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The Song Saloon | Songwriting, Live Performance, & New Music Discovery (Jordan Smith Reynolds)

Explore every episode of The Song Saloon | Songwriting, Live Performance, & New Music Discovery

Dive into the complete episode list for The Song Saloon | Songwriting, Live Performance, & New Music Discovery. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.

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1–44 of 44

Pub. DateTitleDuration
26 Apr 2023"Aquarium" by Cactus Tree00:24:38

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In this episode of The Song Saloon, host Jordan Smith Reynolds sits down with singer-songwriter Tori Smith.

Tori shares the personal story behind "Aquarium," which explores the challenges of leaving a comfortable yet stagnant relationship to embrace the unknown and experience growth. She reveals that the breakup that inspired the song actually took place at an aquarium, which beautifully connects with the fish-in-aquarium metaphor she weaves throughout the lyrics.

Tori worked with Cody Francis to produce the song's energetic indie rock sound. Jordan and Tori discuss the bittersweet nature of the track, exploring its themes of beauty and growth against the backdrop of letting go.

Throughout the conversation, Tori reflects on her influences, ranging from iconic singer-songwriters like Joni Mitchell to contemporary artists like Phoebe Bridgers and Taylor Swift. She shares her aspirations as an artist and songwriter, expressing her love for creating music that resonates with listeners and the joy of sharing it with a wider audience.

As an added dimension, Tori opens up about her studies in music therapy, providing insight into the unique intersection between music and psychology. She discusses her future plans and the potential ways in which she hopes to combine her music career with her passion for using music as a therapeutic tool.

Join Jordan Smith Reynolds and Cactus Tree for an engaging conversation about the power of music, the depths of personal expression, and the journey towards self-discovery through art.

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03 May 2023"Stick Around" by Jacob Humber00:25:14

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In this episode of the Song Saloon, host Jordan Smith Reynolds sits down with singer-songwriter Jacob Humber to delve into the artistry behind his song "Stick Around."

Jordan and Jacob discuss the origins of "Stick Around" and its evolution since its creation in 2018. Jacob shares his experiences as a songwriter, navigating the unfamiliar terrain of Nashville and seeking to hone his craft.

Throughout their conversation, Jacob emphasizes the importance of dedication, consistent effort, and finding personal meaning in the creative process. He recounts pivotal moments that shaped his songwriting journey, from discovering inspiration in a Jimmy Webb book to incorporating daily writing sessions into his routine.

The episode also explores the balance between inspiration and discipline, drawing analogies from Jacob's background in sports and the wisdom of an old fisherman in Kodiak, Alaska. Jacob's thoughtful reflections shed light on the realities of pursuing a career in music and the significance of staying grounded creatively.

With "Stick Around" being the opening track of Jacob's album, the conversation delves into the song's placement and its role as a mission statement. The melodic nuances and production decisions are discussed, highlighting the collaborative process with producer Julian Dente.

Listeners are invited to join this insightful conversation as Jacob Humber's songwriting journey unfolds, offering valuable lessons and inspiration to aspiring songwriters and music enthusiasts alike.

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17 May 2023"Crux of a Lie" by Timmy Milner00:20:19

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In this episode of the Song Saloon, singer-songwriter Jordan Smith Reynolds sits down with artist Timmy Milner to delve into the creation and meaning behind his song "Crux of a Lie." Timmy shares the inspiration behind the song, which originated during an extended hospital stay. They discuss Timmy's songwriting process, from the guitar line that served as the foundation to the exploration of subconscious thoughts and negative patterns. The conversation explores the themes of hope and contrast in folk music, drawing inspiration from artists like the Beach Boys and the Beatles. They also touch upon the production choices in the song, including the use of a Mellotron and analog synthesizer, and discuss Timmy's journey into film composition and his current projects in the industry. Join Jordan and Timmy as they unravel the story and sound behind "Crux of a Lie" in this captivating episode.

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10 May 2023"Can't Wait No Rush" by Brittany Ann Tranbaugh00:23:38

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In this episode of the Song Saloon, singer-songwriter Jordan Smith Reynolds sits down with Folk songwriter Brittany Ann Tranbaugh. They discuss Brittany's journey in music, her upcoming EP produced by Grammy winner Tyler Chester, and dive into the story behind her song "Can't Wait No Rush." They explore the themes of new relationships, the art of co-writing, and the power of creating relatable songs through vivid storytelling. Join the conversation as they share insights and experiences in the world of music and relationships.

