Stephen Day is an accomplished singer/songwriter who has performed with the likes of Teddy Swims, Ben Rector & Stephen Sanchez. His catalogue has produced over 140 million streams, sync placements including Universal Pictures and is currently touring his latest record, “Gold Mine” produced by Micah Tawlks. In this episode of Worktapes we talk about a song he wrote called “Moonshine” and listen to the original worktape as we discuss it.
 
Find Stephen Day
Listen to Moonshine

Worktapes is Produced by Brandon Carswell Film & Editing by Shaun Carswell This episode was filmed in Nashville, TN Episode intro music written by Brandon Carswell & produced by Micah Tawlks - "Back To Us" Worktapes show cover art designed by Harrison Hudson **All songs used by permission**

Shelby Means is one of the foremost bassists in modern bluegrass. From her GRAMMY-winning work with Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway, to her travels with the GRAMMY-nominated band Della Mae, her career has spanned nearly two decades crossing more than 20 countries. She’s also an accomplished songwriter and vocalist, just released her first self tilted solo album this year. In episode 68 of Worktapes we discuss a song she wrote called, “Streets Of Boulder” and listen to the Worktape.

Find Shelby

Listen to Streets Of Boulder

Worktapespodcast.com

Worktapes is Produced by Brandon Carswell
Film & Editing by Brandon Carswell & Quinn Chowaniec
Additional Production Assistance by Jonas Litton
This episode was filmed at Sound Stage Studios in Nashville, TN
Episode intro music written by Brandon Carswell & produced by Micah Tawlks - "Back To Us"
Cover Art by Mid Century Western
Worktapes show logos designed by Harrison Hudson 
**All songs used by permission**

Natalie Hemby secured her first publishing deal at the age of 19, laying the foundation for a stellar career as one of the most sought-after songwriters in the music industry. With her songs recorded by top artists like Kacey Musgraves, Maren Morris, Sheryl Crow, Miranda Lambert, Lady Gaga, Yola, Dierks Bentley, Rag'n'Bone Man, Lady A, Kelly Clarkson, Little Big Town, Labrinth, and many others, she has proven herself to be an undeniable talent. In 2021, she released her second solo album, Pins and Needles, produced by her husband and longtime collaborator, Mike Wrucke. As part of The Highwomen, alongside Brandi Carlile, Maren Morris, and Amanda Shires, Hemby won a GRAMMY® Award for Country Song of the Year, “Crowded Table.” Billboard has recognized her as “one of Nashville’s strongest creative figures.” In this episode, we discuss a song she wrote with Miranda Lambert called “Carousel” and listen to the original worktape of that song.

Listen to Carousel by Miranda Lambert

Listen to Natalie Hemby

Listen to Highwomen

Nataliehemby.com

Worktapes is Produced by Brandon Carswell
Film & Editing by Brandon Carswell & Russ Loyd
Additional Production Assistance by Jonas Litton
This episode was filmed at Sound Stage Studios in Nashville, TN
Episode intro music written by Brandon Carswell & produced by Micah Tawlks - "Back To Us"
Cover Art by Mid Century Western
Worktapes show logos designed by Harrison Hudson 
**All songs used by permission**

Anthony Smith is a versatile songwriter, producer and arranger who has achieved great success in many genres, including Country, Pop, R&B, and Jazz. His songs have been recorded by Bucky Covington, Lonestar, Clay Walker, Rodney Atkins, Chris Young, Reba McIntire, Vince Gill, Emerson Drive, Heartland, Donna Summer, Kenny Rogers to name a few. In this episode we discuss a smash #1 hit song nominated at the 2012 ACM Awards for single of the year, “Tomorrow” by Chris Young and we will listen to the original worktape of that song.

