76. Andy Baker (Song Analysis, Songwriting Competitions, Balancing Music with a Day Job)

My guest today is award winning singer-songwriter, veterinarian, and all around cool dude, Andy Baker. I only first met Andy a few weeks ago through the Kerrville New Folk Songwriters Competition. I was chosen as a finalist this year, and Andy (one of last year's winners) was put in a facebook group with all of this year's finalists as a mentor figure. I caught wind that he was headed to Colorado for a work convention in Ft. Collins and was planning to live stream with Shanna in a Dress (also a Kerrville winner last year, and was on episode 44 of this podcast). So, I reached out and the three of us ended up performing a writers round together at the Littleton Alley in Littleton, CO. After becoming friends and swapping songs, I invited him to come hang out on the podcast. We cover plenty during this hour-long conversation. As a past winner of several competitions, as well as being a judge, Andy breaks down his thoughts on songwriting as a "competition," as well as what he looks for as a listening judge. We also talk about his career and how he balances his day job as a veterinarian with being a songwriter. As an added bonus, for the first time ever.... we do a live song analysis! During the episode, we'll have a chance to listen to Andy's song, "Sixteen" and then break down every lyric and his thought process behind the writing. I was so inspired by the impromptu segment, that I might just create a spinoff! If you enjoy the podcast, please let others know, subscribe or write a review. 5 star ratings and reviews on Apple Music as well as subscribing to our YouTube Channel help us out the most!! IF YOU'D LIKE TO SUPPORT THE PODCAST IN A MONETARY WAY, I'M NOW ON PATREON! https://www.patreon.com/andysydow You can support my artist career and this podcast for as little as $3 per month. The price of one cup of coffee helps keep this podcast on its feet. Any and every contribution is greatly appreciated! Guest Links: Website: https://andybakermusic.com/ Guest Music: "Sixteen" by Andy Baker "I Know" by Andy Baker Episode Music: **All original music by Andy Sydow Sponsors: A huge thanks to our sponsors, PQ Mastering and Narrator RF. For any sponsorship inquiries, shoot me an email at middleclassrockstar@gmail.com http://pqmastering.com https://narratorrf.com