The Songwriter | The Life Behind the Lyric

JammNation
  • 0.0 (0)
  • MUSIC INTERVIEWS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

An intimate, confessional podcast that delves into songwriters' souls, exploring the life stories and personal journeys behind their music. More than industry talk, "The Songwriter" offers a space where artists share their authentic selves—the struggles, triumphs, and transformative moments that inspire their lyrics. This isn't just another promotional stop—it's an opportunity to connect deeply with the artists and songwriters you love. From Jammnation, this is The Songwriter.

  1. Dalton Mills: Small‑Town Truths, Writing from Real Life, and a Live Performance

    12/24/2025

    Dalton Mills: Small‑Town Truths, Writing from Real Life, and a Live Performance

    Dalton Mills talks about the people and places behind the songs, how to protect vulnerable material in noisy rooms, and why honesty beats polish. The session wraps with a stripped‑down live performance. Key Topics Roots, work, and songcraftVoice‑memo sketches to finished songsPicking the right rooms for intimate materialStudio plans and near‑term touringFeatured Performance Live acoustic track For fans of Cole Chaney, Logan Halstead, and contemporary Appalachian songwriters.

    23 min
  2. WD Miller: Punk Roots, John Prine Tribute, and a Kentucky Songwriter Retreat

    12/17/2025

    WD Miller: Punk Roots, John Prine Tribute, and a Kentucky Songwriter Retreat

    From Miami’s punk and metal scene to Kentucky folk and Americana, WD Miller shares how he writes, tours, and builds. He explains writing “Dear John” the day John Prine died, finishing “Hard Times Like These,” juggling road work with Justin Wells and The Josephine’s, and why he’s hand‑building a secluded studio and songwriter retreat near Somerset, KY. We also dig into his upcoming album, “Child of the Kindly South,” and its redemption theme. Highlights: Punk‑to‑folk journey and early band Los Bastardos MagnificosBusking during CMA weekend, 3rd & Lindsley showCraft behind “Dear John” and co‑writing “Hard Times Like These”Side‑player vs front‑person, honest feedback, and communityBuilding a forest studio for writing, demos, and retreatsNew album: themes, vibe, and why some songs didn’t make the cut WD Miller, John Prine, Dear John, Hard Times Like These, Child of the Kindly South, Somerset KY, songwriter retreat, Abby Hamilton, Magnolia Boulevard, Maggie Noel, Justin Wells, The Josephine’s, Kentucky music, Americana

    31 min
  3. Dalton Kiser: Eastern Kentucky Stories and Small‑Town Truths – Roots, Work, and Honest Songs

    12/10/2025

    Dalton Kiser: Eastern Kentucky Stories and Small‑Town Truths – Roots, Work, and Honest Songs

    Dalton Kiser reflects on a life shaped by family, church, and the woods. From sports to songwriter, he shares what small‑town grit taught him, why authenticity beats image, and how he’s approaching music with clear eyes now. Key Topics Holler upbringing and blue‑collar prideThe party‑phase pivot and taking the craft seriouslyWriting from real people and real placesFeatured Moment Stories and excerpts from Eastern Kentucky originals For fans of Tyler Childers, CWG, and emerging Appalachian songwriters.

    27 min
  4. The Jenkins Twins: Blood Harmony, “Revelation Song,” and Road Lessons – Writing Apart, Finishing Together

    12/03/2025

    The Jenkins Twins: Blood Harmony, “Revelation Song,” and Road Lessons – Writing Apart, Finishing Together

    Twins making modern folk with classic harmony DNA. They trace a path from pop‑punk to Everly‑style blend, explain why “Revelation Song” is rarely played live, and break down their practical co‑write system. Closes with “A Thousand Memories.” Key Topics Twin trust, healthy friction, and dividing versesPop‑punk influences meeting 50s/60s harmonyWhen to hold back a vulnerable song liveTouring lean, cruise‑ship reps, and leveling upFeatured Performance “A Thousand Memories” (live) For fans of The Everly Brothers, The Milk Carton Kids, and contemporary folk duos.

