Donnie Winters... the MAN, the LEGEND, the SONGWRITER and (happy to say) MY FRIEND! Most folks only know him as the (very capable) soundman at Douglas Corner Cafe; a "must visit" stop on every songwriters' first (and every) trip to MUSIC CITY... but there is SO MUCH MORE to this amazing songwriter/performer's story. Such as? Well I'll attempt to keep the spoilers to a minimum but how's about THESE: He had his first cut while a Freshman in High School... with MARTY ROBBINS!!! He and his brother f...
May 16, 2016•1 hr 10 min
Rob Mackay and Garry Koehler. Good things come to those who wait, we're told; this episode will be no exception. Our own VIEW FROM DOWNUNDER correspondent (and rising Country music star in his own right) BRENDAN SMOOTHER takes the helm of the CSSP for an exclusive interview with the award-winning Australian Country duo THE BOBKATZ. THE BOBKATZ is comprised of ROB MACKAY and GARRY KOEHLER; both of whom have interesting musical histories to share as well as a wealth of fascinating tales about thei...
Feb 22, 2016•1 hr 30 min
Super-cool graphic by Walter Scattolon. Thanks, Walter! As hard as it is for us to imagine, we've reached the half-century mark. Cincuenta. Cinquante. Cinquanta. Fünfzig. Vijjftig. Caoga. Femtio. Pedeset. Pum Deg Piecdesmit. Fimmtíu. Viisikymmentä. 50 . Tsib Caug. Fiddy. vagmaH . L. Any way you say it, it boggles the mind...So for the last episode of 2015, we sent out the call to our faithful contributors to provide some great content for your listening pleasure. Jimmy & Paulie were busy han...
Dec 20, 2015
Here's the part where John Cleese would come out and say, "Now for something completely different"... if we could afford him! Indeed, this episode is unlike any other we've done; as it features an interview with the Nashville-based "Glam Rock" band LIPSTICK. Randy and I visited Greg Troyan and Steve Smith at LIPSTICK HEADQUARTERS recently to speak with the pair about their musical histories, future plans and all things LIPSTICK. For diehard glam fans like us this was quite a treat! So pull up a ...
Dec 12, 2015
Well we're mighty glad to announce that the interview we did with Nashville living legend, TOMMY TURNER way back in June is finally seeing the light of day! For those not "in the know" as such; Tommy is an amazingly gifted songwriter with an incredibly inspirational story to tell. We'd go into more detail here but better you get the dirt from the man himself... We also have to mention that Tommy is one of the finest, kindest and most honest human beings you'd ever care to meet; we're both humble...
Nov 05, 2015•1 hr 23 min
THEY thought they could keep us down, hold us back. snuff us out... but NO! The minions of darkness didn't prevail as we are BACK with a vengeance!!! So just WHERE have we been? Funny you should ask. We were RIGHT HERE ALL ALONG. although you (our loyal and adoring public) couldn't tell. Long story short (TOO LATE)? Technical issues (GREMLINS, say I) were preventing new episodes from showing up on the iTunes feed whilst showing a mere 10 previous episodes as being available for listening and/or ...
Oct 31, 2015•46 min
Photo by Thom Bresh Were y'all starting to think we were dead and gone? Us too (No, not really). Yes, yet another inexcusably long delay in getting this episode out. Life happens, donchaknow? I'd like to make a grand pronouncement about more prompt and regular postings in the future... but I'd hate to paint myself a liar. So how's the new site looking? Pretty slick, eh? And how's about our new "official" correspondents? Yeah, you haven't had a chance to hear from them in their new "official" cap...
Jul 08, 2015•1 hr 20 min
Steve and Randy doing some last-minute remodeling to Steve's new home Yes, yet another crazy-long delay in getting this episode out. We've actually had this one "in the can" for a month... just couldn't get it posted due to multiple issues including the loss of yet another laptop. Guess it's time to invest in a "good" one for once. Of course, we can't actually AFFORD a good one, so if any of our more "well-heeled" and/or particularly altruistic listeners wants to contribute either the funds to p...