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24 May 2023"Growing Up For You" by Sonja Midtune00:30:20

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In this episode of the Song Saloon, host Jordan Smith Reynolds sits down with artist and songwriter Sonja Midtune. Sonja shares her experience and insights into her songwriting process, focusing on her song "Growing Up for You." They discuss the shift in her approach to writing, experimenting with production, and collaborating with producer Sean Oakley. Sonja opens up about the impact of specific lyrics and her newfound willingness to be bolder in her music. Join them as they delve into the details of Sonja's creative journey and the joys of working with a collaborator who brings out the best in her. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about the art of crafting songs and the power of taking risks as an artist.

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31 May 2023"Bang! Bang!" by Only Bricks00:28:32

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Join singer-songwriter Jordan Smith Reynolds in an intimate conversation with indie pop duo "Only Bricks" as they delve into the creation and meaning of their song "Bang Bang." Anne Digiovanni and Joseph Lewczak, the talented married couple behind Only Bricks, share the inspiration behind the song—an unforgettable photograph of them falling in love in front of a graffiti mural. Discover how the couple's personal journey and artistic collaboration have shaped their music and deepened their connection. From the stripped-down acoustic version to the vibrant recorded track, explore the different facets of "Bang Bang" and gain insights into the dynamics of being a songwriting duo in a romantic relationship.

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11 May 2023Trailer00:00:56

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Show about songs and the artists that make them. Episodes released weekly on Wednesday! Each episode features a live performance, short interview, and end with the finished version of the track. 

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07 Jun 2023"Someday" by Ships Have Sailed00:35:15

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In this episode of The Song Saloon, host Jordan Smith Reynolds sits down with Will Carpenter, the vocalist and guitarist behind the indie rock band Ships Have Sailed. They discuss the band's evolution, their latest live album, and dive deep into one of their popular songs, "Someday." Will shares the personal meaning behind the track and how it has grown over the years. They also explore the process of recording the live album and the creative choices made for the new version of "Someday." Tune in for an insightful conversation about music, journey, and embracing unexpected outcomes.

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14 Jun 2023"Your Street" by Destinie Lynn00:26:46

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 In this episode of the Song Saloon, host Jordan Smith Reynolds sits down with singer-songwriter Destinie Lynn to break down her song "Your Street."

When do you know a lyric is right? When do you decide to stop pursuing a song? Destinie shares her perspective in this episode.

"Your Street" explores the theme of emotional abandonment in a relationship, capturing the feeling of being physically close yet emotionally distant from someone. Destinie shares her inspiration behind the song and discusses the power of writing from personal experiences as well as drawing from others' stories. They delve into the lyrics, discussing the concept of hiding one's true emotions and the longing for connection. Join the conversation as they explore the creative process, the importance of capturing the right emotions in a song, and Destinie's aspirations as an artist.

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21 Jun 2023"Sun In Your Eyes" by Jessica Vines00:37:38

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In this episode, Jordan sits down with LA-based artist Jessica Vines to discuss her song "Sun in Your Eyes." Jessica shares that the song captures the initial excitement and infatuation of a budding romance. They explore the nostalgic and timeless tone of the track, which features a retro-inspired keyboard riff that adds a video game-like vibe. Jordan and Jessica also discuss the collaboration with Oh Bummer!, who contributed a rap verse to the song, and the playful interplay between their vocals. They delve into the collaborative process, the importance of intentional collaboration, and the value of bringing a song close to completion before seeking input from others. Jessica reflects on her journey as an artist, starting from singing in church to discovering her own songwriting abilities, and emphasizes her desire to create music that brings positivity and uplifts listeners.

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28 Jun 2023"Washington" by Zach Day00:39:21

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In this episode of Song Saloon, host Jordan Smith Reynolds introduces listeners to the talented artist Zach Day, who hails from the backwoods of Kentucky. Zach shares his upbringing in one of America's poorest counties and how he taught himself to play guitar and sing while studying the works of legendary vocalists and songwriters. The conversation explores Zach's musical influences, his love for folk music, and his transition from performing solo with an acoustic guitar to collaborating with a full band. Join them for an inspiring discussion about chasing dreams and finding one's authentic voice in the music industry.