    26 min
  5. Kindred Valley: Harmony, Honesty, and “Feels Like 1921” – Laurel Cove Community and the Co‑Write Process

    11/26/2025

    Kindred Valley: Harmony, Honesty, and “Feels Like 1921” – Laurel Cove Community and the Co‑Write Process

    Kindred Valley share how a listening crowd transforms a show, why some songs only come out in safe rooms, and how three writers finish each other’s stories. From voice‑memo sparks to producer‑minded arrangements, this episode traces the band’s process—and ends with “Feels Like 1921.” Key Topics Laurel Cove’s culture and why it mattersRespecting heavy songs in live settingsNotes, voice memos, and dividing verses across the bandFrom self‑booking to agency partnership and smarter routingFeatured Performance “Feels Like 1921” (live) For fans of The Avett Brothers, Watchhouse, and harmony‑driven Americana.

    29 min
  6. Zach Russell: Off‑Grid Lessons, “Back to Dirt,” and a New Song – Presence Over Noise

    11/19/2025

    Zach Russell: Off‑Grid Lessons, “Back to Dirt,” and a New Song – Presence Over Noise

    Zach Russell joins The Songwriter to talk self‑reliance, presence, and protecting the soul of a song. From small orchards to Sinatra, from leaving three‑hour bar gigs to writing without a guitar, Zach shares a grounded approach to craft and life—then closes with a brand‑new performance about manna, heaven, and enough. Key Topics Self‑support, gardens, and taking a little power backWhy he sometimes writes with no guitar in hand60s/70s French pop and classic standards as unexpected guidesVenue choices, vulnerability, and honest exchanges with audiencesFeatured Performance New original song (live) Ideal for fans of John Moreland, Jason Isbell, and reflective Americana.

    28 min
  7. Tim Goodin: Coal Country Stories, “Pills and Poverty,” and Choosing Family – With “Fishing Hole” Acoustic

    11/12/2025

    Tim Goodin: Coal Country Stories, “Pills and Poverty,” and Choosing Family – With “Fishing Hole” Acoustic

    Kentucky songwriter Tim Goodin opens up about work, writing, and home. He and his wife co‑write most songs, he’s lived the stories he sings, and he isn’t chasing fame at the expense of family. From the opioid fallout to blue‑collar pride, this episode grounds big themes in real life—and ends with a tender performance of “Fishing Hole.” Key Topics Full‑time job, weekend shows, and avoiding burnoutThe truth behind “Pills and Poverty” and why it resonated nationwideWriting with your spouse and keeping 2,000 ideas organizedCoal country roots, community, and choosing what mattersFeatured Performance “Fishing Hole” (acoustic) For fans of Tyler Childers, Cody Jinks, CWG, and honest Appalachian songwriting.

    30 min
  8. Justin Clyde Williams: Tattoos, “Born to Roam,” and Life on the Road – Stories, Grit, and an Acoustic Performance

    11/05/2025

    Justin Clyde Williams: Tattoos, “Born to Roam,” and Life on the Road – Stories, Grit, and an Acoustic Performance

    North Carolina’s Justin Clyde Williams sits down to talk tattoos with meaning, co‑writing “Born to Roam,” and why he wants crowds to boogie even when the songs run heavy. From campfire sets to last‑minute stage jams with Justin Wells, this is a candid look at an artist balancing craft, community, and the grind of touring. Key Topics The Waylon, Willie, and Cash influence behind Justin’s inkHow a chorus almost became a verse in “Born to Roam”Touring hard winters, burnout, and choosing joy on stageCo‑writing with friends and making songs “arrive”Community moments at Laurel Cove and beyondFeatured Performance “Born to Roam” (acoustic) For fans of Justin Wells, American Aquarium, 49 Winchester, and raw country storytelling.

    30 min
See All (20)

Trailer

About

An intimate, confessional podcast that delves into songwriters' souls, exploring the life stories and personal journeys behind their music. More than industry talk, "The Songwriter" offers a space where artists share their authentic selves—the struggles, triumphs, and transformative moments that inspire their lyrics. This isn't just another promotional stop—it's an opportunity to connect deeply with the artists and songwriters you love. From Jammnation, this is The Songwriter.

Information