Songwriter Soup Songwriter Soup

Songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist, Mike Elizondo ("In da Club" 50 Cent, "The Real Slim Shady" Eminem, "Cowboy Casanova" Carrie Underwood, The Encanto Soundtrack with Lin-Manuel Miranda) is simply synonymous with modern music. The trio sits down with Mike to discuss his studio environment and energy, and how it puts his co-creators at ease, and at what points in his career he had to stand up for his value. This episode also goes into detail about the difference between a track guy and a writer-producer, and how Mike’s desire for a better work/life balance, along with a curiosity for expanding his understanding of songwriting, led him to move to Nashville.

https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/mike-elizondo-the-producers/pl.a56f1838e5c34595abb9dc416ecf0a38
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1qjLC064PnRWeyvOAPJH6R?si=8SkL_uGKTsmqhK7TiONR8w&pi=u-xFlICarcRx20
Instagram: @mikeelizondojr
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What’s blocking you? This week, the trio discusses this ironic possibility: it might be that you’re taking this dream job a little too seriously. We all do it! At all stages, in fact. Take breaks, change the subject, nerd out on other people’s hits, or do songwriter exercises— Laura discussed many of her favorite ways to shake her brain loose. This episode also covers whether you need to suffer for your art— many people believe they do. Listen for our take on that and other tips on feeling like a success even when you’re blocked.
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On this week’s episode, Laura, Tracy & Kevin sit down with one of Laura’s best friends, critically acclaimed hit songwriter, Jessie Jo Dillon (“10,000 Hours” Dan & Shay, Justin Beiber, “Halfway To Hell” Jelly Roll, “Lies, Lies, Lies” Morgan Wallen). The group gets candid about shaking off the resistance to following in her legendary dad’s songwriter footsteps, the dangers of not being happy for your peers, and the difference between fomo and jealousy. Jessie Jo is an incredible resource when it comes to knowing what the view looks like from the top, and gracefully finding your way back into the joy of the daily songwriter grind.

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/37i9dQZF1EFENnraVV8K2W?si=43f2856f40c64a59
Instagram: @jessiejodillon
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Songwriters always blame themselves (or the song) when something stops the process of it becoming a hit. But does it have anything to do with the song? Most of the time, IT DOES NOT. On this week’s episode, the trio discusses how many people and entities cause those interruptions and all of the millions of ways a perfect song can end up in a proverbial trash can. It feels like injustice! It feels like agony! But in the end, it’s just a part of the songwriter business. This is an important listen for anyone who hates rejection (um…. all of us).
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Laura’s sister and fellow hit songwriter, Allison Veltz Cruz (“Prayed For You” Matt Stell, “Somebody Like That” Tenille Arts, “Let Your Boys Be Country” Jason Aldean) joins the trio for a candid conversation about the sisters’ unique childhood and what lead them to songwriting after their family band broke up. They discuss Allison’s particular brand of hustle, how her personality informed her initial money management style, and what drew her to Nashville.
Listen to Allison’s music on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/37i9dQZF1EFSoEuClhQZiW?si=d06a01d209724317
Listen to Allison’s music on Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/allison-veltz-cruz-the-songwriters/pl.6748139a1ef0436a893fada8acf0d4cf
Instagram: @allisonveltzcruz
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Kevin, Laura and Tracy delve into the initial humility that it takes to learn the craft of commercial songwriting by unlearning how you did it before. Ouch! It takes a minute and it feels weird for a bit, but it gets better! After the craft settles in, your uniqueness returns to you and THAT is when the magic happens. The trio discuss the intricate art of communicating to a larger audience, the joy of being behind the scenes, and remaining a student as music evolves.
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