Songwriter Soup

Songwriter Soup is a frank discussion about how to make it in the music industry as a songwriter. It takes grit and a lot of patience, but also sound financial advice.

Laura Veltz is a Four-time Grammy-nominated songwriter and is teaming up with Tracy Hackney, a seasoned financial advisor for musicians, to bring you the tips and tricks of the industry. Joined by host and producer, Kevin Sokolnicki, the trio has interviews with some of the most prominent and up-and-coming songwriters and artists in the music industry.

Songwriter Soup airs every Monday where you get your podcasts.

Music
Music Commentary
Music Interviews
51
Lori McKenna: Stumbling Into Greatness, Mother ...
Lori McKenna became a songwriter almost by accident. In this episode she joins Laura and Tracy to talk about her super unusual entrance into the Nashville music scene. Lori details how Faith Hill heard and recorded several of her songs before she had a publishing deal, how she balances living in Boston and working in Nashville, and why no expectations are the best expectations.
53 min
52
You Don’t Suck, It Just Takes A Minute
Big Machine Music general manager (and Laura’s publisher) Mike Molinar joins the podcast to talk about his philosophy on songwriter-publisher relationships. Mike shares his advice to young songwriters, the nitty-gritty of publishing deals, and how understanding the structure of those deals is the vital to your success.
67 min
53
Luke Dick: There’s Nobody Like Luke Dick
Luke Dick joins Laura and Tracy for a candid and sprawling look at money, songwriting, creativity and family. Luke’s winding path has led him through academics, warehouse jobs, an artist deal, songwriting, producing, and movie-making.
58 min
54
How To Break Up With A Co-Writer
Break-ups are never easy, especially when it comes to co-writing. This week, our hosts examine the reasons it may be necessary to say goodbye to a collaborator and how to do it with care. The trio also talks about the virtues of Nashville’s even split policy, writing non-exclusionary lyrics...
62 min
55
Andy Albert: Determination, Drive & The Infamou...
This week, Laura and Tracy are joined by songwriter Andy Albert. He details his humble beginnings in Nashville living with multiple roommates in a run-down house, struggling to get a publishing deal and nearly throwing in the towel.
60 min
56
My Heroes Waited Tables Too
This in this episode, Laura, Tracy and Kevin continue down the path of the new-to-town songwriter. The trio digs into the importance of giving and receiving criticism, the beauty of an imperfect writers round performance and the many virtues of cowriting.
67 min
57
Luke Laird: Beatboxing, Songwriter Rounds & Qua...
In this episode, Laura and Tracy sit down with songwriter, producer and publisher Luke Laird. Luke talks the magic of writers’ rounds, being reluctant to ask for help, letting go of jealousy and the nitty gritty details of his early publishing deals. Laura also shares the story of a pivotal moment that lead to her being a songwriter.
59 min
58
DON'T Fake It Til You Make It
In this episode, Laura, Tracy and Kevin dive deep into the first chapter of a songwriter’s career. They discuss the no-no’s that tempt young songwriters like sliding into hit songwriters’ DMs, meeting with a publisher before they’re ready and spending money they don’t have.
71 min
59
Jimmy Robbins: Record Deals, Old Lady’s Attics ...
Jimmy Robbins’ career in music has been a winding road. From getting signed to a record deal at 17, to making jingles to afford Christmas gifts, to scoring five #1 hits in 18 months, to becoming a publisher, his path has been anything but typical.
63 min
60
You Have To Start Somewhere
The path of the songwriter is full of uncertainty. It comes with highs and lows creatively, socially, and financially. That kind of shaky ground can lead to all kinds of anxiety and decisions that leave you questioning everything. This podcast is made for songwriters or those on a creative journey who might need a little encouragement and sound financial advice.
71 min
61
Songwriter Soup Trailer
Songwriter Soup, brought to you by American Songwriter, healthy recipes for not losing your mind and your money in the songwriting business.
1 min