Worktapes artwork

Worktapes

38 episodes - English - Latest episode: 1 day ago - ★★★★★ - 4 ratings

Welcome to Worktapes!

This is a podcast where we tear apart songs.
Why was the song written? What’s it about? What is the context and emotion behind it? Where were you at the time? What were you going through? How do lines come to you? What is the inspiration? How long did it take to write?

In each episode, we talk to a writer about one song they've writtenand listen to the original demo or work tape of that song.

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Episodes

Episode 36 - Drew Creal - Individuate

July 19, 2024 05:00 - 1 hour - 60.4 MB

Episode 35 - Colonel Cobalt - Phatt

July 12, 2024 05:00 - 1 hour - 67.8 MB

The infamous Colonel Colbalt from the band Cobalt Minor joins us in Episode 35 of Worktapes. Was he really raised by coyotes? Did he really grow a full beard by age 11? Was one of the most famous Christmas songs of all time stolen from him? We will takle these questions and talk about his upcoming song hit song, "Phatt" Cobalt Minor Listen to Phatt All music in this episode was written and recorded by Colonel Colbalt and can be heard in full on Colbat Minor's latest album.  This episode i...

Episode 34 - John Canada - Prove You Wrong

July 05, 2024 05:00 - 1 hour - 57.3 MB

John Canda is a great songwriter and drummer in The Brook & The Bluff. In episode 34 fo Wortapes he tells us how he learned how to play drums through videos games, singing in an acapella quartet during highschool and we get to listen to the worktape of "Prove You Wrong", a song he wrote for the band's record, "Bluebeard".  John Canada Prove You Wrong https://www.brookandbluff.com/ This episode was sponsored by 9 To 5 Warriors : A 90'S INSPIRED ACTION FIGURE SERIES RECAPTURING THE MAGIC OF...

Episode 33 - Frank Watkinson - This Could Be My Last Song

June 28, 2024 05:00 - 1 hour - 55.1 MB

In Episode 33 we have the pleaseure of hearing from Frank Watkinson! Despite not having a tradional career in music Frank began sharing his songs and cover songs on YouTube where he quickly resonated with a global audience going viral and even had cuts featured in a show on Apple TV's Original Series  "Home Before Dark". He ranked 2nd place in the American Songwriter Magzine contest with his song "This Could Be My Last Song". We discuss Frank's songs, pets, fame and listen to "This Could Be M...

Episode 32 - Chris Tapp - Blow Wind Blow

June 21, 2024 05:00 - 58 minutes - 53.7 MB

In this episode of Worktapes we are joined by Chris Tapp, frontman for The Cold Stares. We discuss guitars, adding a bassist to the band, AI songwirting and we listen to the worktape for The Cold Stares song "Blow Wind Blow" .  The Cold Stares Chris Tapp This episode was sponsored by 9 To 5 Warriors : A 90'S INSPIRED ACTION FIGURE SERIES RECAPTURING THE MAGIC OF THE SATURDAY MORNING CARTOON ERA Episode intro music written by Brandon Carswell & produced by Micah Tawlks - "Back To Us" Workt...

Episode 31 - Nick Autry - Cops and Robbers

June 14, 2024 05:00 - 1 hour - 57.3 MB

In this episode of Worktapes we hear from Nashville producer and songwriter, Nick Autry! We talk about how he ended up running Sound Stage on music row, learning from mistakes in the music industry, working with Luna Halo and we listen to the original worktape of his song "Cops and Robbers".  Listen to Cops and Robbers Nick Autry  Sound Stage Cops and Robbers was written by Nick Autry, Lauren McLamb & Chris Rafetto This episode was sponsored by 9 To 5 Warriors : A 90'S INSPIRED ACTION FI...

