Rustic Songbird artwork

Rustic Songbird

106 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 3 years ago - ★★★★★ - 7 ratings

Learn how to write, record and release your own songs from interviews with pros in the music industry. Take your music to the next level with advice from experienced songwriters, producers and others who have gone before. Hosted by Lydia Walker.

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Episodes

Grand Finale Celebrating 100 Episodes with Lydia Walker & DarleneRaye

February 26, 2021 06:00 - 15 minutes - 18.1 MB

In the final episode of the Rustic Songbird Podcast, host Lydia Walker and podcast manager DarleneRaye wrap up the 100th episode of the podcast and talk about highlights of creating the show. This collection of podcasts will be archived on www.rusticsongbird.com as a resource for independent musicians to learn more about the music industry.

How To Find Opportunities In The Music Industry with Lydia Walker

February 22, 2021 06:00 - 7 minutes - 8.54 MB

In this solo episode of the Rustic Songbird Podcast, host Lydia Walker shares resources for independent musicians to find ways to do what they love and make music their career. Learn how to discover opportunities in the music industry and go pro.

How To Copyright Your Music Online with Shawn Thompson

February 15, 2021 06:00 - 28 minutes - 32.4 MB

In this episode of the Rustic Songbird Podcast, host Lydia Walker interviews Nashville entertainment attorney Shawn Thompson, about registering copyrights for your songs. Learn how to copyright a song online and make sure your original music is protected. Shawn Thompson is an entertainment attorney specializing in copyright, trademark, and contract review. She has represented a broad spectrum of music clients from Lynyrd Skynyrd to St. Vincent to Bassnectar, as well as Grammy winning music p...

How To Be More Resourceful with Bill Zufelt

February 08, 2021 06:00 - 28 minutes - 32.9 MB

Want to learn how to build real connections with people in your career? In this episode of the Rustic Songbird Podcast, host Lydia Walker interviews Bill Zufelt, about how to be more resourceful as a musician and the best way to use the connections you have to create a thriving network for life.

Growing Your Music YouTube Channel with Rob Balasabas

February 01, 2021 06:00 - 41 minutes - 46.9 MB

In this episode of the Rustic Songbird Podcast, host Lydia Walker interviews Tubebuddy’s Rob Balasabas, about how to grow your music YouTube channel. You’ll learn how to set up a solid cover song strategy to rank in YouTube search and get more views on your videos.

Making Songwriting A Habit with Lydia Walker

January 25, 2021 06:00 - 13 minutes - 15.2 MB

In this solo episode of the Rustic Songbird Podcast, host Lydia Walker teaches ways you can make songwriting a habit. While you may agree that being consistent as a writer and getting the practice in will help you get better over time, it’s easier said than done. So Lydia breaks down some small shifts that you can make to add songwriting into your routine.

Single Release Strategy with Tobias

January 18, 2021 06:00 - 39 minutes - 45 MB

In this episode of the Rustic Songbird Podcast, host Lydia Walker interviews worship singer Tobias, about his plan to release a song every month in 2021! They talk about the strategy for releasing singles and share ideas for ways to build your audience as an independent musician.

What It’s Like To Be On The Voice with Emmalee

January 11, 2021 06:00 - 26 minutes - 30.2 MB

In this episode of the Rustic Songbird Podcast, host Lydia Walker interviews Emmalee, about her experience auditioning for NBC’s The Voice, what it was like being on the show, and working with Kelly Clarkson as a coach on #TeamKelly. Emmalee shares about her new music coming out, and what she’s learned from singing on national TV.

Building A Long Term Songwriting Career with Dave Clark

January 04, 2021 06:00 - 37 minutes - 43.4 MB

In this episode of the Rustic Songbird Podcast, host Lydia Walker interviews living legend Dave Clark, about how he built a long term songwriting career. Dave shares stories from his journey as a writer, and encouragement for writers who want to make music their career. 

Best of 2020 - Year End Review

December 28, 2020 06:00 - 21 minutes - 24.4 MB

In this episode of the Rustic Songbird Podcast, you’ll hear clips from the top downloaded shows of 2020, and some of our favorite memories on the podcast this year. Enjoy this collection of the best of 2020 and this year in review on the show! Thanks for listening. Have a happy New Year!

