Write on Track: A Songwriting Podcast

I’m over the moon to share my fabulous conversation with Helena Hallberg on the heels of the release of her debut album, Epithet. During our chat, Helena shares how being multicultural influences her songwriting, her process as a songwriter and while creating the album, what it was like recording with an all female production team, her favorite memory from the studio, advice for songwriters, and more. It was a joy having Helena on the show, so I hope you love listening. Are you enjoying Write on Track? Do you have a topic suggestion for an episode? Would you like to be a guest? Email me at writeontrackpodcast@gmail.com. Also, I’d love to connect with you. My official website is http://demimschwartz.com, and you can find me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/demimschwartz, Instagram at http://instagram.com/demimschwartz, and Facebook at http://facebook.com/demimschwartz. Thank you so much for listening. Until next time, stay “write on track!”

Wow, I couldn’t feel more honored to share such an inspiring and moving conversation with Heather Hill. This is a very special one on healing through music. Chatting with Heather and hearing about her stunning album, Twilight Mist, has opened my mind and heart. Our conversation truly speaks for itself, so please, give this one a listen and enjoy every moment. Are you enjoying Write on Track? Do you have a topic suggestion for an episode? Would you like to be a guest? Email me at writeontrackpodcast@gmail.com. Also, I’d love to connect with you. My official website is http://demimschwartz.com, and you can find me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/demimschwartz, Instagram at http://instagram.com/demimschwartz, and Facebook at http://facebook.com/demimschwartz. Thank you so much for listening. Until next time, stay “write on track!”

Taking the leap into releasing music comes with a rollercoaster ride of emotions and experiences. I’m excited to share my conversation with Jenna Kellogg surrounding the journey to becoming a recording artist. We talk about embracing learning experiences, developing a songwriting process, the stress that comes with being a songwriter, collaborating with others, finding the right producer, gaining knowledge about the music business, feeling confident in the music being released, the role acting plays while recording vocals in the studio, the process of choosing and recording a cover song, and much more. Also, Jenna shares all the details about her original song, “The Same Way,” and her cover of “Lovely” by Billie Eilish. I loved having Jenna on the show for such a fabulous conversation, so I hope it gives you a glimpse into what it’s like to debut as a recording artist. Are you enjoying Write on Track? Do you have a topic suggestion for an episode? Would you like to be a guest? Email me at writeontrackpodcast@gmail.com. Also, I’d love to connect with you. My official website is http://demimschwartz.com, and you can find me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/demimschwartz, Instagram at http://instagram.com/demimschwartz, and Facebook at http://facebook.com/demimschwartz. Thank you so much for listening. Until next time, stay “write on track!”

I’m so excited to share such a meaningful conversation with Jack Francis about releasing a sophomore album in today’s music landscape. Jack talks about his songwriting process, touring, and his upcoming album, Early Retirement. Also, we dive deep into the evolution from a debut to a sophomore album and what it’s like being an artist in the music industry today. I had a blast chatting with Jack, so I hope you love our conversation. Are you enjoying Write on Track? Do you have a topic suggestion for an episode? Would you like to be a guest? Email me at writeontrackpodcast@gmail.com. Also, I’d love to connect with you. My official website is http://demimschwartz.com, and you can find me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/demimschwartz, Instagram at http://instagram.com/demimschwartz, and Facebook at http://facebook.com/demimschwartz. Thank you so much for listening. Until next time, stay “write on track!”

It’s time to hit the road! Ahead of her UK tour, Kirstie Kraus joined me on the show for a wonderful and insightful chat about touring. During our conversation, Kirstie talks about memories from her first live performances, finding musicians for a band, her transition into playing acoustic shows, the flexibility of performing acoustic, her rehearsal process, the importance of efficiency, planning for tours, booking shows on her own, preparing for her UK tour, places in the world she would like to tour in the future, and much more. I loved having Kirstie on the show, so I hope our conversation gives you a glimpse into what it’s like to tour as an independent artist. Are you enjoying Write on Track? Do you have a topic suggestion for an episode? Would you like to be a guest? Email me at writeontrackpodcast@gmail.com. Also, I’d love to connect with you. My official website is http://demimschwartz.com, and you can find me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/demimschwartz, Instagram at http://instagram.com/demimschwartz, and Facebook at http://facebook.com/demimschwartz. Thank you so much for listening. Until next time, stay “write on track!”

