norman for the Podcast intro and MG Sound for the sultry intro tunes
Nov 21, 2019
29 min
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