Apr 16, 2015•1 hr 9 min
Just let me say right here and now: we have THE BEST listeners in the world (and all around it as well)! Period. And this may well be the BEST EPISODE of this show we've ever posted... in spite of (or perhaps as a result of?) the near total absence of we hosts. As promised in EP43; the first show of 2015 features none other than YOU, our beloved listeners (or at least a fair number of you). And what an episode it turned out to be! It is also our most INTERNATIONAL show ever, with guests contribu...
Feb 02, 2015•1 hr 9 min
To close 2014, Randy and Marie coordinated a full-on ATTACK OF THE CO-HOSTS (past and present); "turning the tables" on Steve and interviewing HIM for a change. Hopefully this won't be too much of a disappointment to those of you who have been patiently (and no-so-patiently) waiting for EP 43... We also announce our plans for the first show of 2015, featuring none other than... YOU! That's right, folks; a show entirely made up of listener- supplied segments. So if you've ever had dreams of broad...
Dec 27, 2014•1 hr 40 min
Here's a special treat for all our faithful listeners: A success story from an aspiring songwriter that I believe we can all relate to... and such a familiar voice! Angie Perrault is a Nashville transplant from the "Great White North" (aka Minnesota) who relocated to pursue a degree and career in the music business, and wound up a songwriter along the way. We'll let you hear several selections from her catalog in this episode. You're welcome! Ever wondered what became of original CSSP co-host MA...
Nov 14, 2014•1 hr 9 min
So we're back with what's really just EPISODE 40 PART TWO (but just pretend it's a whole new episode). We're sure you noticed that it took slightly longer than two weeks to get this episode posted, but we've both been UBER-BUSY. Sorry about that. Before we give you the skinny on the segments for this go-'round, let us first give you a bit of a "heads-up" about an upcoming MAJOR development... We've often made a point of mentioning that this show is all about YOU; our beloved listeners, and it's ...
Oct 20, 2014•1 hr 15 min
So yeah; it's been awhile. Sorry about that. We've been BUSY, BUSY, BUSY!!! Since so many of you faithful listeners have been requesting MORE episodes (and getting fewer), we decided to record 2 whole shows worth of material in one go. The first half will comprise this episode and the second will be released in two weeks as EP 41. Fair enough? We have a bunch of cool news and announcements to share as well as lots of of hints and innuendo. Randy finally makes his bid for the "big leagues" with a...
Sep 21, 2014•1 hr 19 min
Welcome back, folks; it's been awhile. Hopefully this episode will have been well worth the wait! Steve discusses the very "bread and butter" of all forms of popular music, "THE HOOK" in NOTES & BOLTS Randy details the life and career of MEL TILLIS in the LEGENDARY SONGWRITER Segment Steve takes a close look at the song that first introduced the legendary HANK WILLIAMS to the American public: HOMESICK BLUES in UNDER THE MICROSCOPE Randy gets his "HUMP" on in the WHAT THE !@#$%? Segment Steve...
Jul 26, 2014•1 hr 26 min
Welcome friends and fans! Randy and Steve are (finally) back together and "in the flesh" for this long-awaited episode. Among the fun and frivolity you've come to love and expect; you'll also hear: Steve covering two months worth of emails, phone calls and personal inquiries in the NEWS and SUCH Randy going UNDER THE MICROSCOPE to examine the smash hit "I HOPE YOU DANCE" Steve giving a LEGENDARY SONGWRITER SALUTE to JJ (sometimes J.J.) CALE Randy giving the YOU THINK YOU KNOW treatment to a JIM ...