Behind The Scenes On The Podcast with Lydia Walker & DarleneRaye

December 21, 2020 06:00 - 34 minutes - 39.8 MB

In this episode of the Rustic Songbird Podcast, host Lydia Walker and podcast assistant DarleneRaye celebrate the end of 2020, and talk about how the show has grown over the last year. They share some behind-the-scenes stories of planning the podcast episodes, and a sneak peek of what to expect going into the new year.

Crowdfunding Your Music with Christa Wells

December 14, 2020 06:00 - 45 minutes - 52.3 MB

In this episode of the Rustic Songbird Podcast, host Lydia Walker interviews Christa Wells, about ways to cover the costs of recording your music by crowdfunding. They talk about the benefits of using Patreon as a musician, and also some ideas for how to run a successful crowdfunding campaign. Learn how to communicate with your audience to build a raving fan base that wants to support you.

Predicting Your Profitability For 2021 with Stephanie Ann Bagley

December 07, 2020 17:30 - 49 minutes - 56.2 MB

In this episode of the Rustic Songbird Podcast, host Lydia Walker interviews Stephanie Ann Bagley, about how to predict the profitability of your music business for 2021. Stephanie is a faith and business coach who teaches money principles with joy and enthusiasm. She specializes in helping creative mompreneurs start and scale their business and have fun along the way!

Releasing Music As An Independent Musician with Damian Keyes

November 30, 2020 06:00 - 30 minutes - 34.4 MB

In this episode of the Rustic Songbird Podcast, host Lydia Walker interviews Damian Keyes, about the strategies behind releasing music as an independent musician. He shares what’s working now, and how to set up your music career for success in the digital age. 

Recording Song Demos With A Producer with Bryan Boliver

November 23, 2020 06:00 - 36 minutes - 42.2 MB

In this episode of the Rustic Songbird Podcast, host Lydia Walker interviews Bryan Boliver, about the process of recording song demos, and shares tips about working with a producer. If you’ve thought about getting demos done for your songs, this will help you think through what your next steps might be. 

How To Be Your Own Music Publisher with TC Courtney

November 16, 2020 06:00 - 28 minutes - 32.4 MB

Are you confused about the process of publishing your own songs, and wondering how that is supposed to work? In this episode of the Rustic Songbird Podcast, host Lydia Walker interviews TC Courtney, who has years of experience working at one of the top performing rights organizations, BMI, and also works in publishing for Big Machine Records. TC breaks down how the publishing side of things works, to help you keep your songs organized and make sure your music is registered correctly.

Becoming A Full Time Session Musician with Mella Barnes

November 09, 2020 06:00 - 38 minutes - 44.5 MB

In this episode of the Rustic Songbird Podcast, host Lydia Walker interviews Mella Barnes from the blog Mella Music, about how to become a full time session musician. Making a living in music can sometimes feel out of reach, so they talk about practical ways to actually get paid to make music your career.

The Road to Success In The Music Industry with Jason Roy

November 02, 2020 06:00 - 36 minutes - 42 MB

In this episode of the Rustic Songbird Podcast, host Lydia Walker interviews Jason Roy, lead singer of Building 429, about the path to becoming one of the top bands in Contemporary Christian Music. They talk about what Jason’s journey has looked like so far as a songwriter, musician, and how his faith has impacted how he views true success.

Writing Songs from the Heart with Roz Welch

October 26, 2020 05:00 - 33 minutes - 37.8 MB

Wanna know how to show up as your true self in your songwriting? In this episode of the Rustic Songbird Podcast, host Lydia Walker interviews Roz Welch, about her songwriting journey, and how to write songs that come from the heart. 

What To Do After Recording Your Songs with Lydia Walker

October 19, 2020 05:00 - 21 minutes - 24.6 MB

Learn what it takes to release your own music online as an independent musician. Lydia Walker teaches about the next steps to take after you’ve recorded your songs, and shares tips for how to plan a successful music release.