Episode 30 - Bridgette Tatum - She's Country

June 07, 2024 05:00 - 1 hour - 73 MB

In episode 30 of Worktapes we talk to  Bridgette Tatum about having a dream vs. a job, her story of getting to Nashville, horses and listen to the worktape of her No. 1 hit song "She's Country" ! Listen to "She's Country"  Listen to Bridgett Tatum Stable Songwriter Series This episode was sponsored by 9 To 5 Warriors : A 90'S INSPIRED ACTION FIGURE SERIES RECAPTURING THE MAGIC OF THE SATURDAY MORNING CARTOON ERA Episode intro music written by Brandon Carswell & produced by Micah Tawlks -...

Episode 29 - Britt Edwards - At This Point

May 31, 2024 05:00 - 1 hour - 65.1 MB

In episode 29 of Worktapes we hear from Britt Edwards on his time with The Swift, Faith, Paul McCartney and Britt's new song "At This Point".  Listen to "At This Point"  The Swift  This episode was sponsored by 9 To 5 Warriors : A 90'S INSPIRED ACTION FIGURE SERIES RECAPTURING THE MAGIC OF THE SATURDAY MORNING CARTOON ERA Episode intro music written by Brandon Carswell & produced by Micah Tawlks - "Back To Us" Worktapes show cover art designed by Harrison Hudson

Episode 28 - Jordan Allen Dean - Redemption Run

May 03, 2024 05:00 - 36 minutes - 33.6 MB

In episode 28 Jordan Allen Dean came to Nashville from Alabama to talk about artists who have the same name, how to pronounce MOOG and his new super catchy bopper, Redemption Run. Listen to Jordan Allen Dean Stereo Specter  This episode was sponsored by 9 To 5 Warriors : A 90'S INSPIRED ACTION FIGURE SERIES RECAPTURING THE MAGIC OF THE SATURDAY MORNING CARTOON ERA Episode intro music written by Brandon Carswell & produced by Micah Tawlks - "Back To Us" Worktapes show cover art designed by...

Episode 27 - Madison Hughes - Hate That You Love Me

April 16, 2024 05:00 - 40 minutes - 36.7 MB

In episode 27 of Worktapes we are joined by Madison Hughes! We discus her time on NBC's The Voice, cover songs versus original songs and her latest single "Hate That You Love Me".  Listen to Madison Hughes Hate That You Love Me Madison on The Voice This episode was sponsored by 9 To 5 Warriors : A 90'S INSPIRED ACTION FIGURE SERIES RECAPTURING THE MAGIC OF THE SATURDAY MORNING CARTOON ERA Episode intro music written by Brandon Carswell & produced by Micah Tawlks - "Back To Us" Worktapes ...

Episode 26 -Trevor James Tillery - Rubikon

March 15, 2024 05:00 - 46 minutes - 42.5 MB

In Episode 26 of Worktapes we chat with Trevor James Tillery, an artist, writer and producer from Phoenix, AZ. We talk about writing songs about his relationship to music, the best Thai food in Nashville and his a song off his upcoming album called "Rubikon"  Listen to Trevor James Tillery This episode was sponsored by 9 To 5 Warriors : A 90'S INSPIRED ACTION FIGURE SERIES RECAPTURING THE MAGIC OF THE SATURDAY MORNING CARTOON ERA Episode intro music written by Brandon Carswell & produced b...

Episode 25 - Brian McSweeney - Ghost

October 21, 2023 05:00 - 55 minutes - 50.8 MB

In episode 25 of Worktapes we hear from Brian McSweeney. We talked about his days in Seven Day Jesus, Matthew and his current band, Miirrors. We also discuss his solo, self-produced album "As The Bluebird" and hear a demo of a track on that album called "Ghost". Follow Brian- @bmcsweeney https://bmcsweeney.com/ Listen to Ghost - https://open.spotify.com/track/0qE1EgBNKy4c8bO2i92CwK?si=c364c1f94d5b4cde Listen to Miirrors - @miirrors_music https://open.spotify.com/artist/2SwDo6SQHqyEiiZv0...