I’m truly delighted to bring you an outstanding chat with Queeva, from songwriting to the spotlight. During our conversation, Queeva shares how she got into songwriting and her process, her passion for giving back through music, the details about her single, “Be So Lucky,” her experience opening for Hunter Hayes on tour, and more. Also, she unveils the interesting story behind her stage name. It was a blast having Queeva on the show, so I hope you love listening. Are you enjoying Write on Track? Do you have a topic suggestion for an episode? Would you like to be a guest? Email me at writeontrackpodcast@gmail.com. Also, I’d love to connect with you. My official website is http://demimschwartz.com, and you can find me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/demimschwartz, Instagram at http://instagram.com/demimschwartz, and Facebook at http://facebook.com/demimschwartz. Thank you so much for listening. Until next time, stay “write on track!”

This one is for the perfectionists out there. It’s crucial to overcome the perfectionist mindset in order to find any level of success as a songwriter. I’m over the moon to share an outstanding chat with Connor Frost centering songwriting and perfectionism. The quote for this episode is by Adam Osbourne: “The most valuable thing you can make is a mistake. You can’t learn anything from being perfect.” During our fantastic conversation, Connor and I talk about mistakes being learning experiences, how perfection doesn’t exist in art, perfectionism halting creativity, perfectionism as fear in disguise, reasons why songwriters feel like they need to shoot for perfection, perfectionism and procrastination going hand in hand, fears of criticism and being perceived as someone who has tried and failed, social media creating the false perception that people’s lives are perfect when they’re not, comparing ourselves to ourselves and no one else, the importance of reflection and celebrating both small and big wins, advice for breaking out of a perfectionist mindset to finish and share songs, thinking in drafts and remembering revisions can be made, and much more. I truly loved having Connor on the show, so I hope our conversation gives you an insightful glimpse into songwriting and perfectionism. Are you enjoying Write on Track? Do you have a topic suggestion for an episode? Would you like to be a guest? Email me at writeontrackpodcast@gmail.com. Also, I’d love to connect with you. My official website is http://demimschwartz.com, and you can find me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/demimschwartz, Instagram at http://instagram.com/demimschwartz, and Facebook at http://facebook.com/demimschwartz. Thank you so much for listening. Until next time, stay “write on track!”

Having a support system as an artist is crucial, from celebrating successes with others to knowing you’re never alone and beyond. I’m delighted to share my chat with Kate Harding all about this topic, especially since Kate is only beginning her songwriting adventure. The quote for this episode is by Roger Waters: “There is no us and them. It’s an illusion. We are all human beings, and we all have a responsibility to support one another.” During our conversation, Kate and I talk about getting support from family and friends, meeting people along the way, helping others as artists, building a network in the music industry, having genuine conversations, remembering those who supported you first and staying in contact to sustain relationships, having a support system to celebrate with you and motivate you to keep going, making connections from unexpected places, and more. Also, Kate shares all the details about her debut single, “Wallflower.” It was a joy having Kate on the show, so I hope you love our conversation. Are you enjoying Write on Track? Do you have a topic suggestion for an episode? Would you like to be a guest? Email me at writeontrackpodcast@gmail.com. Also, I’d love to connect with you. My official website is http://demimschwartz.com, and you can find me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/demimschwartz, Instagram at http://instagram.com/demimschwartz, and Facebook at http://facebook.com/demimschwartz. Thank you so much for listening. Until next time, stay “write on track!”

Did someone say butterflies? That’s right, songwriters are just like butterflies in many ways, and I’m over the moon to welcome Andrew Dean onto the show for an outstanding conversation about the metamorphosis of a songwriter. The quote for this episode is by Drew Barrymore: “I’ve always loved butterflies, because they remind us that it’s never too late to transform ourselves.” During our chat, Andrew and I talk about evolving as songwriters, our excitement from seeing others succeed, embracing the unknown as we chase our dreams, having a supportive network and making friends in the music industry, collaborating with others, our music transforming over time, writing in various styles, staying true to ourselves, the freedom in authenticity, the International Singer Songwriters Association and ISSA Awards, getting involved in the music industry, trusting the journey, the benefits of being an independent artist, and much more. I truly loved having Andrew on the show for such a wonderful conversation, so I hope it gives you a glimpse into how songwriters are just like butterflies. Are you enjoying Write on Track? Do you have a topic suggestion for an episode? Would you like to be a guest? Email me at writeontrackpodcast@gmail.com. Also, I’d love to connect with you. My official website is http://demimschwartz.com, and you can find me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/demimschwartz, Instagram at http://instagram.com/demimschwartz, and Facebook at http://facebook.com/demimschwartz. Thank you so much for listening. Until next time, stay “write on track!”

