The Working Songwriter

Our guest on the Working Songwriter this week hails originally from Boston, Massachusetts and now makes his home in Toronto. Joe Pernice got his musical start, though, in Northampton, MA. At the time, it was a hot bed of indie music creativity. His band the Scud Mountain Boys built a loyal following in the 1990s with a string of critically acclaimed releases. He’s recorded for Sub Pop, One Little Indian, Team Love, and New West Records.Over the years Pernice has collaborated with a variety of blue-chip songwriters such as Aimee Mann, Neko Case, Norman Blake (of Teenage Fanclub), Jimmy Webb, Rodney Crowell, and Jim White. He’s also a man of many talents; his novel It Feels So Good When I Stop was published by Penguin Books in 2009. NPR calls him “a workhorse of a songwriter who delivers hard truths with the softest of whispers.” Brooklyn Vegan declared, “Few songwriters today imbue frustration and anguish into the sweetest of melodies as Joe Pernice.”I got a chance to catch up with him a few months ago to hear about his musical journey so far.Interested in sponsoring us? Contact BGS: https://bit.ly/sponsorBGSpods  

Transcribed - Published: 29 May 2026

This episode was originally aired on September 18th, 2020.The celebrated singer and songwriter describes her initial ascent to the top of the charts with her debut album and how she has been able to string together many interesting chapters of her career.

Transcribed - Published: 22 May 2026

Our guest this week on the Working Songwriter hails from Canada and has spent over four decades writing hit songs. Eddie Schwartz got his start as a solo artist, but has found great success writing for and with other artists. His song "Hit Me With Your Best Shot" was recorded by Pat Benatar and became a certified platinum crossover hit. He went on to pen songs for Donna Summer, the Doobie Brothers, the Pointer Sisters, and many others. As a former president of the Songwriters Association of Canada and North American and a president of the International Council of Music Creators, Schwartz has been a tireless advocate for songwriters. He's received multiple BMI, SOCAN, and JUNO Awards. In 2012, he was awarded the Order of Canada, one of the country's highest civilian honors. I got a chance to catch up with Mr. Schwartz a few months ago to hear about his musical journey so far. Interested in sponsoring us? Contact BGS: https://bit.ly/sponsorBGSpods

Transcribed - Published: 15 May 2026

The Kansas City bred songwriter tells the story of his journey toward his distinctive brand of indie rock.This episode originally aired on October 9, 2020.

Transcribed - Published: 8 May 2026

Our guest this week on the Working Songwriter hails from my neck of the woods, Washington, D.C. Mary Chapin Carpenter got her start in the proto-Americana music scene of 1970s and '80s D.C. She broke out of that local circuit with her signing to Columbia Records; her debut album went quadruple platinum. She’s toured with Emmylou Harris, Shawn Colvin, and Rosanne Cash, she’s won five GRAMMY Awards, two CMA Awards, and two Academy of Country Music Awards. Her song, “Shut Up and Kiss Me,” went to the top of the country radio charts. Chapin Carpenter has appeared on the Late Night with David Letterman and Rolling Stone calls her "one of the most grounded, sentient songwriters of her generation." NPR has said that she’s “a singular voice in country and folk” and the New York Times praises her “intelligent, literate songwriting with emotional depth.” Simply put, she’s an all-timer. I got a chance to catch up with her earlier this year and hear about her musical journey so far. Interested in sponsoring us? Contact BGS: https://bit.ly/sponsorBGSpods

Transcribed - Published: 1 May 2026

This episode was originally aired on August 14th, 2020.This troubadour based in Portland OR has carved out a national audience for his heartfelt, wry folk songs. He speaks about crafting his shows, keeping them fresh night to night, and recording albums in an unconventional way.