Episode 24 - Zoe Ny - Highway

October 03, 2023 05:00 - 43 minutes - 39.8 MB

In this episode we hear from independent Nashville artist Zoe Ny! We discuss the benefit of formal music training, not worrying about trends as a writer and her new single "Highway". Listen to Highway: https://open.spotify.com/album/11VZZN7rHIecqfythHpU88?si=T83dajWPQnWJYsIYBCIZNQ Find Zoe Ny: IG: @zoe_ny_ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1_6tAIyDSY

Episode 23 - Whitney Dean - No Rest For The Wicked

April 15, 2023 14:22 - 1 hour - 147 MB

Worktapes is back! In this episode we talk to songwriter, producer, content creator, Whitney Dean! We discuss how to create music for film & TV sync, how to maintain a passion for artistry while making it a business, board games and get a first time listen to a song he wrote called "No Rest for the Wicked" Whitney Dean: https://open.spotify.com/artist/79O8G0AaFFj1kgKvWKcou6?si=6ii-l3wSTi21U2XsiXoqpw Adona (vocalist on "No Rest for the Wicked"): https://open.spotify.com/artist/2O8CMGDnzY...

Episode 22 - Alexander Wren - Full Time Blues

March 24, 2023 13:29 - 58 minutes - 134 MB

Worktapes is back! In this episode we talk to singer songwriter extraordinaire, Alexander Wren! We discuss things like how to control a live audience by being quiet, cleaning rats off the New Yor City sidewalks, McDonald's coffee and his latest single from his forthcoming record, Full Time Blues! Full Time Blues: https://hypeddit.com/gvllqq?fbclid=PAAaZLrEiAl9xaBVC6WBu47xZ78N3VnuY0452JiqCVU8Gm4Q8j71rrS5e-Lu0 For more on Alexander Wren: https://www.alexanderwren.com/ Spotify: https://o...

Episode 21 - Mae Simpson - Stuck In The Blues

January 12, 2022 06:00 - 54 minutes - 62.3 MB

In episode 21 of Worktapes we have Mae Simpson on! Mae has a big voice and is writing big songs with her 7 member band in Minneapolis. I get to speak with Mae and her guitarist, Jorgen Wadkins about starting out, writing as a band and a fun song they wrote together called Stuck In The Blues.

Episode 20 - Stephen Day - If Standing Was Flying

December 27, 2021 06:00 - 38 minutes - 34.9 MB

In our last episode of Worktapes for 2021 we have the privilege of talking to singer, writer, and producer, Stephen Day. We talk about being in the studio, a marshmallow named Quippy and an amazing song from his newest record called " If Standing Was Flying". If Standing Was Flying https://open.spotify.com/track/6AvP6fdLQFmUy3rRiZSJEW?si=cc6ab25653d14eb0 The Shapes I'm In https://open.spotify.com/album/2IuEv7SRKYayOZ6CKUzdZE?si=VfWwZOfkTfe9IoCWJGhxLA

Christmas Episode - O Holy Night

December 22, 2021 06:00 - 18 minutes - 21.6 MB

In this special Christmas episode of Worktapes, we hear the fascinating story behind the classic and beautiful song, O Holy Night. We go through the lyrics and Brandon plays the song. Merry Christmas everyone!

Episode 19 - Carly Bannister - Same Team

December 16, 2021 06:00 - 1 hour - 60.2 MB

Safe to say we had too much fun in this episode of Worktapes. In episode 19 I had the pleasure of talking to Carly Bannister about touring, self-doubt, snacks and a great great song she wrote called "Same Team" Same Team https://open.spotify.com/track/495Br5hmA2Ezfl60sP4YTW?si=cd174784b41544e1 https://carlybannister.com/store Instagram - @carlybannister We discussed this Christmas song: https://open.spotify.com/track/52qdJ88vESWGhFo3Hu7WEH?si=3403a2cbe0d447ae

