Pitch List

This week, Chris sits down for a conversation in the studio with one of his dream guests since the very start of Pitch List: Martina McBride! The 14 time Grammy nominee is the definition of female country music for her generation. She’s cut hit after hit and sold out arenas across the country, all the while pulling off an impossible feat - recording songs with substance and meaning, and making them massive commercial successes. Jump in to hear the incredible music journey she’s been through - from her start selling merch and getting her first opening act gig for Garth Brooks, to her early influences and the x factors that make her want to cut a song. Plus, don’t forget to check out her exhibit currently at the Country Music Hall of Fame, “Martina McBride: The Power of Her Voice”.We know it's been a shorter season than usual, but after today’s show, Pitch List is pressing pause for the moment. We can’t say for sure when we’ll be back, but we know in our hearts that we will in some way. So for now, we want to say thank you for listening and loving the show over the past 5 years. It’s been an absolutely amazing journey. Now go write your asses off! -Chris and Daena

This week, Chris sits down with Grammy award-winning, absolute legend Jim Ed Norman! From his start in the 70s as a composer, arranger, conductor + player on The Eagles' iconic "Desperado" and "Hotel California" records, to his work as an A&R man / label head at Warner Nashville and Curb Records putting artists like Faith Hill and Randy Travis on the map, Jim Ed's career is one of the most eclectic we've seen. He was one of the first Nashville execs to work towards signing more Black artists in the 80s, and was also a pioneer of expanding the Americana movement in the 90s. To have a career that stretches over numerous decades is not an easy feat to achieve - and Jim Ed remains active in the music world today, earning his first Grammy just last year. He’s currently reunited with The Eagles to lead their 70-piece orchestra on the Hotel California arena tour, so be sure to grab your tickets after you dive into this episode. Settle in for some great stories and industry wisdom in this interview, and thanks for listening!Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pitchlistpodcast/Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pitchlistpodcastFollow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/pitchlistpodSubscribe to our YouTube channel for exclusive performances and more! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwtG60ltMoaebE6HnP3B4wFollow us on Spotify for curated playlists:  https://open.spotify.com/user/7ixo57nxzlk7qzg6k2k4bi0aj?si=13330a1af7614254

In a brand new episode of Pitch List, Chris invites Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Vanessa Carlton on the show! Vanessa’s creative journey has brought her all over the map - from her roots as a ballet dancer, to starring on Broadway, to signing her first publishing deal at 18 years old before her explosive debut single “A Thousand Miles” soared to the top of the Billboard charts. Since then, she’s come into her own as an artist, gradually moving away from mainstream pop, and into more exploratory indie music, pairing poetic lyricism with gorgeous musical soundscapes. Dive into this episode for an inspiring chat about chasing down vulnerability and love through music, and don’t forget to check out Vanessa’s record “Love is an Art”, out now. Thanks for listening!Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pitchlistpodcast/Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pitchlistpodcastFollow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/pitchlistpodSubscribe to our YouTube channel for exclusive performances and more! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwtG60ltMoaebE6HnP3B4wFollow us on Spotify for curated playlists:  https://open.spotify.com/user/7ixo57nxzlk7qzg6k2k4bi0aj?si=13330a1af7614254

Calling in from LA, Chris meets up on Zoom this week with 2x Grammy award-winner Ian Fitchuk! Ian’s what you’d call a triple threat - a boundary-pushing writer, producer and multi-instrumentalist. You might recognize him as one of the minds behind Kacey Musgraves’ critically acclaimed album, “Golden Hour”, alongside our S4 alum Daniel Tashian; but Ian’s career stretches far beyond this. He moves flawlessly through a genre-bending range of artists, from mainstream country and Americana acts like Brett Eldredge and Maren Morris, to left of center pop and indie sensations such as LANY, MUNA and Phoebe Bridgers. Jump in for Chris and Ian's musings on everything from why having fun is one of the most important ingredients in art, to how moments of perceived failure have turned out to be integral to success. Thanks for listening!Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pitchlistpodcast/Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pitchlistpodcastFollow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/pitchlistpodSubscribe to our YouTube channel for exclusive performances and more! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwtG60ltMoaebE6HnP3B4wFollow us on Spotify for curated playlists:  https://open.spotify.com/user/7ixo57nxzlk7qzg6k2k4bi0aj?si=13330a1af7614254