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05 Jul 2023"Purple Lemonade" by Solly00:28:11

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Join host Jordan Smith Reynolds as he sits down with singer-songwriter Solly to discuss the creative process behind his song "Purple Lemonade." They delve into the exploration of melody, the challenges of balancing tunefulness and originality, and the theme of memory and loss in Solly's music.

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12 Jul 2023"I Don't Wanna Hear It" by Mykel00:35:55

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In this episode, Mykel discusses her journey as an artist, from growing up in musical theater to writing her first song in high school. She shares her experiences of moving to Los Angeles and networking with various music industry professionals to build her team. 


Mykel and Jordan reflect on the significance of building a supportive community in the music industry. They discuss the importance of connecting with like-minded artists and developing relationships within organizations like ASCAP and the Society of Composers and Lyricists. Mykel shares her journey of finding her team and how she learned to strike a balance between humility and confidently offering her skills to others. The conversation highlights the value of mutual growth and collective support among musicians.

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19 Jul 2023"Sunburnt" by Btchcraft00:36:39

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Julz LaMantia, the indie pop artist behind Btchcraft, joins host Jordan Smith Reynolds in the Song Saloon. They dive into the origins of her song "Sunburnt," which was born out of a School of Song workshop with Robin Pecknold. Julz shares her experience with open tunings and the magical feeling of being a vessel for a song. They discuss the significance of the lyrics and the personal anecdotes behind them, including a serendipitous hitchhiking encounter that led to her existence.

Julz and Jordan dive into the evolution of Julz's performances and the challenges and joys of incorporating backing tracks. They discuss the importance of rehearsing and refining the visual aspects of a performance, including choreography and body awareness. Julz opens up about her vulnerability and the personal connection she strives to establish with the audience. They also touch on the differences between guitar-driven songs and those performed with backing tracks, emphasizing the unique dynamics each brings to the stage.

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02 Aug 2023"Inside Our Heads" by Willowspeak00:45:34

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This episode, we meet with David Hudson, songwriter behind the artist project "Willowspeak." David shares his artistic odyssey, from his early days of musical exploration to finding his voice in the rural Finger Lakes region of upstate New York.

Musical accomplishments can be as fleeting as footprints in freshly fallen snow. David reveals how his experiences as a performer on a cruise ship and his wilderness therapy journey in Southern Utah have shaped his artistic identity and growth as a songwriter.

Explore the themes of impermanence and connection as "Footprints in the Snow" captures the essence of a songwriter's passage through creativity, accompanied by the underlying transient nature of accomplishments. The podcast uncovers the beauty of embracing the present moment and savoring the journey, reflecting on the power of music to leave an enduring mark on the hearts of listeners.

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26 Jul 2023"Cruise Control" by Sky Olson00:33:05

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Explore the musical transformation of Sky Olson, from a self-described bedroom player to an integral part of Utah's music scene. Listen to Sky's experiences, both personally and artistically, as he shares the story behind "Cruise Control" and its unique inception.

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09 Aug 2023"Liz" by Taylor Sackson00:44:54

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We cover A LOT of ground in this episode. Defining success in music, using music to overcome grief, live performance, setting goals, and family and community as sources of strength.

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16 Aug 2023"wildfire" by Elthia00:34:47

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Elthia is an artist in every sense of the word. It was fascinating to hear all the thought and planning that goes into her process. We talk in the episode about her focus on building a world for her artist project that both she and her fans get to inhabit. Enjoy stepping into the world of Elthia!

Artist bio:
Singer-songwriter Elthia creates indie pop music that leaves her listeners marveling at her wordplay and vibing to her ethereal, dreamy style. She enhances her artistic image by creating wearable art pieces, using dripping candles, demitasse spoons, and skeletal claws, all featured in her music videos. In October 2020, Elthia’s debut single, “i love you but you make me cry” went viral, generating millions of streams and creating a fanbase eager for her following releases.

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23 Aug 2023"Drugs" by Conner Cherland00:43:50

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Conner Cherland talks about his new single "Drugs," off of his first ever full length album, recently crowdfunded for $15,000! We talk about the process of creating an album, crowdfunding, writing songs with a new instrument, and the story behind the song.  As Conner describes in the episode, “drugs” isn’t a song title that many who know Conner would expect. It’s less about drugs and more about how we change as we get older. 

