Clay Mills is a songwriter originally from Cleveland, Mississippi. He has penned #1 songs for Darius Rucker (“Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It”), Diamond Rio (“Beautiful Mess”) and many more. He’s a two time GRAMMY-nominated songwriter and a 16-time ASCAP Award winning songwriter/producer. In addition to his songwriter accolades, he is the co-founder of the songwriting community SongTown.com (http://SongTown.com). In this episode, we discuss Clay’s path from Mississippi to New York to Nashvill...
Jul 02, 2024•37 min•Transcript available on Metacast Adam Doleac is country music singer and songwriter originally from Hattiesburg, Mississippi. He has amassed 370+ Million on-demand streams and his song “Famous” is RIAA certified gold. In addition to his success as an artist, Adam has had songs cut by Dan + Shay, Lainey Wilson, Kane Brown, Darius Rucker, and more. He is currently singed as a writer to Sony Music Publishing. On this episode, Adam shares his unique path to country music, his approach to songwriting, his love of the road, and much ...
Jun 25, 2024•50 min•Transcript available on Metacast Jason Albers is a drummer originally from Midland, Texas and currently residing in Nashville, Tennessee. He is a founding member of the band Flatland Cavalry. Over the past 10 years, Flatland has released 4 studios albums, played 1,000’s of shows, and most recently was nominated for a 2024 ACM Award. In this episode, we discuss the origins of Flatland, being in a band and excelling at your role, opening for Luke Combs, and much more. New Episodes every Tuesday. Find the host Troy Cartwright on T...
Jun 18, 2024•42 min•Transcript available on Metacast Chris DuBois is a hit songwriter and award-winning publisher from Nashville. He has written numerous #1 songs, including “You Should Probably Leave” by Chris Stapleton, “Mud on The Tires” by Brad Paisley, and is a two-time recipient of the CMA Triple Play Award (three #1 songs in one year). In 1999, Chris co-founded Sea Gayle Music which went on to win the ASCAP Country Publisher of the Year award in 2010 and 2011. Additionally, Chris is adjunct instructor at Belmont University where he teaches ...
Jun 11, 2024•24 min•Transcript available on Metacast Join the community at www.tenyeartown.com if you have a question of your own, submit it at tenyeartown.com. Q1: how do i find producers and musicians to make records? Q2: what is the best way for consumers to support songwriters? Q3: where do songwriters hang out in Nashville? Q4: how do I level up as a songwriter? Q5: has the music business changed? Q6: how do i become a studio musician? Q7: how do I get into a&r? New Episodes every Tuesday. Find the host Troy Cartwright on Twitter , Instag...
Jun 06, 2024•25 min•Transcript available on Metacast Chris DuBois is a hit songwriter and award-winning publisher from Nashville. He has written numerous #1 songs, including “You Should Probably Leave” by Chris Stapleton, “Mud on The Tires” by Brad Paisley, and is a two-time recipient of the CMA Triple Play Award (three #1 songs in one year). In 1999, Chris co-founded Sea Gayle Music which went on to win the ASCAP Country Publisher of the Year award in 2010 and 2011. Additionally, Chris is adjunct instructor at Belmont University where he teaches ...
Jun 04, 2024•29 min•Transcript available on Metacast join the community at tenyeartown.com Here it is the, the long promised Q and A episode. Chapter Markers: Q1 (2:15): If you lost all of your connections and identity, what would you do in the first month to start your career? Q2 (6:50): what are the main differences between LA and Nashville? Q3 (8:45): What does it take to be an artist? Q4 (14:00): how do I get in “THE ZONE”? Q5 (17:50): How do I get a meeting with a publisher? Q6 (21:00): Where to intern? Q7 (25:00): how do I reach out to someb...