This week, Chris sits down in the studio with indie pop singer/songwriter Sasha Alex Sloan. Aside from her wildly successful artist career (she currently clocks in at over 9 million monthly Spotify listeners), she’s also written tunes for Carly Pearce, Meghan Trainor, Katy Perry, P!nk, Charli XCX, and many more! If you’re not familiar, her music is lyrically poignant, confessional, and emotionally stunning all wrapped up in tight pop production. In this episode, she and Chris talk about imposter syndrome, their respect for pure songwriting + more - including Sasha’s upcoming full length record and the first single, “WTF”, which is out now. Plus: Chris admits he loves ABBA and bonds with Sasha over their shared love of Karen Carpenter’s voice. Thanks for listening!Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pitchlistpodcast/Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pitchlistpodcastFollow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/pitchlistpodSubscribe to our YouTube channel for exclusive performances and more! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwtG60ltMoaebE6HnP3B4wFollow us on Spotify for curated playlists:  https://open.spotify.com/user/7ixo57nxzlk7qzg6k2k4bi0aj?si=13330a1af7614254

To kick off Season 5, we invited the iconic writer/producer Luke Laird to join us on the show. It’s safe to say that Luke is a Music Row powerhouse. Over the last decade, he’s written 24 No. 1 country singles, earned two GRAMMY wins for writing and producing for Kacey Musgraves, and co-founded publishing company Creative Nation with his wife, Beth. You’re going to want to take notes on this one. Get ready for his tips on getting the best song out of a co-write with an artist, insight into how he started producing by making Garageband demos, and how a publisher that believed in him changed his life and career trajectory. Plus, you’ll hear about the process creating his first ever record called “Music Row” - streaming now! Buckle in for a great season! Enter our merch giveaway by subscribing to our monthly email newsletter! https://www.pitchlistpodcast.com/contactLearn more about International Songwriting Competition: https://www.songwritingcompetition.com/Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pitchlistpodcast/Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pitchlistpodcastFollow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/pitchlistpodSubscribe to our YouTube channel for exclusive performances and more! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwtG60ltMoaebE6HnP3B4wFollow us on Spotify for curated playlists:  https://open.spotify.com/user/7ixo57nxzlk7qzg6k2k4bi0aj?si=13330a1af7614254

Earlier this year, we had a chance to listen to YOUR songs through our summer song contest on Instagram. Today, we're excited to present a special Pitch List minisode featuring the co-winners of that contest! Check it out to hear from Mike Cali and Daniel Leathersitch on their music journeys so far; plus, we'll take a listen to the winning tunes - "Once Upon a Lime" and "Ball Cap".Winning Song Credits: "Once Upon a Lime", written by Mike Cali,  Matt Freedman + Shane Gray / "Ball Cap", written by Daniel Leathersich, Ryan Brisotti + Michael KeysFollow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pitchlistpodcast/Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pitchlistpodcastFollow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/pitchlistpodSubscribe to our YouTube channel for exclusive performances and more! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwtG60ltMoaebE6HnP3B4wFollow us on Spotify for weekly playlists:  https://open.spotify.com/user/7ixo57nxzlk7qzg6k2k4bi0aj?si=13330a1af7614254Subscribe to our monthly email newsletter for behind the scenes content, sneak peeks + more: https://www.pitchlistpodcast.com/contactLearn more about the American Songwriter Podcast Network: https://americansongwriter.com/american-songwriter-podcast-network/

In our Season 4 finale, we’re going out with a bang as Chris sits down with 2x Grammy award-winning singer/songwriter Natalie Hemby! A self-proclaimed “14-year overnight success”, Natalie gives us an inside look at her music journey - from the early days cutting her teeth as a demo singer and chasing the artist dream, to giving a Grammy acceptance speech for her group “The Highwomen” (while literally riding a roller coaster at Dollywood). Fast forward to getting her first record deal at age 44, and releasing her new sophomore solo album “Pins and Needles”, the 90s rock inspired record she’s been wanting to make since the start of it all. Listen on for an honest, funny, and insightful chat as Natalie reveals some of the worst songs she’s ever written, why you have to go out and live life in order to write the great ones, and in true Pitch List form, we discuss why it’s crucial to always come back to the heart and the love of music. Thanks for an incredible season, y’all!Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pitchlistpodcast/Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pitchlistpodcastFollow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/pitchlistpodSubscribe to our YouTube channel for exclusive performances and more! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwtG60ltMoaebE6HnP3B4wFollow us on Spotify for weekly playlists:  https://open.spotify.com/user/7ixo57nxzlk7qzg6k2k4bi0aj?si=13330a1af7614254Subscribe to our monthly email newsletter for behind the scenes content, sneak peeks + more: https://www.pitchlistpodcast.com/contactSubscribe to the American Songwriter Suncast: https://americansongwriter.com/suncast/

