songwriter showcase
SONGWRITER STAGE VIDEOS
BEST OF THE BEST
SONGWRITER SHOWCASE ARCHIVES
We would like to introduce to you some of the talented songwriters we've grown to appreciate. That's why we want to feature them here for you! We believe their originality and uniqueness are noteworthy, and that their original songs are a credit to their craft.
(NOTE: Depending on your Internet speed it may take a minute to download.)
These are full songs, not just clips. So grab a glass of sweet tea, put your feet up, and listen to some good music. Selecting each song titles will open a new window.
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MIKE MITCHELL (Added 2010)
SONG SAMPLES:
FORGET THE WHISKEY
I CAN'T GET ENOUGH OF YOU
AFTER THE DAMAGE IS DONE
more...
VIDEO SAMPLES:
THREE SONGS: GOOD AS GOLD/MOCKINGBIRD/FORGET THE WHISKEY
I was born in Kingsport, Tennessee, about 20 miles to the west of Bristol Tennessee/Virginia, the “Birthplace of Country Music”. The Carter Family made their first recordings in Bristol.
I wrote my first song when I was 14. I wasn’t playing the guitar at the time but I could write the lyrics and sing the melody. The song was called “Saturday Night”. The singer proposes marriage to his sweetheart, who promises she will let him know her decision on “Saturday Night”. I don’t know if they got together, the song doesn’t say.
I bought my first guitar, a Sears Silvertone from a friend, for five dollars and an old Cream album, Wheels of Fire. I recorded my first record with my partner Danny Redwine when I was 17. A year later I made my first trip to Nashville as a songwriter where I discovered that publishers wouldn’t allow writers to play songs live in the publisher’s office. The following year Danny and I returned to the Music City with a tape of new songs in hand. We were able to publish some songs but we had to get our parents to co-sign the contracts because we were so young. Danny and I played and wrote songs together for many years as an acoustic duo and in rock bands, occasionally getting songs published. BMI informed us that one of these songs was recently recorded in Belgium. When our last band split I stopped playing shows but I continued to write songs. I later decided I no longer had ambitions to be a professional singer and musician and that I would concentrate on writing songs.
In 2009, I wrote and sang 10 new songs for a record I released that year called North Carolina – named for the State in which it was recorded. The featured musicians were living and playing music in the area. Work brought me back to Nashville where I discovered the Writer’s Night/Open Mic venues. I began playing for whoever would have me. It’s been a rewarding experience. I’ve met many great songwriters and have made many new friends in Nashville. I enjoy peddling my songs, whether on stage or pitching them for someone else to sing.
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BRITTANY BLAIRE AND JIM HUISH (Added 2010)
VIDEO SAMPLES:
I DANCIN' WITH YOU
THIS LIFE
TELL ME
more...
Brittany and Jim sang at our very first Nashville Ear Songwriter Stage, October 2nd, 2010. We loved their music so much that we've "adopted" them as poster children. They appear regularly at several of our functions. Their personal warmth, charm and professionalism was apparent the first moment they took the stage. It was clear they had rehearsed each song to perfection and the crowds love them! You can find them playing songwriter nights around town, and we encourage you to meet them in person and appreciate their music. We know you will.
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JERRY HOLTHOUSE (Added 2009)
SONG SAMPLES:
BAR CODE
THE LAST PONTIAC
SMOKE AND MIRRORS
BAD TATTOO
Jerry Holthouse is the Director of Advertising & Marketing for Nashville.com. In addition, he is an accomplished Nashville songwriter and musician with recordings by John Conlee, Sean Hogan, Justin Wilson, Tom Brathon, Rustie Blue and Tim Tesch.
Prior to joining Nashville.com, Jerry was the Art Director for Country Weekly Magazine and Country Music Magazine. He is also an avid outdoorsman who loves to hunt and fish throughout Tennessee.
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DENNY COOPER (Added 2009)
SONG SAMPLES:
MY TRUCK'S BIGGER THAN YOURS
CMA/FAN FAIR Contest Winner 2009
WHAT I CAME HERE FOR
OURSTAGE.COM Contest Winner, aired on 170+ Indepdendent Radio Stations
BALL & CHAIN
HANGIN' ON MY WALL
HANDY WITH A HEART
I began writing songs when I was 12 years old. I had a guitar with a hole in it, and got a tab book. About a week later, I wrote my first song. It just came naturally, like it was something I had always done. My Kentucky roots, on my momma's side, has always been a major influence and reason for my love of country music. When I was a kid, it was normal to go to my moms parents house, and there would be a porch full of family, and a banjo, mandolin, 2 guitars and a stand up wash tub bass in full swing. I have been somewhat of a closet singer songwriter until this year, when I decided that it was time to put forth the effort to be heard, share my music, and land a publishing deal. Writing country music is a part of me, and will always be that way. My influences as an artist ( i do not claim to sing all that well ) are Keith Whitley, Vern Gosdin, Darryl Singletary, Randy Travis, Montgomery Gentry and Mark Nesler. As a writer, I always followed the ways of Chris Wallin, Tony Lane, Anthony Smith, Jeffery Steele and Debi Champion. All, very good writers.
At the end of the day, music is in my heart. It is part of me, and sometimes, most of me. My goal is to be a staff writer in Nashville, and write songs that make folks feel something. I will always be a songwriter. It's just who I am.
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