May 30, 2024•29 min•Transcript available on Metacast Alysa Vanderheym is a songwriter and producer originally from the San Fransico Bay Area, and is currently signed to Rhythm House Music. She has been a part of several massive hits including “Lose Somebody” by Kygo and One Republic, “Cold Beer Calling My Name” recorded by Jameson Rodgers and Luke Combs, and “Heartfirst” by Kelsea Ballerina. In addition to her songwriting success, she was nominated for the 2024 GRAMMY awards for her work on Keslea’s record “Rolling Up The Welcome Mat”. In this epi...
May 28, 2024•40 min•Transcript available on Metacast David Nail is a country singer and songwriter originally from Kennett, Missouri. David has had multiple chart-topping singles including “Let It Rain,” “Whatever She’s Got,” and “Turning Home” which was nominated for the 2011 GRAMMY Awards. In this episode we discuss David’s path, from baseball player to country singer, getting dropped and signed again at the very same label, his chart success and his best advice for new songwriters and artists. New Episodes every Tuesday. Find the host Troy Cart...
May 21, 2024•46 min•Transcript available on Metacast Originally from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, Steve Moakler is an artist and songwriter signed to Creative Nation. He has written songs for Dierks Bentley, Ben Rector, Jake Owen, Reba McEntire, and many more. His song “Riser,” recorded by Dierks Bentley, was the title track and a single on Dierks’ 7th studio album and is RIAA Certified Gold. In addition to his songwriting success, Steve releases his music independently and has opened shows for some of country music’s biggest acts including Dan + Sh...
May 14, 2024•47 min•Transcript available on Metacast Lily Rose is a singer and songwriter originally from Atlanta, Georgia. She caught her big break when her song “Villain” went viral in late 2020 and led to her signing a record deal with Big Loud, Back Blocks Music, and Republic Records. Since then, Lily has toured with Sam Hunt, Shania Twain, and more and is slated to release her EP Runnin Out Of Time on May 10th. In this episode, we discuss Lily’s journey, from cutting her teeth in the Athens, Georgia music scene, to finding her crew and writer...
May 07, 2024•46 min•Transcript available on Metacast Originally from Birmingham, Alabama, Tiera Kennedy is an artist and songwriter currently signed to Songs & Daughters, the publishing company of Nicolle Galyon. Additionally, she is the host of the Tiera Show on Apple Music Country. Recently, Tiera was featured on Beyoncé’s #1 Album ‘Cowboy Carter’. On this episode, Tiera shares her journey, from moving to Nashville and signing a publishing deal to leaving a record label and releasing music independently, the struggle to be honest and real in...
Apr 30, 2024•42 min•Transcript available on Metacast Corey Kent is a songwriter and artist originally from Bixby, Oklahoma. He is currently signed as an artist at Sony Music Nashville and is published by Combustion Music. His first #1 song “Wild As Her” went certified platinum and has amassed nearly 450 million on-demand streams. In this episode, we discuss Corey’s journey as he’s moved back and forth from Texas to Tennessee over the years, the influences both states have had on his music, how the pandemic recharged his artists career and reset hi...
Apr 23, 2024•47 min•Transcript available on Metacast Haley Montgomery is the Director of Industry Relations and Awards at the Academy of Country Music (ACM). Haley got her start in the music business doing merchandise on the road for Danielle Bradbery, and has had stops at the CMA, The Grand Ole Opry, is now at the ACM. Outside of work, Haley is a mother and one of the founders of Family Alliance in Music (FAM) which works to encourage a welcoming environment for those with families in the music industry. In this episode, Haley shares her journey ...
Apr 16, 2024•44 min•Transcript available on Metacast RaeLynn is a songwriter and country music artist originally from Baytown, Texas. Twice nominated for ACM Female Vocalist of the year, RaeLynn has amassed over one billion career streams. Her single “God Made Girls” is certified Platinum and her songs “Love Triangle” and “Lonely Call” are both certified Gold. In addition to her success as an artist, she is the author of a children’s book titled “Raisin’ Me A Country Girl”. This episode RaeLynn shares how she pursued acting in LA before being disc...