Find Anthony

Listen to Tomorrow

Ads for this episode: 

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Gear up at Eastside Music Supply 


Worktapes is Produced by Brandon Carswell
This episode was filmed at Sound Stage Studios in Nashville, TN
Episode intro music written by Brandon Carswell & produced by Micah Tawlks - "Back To Us" Worktapes show cover art designed by Harrison Hudson
**All songs used by permission**

With nearly 30 years of songwriting under his belt, Dave Barnes has carved his own path through rock, acoustic, country, soul, and contemporary Christian music. Over the years, he’s collaborated with a star-studded list of artists, including Amy Grant, Matt Wertz, Carrie Underwood, Thomas Rhett, and Maren Morris. He also earned a Grammy nomination for his hit song "God Gave Me You," which was recorded by Blake Shelton making it a #1 hit. In this episode we discuss his early grunge music influences, moving from playing drums into songwriting, how comedy informs his songwriting , and we listen to the worktape of his song "Someday This Will All Make Sense" 

This episode is sponsored by Songtown 

We shop at Eastsidemusicsupply.com

Find Dave Barnes
Listen to "Someday This Will All Make Sense"
Dadville Podcast


Worktapes is Produced by Brandon Carswell
Film & Editing by Shaun Carswell
  
Episode intro music written by Brandon Carswell & produced by Micah Tawlks - "Back To Us" Worktapes show cover art designed by Harrison Hudson
**All songs used by permission**

Known for his distinct blend of pop, folk, and hip-hop, Mat Kearney has created a unique sound that has led to hits like “Nothing Left to Lose” and “Trainwreck,” which contributed to his 2006 Dove Award win. He has toured with John Mayer, Sheryl Crow, Train, Mutemath, Keane, and more. His collaborations include artists like Trent Dabbs, Kate York, Paul Moak, Matthew Perryman Jones, Brooke and The Bluff, and Micah Tawlks. In this episode, we discuss his early hip-hop influences, life-transforming grace that informed his writing, working with Brooke & The Bluff, and listen to early worktapes of the song “Headlights Home.”

Find Mat

Listen to Headlights Home


Episode Sponsored by Eastside Music Supply 

Worktapes is Produced by Brandon Carswell
Film & Editing by Shaun Carswell
  
Episode intro music written by Brandon Carswell & produced by Micah Tawlks - "Back To Us" Worktapes show cover art designed by Harrison Hudson
**All songs used by permission**

Matt Wertz, is an indie singer-songwriter whose soulful pop tunes have struck a chord with audiences worldwide. With his signature feel good indie rock-pop, Matt crafts songs that combine catchy melodies with nostalgic undertones. Throughout his career, he’s shared the stage with icons like Dave Barnes, Thad Cockrell, Jason Mraz, Ben Rector, and Gavin DeGraw, solidifying his place as a standout in today’s singer-songwriter scene. In this episode we discuss  early influences, his newest record, “Recently”, spotify for artists and we listen to the worktape of a song he co-wrote with Jon Foreman called “Rosalee”

Find Matt Wertz 

Listen to "Rosalee"

Worktapes is Produced by Brandon Carswell
Film & Editing by Shaun Carswell
  
Episode intro music written by Brandon Carswell & produced by Micah Tawlks - "Back To Us" Worktapes show cover art designed by Harrison Hudson
**All songs used by permission**

Nathan Barlowe is a talented multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and producer, best known for his work as a member of the bands Luna Halo, Five Knives, Reality Check, Honeymoon Thrillers and Keith Urban’s band as a touring musician. His music has been recorded by high-profile artists like Taylor Swift, Steven Tyler, Keith Urban, and Newsboys. Nathan has also achieved significant success in the dance music scene, with three top 10 Billboard dance singles to his name. His song placements include The Voice, American Idol, in Apple commercials,  NHL Stanley Cup, the theme song for the final season of King of Queens. He is also the inventor of an innovative electronic instrument called “The Phantom,” which functions as a sampling machine played like a keyboard. We discuss how he began in music at an early age, imposter syndrome and listen to an original demo of the Luna Halo song “Feed Your Feelings”.

Find Nathan Barlowe

Find Luna Halo

Listen to Feed Your Feelings

Worktapes is Produced by Brandon Carswell
Film & Editing by Shaun Carswell
  
Episode intro music written by Brandon Carswell & produced by Micah Tawlks - "Back To Us" Worktapes show cover art designed by Harrison Hudson
**All songs used by permission**

Clay Mills is a Grammy nominated songwriter with cuts by Darius Rucker, Trisha Yearwood, Little Big Town, Lady A, Diamond Rio and more. When he’s not writing he is mentoring writers through Songtown, an organization he co-founded with hit writer Marty Dodson, offering a songwriting  masterclass, community building and mentorship. In this episode we talk about how he came writing jingles in NYC, not giving up and his huge number one song cut by Diamond Rio, “Beautiful Mess”