I’m beyond excited to welcome the Just Imagines onto the show for an insightful conversation all about duo life. During our chat, Tyler and Carina share how they met, the story behind their stage name, their collaborative writing and recording processes, their vision for creating music videos, how they divide tasks as a duo, their goal to perform more and favorite songs to play live, career highlights, the inspiration behind their album, their forthcoming EP, their dream venue, and much more. Also, we talk about the ISSA Awards, being multi-genre, and evolving as songwriters. It was a joy having the Just Imagines on the show, so I hope you love listening to our conversation. Are you enjoying Write on Track? Do you have a topic suggestion for an episode? Would you like to be a guest? Email me at writeontrackpodcast@gmail.com. Also, I’d love to connect with you. My official website is http://demimschwartz.com, and you can find me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/demimschwartz, Instagram at http://instagram.com/demimschwartz, and Facebook at http://facebook.com/demimschwartz. Thank you so much for listening. Until next time, stay “write on track!”

Country music has become popular worldwide, since at the heart of this genre is authenticity rooted in emotions and experiences. I’m over the moon to welcome Allie Jean onto the show for an outstanding conversation centering the rising country music scene in Australia. The quote for this episode is by Taylor Swift: “My definition of country music is really pretty simple. It’s when someone sings about their life and what they know, from an authentic place.” During our conversation, Allie and I talk about embracing authenticity as songwriters, storytelling in country music, the songwriting process and inspiration, different perspectives in songs, the country music scene in Australia, the evolution of art, breaking into the music scene as an independent artist, and much more. Allie also shares the details about her current and upcoming music. I truly enjoyed having Allie on the show for such a fascinating conversation, so I hope you love listening. Are you enjoying Write on Track? Do you have a topic suggestion for an episode? Would you like to be a guest? Email me at writeontrackpodcast@gmail.com. Also, I’d love to connect with you. My official website is http://demimschwartz.com, and you can find me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/demimschwartz, Instagram at http://instagram.com/demimschwartz, and Facebook at http://facebook.com/demimschwartz. Thank you so much for listening. Until next time, stay “write on track!”

I’m excited to share my conversation with Annie Dressner surrounding music and photography. During our chat, Annie unveils her background being a songwriter and photographer, a parallel she draws between songs and pictures, her appreciation for art in general, how she documents touring through photography, her songwriting process, inspiration for her music, writing both autobiographical songs and ones about others’ lives, details about her current and upcoming releases, and more. It was a delight having Annie on the show, so I hope you love listening. Are you enjoying Write on Track? Do you have a topic suggestion for an episode? Would you like to be a guest? Email me at writeontrackpodcast@gmail.com. Also, I’d love to connect with you. My official website is http://demimschwartz.com, and you can find me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/demimschwartz, Instagram at http://instagram.com/demimschwartz, and Facebook at http://facebook.com/demimschwartz. Thank you so much for listening. Until next time, stay “write on track!”

As songwriters, collaboration is a key part of what we do, including co-writing with others. Whether we’re co-writing or crafting songs on our own, we’re always drawing on our skills and approaching the songwriting process from various perspectives. I’m delighted to share an outstanding conversation with Rebecca Richards about the differences between collaborating and writing solo. The quote for this episode is by Virgil Abloh: “The whole point of collaboration is that you give and take from each other, and that’s how you create things that are totally new.” Rebecca and I chat about the benefits of having a classical music background, the different forms collaboration can take, receiving feedback, co-writing approaches, knowing the songwriting craft well enough to write solo before doing collaborations, dynamics of the co-writing relationship, writing a song from someone else’s idea, our love for piano, being immersed in different styles of music, some of our favorite piano composers, the solo writing process, the benefits of knowing how to play more than one instrument, and much more. I’m beyond glad Rebecca joined me on the show for such a fabulous conversation, so I hope you love listening. Are you enjoying Write on Track? Do you have a topic suggestion for an episode? Would you like to be a guest? Email me at writeontrackpodcast@gmail.com. Also, I’d love to connect with you. My official website is http://demimschwartz.com, and you can find me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/demimschwartz, Instagram at http://instagram.com/demimschwartz, and Facebook at http://facebook.com/demimschwartz. Thank you so much for listening. Until next time, stay “write on track!”