Transcribed - Published: 24 April 2026

Our guest on the Working Songwriter this week hails from Augusta, Georgia, but has made his professional bones in Music City, USA. Charles Kelley was one of the founding members of Lady Antebellum – now known as Lady A – and is one of the group’s principal songwriters. Their crossover hit, “Need You Now,” became one of the defining songs of the 2010s. Lady A have sold over 18 million albums, won 7 GRAMMY awards, and their songs have been streamed over 5 billion times. Along the way Charles has also released a pair of solo albums, including last year’s Songs for a New Moon. He’s recorded for Capitol Records Nashville and Big Machine and he’s toured with Luke Bryan, Tim McGraw, Keith Urban and many others. He’s also appeared on The Tonight Show and The Late Show with David Letterman. Rolling Stone has said that Lady A’s “vocal harmonies helped redefine country radio in the 2010s” and Billboard calls them “one of Nashville’s most successful songwriting teams.” I got a chance to catch up with Charles a few months ago to hear about his musical journey so far. Interested in sponsoring us? Contact BGS: https://bit.ly/sponsorBGSpods

Transcribed - Published: 17 April 2026

This episode originally aired on November 30th, 2018.The acclaimed songwriter from Phoenix talks about touring as a backup musician, producing her own breakout album, and her love of the road.

Transcribed - Published: 10 April 2026

Our guest this week on the Working Songwriter resides in Los Angeles, but spent many of his formative years in St. Louis, Missouri. Ricky Montgomery first built an audience on Vine in his early twenties before releasing his self-titled debut album in 2016. That bedroom pop album was a cult favorite until 2020, when several of its songs exploded on TikTok, leading to a deal with Warner Records. Montgomery's singles, “Line Without a Hook” and “Mr. Loverman,” are RIAA-certified platinum and, all told, his catalog has collected more than a billion streams worldwide. That grassroots support has led to headlining tours with stops at the Wiltern in Los Angeles, Iriving Plaza in New York City, and the Pageant in St. Louis, to name just a few. This interview was recorded nearly 18 months ago and has been delayed due to a snafu on my end, but I’m so glad we get to hear it now. I think you’ll very much enjoy hearing about Ricky’s musical journey through his own words. Interested in sponsoring us? Contact BGS: https://bit.ly/sponsorBGSpods

Transcribed - Published: 3 April 2026

This episode was originally aired on June 29th, 2018 One of Nashville's favorite daughters, by way of Jacksonville Texas, discusses arriving for writing appointments with children in tow, finding song inspiration in everyday conversation, and dealing with the success of an international crossover hit.

Transcribed - Published: 27 March 2026

Our guests this week got their start busking on the streets of Portland, Oregon, but it wasn't long before their popularity pulled them onto the open road. Jay Cobb Anderson and Kellen Asebroek are pivotal and founding members of roots music band Fruition. They have toured with Greensky Bluegrass, the Infamous Stringdusters, Yonder Mountain String Band, and many others and have appeared at iconic festivals such as Telluride Bluegrass Festival, WinterWonderGrass, and the Northwest String Summit. Fruition's 2018 release, 'Watching It All Fall Apart,' debuted at #3 on the 'Billboard' Bluegrass Albums Chart. 'Billboard' said, "Fruition have matured into one of America's most compelling roots acts" while 'Rolling Stone Country' noted that, "The trio's harmonies are as tight as anything coming out of Nashville." 'No Depression' declared that they're "a band whose chemistry feels lived-in and wholly authentic."   I got a chance to catch up with them a while back to hear about their musical journey so far. Interested in sponsoring us? Contact BGS: https://bit.ly/sponsorBGSpods

Transcribed - Published: 20 March 2026

This episode originally aired on December 29th, 2017.  The Ohio native discusses her passion for classic country, capturing the vitality of live performance on a record, and her habit of constantly collecting material for writing.