Find Clay Mills

Listen to Beautiful Mess

Songtown 

Thad Cockrell has been writing music for over 20 years, both under his own name and with his band, Leagues. His musical resume is nothing short of impressive, with co-writes and collaborations with artists like Joy Williams, Devon Gilfillian, Brittany Howard, Sandra McCracken, and many more. He’s also contributed to Super Bowl ads, film placements, pub deals, and even made a guest appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. In this first episode of Season 4, we discuss what it’s like to start a musical career later in life, his experience on The Tonight Show, forging a new path away from digital service providers like Spotify, and we listen to the original worktape of a song from his new record called “What If.”

Find Thad Cockrell

Listen to What If


Produced by Brandon Carswell
Film & Editing by Shaun Carswell
  
Episode intro music written by Brandon Carswell & produced by Micah Tawlks - "Back To Us" Worktapes show cover art designed by Harrison Hudson
**All songs used by permission**

In episode 59 of Worktapes, we are joined by Muscle Shoals native, singer-songwriter, and rock-Americana artist Hannah Aldridge. Her writing explores themes of rebellion and the allure of spiritual darkness while grappling with deeply rooted Southern Christian values. In this episode, we discuss growing up as the daughter of hit songwriter Walt Aldridge, what draws her to darker themes, how to stay authentic in an industry that prioritizes hit songs, and we listen to the original worktape of her song “The Great Divide.”


Find Hannah Aldridge 

Listen to "The Great Divide" 

Produced by Brandon Carswell
Film & Editing by Shaun Carswell
  
Episode intro music written by Brandon Carswell & produced by Micah Tawlks - "Back To Us" Worktapes show cover art designed by Harrison Hudson
**All songs used by permission**

In episode 58 of Worktapes, we hear from indie folk singer-songwriter and Epidemic Sound artist Kylie Dailey! Kylie’s calming, laid-back vocals and relatable lyrics, paired with enchanting arrangements by producer and husband Kevin, invite the listener to relax and feel seen. We discuss the dynamics of writing with your spouse, unintentionally becoming an artist, writing authentically while balancing family, and we listen to the original worktape of a song called “Folded Hands.”

Find Kylie

Listen to Folded Hands

Produced by Brandon Carswell
Film & Editing by Shaun Carswell
  
Episode intro music written by Brandon Carswell & produced by Micah Tawlks - "Back To Us" Worktapes show cover art designed by Harrison Hudson
**All songs used by permission**

Leeland Mooring  is a Texas-based singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist with seven albums, four GRAMMY® nominations, and eight GMA Dove Award® nominations. LEELAND have become one of the most significant and standout voices in a new generation of worship music. In part 2 of this interview we we are joined by Jack Mooring who is an author, pastor and co-founder of the band Leeland. We discuss biblical worship writing vs emotive writing, modern vs. puritan worship songs, The Power Team, a word on Christmas music from Brother Terry and we listen to the worktape of Leeland’s song “Still Mighty”.

Find Leeland

Listen to "Still Mighty" 

Find Jack Mooring 

Read Jack's book, "Portrait Of God" 



Produced by Brandon Carswell
Film & Editing by Shaun Carswell
  
Episode intro music written by Brandon Carswell & produced by Micah Tawlks - "Back To Us" Worktapes show cover art designed by Harrison Hudson
**All songs used by permission**

Leeland Mooring  is a Texas-based singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist with seven albums, four GRAMMY® nominations, and eight GMA Dove Award® nominations. LEELAND have become one of the most significant and standout voices in a new generation of worship music. In part 1 of this interview we hear about how Leeland started writing songs and touring at a young age, amazing and hilarious church stories and what shaped hi musical influence. Stayed tuned for Part 2 with Leeland coming soon!

Find Leeland

Listen to Still Mighty



Episode sponsor: Artist And

Produced by Brandon Carswell
Film & Editing by Shaun Carswell
  
Episode intro music written by Brandon Carswell & produced by Micah Tawlks - "Back To Us" Worktapes show cover art designed by Harrison Hudson
**All songs used by permission**

Tia Sillers is a Grammy Award-winning songwriter with #1 hits such as “I Hope You Dance” (Lee Ann Womack) and “Blue on Black” (Kenny Wayne Shepherd). A triple Songwriters Hall of Fame nominee, she has over 40 singles recorded by artists like John Waite, Trisha Yearwood, The Chicks, Five Finger Death Punch, and many more. On this episode of Worktapes, we discuss a song she wrote with the band Flight Attendant called “Be Mine” and share an exclusive listen to the worktape!
 