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30 Aug 2023"Persimmon" by Hannah Siglin00:33:30

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Hannah Siglin is an accomplished folk singer-songwriter, classically trained guitarist, and professional "singing garden fairy!" Her love of nature is a common theme in her work, particularly in "Persimmon." She keeps a very busy schedule performing in wineries, breweries, and other venues in the Spokane region.

This episode we really dive into the craft, and Hannah walks us through some of her choices with guitar in hand. Enjoy this look at Hannah's upcoming, unreleased song "Persimmon."

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13 Sep 2023"Love Somebody" by Guy Richey Gibbons00:29:13

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This episode brought to you by nepotism! But seriously, Guy Richey Gibbons may be my cousin but he is also an incredible songwriter/producer!

Guy released his debut album "In this Moment" just last year, but he didn’t stay in that moment for long. He’s gearing up to release a full second album, with several singles already released!

In this episode, Guy gives an exclusive preview of his song "Love Somebody," which is scheduled for release on September 22nd. I’ll include the fully recorded version to the episode at that time, but you should just go stream it wherever you listen to music, yeah???

Hope y’all take the message to heart. Go make the world a better place!

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29 Sep 2023"Hell of a Good Time" by Rachel Siegel00:29:44

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I met Rachel Siegel at the ASCAP experience where her song was selected for feedback by a panel of professional songwriters. I loved her songwriting and vocal performance, and I'm excited to introduce you to her now!

Music as a means to heal is not a new concept but Rachel Siegel, a New Jersey native, certainly represents it uniquely. Rachel’s story is one of grief, struggle, and overcoming. She invites us into this journey through her fervent but approachable pop music. An artist who writes for other artists, after earning her degree in songwriting from Berklee College of Music, Siegel started her career helping other people tell their stories. However, in 2020, when the world shut down, she decided it was time to tell her own. Rachel’s debut album, Heart Injuries Are Cumulative, came out last year and is looking forward to releasing new music through 2023.

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13 Oct 2023"Eyes on the Prize" by Ethan Buckner00:32:24

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Ethan Buckner is an activist and singer-songwriter, but only recently has found a way to fuse those two major roles in his life. Ethan helped organize the March to End Fossil Fuels held this March in New York City, where about 75,000 people showed up! After an A list headliner artist didn’t work out, Ethan flew his band in, rehearsed the morning of the march, and performed his new and extremely fitting single "Eyes on the Prize."

Be sure to look for his upcoming single "Treading Water" out on November 3rd!


Here’s his artist bio:

There was that time he was detained by the Egyptian military, accused of being an American spy. Or the time he repelled off a massive highway bridge protesting big oil. Or the time he chained himself to the Oakland police department headquarters after yet another unarmed Black man was murdered by cops. Harrowing true story after story, LA indie folk/pop troubadour and activist Ethan Buckner has seen it all. Through trauma and triumph, anxiety and hope, Ethan has always turned to songwriting to try and make sense of it. His forthcoming debut LP Treading Water, produced by grammy-nominee Justin Glasco (Paris Paloma, Lone Bellow), weaves between moments both intimate and anthemic, exploring struggles that are both deeply personal and unavoidably collective.

Hope you enjoy the episode!

Listen to "Eyes on the Prize" by Ethan Buckner.
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27 Oct 2023"Frog and Toad" by Meljii00:31:12

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Meljii has the soundtrack for your autumn adventure!

Meljii writes music for recreational readers. Her music contains clever, playful, verbose lyrics over a unique blend of funky indie rock grooves with jazz-influenced harmonies. Aside from being a songwriter, Meljii is a music school-trained session player specializing in bass, guitar, and guitar-like instruments. She has lived and traveled all over the world, as a Navy brat and also someone who just gets bored easily, having lived in Japan for 4 years and Spain for 1. Her song “frog and toad” is a celebration of autumn, friendship, and the art of noticing.

Meljii is a frequent collaborator with my music as both a songwriter and performer. Hope you enjoy the episode!

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10 Nov 2023"Sunsets and Slow Moving Days" by Brother James00:41:25

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Excited to have Brother James on this week’s episode. I recently wrote a song with Brother James that I’m really excited about! 