It’s 2024, which means new conversations are coming your way. Kicking off another year of the show, I’m over the moon to share a fascinating chat with Katherine Taylor, who is a talented music journalist. During our conversation, we talk about how Katherine got started as a music journalist, the reality that successful people in the music industry are just like everyone else, getting nervous before conducting interviews, artists approaching journalists with a realistic perspective, the importance of persistence, and more. Also, Katherine shares details about her book, She’s a Badass: Women in Rock Shaping Feminism, publishing January 16. I loved having Katherine on the show and hearing all about her experiences as a music journalist and journey to getting her book published, so I hope you find our conversation informative and inspiring. Are you enjoying Write on Track? Do you have a topic suggestion for an episode? Would you like to be a guest? Email me at writeontrackpodcast@gmail.com. Also, I’d love to connect with you. My official website is http://demimschwartz.com, and you can find me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/demimschwartz, Instagram at http://instagram.com/demimschwartz, and Facebook at http://facebook.com/demimschwartz. Thank you so much for listening. Until next time, stay “write on track!”

Wow, I can’t believe another year is coming to an end. It’s been a magical one, and I’m over the moon to share a fantastic conversation to tie the bow on this year of Write on Track. Robbie Harte is back for round two for a chat about giving back, which is a wonderful topic to discuss as we get ready to ring in 2024. The quote for this episode is by Dolly Parton: “If you see someone without a smile today, give ‘em yours.” During our conversation, Robbie and I talk about giving someone a smile, recognizing when someone is in need, spreading kindness during the holidays, giving back in the music industry, surrounding ourselves with supportive people, not dwelling on numbers and stats, giving to listeners through writing and releasing relatable music, doing our best to give back despite limitations, being an inspiration to others, making positive spaces on social media, perspectives on situations where giving and kindness aren’t reciprocated, focusing on what we can control, giving others compliments, and much more. I truly loved having Robbie back on the show for a meaningful conversation to end this year of Write on Track, so I hope you love listening. Thank you so much for another memorable year of the show. I can’t wait to share more conversations in 2024. Are you enjoying Write on Track? Do you have a topic suggestion for an episode? Would you like to be a guest? Email me at writeontrackpodcast@gmail.com. Also, I’d love to connect with you. My official website is http://demimschwartz.com, and you can find me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/demimschwartz, Instagram at http://instagram.com/demimschwartz, and Facebook at http://facebook.com/demimschwartz. Thank you so much for listening. Until next time, stay “write on track!”

I couldn’t be more excited to welcome an extra special guest onto the show. Sophia Elliott has played live percussion on several of my songs, and now, I’m delighted to share an outstanding conversation with her about what it’s like being a female percussionist. The quote for this episode is by Evelyn Glennie: “Percussion is the most adaptable family of instruments. The biggest challenge is to project percussion in a lyrical way.” During our conversation, Sophia talks about how she expresses emotion through percussion, breaking out of her shell through playing in church, facing performance anxiety, recording in the studio, how she prepares to record on a song, her experiences as a female percussionist, why she loves being a percussionist, switching between instruments, advice for anyone interested in playing percussion, how she reacts to hearing herself on studio recordings, and much more. I truly enjoyed having Sophia on the show for such an inspiring and fascinating chat, so I hope you love listening. Are you enjoying Write on Track? Do you have a topic suggestion for an episode? Would you like to be a guest? Email me at writeontrackpodcast@gmail.com. Also, I’d love to connect with you. My official website is http://demimschwartz.com, and you can find me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/demimschwartz, Instagram at http://instagram.com/demimschwartz, and Facebook at http://facebook.com/demimschwartz. Thank you so much for listening. Until next time, stay “write on track!”

