At first, Johnny thought this question was silly…but then he realized that EVERY single songwriter goes through this horrific mental space Why is it so scary to contact Music Supervisors, Publishers, Music Industry Execs, etc. Find out in this episode. PS: Get your free PDF download of 21 Biggest Reasons You Don’t Have More fans today and […]

How do you take a typical cliche’ and turn it into a hit lyric, and what does this episode have to do with a piñata?  In this episode, Brent and Johnny dig into the infamous cliche’ and what kinds of phrases to steer clear of when you want to write an intriguing and fresh lyric.  […]

What kind of lyrical direction could a writer come up with on the title “New Teeth and a Used Trailer”?? You absolutely won’t believe what Brent and Johnny came up with on this one. Listen to a 15-minute brainstorm on 4-5 different conceptual approaches to writing song lyrics for this song.

Naivetè may keep you blissfully ignorant, but if you want to win the game, you’re going to have to learn to play the game. If you’re an indie artist, any genre, this is a MUST LISTEN! The bottom line is that in order to succeed in the music industry, you must transform into a professional…which means […]

What value does a PR company provide an artist on their debut release?  How does an artist find a reputable PR company and work with them? These are the questions submitted by CLIMBer Jay Thomason regarding the upcoming release of his debut CD. You might be surprised at Johnny’s response to this one.   PS: Get […]

“Ok songwriters, you’ve built up your song catalog and secured a meeting with a publisher. Now, how do you pick which song(s) to play? What are publishers really looking for?  In this episode, Brent and Johnny share valuable advice straight from multiple publishers mouths. Who knows, this information may just help you secure a follow […]

If you read this song title, on the surface it seems a little shallow and one-dimensional, but you’ll be amazed at how deep Brent and Johnny go creating multiple different conceptual ideas for writing the lyrics to “Alcohol Involved”. How would you write this one? If you have an idea that Brent & Johnny didn’t […]

Should you buy streams and fans? Is that organic or will it hurt you? What’s the deal with and what’s the difference between honest paid promotion and fake streams & fans.  In this episode of the C.L.I.M.B, Johnny and Brent discuss FAKE streams, followers and fans and how it affects your success.  If you’d like […]

I’ve been playing for about 30 years, in various bands but just for fun or one-off gigs mostly. I now want to do more serious and directed performing of covers and originals. What’s a good “Starter Pack” press kit marketing package to get into venues, gigs, etc.?Website, CDs, Social media, call or email venues and […]

What could you learn from getting in depth feedback from hit publisher Joe Dan Cornett on not one, but TEN different songs?  You need to spend 33% of your in proximity to the people who are farther up the food chain than you to succeed. Here’s a great way to learn from a pro. Get […]

If you’re a songwriter, how would you write this title? What angles could you use to approach it?  In a pro songwriting room, songwriters like to start the session brainstorming the hook to make sure they’ve chosen the best approach. Listen in as Brent and Johnny bounce around ideas for “Margarita Reasons.” What direction will […]

We all hear talk around town about the “new” music business…Johnny and Brent are always talking about how the artist is getting more and more power and therefore need a record label less and less. But is it really new? Or are we just putting a brand new tag on those same old worn in […]

this is the first episode of “Pick Johnny’s Brain.” We’ve asked CLIMBers to submit music marketing questions and Johnny will be answering them on the podcast!  If you have a music marketing question, please comment below! We’d love to answer it for you! Email your questions to info@daredevilproduction.com and put Pick Johnny’s Brain in the subject […]

“You don’t necessarily need to write with the artist, it certainly helps. But, I’m a firm believer that the BEST SONG WINS”, is just a small bit of advice from song-of-the-year songwriter Jimmy Yeary.  What else can YOU learn from this multi-hit songwriter? In this episode, Brent and Johnny recap Frettie interview with song of […]

Are you certain that you have settled on the very best concept to write your song title? The Song Title Challenge miniseries mimics what happens during the first 15 minutes of a pro songwriting session by creating 4-5 different concepts for writing lyrics. In this episode, Brent and Johnny craft concepts for the song title […]

How do great independent artists and bands FILL A ROOM? How do indie artists get MORE new people turned on to their music? We know the steps that it takes to help you get there. Are you ready to discover our secrets?  In this episode, Johnny and Brent discuss case studies of how independent artists […]

Do you know your target audience and your brand? That’s the secret to hyper growth on your social media platforms. If not, how do you find YOUR audience, create a long lasting relationship with them and what can you learn from Johnny’s Social Media Challenge with Michael R. J. Roth?  2019 NSAI lyric winner Michael […]

Have you ever thought about hiring an independent song plugger to pitch your songs but decided not to because you don’t know how it works?  Were you afraid you might find a shark of some kind that would take your money and not pitch your songs? In this episode, Brent and Johnny discuss the truth […]

Have you ever wondered what the first 15 minutes of a pro songwriting session are like? In this super-fun, creative miniseries, CLIMBers send in their song titles to info@daredevilproduction.com (please put SONG TITLE CHALLENGE in the subject line). Johnny springs the title to Brent live on the podcast. Then, for about 15 minutes they brainstorm on […]

How can Facebook kill your career when we’re always touting it as thee most important tool you can use to get your art in front of new eyeballs? In this episode, you’ll find out the in’s and out’s and become a student of the game to avoid losing everything! You’ll discover how and why Facebook […]

Maybe you love driving highways, back roads, and interstates but you can’t drive all three at the same time. Tune into this miniseries episode where Johnny helps indie country artist, singer/songwriter, wellness coach, and wine enthusiast YouTube personality Erin McAndrew clarify her many brands setting her up to expand her fan base by more effectively […]

Are you an artist and/or songwriter with a day job you just can’t stand? Do you constantly daydream about how much better your career would be if you could focus 100% on your craft as opposed to that stinking job? Are you thinking prison or paycheck…or both? In this episode, Brent and Johnny break down […]

If you’re a songwriter, how would YOU write this one? What is a genuine music row writing session like? It starts with the writers making sure they have the right concept to the title before they begin writing lyrics.  Brent and Johnny run a fast brainstorming session in the song title challenge miniseries. They create […]

Artists and songwriters, the content in this episode will bring HOPE to your career. The game is changing and slowly but surely, the power is going to the artists and the songwriters because, ultimately, they create the traffic.  We promise you’ll be encouraged and excited after you listen to our breakdown of the new Goldman […]

Rick Monroe is an indie artist that grossed over $400,000 touring last year. He’s has many sponsorships, not the least of which is Monster Energy Drinks. He also handles all the marketing and touring logistics himself. He’s a self-proclaimed “Army of One”.  You’ll learn a ton about how to optimize your social media efforts getting […]