Jun 09, 2014•1 hr 27 min
Sorry for the delay in posting this episode; life has gotten mighty hectic down here in Nashville as of late. Hopefully this interview will have been well worth the wait. We've always made a point of trying to feature songwriters from as many backgrounds and genres as possible, and we're extremely pleased to bring you an hour with our first verifiable SOUTHERN GOSPEL LEGEND! She's the "other" DW: DIANNE WILKINSON!!! This gal has had well over 100 cuts in her illustrious career, and is known for ...
May 19, 2014•1 hr 9 min
So kids, you know how we're always telling y'all that we want your feedback and suggestions? That this show is all about YOU, our faithful listeners? That we love each and every one of you and value your opinions? Well, the proof is at hand: an episode detailing the creation of an original song (in this case, the very first Rempis-Finchum composition) as per your request. Of all the emails we've received; we've gotten more requests to talk about our colaborations, to write a song "on-air" (such ...
May 01, 2014•1 hr 5 min
Yep, after a comedy of errors concerning the production of the April 1st show; the CSSP is back (as promised). For the first time, co-host extraordinaire Randy Finchum will be "flying solo" as he interviews Nashville transplant singer-songwriter ADAM JAMES; who will also be playing a song or two LIVE as well as including an exclusive preview of his new single "MISS AMERICA" (co-written by Randy Finchum himself) from his just-released EP of the same name. Adam is a uniquely talented singer and so...
Apr 14, 2014•56 min
For Episode 34, we're pleased to bring you an exclusive interview with hit songwriter/performer/teacher BERNIE NELSON. With the help of friend of the show and music journalist extraordinaire, PRESHIAS HARRIS; Steve and Randy were given the chance to experience the event that is CRS (Country Radio Seminar) Nashville and interview Bernie the morning of the first day of the event. Bernie has been blessed with a successful career. His songs have sold over 25 million copies with multi-platinum cuts o...
Mar 14, 2014•51 min
Yes folks, Steve and Randy are back in action after attending the annual Nashville CRS (Country Radio Seminar), armed with some great info, an interview for the next episode and... an awful flu bug of some sort that was the bane of many CRS attendees. Such is the life of a "podcaster in the fast lane" I guess. Steve And Randy flanking Country Music Legend MEL TILLIS at CRS!!! Our usual order of segments is totally awry this go-round, but no matter; you'll still hear your favorites... such as: St...
Mar 01, 2014•1 hr
It's the day after Valentine's day, and we're tickled pink to be bringing you an exclusive interview with Nashville's own MARC-ALAN BARNETTE! Marc-Alan is a veteran songwriter with many credits under his belt, including the "unofficial anthem" of every struggling Nashville songwriter, "TABLES AND CHAIRS" and likely his best-known song (and a favorite of David Ball fans everywhere), "TOO MUCH BLOOD IN MY ALCOHOL LEVEL" As well as continuing to write and perform all around Nashville and helping am...
Feb 14, 2014•1 hr 8 min
Well folks, we're back to our regularly scheduled programming after two interview releases, and we want to send out a huge THANK YOU to both Bernie Faulkner and Marty Brown for giving us the opportunity to interview them for the show. You can expect periodic updates here on both of these great guys as new developments in their respective careers arise. The theme for EP 31 is BACK TO BUSINESS; both because that's how we feel after two interview specials... and because this episode's segments cont...
Feb 01, 2014•1 hr 20 min
He was a founding member of the band EXILE. He "discovered" Billy Ray Cyrus and Montgomery Gentry... only to have them both leave him behind when fame and money came along. He wrote the song "April's Fool" which was on Tracy Lawrence's million-selling album, "Sticks and Stones" and he's more active today than ever! He's BERNIE FAULKNER, a Nashville songwriter favorite and a true character. Bernie was gracious enough to host Randy and Steve in his Music Circle demo studio/publishing office for an...