Brother James is the artist project of singer-songwriter Justin Sinclair. His songs, deeply influenced by classic songwriters like McCartney and Randy Newman, authors like Leo Tolstoy and Aristotle, and monasticism. His songs feature honest self-reflection. Brother James discusses how his songs document his pursuit of truth and attempt to express love for other people. He also gives insights into some of his most personal songs, 'Sunset and Slow Moving Days' and 'Love Everybody'. The songwriter discusses the difficulty of translating knowledge into practical actions, dealing with self-criticism and shares his plans for future releases.

The song is out now, please go check it out!

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24 Nov 2023"Take Me Home" by Mara Sol00:39:21

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This week, I met up with Mara Sol, a singer, songwriter and producer from Coachella Valley, California. From a young age, Mara has been immersed in musical theater, classical voice training and has now found her way into songwriting. Mara Sol is influenced by artists like James Taylor and Fleetwood Mac. In this episode, we discuss her song 'Take Me Home', a collaboration with songwriter and guitarist Tom Sless. Mara also discusses her career in marketing and how she made her way to songwriting around the time of the pandemic, and shares how it has become an important outlet for her to express and understand her emotions.

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08 Dec 2023"Gold" by Lennon Vanderdoes00:36:52

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This episode's featured song is "Gold" by Lennon Vanderdoes. Lennon Vanderdoes is a Phoenix based singer-songwriter. You may have seen Lennon recently tearing it up on The Voice. He moved John Legend to tears with his rendition of Jason Mraz's "I Won't Give Up." 

On the episode, Lennon discusses his method for creating songs from raw personal experiences like growing up in the Mormon church, marrying young, and divorcing in his early twenties. He also talks about his evolution as a songwriter, and how what he writes about has changed over time. Lennon also sheds light on his process for recording and promoting his music, including the balance between perfection and authenticity in recording.

Lennon just released a new holiday song titled 'December in Phoenix,' make sure to check it out!

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22 Dec 2023And a Happy New Year (Holiday Episode with Robert Ballantyne Willes)00:35:13

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Happy Holidays! 

Well, here it is folks. The last episode of The Song Saloon for 2023! 

This episode of The Song Saloon welcomes guest Robert Ballantyne Willis, a classically trained cellist, music producer and audio engineer, to discuss the production process of the Jordan Smith Reynolds holiday single 'Auld Lang Syne'. The duo go deep into music production, including the quick turn-around time for this project, and the creative solutions employed to achieve the final product. They cover various production elements such as adding vocals, string quartet arrangements, backing vocals, employing AI tools for certain instrument sounds, and the thought process behind their decisions. They also discuss Robert's recent album release under the project name Tampico Lasting Love.

See you in 2024!

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Listen to "Auld Lang Syne" by Jordan Smith Reynolds

00:11 Introduction and Guest Bio

01:55 Discussing Robert's Music and Album

04:19 The Making of Auld Lang Syne

19:51 The Role of AI in Music Production

30:13 Final Thoughts and Wrap Up

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12 Jan 2024"Cool Kid" by Austin Carr00:38:00

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LA based artist Austin Carr joins the Song Saloon to talk about Cool Kid.

The song lyrics have a lot to do with Los Angeles. Austin expresses his frustration with the prevalent attitude in LA to be in the "in" crowd and what people are willing to do to get there. As he was writing the song, he realized with regret that he is guilty of a lot of the behavior he started out trying to criticize. 

It's a really great blend of emotions and makes for great songwriting. Hope you enjoy the episode!

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26 Jan 2024Artistic Development and Songwriting with Wendy Parr00:53:14

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 Meet Wendy Parr! I first met Wendy at NAMM where she gave a fantastic workshop on artistic branding. Talk about branding can sometimes feel fake or like you’re going against your better judgement to sell something, but what I love about her approach is how natural it becomes. It's about getting to the heart of what YOU love and care about as an artist, and making steps to show that side of yourself more consistently.

In this episode, Wendy Parr and I discuss the importance of recognizing one's individual sound and style, as well as the role of artistic development in songwriting. We talk about personal growth, navigating the music industry, and how to continue evolving as an artist.

This is a special episode as we aren't featuring a song, instead we dive deep on songwriting, getting to know yourself as an artist, and preparing to produce your best work!