Staying Consistent As A Musician with Katherine Forbes

October 12, 2020 05:00 - 43 minutes - 49.9 MB

In this episode of the Rustic Songbird Podcast, host Lydia Walker interviews Katherine Forbes, about how to stay consistent in your music career. They talk about ways you can promote your music and build an audience by showing up consistently without burning yourself out.

Collaborating with Other Musicians with Chelsea Amber

October 05, 2020 05:00 - 30 minutes - 34.3 MB

In this episode of the Rustic Songbird Podcast, host Lydia Walker interviews Chelsea Amber, about collaborating with other musicians. Learn about reaching out to similar artists, and creating fresh and fun music together to build your audience.

Writing Healing Songs Through Grief with Allison Brost

September 28, 2020 05:00 - 28 minutes - 32.6 MB

In this episode of the Rustic Songbird Podcast, host Lydia Walker interviews Allison Brost, about going through a season of loss, and how songs that she has written have ministered healing to her as well as others. They talk about the healing power of music, and how writing through times of grief or loss can be therapeutic and help to process difficult seasons of life.

Getting Started With Sync Licensing with Heather Evans

September 21, 2020 05:00 - 48 minutes - 55.5 MB

Have you wondered how to get your songs featured on TV and in movies? In this episode of the Rustic Songbird Podcast, host Lydia Walker interviews Heather Evans, about her experience getting TV placements with her songs. Heather shares advice for beginners about how to start pitching your songs for sync licensing. 

What It’s Like Working For A Record Label with Ellen Hogan

September 14, 2020 05:00 - 44 minutes - 51.4 MB

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to work for a record label? In this episode of the Rustic Songbird Podcast, host Lydia Walker interviews Ellen Hogan, about moving to Nashville to be in the music industry and her experience working for a record label. Ellen is also the co-host of a podcast for musicians called Beyond Broke And Hungry. Listen in to hear her story, and advice for how to overcome the stigma of the starving artist by becoming truly successful.

Songwriting Tips For Beginners with Sarah Spencer

September 07, 2020 05:00 - 29 minutes - 34.1 MB

Have you dabbled in writing songs but you’re ready to learn more? In this episode of the Rustic Songbird Podcast, host Lydia Walker interviews Sarah Spencer, founder of SongFancy, about the best songwriting tips for beginners who are just getting started writing their first songs or writers who want to brush up on the basics. 

Music Publishing And The Power Of A Song with Randy Cox

August 31, 2020 05:00 - 29 minutes - 33.8 MB

In this episode of the Rustic Songbird Podcast, host Lydia Walker interviews Randy Cox, about his legendary career as one of the most remarkable music publishers in the history of Contemporary Christian Music. He also mentors and coaches songwriters to dive deeper into the craft of rewriting their songs, and guiding them to become ready for a publishing deal.

Living Out Your Spiritual Purpose with Brittany Batson

August 24, 2020 05:00 - 44 minutes - 51.2 MB

In this episode of the Rustic Songbird Podcast, host Lydia Walker interviews singer and speaker Brittany Batson, about learning to live out your true purpose as a musician. They talk about discovering your unique spiritual gifts and walking out your specific calling in life. 

Being Called To More Than Music with Grant Norsworthy

August 17, 2020 05:00 - 58 minutes - 67.3 MB

In this episode of the Rustic Songbird Podcast, host Lydia Walker interviews Grant Norsworthy, who is a speaker and teacher who has had success in music and now has a passion for mentoring and training worshipping musicians.

How to Slay as a Multi-faceted Musician with Shay Watson

August 10, 2020 04:00 - 1 hour - 77.5 MB

Are you passionate about making music and want to explore different ways to use your skills? In this episode of the Rustic Songbird Podcast, host Lydia Walker interviews Nashville hit songwriter and producer Shay Watson, about being a multifaceted musician and building a successful songwriting career. They talk about how the music industry is changing, and what the songwriting opportunities may look like in the future.

