Explore every episode of the podcast Worktapes

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: 

Dave Barnes plays 3rd & Linsdley for 2 special nights July 11th & 12th - Get tickets Here

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
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**

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
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**

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
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**

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 

Worktapes is Produced by Brandon Carswell
Film & Editing by Shaun 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**

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
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**

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**

In episode 49 of Worktpes we are joined by Wes Lunsford & Laurel Wright of The Young Fables! 
We discuss writing songs at early ages, how songwriting can be healing through heavy loss and suffering, their documentary, " The Fable of a Song" and we hear the orginal worktape of their song, "Daddy's Girl" 

Find The Young Fables

Listen to Daddy's Girl

Watch The Fable of a Song


This episode is sponsored by Duke Timeless Spirits and Stories & Sounds Podcast

This episode was recorded at Sound Stage Studios in Nashville, TN

Video and photography 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 48 of Worktapes we talk to songwriter, guitarist and recent contestant on The Voice, Brad Sample. We discuss growing up in Nashville, tackle the subject of being the sideman vs the artist dream and listen to the original Worktape of his song "Getaway Driver.

Find Brad Sample

Listen to Getaway Driver


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 episde 47 of Worktapes all the way the Province of Quebec we are joind by writer/producer, Matt Damron. Matt and Brandon have been friends for nearly 25 years and bring up some inside stories, joint musical endevors, not giving up on a song until it done and listen to the original worktape of Matt's song, "Waiting On A Breakthrough". 

Find Matt Damron 

Listen to "Waiting On A Breakthrough" 

Listen to Matt & Brandon's joint project, Nice Dreams

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 46 of Worktapes we talk to Americana Award winner Sam Outlaw! We discuss making records with produce Cheyenne Medders, what brought Sam from Southern California to Nashville and we listen to the original worktape of his hit song, "Someone Quite Like You" 

Find Sam Outlaw

Listen to "Someone Quite Like You" 



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 45, we are joined by Grammy Award-winning composer, producer, mixer, and songwriting multi-instrumentalist Kevin Dailey! We discuss his dad's musical influence on him, how to stay organized and engaged in the writing process, and we listen to the original worktape of his beautiful song, "Hey Lover."


Listen to "Hey Lover"

Find Garden Friend

Find Kevin Dailey

https://www.kevindaileymusic.com/


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 44, Kent Coley flips the script by asking to interview Worktapes show host Brandon Carswell. Kent has been in the music industry for over 25 years, working with labels like Forefront and bands like Leeland. He has experience in publishing, production, and management, and is an all-around wonderful human being.
We discuss the importance of not giving up on a song you believe in, even if it doesn’t have commercial appeal. We also talk about the mysterious dynamics of being in a band with your sibling, and we hear the original, nearly 20-year-old worktape of Brandon's song "110."

Find Brandon Carswell 

Listent to "110"

Find Out about Keny Coley and 23 Keys 

Special thanks to Nick Autry, Sound Stage and Kent Coley for helping with this episode! 
 
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 43 we sit down with Joe Nash at the world renowned Sound Stage Studio in Nashville to talk about his time in "Watson & Nash", the imprtance of having a back up plan while persuing your art, and we listen to to original worktape of his latest song "When You Got A Good One" 

Find Joe Nash
 
Listen to "When You Got A Good One" 
 
Special thanks to Nick Autry, Sound Stage and Kent Coley for helping with this episode! 
 
This episode is sponsored by Duke Timeless Spirits 

 
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 42 we are joined by guitarist, producer and songwriter Cheyenne Medders. We discuss writing songs as a teenager, playing in a band with his brothers, writing with The Secret Sisters and hearing the worktapes of Cheyenne's song "O My Goodnes"

Hear "O My Goodness"

Find Cheyenne

Hear "The Damage" by The Secret Sisters



This episode is sponsored by Duke Timeless Spirits 



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 41 we are joined by indie alt pop (not neo folk) duo Common Man. We discus what it's like being married while being in a band together, the importance of being your self and defining the culture of your art, we define what "neo folk" even is...(or we try) and we hear the worktape of a wonderful single called "Can I Know You". 

Find Common Man

Listen to Can I Know You 


Neofolk, also known as dark folk, folk noir, or apocalyptic folk, is a musical genre that mixes traditional folk rock, neoclassical, and industrial music. Which does not represent the band Common Man. 






Listen to Stories & Sounds

This episode was recorded in Nashville at Wise Company Studios
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 40 we hear from Nashville native Jonas Litton about how we met in prison, busking in his teens, his new podcast Stories & Sounds and we hear the worktape of a song he wrote called Good Mourning. 