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09 Feb 2024"Monsters Aren't Scary" by Fresh Hot Waffles00:59:17

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Meet Fresh Hot Waffles, the witchiest folk duo in the west! Fresh Hot Waffles consists of LA based artists Maddi Fraser and Ryan Spitzel.

In this episode, the duo dives into their songwriting process and talk about how to stay inspired as a songwriter, and where they find inspiration. The discussion ranges from the challenges of writing upbeat songs, the influence of improv comedy and emotional experiences in lyric writing, and how to put the witchy in witchy folk!
 
'Monsters Aren't Scary' is about choosing life and love over our shortcomings. Be on the lookout for their new EP this year!!

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00:00 Introduction
00:35 Meet the Band: Fresh Hot Waffles
01:31 Discussing the Song 'Monsters Aren't Scary'
03:44 Songwriting Process and Evolution
04:58 Live Performance: Monsters Aren't Scary
07:39 Post-Performance Discussion and Musical Influences
10:21 Balancing Projects and Band Commitments
12:55 The Band's Formation and Songwriting Collaboration
19:40 Future Plans and Touring Aspirations
25:34 Navigating Creative Blocks and Performance Anxiety
28:33 Song Inspiration and Writing Techniques
29:36 The Power of Community in Music
29:56 WRITING LYRICS
30:34 The Influence of Joni Mitchell
31:56 The Art of Songwriting
33:40 The Emotional Journey of a Songwriter
34:00 The Challenge of Writing Upbeat Songs
37:58 Emotions in Songwriting
42:15 The Story Behind 'Monsters Aren't Scary'
46:21 The Artwork of 'Monsters Aren't Scary'

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28 Feb 2024"Rest of My Life (ROML)" by Jacob Khalil00:40:18

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Inside Story: The Making of 'Rest of My Life' by Jacob Khalil

New York based artist Jacob Khalil discusses his song, 'Rest of My Life', explaining that it was created with the intent of engaging audiences in a sing-along during live performances, much like The Beatles' 'Hey Jude'. He also shares insights into the song's development and production, which included collaboration with a Los Angeles-based producer, Jacob Sigmund. Jacob Khalil discusses the extensive touring plans he has coming up and his emphasis on building a contactable fan base through an ever changing social media climate.

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00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:28 Discussing Previous Podcast and Live Performance
01:22 Introduction to 'Rest of My Life'
01:29 The Inspiration and Creation of 'Rest of My Life'
02:33 Engaging the Audience and the Power of Sing-along
05:07 The Magic of Timeless Songs
07:31 Live Performance of 'Rest of My Life'
11:46 Post-Performance Discussion and Reflection
13:21 The Production Process of 'Rest of My Life'
16:47 The Importance of Loving Your Work
18:28 The Value of Personal Connection and Email Lists
20:02 Closing Remarks and New York Vibes
20:29 New Year's Eve Experience in Times Square
21:19 The Energy of Crowds and Shared Experiences
21:42 New Year's Gigs
21:55 Songwriting Process and Inspiration
23:23 The Evolution of a Song's Hook
24:25 The Struggle of Choosing the Right Melody
28:06 The Importance of Authenticity in Songwriting
29:05 The Journey to Finding One's Unique Sound
33:26 The Quest for Authenticity in Music
33:34 Upcoming Performances and Projects
35:51 Closing Remarks and Goodbyes

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24 Apr 2024"Fade Away" by Kat Sophia00:47:11

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Today's episode features Kat Sophia! Kat Sophia is an Orange County / LA based artist. We talk about her journey in overcoming her "people pleaser" mentality and cultural blocks to pursuing a career as an artist. 

00:00 Introduction to the Song Saloon
00:34 Kat Sophia's Musical Journey
01:49 The Story Behind 'Fade Away'
10:10 Songwriting Process and Inspiration
16:12 Overcoming Personal and Cultural Barriers in Music
20:09 Community and Affirmation
28:10 Exploring Self-Indulgence and Connection Through Art
33:44 Kat Sophia's Production Experience and Future Plans
42:47 Closing Thoughts and Goodbyes

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27 Mar 2024"Twin Flame" by Georgia Parker00:35:03

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This episode is with incredible Kent, England raised Los Angeles based artist named Georgia Parker on her song "Twin Flame." "Twin Flame" is a single off her upcoming album this year!