Transcribed - Published: 13 March 2026

Our guest today on the Working Songwriter hails from Oklahoma and is a foundational contributor to the uniquely American genre of Red Dirt music. Jason Boland released his first album, 'Pearl Snaps,' in 1998 and has been on the road ever since. Nightclub by nightclub, fan by fan, he's built a devoted national audience. He's toured with Turnpike Troubadours, Cross Canadian Ragweed, Reckless Kelly, and a host of others. He's recorded for Thirty Tigers and Top Hat Records. He's appeared at Stagecoach, Luck Reunion, and the MusicFest at Steamboat. 'Texas Monthly' called him "equal parts poet, rebel, and road warrior" and 'Rolling Stone' declared his sound "unpolished, unsparing, and deeply human." I got a chance a while back to catch up with Jason and hear about his musical journey so far. Interested in sponsoring us? Contact BGS: https://bit.ly/sponsorBGSpods 

Transcribed - Published: 6 March 2026

This episode originally aired on April 28th, 2017.  Erika Wennerstrom, the creative force behind Heartless Bastards, discusses growing up in Dayton Ohio, signing to Fat Possum Records, and her techniques for bringing a song to life.

Transcribed - Published: 27 February 2026

Our guest this week on the Working Songwriter originally hails from Virginia, but made his bones in the bustling hip-hop scene of Atlanta. Yung Lan began producing tracks on his laptop as a novice with no ties to the formal music business. Signing a modest publishing deal got him in the room with some hip hop luminaries, and he seized the opportunity. His first success came when one of his songs made it onto Fetty Wap's self-titled album, which went platinum. He has since gone on to work with Nicki Minaj, Lil Wayne, Kevin Gates, and many others. Yung Lan's work on Morgan Wallen's song "Cowgirls" won him a BMI Country Award. All told, his songs placed with different artists have amassed over 6 billion streams and he's contributed to 30 albums with RIAA certifications. I got a chance to catch up with Yung Lan a few months back to hear about his musical journey so far. Interested in sponsoring us? Contact BGS: https://bit.ly/sponsorBGSpods 

Transcribed - Published: 20 February 2026

This episode originally aired November 29, 2019. This native of Wildwood Florida is known for her critically acclaimed albums, her XM radio show, and her frequent appearances at the Grand Ole Opry. She breaks down the early years of her career and persevering through difficult times to make art.

Transcribed - Published: 13 February 2026

Our guest this week hails from Harlem, Georgia. Ray Fulcher is one of Nashville's most sought-after modern country songwriters. He first broke through co-writing a string of chart-topping hits for Luke Combs – including the multi-platinum "When It Rains It Pours" – before stepping into the spotlight with his own recordings on his 2022 debut album, 'Spray Painted Line.' Fulcher has toured extensively, sharing stages with Luke Combs, Ashley McBryde, and Matt Stell, and his songs have been streamed hundreds of millions of times across platforms. He has written for artists like Riley Green and Cody Johnson, including Johnson's recent hit "The Fall." 'Billboard' highlights his "unmistakable narrative grit," while Holler celebrates his "clean-cut melodies and lived-in honesty." Taste of Country notes his "ability to turn small-town details into widescreen emotion." I caught up with him recently on The Working Songwriter to hear about his musical journey so far.   Interested in sponsoring us? Contact BGS: https://bit.ly/sponsorBGSpods

Transcribed - Published: 6 February 2026

This episode originally aired on August 31, 2018. The Tulsa troubadour describes his transition from hardcore music to folk, how to put on a compelling live show solo, and staying inspired even when the creative process is painful.

