Brent & Johnny welcome Nashville Recording Artist and songwriter (with cuts by artists like Ashley McBryde and more), Dan Smalley, to the Challenge where they cook up 5-6 different angles to writing a song titled "Love Ain't Blind Enough," sent in by CLIMBer, Casey Haitus. The C.L.I.M.B. Show is dedicated to helping singers, songwriters, indie arti…

Brent & Johnny welcome, Starstruck Entertainment Artist Manager, Berkley Kriz (Blake Shelton, Carly Pierce), to The CLIMB to discuss what her day to day looks like and how indie artists can get ahead! You don't want to miss this one! Connect with Berkley here: https://www.starstruckentertainment.com/management Learn more about your ad choices. Visi…

This is an excerpt from Songwriting Pro's "J.A.M. Session." (J.A.M. stands for "Just Ask Me," and it's our monthly members-only online Q&A Session.) If you'd like to watch the full J.A.M. Session, just log in to the Songwriting Pro Member Area. If you're not yet a Songwriting Pro member, NOW is a great time to start your 14-day FREE trial at Songwr…

CLIMBer, how does an award-winning multiple number-one singer-songwriter put together a new album? We're talking about that today with hit CCM artist, Brandon Heath. Understanding how he puts a record together might just help you land some of your songs on records. So listen up. The C.L.I.M.B. Show is dedicated to helping singers, songwriters, indi…

Johnny and Brent welcome Nashville-based singer-songwriter Adam Wheeler (with cuts by Clay Walker, Scotty McCreery, Megan Moroney, Tracy Lawrence, Tenille Arts, Buddy Jewell, Gord Bamford, and more) to the Challenge, where they cook up 5-6 different conceptual angles for writing a song titled "Would It Kill Ya," sent in by CLIMBer, Bo Harris. The C…

CLIMBer, how do you turn what you might think of as a career-disqualifying challenge or limitation into an important part of what connects you to your audience? In other words, how do you turn an obstacle into a benefit for your career? We're going to talk about that and so much other good stuff today on The CLIMB! The C.L.I.M.B. Show is dedicated …

This is an excerpt from Songwriting Pro's "J.A.M. Session." (J.A.M. stands for "Just Ask Me," and it's our monthly members-only online Q&A Session.) If you'd like to watch the full J.A.M. Session, just log in to the Songwriting Pro Member Area. If you're not yet a Songwriting Pro member, NOW is a great time to start your 14-day FREE trial at Songwr…

CLIMBer, just what does a publisher/staff-songwriter relationship look like? Well, today we'll dive into that with a successful music publisher. This is going to be fun. Great conversation. I can't wait for you to hear it. So buckle up! Follow The TwangTown Podcast: Instagram: @TwangTownPod The C.L.I.M.B. Show is dedicated to helping singers, songw…

Johnny & Brent welcome Curb/Word Music Publishing powerhouse, Will Nance, (Brad Paisley, Tracy Lawrence, Joe Nichols, Oakridge Boys, LoCash Cowboys, Chris Janson, George Strait) to the challenge where they cook up 5-6 different creative angles for writing a song titled "The Last Thing I'll Forget," sent in by CLIMBer, Kelly Gazzaway. If you want to…

CLIMBers, if you work in the music industry in any way, shape, or form, as a singer, songwriter, indie artist, indie musician, nationwide, from coast to coast in the United States, and you have health insurance, even if you and you don't have health insurance - either way, you're going to want to listen to this podcast. We're going to talk about a …

This is an excerpt from Songwriting Pro's "J.A.M. Session." (J.A.M. stands for "Just Ask Me," and it's our monthly members-only online Q&A Session.) If you'd like to watch the full J.A.M. Session, just log in to the Songwriting Pro Member Area. If you're not yet a Songwriting Pro member, NOW is a great time to start your 14-day FREE trial at Songwr…

CLIMBer, what does an independent A&R professional do exactly? How do they go about finding songs for labels and producers? Well, we're talking to just such an independent A&R professional today on The CLIMB. If you want your songs to get cut, it helps to know how the other side of the desk is thinking. So this one is for you. Listen up! The C.L.I.…