Apr 09, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Transcript available on Metacast Dave Cohen is an award-winning session musician and producer currently signed as a songwriter to Spirit Music Nashville. Originally from Calgary, Canada, Dave has played on over 50 #1 records and has co-produced songs for Morgan Wallen, Hardy, Jake Owen, Chris Lane, and many more. In addition to his producer and session musician credits, he is a 3x ACM Award Winner for Keyboard Player of the Year. In this episode, Dave shares his experience moving from Canada to the US, how he filled his calenda...
Apr 02, 2024•56 min•Transcript available on Metacast Colt Ford is a hit songwriter, country music artist, and former professional golfer. Originally from Athens, GA, Colt has written #1 songs for Jason Aldean, Brantley Gilbert, and George Birge. His song “Dirt Road Anthem” went on to become one of the biggest country songs of the 2010s. As an artist, Colt has collaborated with Toby Keith, Brad Paisley, Keith Urban and more. In addition to his success as an artist and songwriter, he is the co-founder of Average Joe’s Entertainment. On this episode,...
Mar 26, 2024•59 min•Transcript available on Metacast Trey Lewis is a singer and songwriter from Birmingham, Alabama. Currently based in Nashville, he is signed as a writer to Sony Music Publishing and as an artist at River House Artists. His viral hit “D***ed Down In Dallas as released in 2020 and went on to become his first platinum single. As a writer, Trey had his songs cut by major country artists including Tracy Lawrence and Cole Swindell. In this episode, we discuss Trey’s journey from playing small town frat parties to having the #1 song on...
Mar 19, 2024•57 min•Transcript available on Metacast Jaren Johnston is a hit songwriter and a member of the country rock band The Cadillac Three. Originally from Nashville, Jaren has written #1 songs for artists like Keith Urban, Tim McGraw, Jake Owen, Billy Currington and more. He is currently signed as a writer at Sony Music Publishing and is signed as an artist at Big Machine Label Group. In addition to his songwriting, producing, and touring, Jaren is the co-founder of War Buddha Records. In this episode, we discuss Jaren’s introduction to the...
Mar 12, 2024•52 min•Transcript available on Metacast Allison Veltz Cruz is a singer and songwriter signed to Universal Music Publishing. Born in Alabama, Allison grew up in a musical family and toured in a family band before setting out on her own songwriter journey. In 2011, she took a leap of faith and moved from New York City to Nashville to sign a publishing deal. Since then, Allison has gone on to write songs for some of Country’s biggest stars including Jason Aldean, Maddie and Tae, Matt Stell, Carly Pearce and more. In this episode, we disc...
Mar 05, 2024•45 min•Transcript available on Metacast Jody Williams is a publisher and music executive born and raised in Nashville. Throughout his 40+ year career, Jody has been a champion for songwriters and awarded the 2023 CMA Songwriter Advocate Award. He is currently serving at the helm of his company, Jody Williams Songs, which is home to songwriters including Natalie Hemby, Vince Gill, Ashley McBryde, Driver Williams and more. With an extensive career as a publisher and as an executive at BMI, Jody has helped guide the careers of countless ...
Feb 27, 2024•49 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week’s guest @robbairdmusic is a songwriter and artist originally from Memphis, TN and currently located in Austin, TX. Rob has five studio records under his belt and has had songs featured in the TV show “Nashville” and “Yellowstone”. His music has been critically acclaimed in outlets such as Billboard, NPR, Rolling Stone and more. In this episode, we discuss how Rob has carved his own path in the country music landscape. After a brief stint in Nashville with Carnival Music Publishing, Rob...