Find Jonas Litton 

Listen to Good Mourning 

Listen to Stories & Sounds


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 39 we hear from Stu Garrard from the band Delirious? Stu talks about the band's beginning to touring with Bon Jovi. He tells all about The Beatitues Project that he embarked on post Delirious?. We nerd out on gutiars and pedals. We talk faith and we hear the orginal worktape of a song he wrote with Martin Smith called "Solid Rock".

Listen to Solid Rock 

Find Stu

Listen to Delirious? 

The Beatitues Project 

The Kilt Pedal by JHS







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 38 we talk to guitarist & founding member of The All American Rejects, Nick Wheeler. We discuss the early days of the band, working with Danny Elfman, co-writing songs with Weezer's frontman, Rivers Cuomo and we listen to the original worktape of the bands biggest No. 1 song, "Gives You Hell". 

Find Nick Wheeler

Listen to "Gives You Hell" 

Find The All American Rejects 

Listen to Weezer's "Put Me Back Together" 

Jack's Lament (AAR Version) (Nightmare Before Christmas)

The Future Has Arrived from Disney's "Meet The Robinsons"


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 37 of Worktapes the host becomes the interviewee! Brandon Carswell (the host of Worktapes) is interviewed by Jordan Allen Dean. We get deep talking about happy sounding sad song, the struggles of depression and listen to the original worktapes of Glimmer. 

Listen to Brandon Carswell

Listen to Glimmer

Visits https://www.brandoncarswell.com/ for more

Listen to Jordan Allen Dean 



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

**All songs used by permission**

In Episode 36 of Worktapes we have the pleasure of hearing from Drew Creal of the band Xaphon! 
We discuss all things metalincluding our favorite metal bands, unpack what Christian Death Metal really is, ask if evil and the devil are actually real, and talk about Drew's song Individuate. 

Listen to Xaphon

Shred Riffs on YouTube

Shred Sessions Podcast

Instagram @Xaphon777


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**

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 is sponorsed by Pressure Washing Dude

**all songs used by permission**

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 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

**All songs used by permission**

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 My Last Song" 


Frank Watkinson on YouTube

"This Could Be My Last Song" 



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

**All songs used by permission**

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"
Worktapes show cover art designed by Harrison Hudson

**All songs used by permission**

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 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

**All music used by permission**

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 - "Back To Us"
Worktapes show cover art designed by Harrison Hudson

**All music used by permission**

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

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 Harrison Hudson

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 show cover art designed by Harrison Hudson

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 by Micah Tawlks - "Back To Us"
Worktapes show cover art designed by Harrison Hudson

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/2SwDo6SQHqyEiiZv0M0K9K?si=dCOmpM3KSdarnb9avutsEw

Listen to Brian & Brandon's co-write, "House Upon A Wall"-
https://open.spotify.com/track/0vG0V6yyFHE17BGIXlSPqa?si=07abe65ac3a64e38

Brian's answer to the theme music question -
https://open.spotify.com/track/2uIgnhIEQWJpE8eAIJT9QZ?si=b44f1458dd73407d

Episode intro music written by Brandon Carswell & produced by Micah Tawlks - "Back To Us"
Worktapes show cover art designed by Harrison Hudson

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

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/2O8CMGDnzYHpcZOSNVoLdQ?si=_L9dEEniRyaktCF_bx9pZg


The Sweeplings:
https://open.spotify.com/artist/3fTedgf4fh8D3s41dP0HWt?si=oa07h_aLQnyg26LGzhHvfQ

Into The Ivey:
https://open.spotify.com/artist/4qgX3CFZWxN2E5YlYMIdG9?si=lg33g7neS-m9-zUG9EcYaQ



Thanks for listening to this episode of Worktapes!

Host/Producer - Brandon Carswell

Production assistance - Whitney Dean

Logo Design - Harrison Hudson

Theme music - "Back To Us" by Brandon Carswell
https://open.spotify.com/track/1BDbD5AsaMVqwETvjX8QcH?si=d8a494792403410c

Worktapes Podcast Playlist:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0Tbs1DnbuWBDDrhknkTsgn?si=e9c78e8724214dc8

For additional content visit:
https://www.patreon.com/worktapes

*all music samples used by permission

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://open.spotify.com/artist/6f6oMcKG2GzGjfejpsD7e7?si=u6QJHoqzQ-2qKHaeL23hTA

Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/alexander-wren/1148477437




Thanks for listening to this episode of Worktapes!

Host/Producer - Brandon Carswell

Production assistance - Shaun Carswell

Logo Design - Harrison Hudson

Theme music - "Back To Us" by Brandon Carswell
https://open.spotify.com/track/1BDbD5AsaMVqwETvjX8QcH?si=d8a494792403410c

Worktapes Podcast Playlist:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0Tbs1DnbuWBDDrhknkTsgn?si=e9c78e8724214dc8

For additional content visit:
https://www.patreon.com/worktapes

*all music samples used by permission

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.

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

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!