The Commercial Suicide Songwriting Podcast

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 Sammy Kershaw cut, Steve MAYBE has a TV appearance in the works (non-music related... except perhaps for the theme song)... and OTHER STUFF! Grab your cold beverage of choice and pull up a comfy chair (NO! Not the COMFY CHAIR!!!) and listen in as: Steve talks a bit about MUSIC PUBLISHING; an extremely important and yet very misunderstood parts of a songwriting career in NOTES AND BOLTS Randy's UNDER THE MICROSCOPE segment teaches us a valuable life lesson... DON'T BLINK! We celebrate ALLEE WILLIS DAY in the LEGENDARY SONGWRITER SALUTE. Allee is one of Steve's favorite songwriters, responsible for millions of units sold and probably best known for her EARTH WIND & FIRE smash SEPTEMBER ("Do you remember the twenty-first night of September..."); as well as BOOGIE WONDERLAND (also EWF), NEUTRON DANCE (Pointer Sisters), WHAT HAVE I DONE TO DESERVE THIS (Pet Shop Boys) and I'LL BE THERE FOR YOU (The Rembrandts and the theme from FRIENDS) among others. Be looking for a future episode devoted to Allee soon... Randy discusses what must be a truly amazing woman; one who inspired at least two all-time classic rock songs in YOU THINK YOU KNOW We make a pitch for the TENNESSEE SONGWRITERS ASSOCIATION INTERNATIONAL (TENNESSEE SONGWRITERS ASSOCIATION); an organization that any songwriter would benefit from membership in. There's no better way to have direct access to Nashville publishers and producers who want to hear YOUR demos. The yearly dues are cheap too!!! We play not one, but TWO LISTENER SUBMISSION songs: PARADISE MOTEL by JAMESTOFFEE CONRAD and BOTTLE OF SUNSHINE by THE WINDOWPANES featuring Superfan PAULIE COCONUTS!!! Then stay tuned as do answer a pile of emails, give a load of "shout outs" and close the show with the song that started it all: "40" by none other than "Nashville" Steve Rempis

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 marches to the beat of a DIFFERENT DRUM in YOU THINK YOU KNOW Randy shares his own unique brand of inspiration in RANDY'S READIN' WRITIN' AND 'RITHMATIC Our "Aussie" corespondent BRENDAN SMOOTHER also shares HIS own bit of inspiration in his A VIEW FROM DOWNUNDER Segment, followed by an airing of his debut single, "INSPIRATION" And of course, all the usual news and nods that you'd expect from your favorite podcast hosts

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 CROCE favorite Steve Taking BOBBY GOLDSBORO to task for HONEY in the WHAT THE !@#$%? segment, and marking the CSSP debut of DICK LIPSCHITZ and the FOUR-POUND BOLOGNA BAG to help illustrate Randy sharing some of his DEEP THOUGHTS in RANDY'S READIN' WRITIN' and 'RITHMATIC segment Brandon Smoother taking his second shot at podcast glory in his VIEW FROM DOWNUNDER Dan Sullivan tells us about Frankie Ballard in his first-ever installment of COMMERCIAL SUICIDE SONGWRITING WATCH A BONUS INTERVIEW SPECIAL FEATURE as Steve interviews up-and-coming future pop star, Belmont student and YouTube sensation NATHAN DILLER {saudioplayer}CSSPEPISODE38.mp3{/saudioplayer} download NATHAN DILLER OFFICIAL WEBSITE "LIVE THIS WAY" Single on Itunes See Nathan's latest video, "LIVE THIS WAY" on YouTube NATHAN DILLER Music NATHAN DILLER on Facebook NATHAN DILLER on Twitter NATHAN DILLER on Instagram Steve Rempis Randy Finchum CSSP TWITTER CSSP FACEBOOK Got a comment, suggestion or want to be a SPONSORED GUEST of the show? CSSP EMAIL : cssongwritingpodcast@gmail.com CSSP "Snailmail" address: 564 Callie Ct Gallatin, TN 37066

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 CROCE favorite Steve Taking BOBBY GOLDSBORO to task for HONEY in the WHAT THE !@#$%? segment, and marking the CSSP debut of DICK LIPSCHITZ and the FOUR-POUND BOLOGNA BAG to help illustrate Randy sharing some of his DEEP THOUGHTS in RANDY'S READIN' WRITIN' and 'RITHMATIC segment Brandon Smoother taking his second shot at podcast glory in his VIEW FROM DOWNUNDER Dan Sullivan tells us about Frankie Ballard in his first-ever installment of COMMERCIAL SUICIDE SONGWRITING WATCH A BONUS INTERVIEW SPECIAL FEATURE as Steve interviews up-and-coming future pop star, Belmont student and YouTube sensation NATHAN DILLER

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 having penned some of the most powerful and endearing gospel songs ever committed to tape (as well as vinyl, plastic and sheet music). Additionally, she's a fascinating character with a rich history and an amazingly positive perspective on life, faith, and music.