Find Tia Sillers
Find Flight Attendant
Listen to Be Mine
Listen to I Hope You Dance 
Listen to Blue On Black

Episode sponsor: Artist And

Produced by Brandon Carswell
Production Assist - Jonas Litton at Wise Company
Special thanks to Nick Autry
Recorded live at Sound Stage Studios Nashville, TN
Film & Editing by Shaun Carswell
  
Episode intro music written by Brandon Carswell & produced by Micah Tawlks - "Back To Us" Worktapes show cover art designed by Harrison Hudson
**All songs used by permission**

Nicole Witt is an accomplished Nashville-based songwriter and artist, with cuts by George Strait, Lee Brice, Terri Clark, Rodney Atkins, and Ellie Holcomb, just to name a few. In episode 54, we talk to Nicole about how to keep songwriting unique, where her passion for songwriting came from, her band, The Six One Five Collective, and we get to hear an original worktape of a song she wrote with John Paul White (The Civil Wars) called “Kiss.” 

Find Nicole Witt

Listen to Kiss

Artist And

Produced by Brandon Carswell
Special thanks to Nick Autry
Recorded live at Sound Stage Studios Nashville, TN
Film & Editing by Shaun Carswell
  
Episode intro music written by Brandon Carswell & produced by Micah Tawlks - "Back To Us" Worktapes show cover art designed by Harrison Hudson
**All songs used by permission**

Elvie Shane is an accomplished singer-songwriter, quickly making his mark in Nashville with his authentic lyrics and soulful country sound. In Episode 53, we discuss Elvie’s appearance on American Idol, his time preaching as an evangelist, and we hear the original work tape of his song, “What Do I Know.”

Find Elvie Shane

Listen to "What Do I Know" 

Produced by Brandon Carswell
Special thanks to Nick Autry, Sound Stage and Kent Coley for helping with this episode! 
Film & Editing by Shaun Carswell
  
Episode intro music written by Brandon Carswell & produced by Micah Tawlks - "Back To Us" Worktapes show cover art designed by Harrison Hudson
**All songs used by permission**

In Episode 52 we hear from singer, songwriter & ripping guitarist Emma Zinck! We talk about going viral on social media, writing what you feel vs writing commercial and we listen to the original worktape of “Party Song”

Find Emma Zinck

Listen to Party Song

This episode is sponsored by Duke Timeless Spirits and Stories & Sounds Podcast
Episode intro music written by Brandon Carswell & produced by Micah Tawlks - "Back To Us" Worktapes show cover art designed by Harrison Hudson **All songs used by permission**

In episode 51 we are joing by Nashville based singer-songwriter Carl Anderson. We discuss the pros and cons of profanity in songwriting, how he somewhat casually landed a publish deal, he plays a live song for us at the end and we hear the worktape of his beautiful heart pricking song, "Friend" 

Find Carl Anderson 

Listen to Friend

This episode is sponsored by Duke Timeless Spirits and Stories & Sounds Podcast
Episode intro music written by Brandon Carswell & produced by Micah Tawlks - "Back To Us" Worktapes show cover art designed by Harrison Hudson **All songs used by permission**

EPISODE 50! A special episode celebrating a major milestone! In this episode, we talk to Abner Ramirez of the band Johnnyswim. How can songs save your life? Are they merely an art form, or do they carry something more spiritual, mystical, or universal? Can a song bring two people destined for each other closer together? Abner has the answers. For this special 50th episode, we get an exclusive listen to Abner and Amanda as they write the title track for their 2019 album, Moonlight.

Find Johnnyswim
Listen to "Moonlight"
Watch The Johnnyswim Show on MAX

This episode is sponsored by Duke Timeless Spirits and Stories & Sounds Podcast
Writing assistance by Daniel Shepard 
Episode intro music written by Brandon Carswell & produced by Micah Tawlks - "Back To Us" Worktapes show cover art designed by Harrison Hudson **All songs used by permission**