Johnny & Brent welcome hit songwriter, Lee Starr, (who co-wrote Elvie Shane's debut #1 single, "My Boy") to Song Title Challenge! Together, they cook up 5-6 different possible angles to a song titled, "Stone Mover." Lee Starr's songs have also been recorded by Brothers Osborne, Ashland Craft, Drew Green, and Connor Smith. He is a staff songwriter f…

CLIMBers, how do you get to #9 on the Billboard sales chart with zero radio play? That's what we're gonna talk about today from generally the most unlikely person to be behind something like this...so, this is gonna be a great show y'all hang out! Connect With Baste Records Here: https://basterecords.com The C.L.I.M.B. Show is dedicated to helping …

This is an excerpt from Songwriting Pro's "J.A.M. Session." (J.A.M. stands for "Just Ask Me," and it's our monthly members-only online Q&A Session.) If you'd like to watch the full J.A.M. Session, just log in to the Songwriting Pro Member Area. If you're not yet a Songwriting Pro member, NOW is a great time to start your 14-day FREE trial at Songwr…

CLIMBer, I know that sharing your songs with an industry pro is exciting. And if you get the chance, you're probably going to jump at it. But sometimes jumping at that chance can be kind of like jumping off a cliff. So, today we're discussing how sharing subpar songs with music industry professionals can damage your songwriting career. We don't wan…

Johnny & Brent welcome former Atlantic Records Recording Artist, current bluegrass artist, and award-winning hit songwriter, Donna Ulisse, to The Challenge where they craft 5-6 different conceptual ideas for a song titled, "Heaven In Hell," sent in by CLIMBer, Jennylyn Osterlin! To attend Donna's Little House Workshop (for songwriters) visit https:…

CLIMBers, remember when I said streaming and social media would be good for the art? Today I'll prove that you're on the right track and this is the BEST time to be an artist! The C.L.I.M.B. Show is dedicated to helping singers, songwriters, indie artists and industry pros "Create Leverage In The Music Business." We want you to win! About the hosts…

This is an excerpt from Songwriting Pro's "J.A.M. Session." (J.A.M. stands for "Just Ask Me," and it's our monthly members-only online Q&A Session.) If you'd like to watch the full J.A.M. Session, just log in to the Songwriting Pro Member Area. If you're not yet a Songwriting Pro member, NOW is a great time to start your 14-day FREE trial at Songwr…

CLIMBers, what can the mega songwriter of "Livin' On A Prayer", "Dude Looks Like A Lady", "Livin' La Vida Loca", "You Give Love A Bad Name", and even "The Thong Song" have to teach you about songwriting? Turns out, it's a lot. So we're going to dive into songwriting lessons from the legendary Desmond Child today on The CLIMB. The C.L.I.M.B. Show is…

Johnny & Brent welcome hit songwriter C.J. Solar (Morgan Wallen, Jameson Rodgers, Jason Aldean, Justin Moore), to the Challenge to cook up 5-6 different angles to writing a song titled, "Whatever You Do, Don't". Connect with CJ Solar Here: Facebook: @CJSolarBand Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

CLIMBers, AI-generated music will swallow more than one-quarter of artists' revenue by 2028, representing a lower-cost option for distribution partners. Let me put this in plain English; It's your lunch that's being taken off the table. Today we're interviewing the Co-Founder and Chief Human at Humanable, a brand new company set to launch in Septem…

This is an excerpt from Songwriting Pro's "J.A.M. Session." (J.A.M. stands for "Just Ask Me," and it's our monthly members-only online Q&A Session.) If you'd like to watch the full J.A.M. Session, just log in to the Songwriting Pro Member Area. If you're not yet a Songwriting Pro member, NOW is a great time to start your 14-day FREE trial at Songwr…

CLIMBers! Today's guest is a CLIMBer - one of y'all - who recently signed his first publishing deal while working as a full-time teacher and a father of two young boys. Yeah, it can be done, and we're going to talk about how Trent Fisher is doing it today on The CLIMB! The C.L.I.M.B. Show is dedicated to helping singers, songwriters, indie artists …

Brent & Johnny welcome songwriter/artist, Carlton Anderson, to the Song Title Challenge! Together, they cook up 5-6 different conceptual angles for writing a song titled, "Turns Out," sent in by CLIMBer, Kacey Baugh. If you want to WRITE like a pro, you need to THINK like a pro, and these episodes show you how the pros think. The C.L.I.M.B. Show is…