When Your Songs Go Viral with Camille & Haley Harris

August 03, 2020 10:00 - 33 minutes - 38.5 MB

What would you do if a song you wrote went viral? In this episode of the Rustic Songbird Podcast, host Lydia Walker interviews sister duo Camille & Haley Harris, about their experience and advice about when your songs go viral. They share about how to deal with negative comments, and not taking criticism personally when you stand up for something you believe in.

Girls And Guitars with Kyla Simone

July 27, 2020 10:00 - 26 minutes - 30.2 MB

In this episode of the Rustic Songbird Podcast, host Lydia Walker interviews Kyla Simone, who is a singer/songwriter, recording artist and founder of Girls & Guitars Official. She has recently hosted a series of virtual concerts called “6 Strings Of Hope”. Girls & Guitars also provides opportunities for online music education, special events and is building a community of like-minded musicians to mentor the next generation of female guitarists.  

Writing Songs Using Scripture with Haylie Allcott

July 20, 2020 10:00 - 48 minutes - 55.1 MB

In this episode of the Rustic Songbird Podcast, host Lydia Walker interviews Haylie Allcott, about writing songs based on scripture, and her experience using the method of psalming. They talk about starting from a place of worship, and how new sounds and songs can come from your personal worship time with the Lord.

Writing Songs Using Scripture with Haylie Allcott

July 20, 2020 10:00 - 48 minutes - 55.1 MB

In this episode of the Rustic Songbird Podcast, host Lydia Walker interviews Haylie Allcott, about writing songs based on scripture, and her experience using the method of psalming. They talk about starting from a place of worship, and how new sounds and songs can come from your personal worship time with the Lord.

God Is In The Details with Hanna Freeman

July 13, 2020 10:00 - 33 minutes - 37.9 MB

In this episode of the Rustic Songbird Podcast, host Lydia Walker interviews Hanna Freeman, and they talk about trusting that God is in control of the details of our lives. As a Christian songwriter facing the changes in the music industry, Hanna shares about the importance of depending on God now and moving forward.   

Girls With Guitars Challenge with Krista Francis

July 06, 2020 10:00 - 27 minutes - 31.6 MB

In this episode of the Rustic Songbird Podcast, host Lydia Walker interviews Krista Francis, about the 30 Day Girls With Guitars Challenge for girls of all ages to finally pick up the guitar and learn to play!

Girls With Guitars Challenge with Krista Francis

July 06, 2020 10:00 - 27 minutes - 31.6 MB

In this episode of the Rustic Songbird Podcast, host Lydia Walker interviews Krista Francis, about the 30 Day Girls With Guitars Challenge for girls of all ages to finally pick up the guitar and learn to play!

How To Figure Out Your Next Step with Lydia Walker

June 29, 2020 10:00 - 20 minutes - 23.6 MB

Are you passionate about making music, but questioning the next step you should take? In this episode of the Rustic Songbird Podcast, host Lydia Walker shares the mindset and practical advice about figuring out the next step in your music career. By beginning with the end in mind, you can reverse engineer what it will take to reach your goals, and Lydia applies that concept to being an independent musician. If you have big dreams, but wondering what to do next is holding you back, this epi...

Song Administration 101 with Holly Salazar

June 22, 2020 10:00 - 25 minutes - 29.6 MB

Do you feel overwhelmed or confused when it comes to what to do with your songs once they’ve been written? In this episode of the Rustic Songbird Podcast, host Lydia Walker interviews Holly Salazar, about what you need to know when it comes to the admin side of releasing your original songs. Holly shares tips for how to make sure you’re legally covered and your songs are protected. You’ll also learn how to make sure you’re set up to get paid for your music.

Networking As A Musician with Jonathan Warren

June 15, 2020 10:00 - 37 minutes - 42.8 MB

Do you want to expand your network and collaborate with other musicians? In this episode of the Rustic Songbird Podcast, host Lydia Walker interviews Jonathan Warren, about networking with other musicians and collaborating with artists. Jonathan shares insights as an instrumentalist who has performed with many other musicians. Learn the common courtesies, what’s working now in the music industry, and how to build relationships with other musicians for life.