Episode 18 - Emmy Hitson - In A Moment

December 07, 2021 06:00 - 44 minutes - 41.1 MB

In episode 18, we talk to Nashville based singer-songwriter Emmy Hitson. We discuss how music saves, balancing deams and family, open mic nights and a rad song she wrote called "In a Moment" about not wasting the time we've been given. In a Moment https://open.spotify.com/track/7qRdaG5dPkKUP52hg2c7jy?si=d93fa079018a4c71 Instagram: @emmyhitsong

Episode 17 - Chris Mara - Keeping On My Feet

November 03, 2021 05:00 - 1 hour - 58.4 MB

In episode 17 of Worktapes we talk to Chris Mara, owner of Welcome to 1979 Studio and Mara Machines. We discuss recording analog, production, engineering, candles and a song he worked on with Mae Simpson called Keeping On My Feet. Welcome to 1979: https://welcometo1979.com Analog Tape Candle: https://welcometo1979.com/product/analog-tape-candle/ Instagram:@welcometo1979 Mara Machines: https://maramachines.com Instagram: @maramachines Mae Simpson https://open.spotify.com/artist/7Bpc83pk...

Episode 16 - Venture Boi - Parallel Universe

October 20, 2021 05:00 - 1 hour - 79.6 MB

In Episode 16 of Worktapes we talk to the band Venture Boi about musical influences, bad lyrics, how to build a song as a band and a super vibey unreleased song they wrote called " Parallel Universe". Listen to the end of this episode to hear Venture Boi's newest single in full before it releases on November 19th! Venture Boi on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1IQR0aB8IbchXz0a33M9kf?si=K5JHSGQVRmySCsJ8o5Ae9g https://www.ventureboi.com Instagram: ventureboi_music Thanks for li...

Episode 15 - Nathan Lee - I Come To Thee

September 29, 2021 05:00 - 49 minutes - 57.1 MB

In Episode 15 we talk to Nathan Lee, songwriter and founder of Send Musicians To Prison. We talk about how Nathan's music career transformed into something more and how music not only produces lofty dreams with in us but more importantly can give hope to so many who feel hopeless. During the episode we listen to a beautiful and inspring song he wrote called "I Come To Thee" that was written for a project with an intentional aimto give hope to death row inmates. More info on Send Musicians T...

Episode 14 - Joseph Settine - Misnomer

September 17, 2021 05:00 - 1 hour - 61.4 MB

In Episode 14 of Worktapes we hear from Joseph Settine from the band The Brook and The Bluff! How can you be an introvert in person and an extrovert on stage? Singles vs albums? Marvel vs DC? We discuss chior music, narrative writing and a beautiful song Joseph wrote called "Misnomer". Listen to Misnomer: https://open.spotify.com/track/7wy7FXfzZFAbsrpcM924nw?si=ce31e63c68894f74 The Brook and The Bluff: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4dWtsQvuME6tCWFycaTvO7?si=0wV2FbvmQjOf9n4o5RFIzw&dl_b...

Episode 13 - Louis Prince - Racine

September 09, 2021 07:46 - 1 hour - 77.5 MB

In episode 13 we talk to artist Louis Prince and producer Micah Tawlks about ego, being on the very critically acclaimed Night Time with Fil Gillip show, being okay with your own uniqueness and a song they wrote together called Racine. Racine: https://open.spotify.com/track/0YkJH7xI5GOL8jHOj0mpYp?si=eaf5aa42d1cf48a0 Louis Prince: https://open.spotify.com/artist/28UHHsOtyPTT2OOIMA48Ps?si=z_ovp9xsQXKcRXYmdnjYsg&dl_branch=1 Thirteen: https://open.spotify.com/album/3cfDbE4fmsak6G1uZ0bi9q?si=...

Episode Ace Carswell - Good Day

September 02, 2021 16:29 - 4 minutes - 4.95 MB

In this special unnumbered and brief episode, we talk to 10-year-old Ace Carswell about a song he wrote called Good Day. He didn't have much time to talk between homework and Fortnite but he did tell us he played every instrument in this recording. You won't hear this song anywhere else but in this episode of Worktapes. This episode will only be available for a short time so listen up.