Welcome to our third and final part for S4’s Music Biz Series! This week, Chris sits down with an old friend and the Executive Director of NSAI (Nashville Songwriters’ Association International). As one of the places Chris recommends to check out first when you’re new in town, NSAI is more than just a place to network and get song feedback. They are songwriter advocates to the core. Listen on to learn how they were formed, what they do for the songwriting community (including their instrumental part in helping pass the MMA), and Bart’s advice for finding collaborators who are “headed north” - and how to find success alongside them.Learn more about NSAI here: https://www.nashvillesongwriters.com/Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pitchlistpodcast/Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pitchlistpodcastFollow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/pitchlistpodSubscribe to our YouTube channel for exclusive performances and more! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwtG60ltMoaebE6HnP3B4wFollow us on Spotify for weekly playlists:  https://open.spotify.com/user/7ixo57nxzlk7qzg6k2k4bi0aj?si=13330a1af7614254Subscribe to our monthly email newsletter for behind the scenes content, sneak peeks + more: https://www.pitchlistpodcast.com/contactSubscribe to the American Songwriter Suncast: https://americansongwriter.com/suncast/

Welcome to part 2 of our Music Biz Series! This week, Chris chats with Kris Ahrend, the CEO of the new MLC (Mechanical Licensing Collective). A result of the Music Modernization Act that passed in 2018, this non-profit is paying out mechanical streaming royalties to songwriters and publishers that have gone unmatched for years, as well as committing to getting writers paid correctly from now on. In this episode, you’ll learn how to sign up for the MLC (hint: it’s super easy and free), why transparency is a key feature of their organization, and most importantly, all the ways you should be getting paid for the music you create! Don’t forget to head to our website for our listening guide and resource list that goes along with this episode, and stay tuned for our final part of this series coming soon!Listening Guide: https://www.pitchlistpodcast.com/music-biz-resourcesFollow us on Spotify for weekly playlists:  https://open.spotify.com/user/7ixo57nxzlk7qzg6k2k4bi0aj?si=13330a1af7614254Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pitchlistpodcast/Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pitchlistpodcastFollow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/pitchlistpodSubscribe to our YouTube channel for exclusive performances and more! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwtG60ltMoaebE6HnP3B4wSubscribe to our monthly email newsletter for behind the scenes content, sneak peeks + more: https://www.pitchlistpodcast.com/contactSubscribe to the American Songwriter Suncast: https://americansongwriter.com/suncast/

In a brand new episode, Chris sits down with queer singer/songwriter Leland, who’s written some of pop music’s most influential and catchiest releases of the past few years (“Rare” / Selena Gomez, “Bloom” / Troye Sivan, “Hide Away” / Daya, + more). He’s also making waves in the TV/film industry, music producing for Rupaul’s Drag Race and Hulu series “Love, Victor”, as well as picking up a Golden Globe nomination for writing a song in the “Boy Erased” film. Listen on to hear their chat about full circle moments, the positive ways his sexuality has impacted his music career, and how the hustle continues even AFTER getting a publishing deal. Plus: don’t forget to check out Leland’s single “Mattress” (which has racked up over 25 million streams) and more!More exclusive content: https://www.pitchlistpodcast.com/Hear this week's Spotify's playlist featuring the best of LP:  https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6RM7GkZeekVCoh0VrFEalD?si=e2574a3682244eaaFollow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pitchlistpodcast/Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pitchlistpodcastFollow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/pitchlistpodSubscribe to our YouTube channel for exclusive performances and more! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwtG60ltMoaebE6HnP3B4w

This week, Chris sits down for a chat with singer/songwriter LP! With 5 million monthly listeners on Spotify, giant cuts like “Cheers (Drink to That)” / Rhianna, and her own songs placed in TV/film over 40 times, LP has become something of a global phenomenon over the past several years. She’ll draw you in with her ethereal vocals; you’ll stay for gorgeous storytelling and an endearing personality. Listen on to hear how different flavors from around the world bleed into her music, her advice to young artists in a brutally subjective business (you ultimately can’t give a sh*t), and the story of  “Lost on You”; the track that clocked over a billion streams just a year after she lost her third major label deal. Plus: don’t forget to stream LP’s current single “Goodbye”, off her upcoming new album “Churches” - out December 3rd! More exclusive content: https://www.pitchlistpodcast.com/Hear this week's Spotify's playlist featuring the best of LP:  https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6RM7GkZeekVCoh0VrFEalD?si=e2574a3682244eaaFollow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pitchlistpodcast/Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pitchlistpodcastFollow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/pitchlistpodSubscribe to our YouTube channel for exclusive performances and more! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwtG60ltMoaebE6HnP3B4w

Get your notebooks and thinking caps ready for Part 1 of our highly requested Music Biz Special! Today, every listener is a student of our guest Linda Edell Howard, a fantastic entertainment lawyer here in town. Buckle in for a masterclass on what YOU need to know to navigate the music business as a songwriter and/or artist. You’ll learn: what a typical first publishing deal looks like and how to make sure it benefits you, common terminology in record + pub deals, the difference between personal managers and agents, + more. But most importantly, Linda talks about how to advocate for yourself in this industry, and why it’s absolutely crucial. Plus: be sure to visit our website at https://www.pitchlistpodcast.com/music-biz-resources for a list of resources and show notes to refer back to after the episode.