Georgia's bio:
Los Angeles based songwriter and storyteller from Kent, England, Georgia Parker places an emphasis on powerful vocal performances and poignant lyricism to draw out an emotive response from her listener. She has been releasing music and performing around the US since moving to the States at 18. Her unique tone and emotive delivery have proved to set her apart as an artist, akin to legends such as Joni Mitchell and Alanis Morrisette. She is currently finishing up an album to be released next year.

This is one of my favorite live performances to ever grace the podcast, you don't want to miss it!

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13 Mar 2024"Glad You Hate Me" by Casey Conroy00:35:09

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In this episode of the Song Saloon, we explore the songwriting process and inspirations with indie pop singer-songwriter Casey Conroy, originally from Orlando, Florida. Casey discusses her journey in the music industry, her approach to songwriting, and the story behind her song 'Glad You Hate Me.' We talk about Casey's collaborative relationship with her partner and producer Willy, the importance of being authentic in the creative process, and staying emotionally connected to music through writing & recording. 

Listen to "Glad You Hate Me"

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10 Apr 2024"The Afterlife" by Mike McClellan00:42:27

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This episode of the Song Saloon features Mike McClellan, a Burbank-based songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist. McClellan shares insights into his approach to songwriting as a music producer, and why he writes while working so heavily in production. He discusses the impact of working on his song 'The Afterlife,' a piece inspired by the pandemic, highlighting the new life it took on post pandemic with its abstract and universal themes. Mike and Jordan exchange thoughts on the lyricism, melody, and the process of song creation, including working with unusual time signatures. We also chat about the shortcomings of streaming platforms, detailing Mike's experience with his music being removed from Spotify due to bot-generated streams and the lack of support from distribution and streaming companies. They conclude with a discussion on the importance of building genuine connections with an audience beyond streaming numbers. This episode offers a look into the complexities of modern songwriting, production, and navigating the digital music landscape.


00:00 Welcome to the Song Saloon: Introducing Mike McClellan

00:27 Getting to Know Mike: the Masterful Multifaceted Musician

01:18 Balancing Songwriting and Production

04:28 Exploring the Abstract in Songwriting

05:51 Lyrics in 'The Afterlife'

07:44 Live Performance

11:04 Song Structure

19:40 Exploring Musical Influences and Time Signatures

20:35 "Comfortable" Writing Music

21:42 The Maya Principle: Balancing Novelty and Comfort

32:12 Building Your Fanbase

37:58 Final Thoughts and Future Projects

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08 May 2024"There's Nothing Left to Me" by Cogito00:44:53

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Meet Cogito!

I met Cogito when she played as the featured artist for Lazy River Presents in LA. This song struck me as something special, and I think you'll agree!

This episode we talk about the importance of recording the world around us as a songwriter, and how to connect our conscious and subconscious mind to make deep rooted art.

Listen to "There's Nothing Left to Me":
Spotify
Apple Music

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22 May 2024"The House of Belonging" by Choral Arts Initiative (Jeffrey Derus)00:56:19

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Today's episode I meet with Jeffrey Derus, our first featured choral composer! I think you'll find there is a lot in common with songwriting and composing choral works.

This featured song is performed by Choral Arts Initiative, a small ensemble choir that I sing in that exclusively performs works by living composers. We recently released a #1 Classical Billboard charting album called "The Tapestry of Becoming," and this song "The House of Belonging" is the opener.

This episode, Jeff talks about his creative process, collaborating with poets including David Whyte, the poet for this piece, navigating commissions, publishing, self-education, marketing strategies, and the significance of quality recordings in the contemporary music industry.

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Graphite Publishing
Listen to "The House of Belonging"
Learn More about Choral Arts Initiative

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12 Jun 2024"Stonewall" by Brad Miles00:43:28

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Brad Miles is a singer/songwriter based in Texas. He’s written, played, and performed music for nearly three decades. He writes honest, heartfelt, accesible, and emotionally vulnerable Americana/Country. 

I do want to add a trigger warning for this episode, we do get into some heavy topics both in the song and the interview, as the song is about domestic abuse. 

Brad Miles’s goal as a songwriter and performer is simply to connect with others and share a moment of compassion, empathy, and understanding. 

Enjoy the episode!