Feb 20, 2024•48 min•Transcript available on Metacast Originally from Fairfax, VA, Sam Sumser is a songwriter signed to Reservoir. He has had cuts with Lizzo, Jason Durelo, Chris Brown, Mitchell Tenpenny, the Plain White T’s, Breland and more. In this episode, we discuss his journey from LA to Nashville, the differences between the two, writing with Lizzo, being a good person, what success looks like, and many other stop along the way. New Episodes every Tuesday. Find the host Troy Cartwright on Twitter , Instagram . Social Channels for Ten Year To...
Feb 13, 2024•49 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this inaugural episode of the Ten Year Town Book Club, we bring back Nashville songwriter Jimi Bell to talk about Rick Rubin’s The Creative Act: A Way Of Being. The idea behind the Ten Year Town Book club is to provide a platform for previous guests to revisit and share with us a book that has made a profound impact on them and their careers as creatives. This episode features Jimi Bell, a singer songwriter from Hawkinsville, Georgia. Jimi's written songs for some of the biggest artists ...
Feb 06, 2024•35 min•Transcript available on Metacast Originally from Lawrence, Kansas, Ashley Ray is a songwriter and artist currently signed to Lady Fairchild Publishing and Warner Chappell Music. She has had cuts with numerous artists including Lori McKenna, Charles Kelley, Little Big Town, Ruston Kelly, and more. In addition to her songwriting success, she has recorded and released three studio albums, including her most recent titled “Animal” released in November of 2023. In this episode we discuss being on the road, imposter syndrome, making ...
Jan 30, 2024•43 min•Transcript available on Metacast Jerry Flowers is a musician and songwriter originally from Pinch, West Virginia. He is currently the bass player and musical director for Keith Urban, and has toured with the Chicks, Counting Crows, and many others. In addition to his success as a musician, he is an accomplished songwriter and has written #1 songs for Billy Currington, Jason Aldean, Sam Hunt and Ryan Hurd. In this epiosde we talk about Jerry’s journey to Nashville, his time as a member of “The Ranch” (Keith Urban’s first band), ...
Jan 23, 2024•46 min•Transcript available on Metacast Originally from Philadelphia, Mississippi, Michael Hardy, more popularly known as HARDY, is a hit country music songwriter and artist. In addition to his own #1 songs including “Wait in the Truck” and “One Beer”, he has also penned songs for Morgan Wallen, Blake Shelton, Dierks Bentley, Florida Georgia Line and many more. Additionally, HARDY is a partner at his publishing company Relative Music Group and signed to Big Loud Records. In this episode we talk about his journey from Mississippi to Mu...
Jan 16, 2024•59 min•Transcript available on Metacast Luke Laird is a Grammy award-winning songwriter and producer originally from Hartstown, Pennsylvania. In addition to two Grammys, Luke has written over 20 #1 Billboard singles, has production credits with Kacey Musgraves, Toby Keith, Tim McGraw and more, and was named both BMI and ACM’s Songwriter of the Year. On this episode, Luke shares his journey from Pennsylvania to Middle Tennessee State University, how he found his songwriting success, the founding of his company Creative Nation, his writ...
Jan 09, 2024•59 min•Transcript available on Metacast Jessi Alexander is a Nashville country music songwriter and artist originally from Jackson, TN. She has written songs for many major label artists including Morgan Wallen, Blake Shelton, Patty Loveless and many more. Her song “I Drive Your Truck” - which was recorded by Lee Brice - won song of the year at both the CMA and ACM awards in 2013. In addition to her country songwriting success, Jessi is perhaps best known for co-writing the song “The Climb” for Miley Cyrus. In this episode we discuss ...
Jan 02, 2024•53 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week's episode is a rewind from episode 7 where we welcomed our first publisher-guest Courtney Allen! Courtney is a Senior Director of A&R at Concord Music. As a music publisher, she pitches and provides support for many talented songwriters in Nashville including Russell Dickerson, Corey Crowder, Hillary Lindsey, Justin Wilson, Ruston Kelly and more. Courtney shares how she works with writers to build them a great calendar, what new songwriters can do to get on a publisher's ...
Dec 26, 2023•50 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
