Worktapes

Brandon Carswell
  • 5.0 (4)
  • MUSIC INTERVIEWS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
Worktapes

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.

  1. Episode 65 - Dave Barnes - Someday This Will All Make Sense

    MAR 31

    Episode 65 - Dave Barnes - Someday This Will All Make Sense

    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**

    1h 23m
  2. Episode 64 - Mat Kearney - Headlights Home

    FEB 28

    Episode 64 - Mat Kearney - Headlights Home

    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**

    1h 6m
  3. Episode 63 - Matt Wertz - Rosalee

    FEB 17

    Episode 63 - Matt Wertz - Rosalee

    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**

    1h 30m
  4. Episode 62 - Nathan Barlowe - Feed Your Feelings

    FEB 10

    Episode 62 - Nathan Barlowe - Feed Your Feelings

    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**

    48 min
  5. Episode 61 - Clay Mills - Beautiful Mess

    FEB 3

    Episode 61 - Clay Mills - Beautiful Mess

    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**

    1h 2m
  6. Episode 60 - Thad Cockrell - What If

    JAN 24

    Episode 60 - Thad Cockrell - What If

    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**

    1h 28m
  7. Episode 59 - Hannah Aldridge - The Great Divide

    JAN 10

    Episode 59 - Hannah Aldridge - The Great Divide

    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**

    1h 3m
  8. Episode 58 - Kylie Dailey - Folded Hands

    JAN 3

    Episode 58 - Kylie Dailey - Folded Hands

    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**

    1 hr
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    Ratings & Reviews

    5
    out of 5
    4 Ratings

    About

    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.

    Information

    • Creator
      Brandon Carswell
    • Years Active
      2021 - 2025
    • Episodes
      66
    • Rating
      Explicit
    • Copyright
      © Copyright Worktapes
    • Show Website
      Worktapes

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