Episode 12 - Jack Nolan - Hold Your Horses

August 20, 2021 05:00 - 44 minutes - 51.4 MB

In episode 12 of Worktapes, we talk to Australia-based singer-songwriter, Jack Nolan. We talk about recording in Nashville at Welcome To 1979, accepting the messiness of life and how a demo of gibberish turned into a fatastic song called Hold Your Horses. Listen to Hold Your Horses: https://open.spotify.com/track/38dg4m6RpNJe9liXlrDJrD?si=01dd1a6ded3d4214 Jack Nolan: https://jacknolanmusic.com Welcome To 1979 Studio: https://welcometo1979.com Thanks for listening to this episode of Wor...

Episode 11 - Cary Barlowe - American Honey

August 13, 2021 05:00 - 57 minutes - 66.1 MB

In episode 11 we talk to Grammy nominated Nashville songwriter, Cary Barlowe. We discuss his former band, Luna Halo, failures vs success, our days in North Carolina, and one of his number one hits, American Honey recorded by Lady A. Listen through to hear an acoustic version of American Honey performed by Cary in this episode. For bonus content go to patreon.com/worktapes to hear a live acoustic performance of Cary’s song, Baptized! 


American Honey - Lady A
 https://open.spotify.com/...

Episode 10 - Micah Tawlks - Smile

August 06, 2021 05:00 - 1 hour - 84.1 MB

We made to 10 entire episodes! In this episode of Worktapes, I chat with my dear friend and Nashville-based producer Micah Tawlks. We discuss how production can play a vital role in songwriting. From painstakingly pulling lyrics out of an experience, to changing lines to fit a phrase or being called on to write for others. We hear how a song called "Smile" that Micah produced with Louis Prince went from a demo with no lyrics to a full beautiful and meaningful song. Listen to Smile by Louis...

Episode 9 - Ronny Criss - If It Rains Like This Tomorrow

July 30, 2021 05:00 - 58 minutes - 67.4 MB

In Episode 9 of Worktapes Ronny Criss comes by to talk about musical influences from farm life to city life, vinyls and how his song, "If It Rains Like This Tomorrow" connected him to Nashville and to meeting his wife. Listen to If It Rains Like This Tomorrow: https://open.spotify.com/track/7iM8i1YZdOzN6ZfHucADOi?si=11ba23c8a4c34f7d https://ronnycriss.com https://www.instagram.com/ronnycriss/ https://www.facebook.com/ronnycriss Thanks for listening to Worktapes Host/Producer: Brandon Ca...

Episode 8 Chris Tapp- In The Nighttime

July 21, 2021 05:00 - 38 minutes - 43.5 MB

In episode 8 of Worktapes we talk with Chris Tapp of the band, The Cold Stares. We discuss vintage guitars, adversity threatening creativity and a very cool song he wrote in his car called "In The Nighttime". Listen to In The Nighttime https://open.spotify.com/track/0S84XFY5CMmwDTTkbi08q4?si=bd96a3c2a2d44753 In The Nighttime video https://youtu.be/zTJuw_mJqME The Cold Stares - http://thecoldstares.com https://www.instagram.com/thecoldstares/ Chris Tapp Solo Music https://open.spotify.co...

Episode 7 - Austin Moody - Who's Got The Time?

July 12, 2021 05:00 - 40 minutes - 46.9 MB

In episode 7 of Worktapes we talk to artist and writer Austin Moody about cigars, fighting well, Muscle Shoals and a barn burner song he wrote called "Who's Got The Time". Who's Got The Time on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/5a1vtGQnI4vVjxtPdTGDdP?si=3a9f25a40f184854 Follow Austin: https://www.austinmoody.net/ https://www.facebook.com/AustinMoodyMusic/ https://www.instagram.com/theaustinmoody/ https://twitter.com/austinm_music In this episode we mention: Briar Works - http://bria...