Transcribed - Published: 30 January 2026

Our guest this week on The Working Songwriter hails from The Woodlands, Texas. Hayes Carll is a singer, songwriter, and storyteller whose sharp wit and plainspoken poetry first broke through with his 2002 debut, 'Flowers & Liquor.' That was followed by 2008's 'Trouble in Mind,' which delivered the hit "She Left Me for Jesus" and cemented his place among the genre's most distinctive voices. Carll has toured with artists like Old Crow Medicine Show, Todd Snider, and Alison Krauss and his songs have been covered by Miranda Lambert, Lee Ann Womack, and Kenny Chesney. He's recorded for Lost Highway, Dualtone, and Thirty Tigers and he's performed on stages from Newport Folk Festival to Austin City Limits and the Grand Ole Opry. 'Rolling Stone' praises his work for its "razor-sharp wit and lived-in warmth," while NPR notes his "keen eye for the human condition wrapped in disarming charm." 'American Songwriter' calls him "one of Americana's most reliable truth-tellers." Our show's most frequent guest pops by to discuss his latest album "We're Only Human" and finding a creative voice that's more true to himself. Interested in sponsoring us? Contact BGS: https://bit.ly/sponsorBGSpods 

Transcribed - Published: 23 January 2026

This episode originally aired on September 27, 2019. The Nashville via New Jersey vocalist and songwriter discusses the turn of the century anti-folk scene in NYC, her major label debut being derailed by legendary producer Rick Rubin, and sobriety.

Transcribed - Published: 16 January 2026

Our guest this week hails from Tobias, Nebraska, a town of about 100 people. Evan Bartels is a singer-songwriter who with his 2017 debut, 'The Devil, God & Me,' burst onto the national scene. More recently, Bartels has expanded his audience with the release of his EP, 'To Make You Cry,' recorded after relocating to Nashville and reflecting on a period of personal upheaval and renewal.  Bartels has toured with American Aquarium, The White Buffalo, and John Moreland; he records for MCA/Universal; and he's performed at Mile of Music, AmericanaFest, and the C2C Festival. 'No Depression' calls him "a haunting new presence in Americana," while Americana Highways praises his "unvarnished, soul-bearing songwriting." 'Glide Magazine' notes his "ability to turn bruised experience into stark, resonant beauty."  I caught up with Evan Bartels a few months ago for The Working Songwriter to hear about his musical journey so far. Interested in sponsoring us? Contact BGS: https://bit.ly/sponsorBGSpods 

Transcribed - Published: 9 January 2026

The Texas music icon passed away this week.  Ten years ago he was the inaugural guest of this podcast.  It was so gracious of him to sit down for a show that was just starting.  He was always generous with his time and attention to younger artists.  Another devastating loss for American music.  This episode originally aired on February 26, 2016.

Transcribed - Published: 17 December 2025

This legendary British songwriter and producer went multi-platinum with his band Eurythmics before embarking on a career that has included collaborations with Bob Dylan, Mick Jagger, Tom Petty, and many others.

Transcribed - Published: 5 December 2025

The Bard of East Nashville passed away last week at the age of 59.  We are re-airing his episode of the podcast which was originally published in March of 2020.  

Transcribed - Published: 21 November 2025

This singer songwriter grew up playing in a family band in Canada before moving to New Zealand and beginning a career of her own.  She has since shared the stage with Willie Nelson and Emmy Lou Harris, and built an audience all over the globe.

Transcribed - Published: 7 November 2025

This songwriter rose to prominence with the viral success of his single, "A Drop in the Ocean", and has navigated a flourishing career for the past two decades.

Transcribed - Published: 28 October 2025

The musical partnership of Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova has captivated worldwide audiences, even earning them an Academy Award in 2007 for the song "Falling Slowly".

Transcribed - Published: 10 October 2025

This English musician was one of the defining voices of synth-pop throughout the 1980s and has built a remarkable career as a songwriter spanning four decades.

Transcribed - Published: 26 September 2025

This prolific songwriter has fronted projects such as The Hush Sound, Gold Motel, and Springtime Carnivore.  She has just written a memoir entitled "The Lost Voice" published by Harper Collins, that explores her struggle after losing her singing voice to a health condition.

Transcribed - Published: 12 September 2025

Originally hailing from the Pacific Northwest, this promising young songwriter played as a sideman in many other bands before stepping into the spotlight with his own records.  He's toured with Courtney Marie Andrews, Erin Rae, and many others.