CLIMBers, I'm banging my head against the freaking wall over here. I'm so frustrated and as frustrated as I am, I just can't help but think this is your opportunity. Pay attention. That's what we're going to talk about today. So listen up. The C.L.I.M.B. Show is dedicated to helping singers, songwriters, indie artists and industry pros "Create Leve…

This is an excerpt from Songwriting Pro's "J.A.M. Session." If you'd like to watch the full J.A.M. Session, just log in to the Songwriting Pro Member Area. If you're not yet a Songwriting Pro member, NOW is a great time to start your 14-day FREE trail at SongwritingPro.com! The C.L.I.M.B. Show is dedicated to helping singers, songwriters, indie art…

CLIMBer! What does a successful indie music publisher look for in a songwriter? What makes them want to sign a songwriter like you? We discussed that and more today with the GM of a rising publishing company out of Nashville. About the hosts: Brent Baxter is an award-winning hit songwriter with cuts by Alan Jackson (“Monday Morning Church”), Randy …

Johnny & Brent welcome LEGENDARY hit songwriter, artist, and author, Radney Foster (Keith Urban, The Chicks, Brooks & Dunn, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Hootie & The Blowfish, Kenny Loggins, Los Lonely Boys, George Benson), to Song Title Challenge where they create 5-6 different conceptual angles for a song titled, "Taste Of Mercy," sent in by CLIMBer a…

CLIMBers, take a deep breath...Daddy's not happy, okay? Grab a cup of coffee aaaaaaaand maybe you need a cocktail for this one...It's gonna sting a little bit. So we're going to do a reality check. You're grossly underestimating your exposure. Which is why you're spinning your wheels. Which is why you're kind of stuck. But let's break it down and t…

This is an excerpt from Songwriting Pro's "J.A.M. Session." If you'd like to watch the full J.A.M. Session, just log in to the Songwriting Pro Member Area. If you're not yet a Songwriting Pro member, NOW is a great time to start your 14-day FREE trial at SongwritingPro.com! The C.L.I.M.B. Show is dedicated to helping singers, songwriters, indie art…

CLIMBer! You probably already use some great tools to write songs: guitar, piano, computer, digital audio workstations, and all that good stuff. But you might be neglecting the most important tool at your disposal. And that is the other part of your brain, your other way of thinking. Today you'll learn how to use your whole brain to maximize your c…

Brent & Johnny welcome 24-year-old rising singer-songwriter, Charly Reynolds to Song Title Challenge! Her release, "Love You Long" gained spotlight placement on Spotify's New Music Nashville and Fresh Finds country playlists as well as Apple Music's New and Country Playlist. Together, they brainstorm 5-6 different angles for the title, "Ruthless Am…

CLIMBers, today we're going to take off our artist hats, close our eyes, and remember what it's like to be a music fan. Why? Because this is going to reveal the biggest secret to growing your audience. Get Johnny's free download, Whoever Owns The Traffic, Rules The Road, by going to GiftFromJohnny.com and telling him where to send it! The C.L.I.M.B…

Brent sits down with hit Canadian songwriter/producer, Jeff Johnson, to discuss his cuts... and bruises! This is an excerpt from "The Hang." If you'd like to watch the full episode, just log in to the Songwriting Pro Member Area. If you're not yet a Songwriting Pro member, NOW is a great time to start your 14-day FREE trail at SongwritingPro.com! T…

Johnny & Baxter welcome LeAnn Phelan, a 25-year veteran music industry executive who was Co-head of ASCAP Nashville Creative, Senior Director of A&R Sony Nashville, VP of Combustion Music, Preliminary Judge Seasons 6-9 of American Idol. She had managed or published Ashley Gorley, Jimmy Robbins, Catt Gravitt and many other hit songwriters! Currently…

Johnny & Brent welcome LEGENDARY hitmaker, Tom Douglas, to the pod ("House That Built Me", "Southern Voice", "Little Rock", "The Gift", "Meanwhile Back At Mamas") where they work out 5-6 different conceptual angles to write a song titled, "Sweet Southern Promise". Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