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 having penned some of the most powerful and endearing gospel songs ever committed to tape (as well as vinyl, plastic and sheet music).Additionally, she's a fascinating character with a rich history and an amazingly positive perspective on life, faith, and music. {saudioplayer}CSSPEPISODE37.mp3{/saudioplayer} download Dianne Wilkinson Southern Gospel Journal Absolutely Gospel Christian Author, Speaker, and Songwriter Daniel Mount's Blog Video of The Kingdom Heirs performing WHEN YOU LOOK AT ME from the LIVE at Dollywood CD/DVD/ Steve Rempis Randy Finchum CSSP TWITTER CSSP FACEBOOK Got a comment, suggestion or want to be a SPONSORED GUEST of the show? CSSP EMAIL : cssongwritingpodcast@gmail.com CSSP "Snailmail" address: PO BOX 727 Gallatin, TN 37066

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 as it is), or to collaborate with a listener. This episode will satisfy all the above, as Randy was still "just" a listener himself when we started this collaboration. So grab a tall glass of milk and a graham cracker (or whatever) and listen as we discuss the creation of "SHOULDA SHOT STRAIGHT" by Steve Rempis and Randy Finchum.

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 as it is), or to collaborate with a listener. This episode will satisfy all the above, as Randy was still "just" a listener himself when we started this collaboration. So grab a tall glass of milk and a graham cracker (or whatever) and listen as we discuss the creation of "SHOULDA SHOT STRAIGHT" by Steve Rempis and Randy Finchum. {saudioplayer}CSSPEPISODE36.mp3{/saudioplayer} download Jimmy Anderson Kickstarter Jimmy Anderson on Facebook Jimmy Anderson Facebook Music Page Jimmy Anderson on ReverbNation Travis Bowlin Website Marie Perry at Songspace Pomplamoose Website Sule Adam Liette Video Joel Landy performing he and Dan Sullivan's I WISH WOODY GUTHRIE WAS HERE Alisa Burgos on ReverbNation Steve Rempis Randy Finchum CSSP TWITTER CSSP FACEBOOK Got a comment, suggestion or want to be a SPONSORED GUEST of the show? CSSP EMAIL : cssongwritingpodcast@gmail.com CSSP "Snailmail" address: PO BOX 727 Gallatin, TN 37066 Johnny Cash Memorial Urinal Memphis, TN Special thanks to Country Music legend, MEL TILLIS for this episode's opening callout.

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 tranplant 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 songwriter; even in a town known for the high-level of skill and musicianship that Nashville has a (much deserved) reputation for. He's also a real character and a joy to be around and work with, which should be obvious from the first few minutes of this interview. As an added bonus, we'll be closing the show with a recording of Adam's song "FIRECRACKERS" from the 2009 album by the same name. Be listening in two weeks when Steve and Randy will both be onboard once again, and (among other things) satisfying many listeners' requests that we dissect a song that we co-wrote together to illustrate the process for you. And there will (of course) be much more as well! {saudioplayer}CSSPEPISODE35.mp3{/saudioplayer} download ADAM JAMES WEBSITE Hear ADAM JAMES Music On Spotify BUY ADAM JAMES Music ADAM JAMES on Facebook ADAM JAMES on Twitter VOTE to help DEA MEEKS win her independence with a much-deserved and much-needed handicapped-accessible vehicle Steve Rempis Randy Finchum CSSP TWITTER CSSP FACEBOOK Got a comment, suggestion or want to be a SPONSORED GUEST of the show? CSSP EMAIL : cssongwritingpodcast@gmail.com CSSP "Snailmail" address: PO BOX 727 Gallatin, TN 37066

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 songwriter; even in a town known for the high-level of skill and musicianship that Nashville has a (much deserved) reputation for. He's also a real character and a joy to be around and work with, which should be obvious from the first few minutes of this interview. As an added bonus, we'll be closing the show with a recording of Adam's song "FIRECRACKERS" from the 2009 album by the same name. Be listening in two weeks when Steve and Randy will both be onboard once again, and (among other things) satisfying many listeners' requests that we dissect a song that we co-wrote together to illustrate the process for you. And there will (of course) be much more as well!