Transcribed - Published: 29 August 2025

Originally hailing from the Pacific Northwest, this promising young songwriter played as a sideman in many other bands before stepping into the spotlight with his own records.  He's toured with Courtney Marie Andrews, Erin Rae, and many others.

Transcribed - Published: 29 August 2025

Derek Sanders is the creative force behind this highly influential emo band that has been blazing a trail in American music for the last two decades.

Transcribed - Published: 15 August 2025

This up and coming songwriter has toured with Troye Sivan and Yungblud, along with recording for Warner Brothers and Fearless Records.

Transcribed - Published: 25 July 2025

Adam Turla is the creative force behind this beloved band from Bloomington, IN who have been touring their distinctive blend of gothic Americana for over two decades.

Transcribed - Published: 12 July 2025

This songwriter has been at the vanguard of indie rock for three decades, best known for his projects Cursive and The Good Life.

Transcribed - Published: 27 June 2025

This Grammy award winning instrumentalist is considered the contemporary master of the dobro.  He's played with everyone from Ray Charles to Billy Strings over the course of his decades long career.

Transcribed - Published: 13 June 2025

This journeyman songwriter has written for Hoottie & the Blowfish, Lee Brice, Josh Turner, Craig Morgan and many others.  He has stepped into the spotlight with an album of his own entitled "Cowboy Things".

Transcribed - Published: 30 May 2025

Zack Fischmann is a musician who makes outsider folk music under the name Marmalade Mountain, but he has also built a music marketing consulting company that is supremely useful to independent artists.

Transcribed - Published: 9 May 2025

This Grammy nominated singer-songwriter has worked with luminaries such as Jackson Browne, The Who and The Grateful Dead's Bob Weir, all the while maintaining her fruitful solo career.

Transcribed - Published: 2 May 2025

This Grammy award winning producer, songwriter, and author joins the show to discuss his lengthy career that has included collaborations with The Civil Wars, Chris Cornell, and the Lone Bellow.

Transcribed - Published: 23 April 2025

This artist has spent a lifetime helming influential bands like The dB's and contributing to major bands such as REM.      

Transcribed - Published: 15 April 2025

A weekend of intensive songwriting workshops, podcasts, and concerts at the Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago, IL May 23-25, 2025.  Tickets available now.  Visit joepugmusic.com/tour for more details!

Transcribed - Published: 9 April 2025

Josh Ostrander is the creative force behind this beloved indie rock band.  They've toured with Spoon, Muse, and Vance Joy.  And their tunes have racked up tens of millions of downloads on Spotify.

Transcribed - Published: 8 April 2025

This native of Mississippi has written for Darius Rucker and Kane Brown, and toured with Carrie Underwood, Old Dominion and many others.  His songs have amassed nearly 300 million streams on Spotify and his latest single features country heavyweight Thomas Rhett.

Transcribed - Published: 28 March 2025

This award winning South African songwriter has crafted an indelible career over decades with his bands All Night Radio and Big Sky, along with his acclaimed solo work.

Transcribed - Published: 21 March 2025

Shara Nova is the creative force behind this hugely influential indie pop solo project.  She as worked with Sufjan Stevens, David Byrne, and Laurie Anderson.

Transcribed - Published: 14 March 2025

This journeyman roots music artist has toured with Steve Earle, Adam Duritz and many others.  He's recorded for Universal Music and Vanguard Records.  And he's become one of the torch bearers for American songwriting over the last 25 years.

Transcribed - Published: 7 March 2025

This group from Portland, Oregon tours the country with a novel blend of American roots music that features show-stopping vocal harmonies.

Transcribed - Published: 28 February 2025

This legendary songwriter has toured with Lucinda Williams and Alejandro Escovedo, and collaborated with Warren Zevon.

Transcribed - Published: 23 February 2025

This celebrated songwriter stops by the show to discuss her years touring with Dolly Parton, singing with Kenny Chesney, and releasing albums that were mainstays on country radio.

Transcribed - Published: 17 February 2025