CLIMBer, "If you're in a band..." this episode is a must-listen! Mark Maxwell of the legendary Louisville band, The Crashers, reveals game-changing advice for anyone who wants to start a band or take their existing band to the next level. We're sharing Mark's wisdom because we want you to win. So listen up! Follow Maxwell's House Of Music to see al…

Brent sits down with legendary country/Christian/bluegrass songwriter/producer, Jerry Salley, to discuss his cuts... and bruises! This is an excerpt from "The Hang." If you'd like to watch the full episode, just log in to the Songwriting Pro Member Area. If you're not yet a Songwriting Pro member, NOW is a great time to start your 14-day FREE trail…

CLIMBer, are you a song nerd like I am? Of course, you are. Do you love geeking out about songs as much as I do? Of course, you do. Do you want to listen to today's episode as Johnny and I geek out on the stories behind some of your favorite songs with NSAI's Executive Director, Bart Herbison? Of course, you do. Here's the link to Bart's interview …

Brent & Johnny welcome huge hit songwriter, D. Vincent Williams ("I'm Movin' On", "Just Got Started Lovin' You") to the Challenge where they hash out 5-6 different conceptual approaches to writing a song titled, "Pump It," sent in by CLIMBer, Jessie St Christopher! Connect with D. Vincent Williams: Facebook Instagram Website The C.L.I.M.B. Show is …

CLIMBers, for plenty of music's most compelling artists, going independent doesn't mean going small. It means reaping the myriad of benefits by avoiding the major label route, and we're gonna hear from these artists on this episode, so stick around. The C.L.I.M.B. Show is dedicated to helping singers, songwriters, indie artists and industry pros "C…

Brent sits down with songwriter/artist, Rob Mills of hit Christian group, The Sound, to discuss his cuts... and bruises! This is an excerpt from "The Hang." If you'd like to watch the full episode, just log in to the Songwriting Pro Member Area. If you're not yet a Songwriting Pro member, NOW is a great time to start your 14-day FREE trail at Songw…

CLIMBer, ever had an "almost" win? It can leave you pretty frustrated and defeated, but today a hit songwriter has a different way of looking at it, a different way of looking at your almost wins. If you could use some encouragement, listen up, this episode is for you! The C.L.I.M.B. Show is dedicated to helping singers, songwriters, indie artists …

Johnny & Brent welcome hitmaker (Josh Turner, Lee Brice, Hootie & The Blowfish, Kellie Pickler, Craig Morgan), Phillip Lammonds, to the Challenge where they cook up 5-6 different conceptual ideas for writing a song titled, "Better About It," sent in by CLIMBers, Kay Mott & Jennifer Ferguson. Connect with Phillip Lammonds here: Instagram: @PhillipLa…

CLIMBers! What does the movie industry have to do with whether or not you should be a niche artist or have more of a broad appeal? What does that have to do with ANYTHING?!?! Find out in today's episode! The C.L.I.M.B. Show is dedicated to helping singers, songwriters, indie artists and industry pros "Create Leverage In The Music Business." We want…

Brent sits down with legendary hit CCM and Southern Gospel songwriter, Tony Wood, to discuss his cuts... and bruises. This is an excerpt from "The Hang." If you'd like to watch the full episode, just log in to the Songwriting Pro Member Area. If you're not yet a Songwriting Pro member, NOW is a great time to start your 14-day FREE trail at Songwrit…

CLIMBers! I have a confession to make. I've been neglecting my songwriting superpower...and it's been costing me opportunities. What am I going to do about it? Listen up to find out and to find out how this process can help YOU, too! The C.L.I.M.B. Show is dedicated to helping singers, songwriters, indie artists and industry pros "Create Leverage I…

Brent & Johnny welcome pro songwriter, Producer/Engineer (Rascal Flatts, Russell Dickerson, Crowder, Zach Williams, and more), and Director of A&R for Red Street Records (home to artists including Consumed By Fire, Chris Lane, Jason Crabb, and more), Kevin Rooney, to the show where they Dare To Suck working out 5-6 different conceptual ideas for wr…

CLIMBers! What's the deal with the MLC suing Spotify? How did Spotify commit to a raise in pay for songwriters and still manage to pay songwriters $150 million less this year? What are the legal ramifications of AI? You'll find out the answers to these questions and much more as we welcome the Executive Director from NSAI, Bart Herbison, to the sho…