Jan 14, 2014•55 min
ALL ABOUT YOU is the theme of this episode, and it makes sense: why we do this, why we work hard to give you great content show after show, and why we KEEP ON KEEPIN' ON with this podcast... it's ALL ABOUT YOU! MARVEL as Randy tells the tale of "Cowboy" Jack Clement in the LEGENDARY SONGWRITER SALUTE THRILL as Steve goes UNDER THE MICROSCOPE with the Kris Kristofferson/ Ray Price classic "For The Good Times" BATTLE NAUSEA as Randy features the Vanilla Ice trainwreck, "Ice Ice Baby" in the WHAT T...
Dec 31, 2013•1 hr 19 min
Here's our holiday gift to you, our dear listeners! An exclusive interview with Nashville songwriting great LORNA FLOWERS. Lorna moved to Nashville in 2004 after years of commuting from England (!), and has become one of the most respected and well-known writers (as well as producer and educator) in the community. She's had 70+ cuts worldwide, including four #1 songs, several “Best Song” and “Best Single” nominations in the UK Country Radio Awards between 1998 and 2002 and won the ‘Listeners’ Ch...
Dec 14, 2013•1 hr 36 min
It's a new co-host, new studio, new gear, practically a whole new show (eh, maybe not)... but you WILL hear all your favorite segments and then some. Listen as: Randy talks co-writing in NOTES AND BOLTS Steve discusses uber-successful writer/producer DESMOND CHILD in the LEGENDARY SONGWRITER SALUTE Randy tells us all about FRIENDS IN LOW PLACES in You THINK you KNOW The most-played song in history goes UNDER THE MICROSCOPE with Steve We'll hear the debut of RANDY'S WRITIN' & 'RITHMATIC Steve...
Nov 29, 2013•1 hr
Can you believe that the CSSP has been doing what we do for a whole year already? 'Tis true! To celebrate this monumental event, we've put together a really special show for y'all. So be listening for several of your favorite segments, a special guest or two, and the bittersweet announcement that our much beloved co-host Marie Perry is moving on to 'greener pastures"... so let's all wish her the best in her future endeavors! Meanwhile, I'm thrilled to announce that my new co-host will be none ot...
Nov 14, 2013•1 hr 22 min
You read right, kiddies. Song Of The Year Grammy Winner, 7-time Songwriter Of The Year nominee and writer of EIGHT #1 hits: RICHARD LEIGH, being interviewed in-person by Steve and Marie at his favorite pub in Pulaski, Tennessee. Richard is best known for his #1 hits, including: I'll Get Over You- Crystal Gayle Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue- Crystal Gayle Put Your Dreams Away- Mickey Gilley That's the Thing About Love- Don Williams Life's Highway- Steve Wariner Come from the Heart- Kathy Matte...
Oct 31, 2013•1 hr 12 min
Our first LISTENER SUBMISSION SPECIAL EPISODE back in May was such a hit with the listeners that we had to do it again... and TWICE AS BIG! Lori Kelly- GOLD https://soundcloud.com/lorikelley Pressureplate- LIES https://www.facebook.com/bradley.ard?fref=ts Serassa- GOTTA GET AWAY https://soundcloud.com/serrasa A.J. Bigler- I'LL BE LOVING YOU http://www.reverbnation.com/ajbigler Dan Foster- GUITAR PLAYING MAN https://soundcloud.com/dan-foster-4 Brenda Joyce- MOON BEAM RIDE http://www.reverbnation....
Oct 15, 2013•1 hr 11 min
Photo by Mishelle Bergeron Travis Bowlin is an up-and-coming songwriter-performer with a very bright future ahead of him (which explains the shades in the photo)! His gritty and soulful vocal stylings and refreshingly "non-Nashville-sounding" songs set him apart from hordes of other would-be next-big-thing types. This is our first ON LOCATION LIVE MUSIC episode, recorded at Dan McGuinness' Irish Pub (home of "The only open mic that matters") just off MUSIC ROW in Nashville (Why yes, we would app...
Oct 02, 2013•57 min