Today, Chris sits down with writer/artist/musician Charlie Worsham! Since the release of his 2013 debut, “Rubberband”, Charlie has established himself as one of Nashville’s most beloved and well-respected artists. In addition to his own music, he’s a frequent collaborator, with playing and writing credits on records from Dierks Bentley, Eric Church, Luke Combs, Vince Gill, Kacey Musgraves, and many more. Get ready for a super honest chat about leaning into what matters most in life - and letting that bleed into and become what his art is all about. (And, as Charlie puts it, “the scenic route to stardom”). Plus: don’t forget to stream his brand new EP, “Sugarcane”, out NOW!

This week, Chris talks with rising star Kalie Shorr, the pop/rock/country songstress that’s blurring genre lines and paving her way in the music industry as both a writer and an artist. Her career so far runs the gamut from voice acting to viral TikTok songs to playing the Grand Ole Opry over 20 times. Dive into their chat about finding your voice as an artist, favorite conspiracy theories, and how the truth is almost always more interesting than anything you could make up. Plus: don’t forget to check out her new EP, “I Got Here By Accident”, produced by Butch Walker - out August 13th!

We’re back with a brand new episode of Pitch List, and this week, Chris got to sit down with the incredible Daniel Tashian. This genius mind has won multiple Grammys (including Album of the Year) for his writing and production work on Kacey Musgraves’ “Golden Hour”, made magic with his songwriting idol Burt Bacharach, and has had songs recorded by everyone from Little Big Town to NeedtoBreathe. Get ready to dig in and hear about his younger self’s relentless positivity towards songwriting, how to not let your ego and insecurities hold you back, and how creativity seems to follow him around, whether that be writing hit songs or taking up watercolor painting. Daniel even treats us to an exclusive performance of his unreleased song "We Can Ride". Plus: don’t forget to check out Daniel’s newest record and collaboration with Burt, “Blue Umbrella”.

This week on Pitch List, Chris chats with Grammy-nominated, Music Row icon Ross Copperman! A truly humble, hardworking, and absolutely deserving talent, you’ll get a peek behind the curtain of this writer/producer/artist who’s penned 30 number one radio hits and produced for countless country acts. In this episode, Ross talks us through his musical journey that began with an abandoned record deal in the UK, a trip to Nashville that changed his life, and how he’s now finding his voice once again as an artist (not to mention, stories about writing with Ed Sheeran and some good old fashioned reminiscing about early days on Music Row). Plus, don’t forget to stream Ross’ brand new EP, “Somewhere There’s A Light On”, out now!

This week, we’re hanging with HARDY, the CMA and ACM-nominated writer/artist that is dominating the scene with his rowdy redneck chart-toppers! After bursting onto Music Row in 2018 after signing to Big Loud Records, HARDY quickly earned platinum cuts by Chris Lane, Blake Shelton, FGL and many more - not to mention launching his own artist project just a year later. In this episode, we dive into his writing room creative process, talk about the power of confident thinking, and hear how a phone call from his favorite producer changed his life. Plus, don’t forget to stream HARDY’s cover of “Blurry”: out now!

This week, Chris chats with the super talented yet humble Nashville singer/songwriter Ben Rector! After gaining traction on his music in local scenes before moving to town, Ben has now written hits for the likes of Lady A + Devin Dawson, not to mention amassing millions of streams on his own seven studio records and headlining tours with Dave Barnes, NeedtoBreathe, and many more. Listen on to learn how Ben brings an unwavering optimism and positive take on life to his music, and how to find peace in the creative process and the art you make. Plus: don’t forget to stream Ben’s new single “Range Rover” featuring Steve Winwood, out now!

Pitch List fans, buckle in! Chris sat down this week with the fabulous, multi-talented Fred Mollin. Fred is an award-winning Nashville songwriter/producer whose career runs the gamut - from TV/film scores for horror series like Friday the 13th, to Disney’s best-selling children’s lullaby albums and projects for Finding Nemo, Cars + more. (Not to mention his production credits on the Grammy award-winning “Sometimes When We Touch”, and hits for Jimmy Webb, Billy Ray Cyrus and other icons). Dive into our chat to hear Fred spill industry secrets about his time working at Walt Disney Records, the often lonely business of scoring for film/tv, how to lose your ego, and his passion for making fun and engaging music for children. Plus, don’t forget to stream Fred’s brand new record, “It’s Great To Be a Kid”, a collection of new, original and interactive kids’ songs about life and living.