Episode 6 - Brandon Carswell - Keep Running

June 05, 2021 11:55 - 20 minutes - 23.8 MB

In this short episode of Worktapes, Brandon explores the ideas of continuing on, not running with crowd and never giving up on the truth. He plays a song he wrote called Keeping Running. Keep Running is streaming everywhere: https://open.spotify.com/track/58HiaRzkclCBFztFCYar8f?si=m8p56HuRRN-wm61rhiUEoA https://music.apple.com/us/album/keep-running/1530362599?i=1530362600

Episode 5 - Will Solomon -Ballerina

May 26, 2021 02:32 - 1 hour - 80.5 MB

In Episode 5 of Worktapes we talk to independent artist and writer Will Solomon about NBA dreams, boutique ice cream and a beautiful song he wrote called Ballerina. Check out Ballerina in full here: https://open.spotify.com/track/2DT4hN5WUrDhyDSopDTwrY?si=52f7465fb5d74013 More info at www.willsolomon.com

Episode 4 - Alisa Turner - Row

May 19, 2021 05:00 - 57 minutes - 65.5 MB

In this episode we talk to singer songwriter Alisa Turner about life, loss, grace, fear, cows and two amazing songs she wrote, “Row” and “Little Bird”. We even get to hear important thoughts from her dogs. 

Stream “Row”
https://open.spotify.com/album/6FRmVfOnGsxscG1WZ1r0JO?si=ZLQzGGNiQ9WrLGfPXooKfQ Stream “Little Bird”
https://open.spotify.com/track/4h2lXscpv1EX41ygAczzi0?si=Uiyh-Iq3SUWms5-_6RGSxg Alisa’s new ep “The Demo Sessions”
https://open.spotify.com/album/4bnX6lNFGkdpz2VgqDMDJw?s...

Episode 3 - Jordan Dean (Stereo Specter) - Golden

May 12, 2021 05:00 - 1 hour - 71.4 MB

In Episode 3 we talk to Jordan Dean of the band Stereo Specter! 
We discuss old cars, coffee, music row, Muscle Shoals Alabama and a great song he wrote called “Golden”. Full version of Golden:
https://open.spotify.com/track/6RR421Wmc76dq3KkTKsa05?si=3Cv-1sqnS5iJgthekH728g

 Produced “Gold Rush” by Hannah Aldridge: https://open.spotify.com/album/2ExU7Zb2pKnMHeyWRn3zDu?si=AfOiuylzSmyEIxItuxH_bg Stereo Specter: http://www.stereospecter.com

Episode 2 - Jason Nix - Preacher In A Bar

May 05, 2021 05:00 - 47 minutes - 54.4 MB

In this episode we talk with Nashville songwriter Jason Nix about Chevy vs Ford, first time parenting, breakfast food and a song he wrote called "Preacher In A Bar". We also get to hear the work tape of this song in this episode. To hear the full production version of Preacher In A Bar click here: https://open.spotify.com/track/1OxjaQb9DsFmvYSb7H7yRv?si=Huknhg28TumsYwQEySpUeg Other work by Jason Nix: Things A Man Oughta Know by Lainey Wilson https://open.spotify.com/track/5QS8PNEWbqTEZyQ...

Episode 1- Brandon Carswell - Darling Sin

April 27, 2021 17:44 - 22 minutes - 26.1 MB

In this first introduction episode Brandon talks about a song he wrote called Darling Sin. Maybe the things we hold dear to us that are actually destroying us. Darling Sin is streaming everywhere: https://artist.landr.com/music/672985659254 Darling Sin Music video: https://youtu.be/d6icudhEYxg "Some Darling Sin" by Thomas Brooks
 https://www.puritanboard.com/threads/some-darling-sin.27678/

Twitter Mentions

@austinm_music 1 Episode