Follow Brad Miles:
https://linktr.ee/bradmilesmusic

Listen to Stonewall: 

https://music.apple.com/us/album/stonewall/1719726413?i=1719726417

https://open.spotify.com/track/7l2mgy8WGDl4LazGP12gan?si=169d975f6239484c

https://youtu.be/5uKCN8UxBjY?feature=shared

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26 Jun 2024"Butterflies in My Garden" by Lotti00:36:01

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Lotti is the musical moniker of Filipina singer-songwriter Vealy. Lotti's aim is to create modern yet timeless music, drawing from pop, R&B, and soul influences. Her artistic mission is to heal and transform, narrating a personal journey of self-discovery and growth.

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Listen to "Butterflies in My Garden"

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10 Jul 2024"Music Marketing Doesn't Have to Suck" - Magic Nothing01:04:48

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Zack Fischmann, an LA based artist, makes the bold claim that music marketing "doesn't have to suck." He does make some pretty convincing arguments, and has plenty of success to show for it, jumping from 200 followers on Instagram to 33k+ in just a few months!

Magic Nothing is an evolving project with a focus on helping independent musicians develop practical skills, share resources and exchange services.

Check out Magic Nothing

Listen to Zack's music project, Marmalade Mountain! His song "Drawing Circles on the Ground" is featured at the beginning of this episode.


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28 Aug 2024"Anna, I'm Not Interesting" by Jake Cassman00:45:44

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Jake's lying to Anna. He's an interesting dude!

Jake is a songwriter, educator, dueling pianist, podcaster, improv comedian, academic, and musical theater composer.

I think you'll really enjoy this episode about Jake and his life leading up to his album "Idling High." This song is out now, make sure to follow Jake for updates on the album!

Listen to the song


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25 Sep 2024"Autumn's Fragrance" by Sadie Gustafson-Zook00:42:04

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In this episode of the Song Saloon, Sadie Gustafson-Zook, a Boston-nurtured, Indiana-based jazzy folk musician, talks about her journey and inspirations behind her song 'Autumn's Fragrance.' We talk about her collaboration with other musicians, her views on the music communities in different cities, and her new EP, 'What I Pushed Below.' 

Sadie has a live show in LA at the Harmony Room on October 19th for you LA folks!

Follow Sadie Gustafson-Zook for more music, and sign up for an online voice/songwriting/guitar lesson!!


"Autumn's Fragrance" is streaming now, turn off the episode and save the song and come back!


00:00 Welcome to the Song Saloon

00:28 Introducing Sadie Gustafsson Zuk

01:55 Sadie's Live Performance

05:09 The Story Behind 'Autumn's Fragrance'

06:46 Exploring Songwriting Themes

11:50 Recording and Collaborations

13:43 Songwriting Communities: New York vs. LA

20:08 Life in Goshen, Indiana

21:24 Discussing the EP "What I Pushed Below"

21:48 Themes and Inspirations Behind the EP

22:18 Reimagining Songs and Album Titles

23:40 Seasons in Songwriting

28:14 Songwriting Process and Inspirations

32:34 Balancing Teaching and Music Career

35:04 Fiddle + Viola

36:06 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Release

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16 Dec 2024Christmas Without You - Leah Ashton00:45:12

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Leah Ashton joins the podcast to talk about her newest release, “sad girl silver bells.” It’s an EP of merrily melancholy holiday tunes with an original called “Christmas Isn’t Christmas Without You.”


It’s out everywhere now, so go save it to your playlists, get a mug of hot cocoa and enjoy the episode! 


Listen to Christmas Without You & Add to Playlists

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More About Leah:
Leah Ashton is a Los Angeles-based artist with Midwestern roots whose style and sound is grounded in the combined traditions of soul, jazz, and the 60s/70s era singer-songwriter. Leah’s releases include sad girls silver bells, a new holiday EP that consists of a heartbreakingly beautiful collection of melancholy Christmas songs (released Nov. 29, 2024), her debut full-length album, Late Bloomer (Sept. 2022), and two EPs Things Better Left Unsaid (2010) and Leah Ashton (2007). Influenced by the likes of Sara Bareilles, Lake Street Dive, Jamie Cullum, and Carole King, Leah’s music draws listeners in with her powerfully soulful vocals that tell stories of self-discovery, empowerment, and chasing after one’s dreams.

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