I’m delighted to bring you an outstanding conversation with Kevin Smithers, who is a talented songwriter and composer for film and television. During our chat, Kevin shares what drew him to pursue a music career in film and TV, his approaches as a songwriter and composer working in animation, the collaborative aspect of his work, developing skills for shifting between various musical styles for different projects, embracing the flow of the creative process, the importance of having patience, advice for anyone interested in chasing a dream as a songwriter or composer for film and TV, and so much more. Also, he talks about his work on Frankelda’s Book of Spooks and the Ballad of the Phoenix. I truly loved having Kevin on the show for such a fascinating conversation, so I hope it gives you a glimpse into the life of a songwriter and composer for animation. Are you enjoying Write on Track? Do you have a topic suggestion for an episode? Would you like to be a guest? Email me at writeontrackpodcast@gmail.com. Also, I’d love to connect with you. My official website is http://demimschwartz.com, and you can find me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/demimschwartz, Instagram at http://instagram.com/demimschwartz, and Facebook at http://facebook.com/demimschwartz. Thank you so much for listening. Until next time, stay “write on track!”

Chasing a dream in any creative industry means rejection will be part of the journey. As songwriters, we’re always having to overcome hearing “no” and getting ghosted, but still, finding ways to push through and keep doing what we love makes our highlights even more rewarding. I’m beyond excited to bring you a genuine chat with Tyra Madison surrounding rejection. The quote for this episode is by Rick Riordan: “It’s not easy. I got lots of rejections when I first started out. If you want to write, you have to believe in yourself and not give up. You have to do your best to practice and get better.” During our conversation, Tyra and I talk about not giving up on our creative dreams, believing in ourselves, the difference between getting a no and being ghosted, overcoming rejection, accepting rejection is a part of life, searching for the silver linings, the idea that everything happens for a reason, having patience, celebrating successes along the way, the rewarding aspect of achieving something we worked hard for, being inspired by others’ journeys, not comparing ourselves to others because everyone has their own story, not getting discouraged when others share highlights on social media because rejection happens to everyone behind the scenes, focusing on our love for songwriting and the things we can control, recognizing a creative dream as a rollercoaster ride, and more. Also, Tyra shares details about her single, “Devil’s in the Details.” I loved having Tyra on the show for such an honest and relatable chat, so I hope it inspires you and reminds you that you’re not alone while dealing with rejection. Are you enjoying Write on Track? Do you have a topic suggestion for an episode? Would you like to be a guest? Email me at writeontrackpodcast@gmail.com. Also, I’d love to connect with you. My official website is http://demimschwartz.com, and you can find me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/demimschwartz, Instagram at http://instagram.com/demimschwartz, and Facebook at http://facebook.com/demimschwartz. Thank you so much for listening. Until next time, stay “write on track!”

Whether we’re chasing our songwriting dreams or facing life’s adventures, there’s a level of fearlessness involved. I’m beyond excited to welcome Re Mattei onto the show for a conversation about songwriting and being daring. The quote for this episode is by Helen Keller: “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.” During our conversation, Re and I talk about embracing life as an adventure, the dauntless side of chasing a dream, the unexpected moments and opportunities, the beauty that can come from taking risks and chances, and more. Also, Re shares her songwriting journey, writing process, and new music. I loved having Re on the show for such a wonderful conversation, so I hope it inspires you to be daring while chasing your dreams and experiencing life’s adventures. Are you enjoying Write on Track? Do you have a topic suggestion for an episode? Would you like to be a guest? Email me at writeontrackpodcast@gmail.com. Also, I’d love to connect with you. My official website is http://demimschwartz.com, and you can find me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/demimschwartz, Instagram at http://instagram.com/demimschwartz, and Facebook at http://facebook.com/demimschwartz. Thank you so much for listening. Until next time, stay “write on track!”

I’m delighted to share an inspiring chat with Mary McGuinness. Along with talking about her songwriting journey and current music, we have a conversation surrounding perseverance, covering being on a unique timeline while chasing a dream, holding on to the love and enjoyment for a creative art, living in the present, being patient, evolution, and much more. It was a joy having Mary on the show, so I hope you love our conversation. Are you enjoying Write on Track? Do you have a topic suggestion for an episode? Would you like to be a guest? Email me at writeontrackpodcast@gmail.com. Also, I’d love to connect with you. My official website is http://demimschwartz.com, and you can find me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/demimschwartz, Instagram at http://instagram.com/demimschwartz, and Facebook at http://facebook.com/demimschwartz. Thank you so much for listening. Until next time, stay “write on track!”