Creating Boundaries with Natalie Runion

June 08, 2020 10:00 - 46 minutes - 53 MB

Do you say yes to everything, and don’t know where to draw the line? In this episode of the Rustic Songbird Podcast, host Lydia Walker interviews Natalie Runion about setting your goal, priorities and boundaries as a creative person. Natalie shares great advice for anyone who’s feeling burned out and has a hard time saying no. 

Creating Boundaries with Natalie Runion

June 08, 2020 10:00 - 46 minutes - 53 MB

Do you say yes to everything, and don’t know where to draw the line? In this episode of the Rustic Songbird Podcast, host Lydia Walker interviews Natalie Runion about setting your goal, priorities and boundaries as a creative person. Natalie shares great advice for anyone who’s feeling burned out and has a hard time saying no. 

Writing Songs Solo vs. Co-writing with Lara Marriott

June 01, 2020 10:00 - 49 minutes - 56.1 MB

Wanna know the pros and cons of songwriting with others? In this episode of the Rustic Songbird Podcast, host Lydia Walker interviews Lara Marriott, about the difference between writing songs alone and writing with others. If you’ve been thinking about songwriting with other people, but not sure how to start or what to expect, Lara shares what she loves about writing alone as well as her experiences co-writing with others.

Writing Songs Solo vs. Co-writing with Lara Marriott

June 01, 2020 10:00 - 49 minutes - 56.1 MB

Wanna know the pros and cons of songwriting with others? In this episode of the Rustic Songbird Podcast, host Lydia Walker interviews Lara Marriott, about the difference between writing songs alone and writing with others. If you’ve been thinking about songwriting with other people, but not sure how to start or what to expect, Lara shares what she loves about writing alone as well as her experiences co-writing with others.

The Heart of A Worship Leader with Amy Savin

May 25, 2020 10:00 - 48 minutes - 54.9 MB

In this episode of the Rustic Songbird Podcast, host Lydia Walker interviews Amy Savin, about leading a congregation by example, and the servant heart of a worship leader. Amy is a recording artist and songwriter with a heart for God and connecting others to God through music. Her story will inspire you to dig deeper and to serve from a place of humility and wonder.

The Future Of The Music Industry with Katie Zaccardi

May 18, 2020 10:00 - 43 minutes - 50 MB

 With all the changes happening around the globe, what will the music industry look like moving forward? In this episode of the Rustic Songbird Podcast, host Lydia Walker interviews Katie Zaccardi, about the importance of innovation during this time of massive shifts in the music industry. They talk about the current struggles musicians are facing, and how they can move forward to create a successful future for their career.

Performing Virtual Concerts For Senior Citizens with Kristen Kieckhaefer

May 11, 2020 10:00 - 24 minutes - 27.6 MB

In this episode of the Rustic Songbird Podcast, host Lydia Walker interviews Kristen Kieckhaefer about how she got creative during quarantine, and performed virtual concerts for senior citizens to brighten their day.

Navigating A New Season with Jenna Grace May

May 04, 2020 10:00 - 36 minutes - 41.6 MB

Do you feel hesitant about starting a new season of life with new opportunities and a lot of unknowns? In this episode of the Rustic Songbird Podcast, host Lydia Walker interviews Jenna Grace May, about coming out of a season of isolation and moving into a new season with a peaceful mindset. They talk about ways you can grow through new opportunities by using what you learned in the previous season.

How To Produce Your Own Music with Rachel Barrentine

April 27, 2020 10:00 - 34 minutes - 39 MB

Have you been thinking about learning to produce your own music at home? In this episode of the Rustic Songbird Podcast, host Lydia Walker interviews Rachel Barrentine, about becoming a music producer and building a home studio. They talk about the basics of getting started producing your own music, and what to expect during the process of learning this new skill.

Storytelling and Character Development with Hannah Conway

April 20, 2020 10:00 - 41 minutes - 47.1 MB

How would you like to take your storytelling skills to the next level? In this episode of the Rustic Songbird Podcast, host Lydia Walker interviews author Hannah Conway, about practical advice for storytelling and character development in your writing. She shares great resources for building your writing skills, and talks about how your own personal journey can impact your characters in your story.  Hannah and Lydia also talk about how using the Enneagram can keep your specific character...