Songwriting in Nashville

On my Nashville trip a few weeks ago I had the privilege to do some songwriting and co-writing! I am constantly writing new songs and trying to develop my creative talents, but this time was different.

Part of the time I spent in Nashville was in meetings with the fine industry folks at Simpleville Publishing, Brentwood/Benson Publishing, and Warner/Word. Additionally, we arranged some co-writes with two fine staff writers at Word, Paul Alan and Michael Farren.

I've done co-writes before, but it was great to work with such talented writers. Paul Alan had a song on the last Point of Grace album (which I thought was neat, because opening for Point of Grace was the whole reason I was in Nashville in the first place). Michael Farren is the lead singer and driving force behind Pocket Full of Rocks. Among other great hits, he wrote the tune "Let it Rain" covered by Michael W. Smith on the "Worship" live album.

The most recent release you'd recognize from Pocket Full of Rocks is "Come As You Are" which has received significant radio success from their 2010 album.

Each label and publisher had a series of writer rooms. It's basically the size of a small bedroom and it has a couch, a chair and a piano. I also noticed most of them were lined with Platinum and Gold records, perhaps for encouragement?

When I opened the door for my first session, not only was Michael Farren there, but he was just wrapping up a session with CURB recording artist Marie Miller! Marie sings a duet on my new album, "Let Hope Arise", and I had no idea she was even in Nashville that week, let alone writing with Michael! It was a nice surprise. Then the following day I discovered that Michael was writing with Kari Jobe! At that point I was wishing my writing session was the day after... It was great to chat and connect.



I look forward to continuing those writing and industry relationships and sharing the fruits of them with you!