Well folks, we pledged to never let it happen... but happen it has. Due to a number of unforseen circumstances, both technical and personal; there will be no podcast episode release for April 1st 2014. This is NOT an "April Fools" joke (believe me, I'd have come up with something WAY more inventive if that were the case), and we're genuinely sorry and feeling somewhat foolish ourselves for this mess. Believe me when I tell you that we here at THE COMMERCIAL SUICIDE SONGWRITING PODCAST appreciate each and every one of you, our faithful listeners, and that we aren't going anywhere! This is nothing more than a "glitch" that we were, in retrospect, lucky to have made it this far without encountering. So please be patient and accept our apologies. In the meantime, if any of you would be interested in hearing a bit more about just exactly how I came to be "Nashville" Steve Rempis and would like something interesting to fill the time you would've spent listening to today's episode; click over to the May 1 2012 episode of the now-defunct SONGWRITING PODCAST and listen to the episode that started it all (and the very thing that led to Randy and I first connecting): THE SONGWRITING PODCAST EPISODE 9 We PROMISE we'll be back in two weeks (or less, if at all possible). Until then, Keep on WRITIN' and KEEP ON KEEPIN' ON! Sincerely yours, "Nashville" Steve Rempis (and Randy Finchum) {saudioplayer}CSSPAPRIL12014.mp3{/saudioplayer} download Steve Rempis Randy Finchum TO DONATE TO THE CSSP CSSP TWITTER CSSP FACEBOOK CSSP EMAIL: cssongwritingpodcast@gmail.com CSSP "Snailmail" address: PO BOX 727 Gallatin, TN 37066

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 on the works of major artists such as Conway Twitty, Ricky Van Shelton, Kenny Chesney, Wynonna, Colin Raye, Confederate Railroad, Chris Ledoux, Randy Travis, Trace Adkins, Pam Tillis, Kris Kristofferson, John Anderson... and many others. In 2002 Bernie achieved ‘Million-Airplay’ status on his #1 hit, ‘Daddy Never Was The Cadillac Kind.’ and has had the pleasure of writing with everyone from Garth Brooks to Duane Eddy and performing with such greats as Mac Davis, Guy Clark and Alabama...just to name a few. Bernie has recently enjoyed success with cuts on Mark Wills (Looking For America), Jimmy Van Zant (C'Mon Man, Unfinished Life), Montgomery Gentry (Damn Baby) and Tracy Lawrence (The Ride and Heaven For A While). Additionally (and of special interest to our many aspiring pro songwriter listeners), Bernie offers a one-on-one weekend songwriting retreat/co-writing/mentoring session at his Nashville-area cabin which he affectionately calls "WEEKEND AT BERNIE'S." We kindly thank Bernie for taking the time to talk with us (just one of many interviews he was asked to do this particular weekend) and for frankly discussing his roots, his future career as a songwriter/performer and his candid opinions of the current (and future) state of country music and country radio.

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 on the works of major artists such as Conway Twitty, Ricky Van Shelton, Kenny Chesney, Wynonna, Colin Raye, Confederate Railroad, Chris Ledoux, Randy Travis, Trace Adkins, Pam Tillis, Kris Kristofferson, John Anderson... and many others. In 2002 Bernie achieved ‘Million-Airplay’ status on his #1 hit, ‘Daddy Never Was The Cadillac Kind.’ and has had the pleasure of writing with everyone from Garth Brooks to Duane Eddy and performing with such greats as Mac Davis, Guy Clark and Alabama...just to name a few. Bernie has recently enjoyed success with cuts on Mark Wills (Looking For America), Jimmy Van Zant (C'Mon Man, Unfinished Life), Montgomery Gentry (Damn Baby) and Tracy Lawrence (The Ride and Heaven For A While). Additionally (and of special interest to our many aspiring pro songwriter listeners), Bernie offers a one-on-one weekend songwriting retreat/co-writing/mentoring session at his Nashville-area cabin which he affectionately calls "WEEKEND AT BERNIE'S." We kindly thank Bernie for taking the time to talk with us (just one of many interviews he was asked to do this particular weekend) and for frankly discussing his roots, his future career as a songwriter/performer and his candid opinions of the current (and future) state of country music and country radio. {saudioplayer}CSSPEPISODE34.mp3{/saudioplayer} download BERNIE NELSON WEBSITE WEEKEND AT BERNIE'S SONGWRITING RETREAT CDX Article/mini-bio on PRESHIAS HARRIS' MUSIC LINE CONSULTING VOTE to help DEA MEEKS win her independence with a much-deserved and much-needed handicapped-accessible vehicle THE ROW KITCHEN AND PUB NASHVILLE Steve Rempis Randy Finchum TO DONATE TO THE CSSP CSSP TWITTER CSSP FACEBOOK Got a comment, suggestion or want to be a SPONSORED GUEST of the show? CSSP EMAIL : cssongwritingpodcast@gmail.com CSSP "Snailmail" address: PO BOX 727 Gallatin, TN 37066 CRAZY CONTEST CONTINUES: Who will send the most bizarre/useful (or not)/unexpected item to the above address? The winner (and runners-up) will be recognized on the show and given the chance to do a "call-out" for the opening of a future episode! In Loving Memoriam R.I.P. LORNA FLOWERS...

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. photo 202c485b-9ff3-421c-a2ab-0542527ddce2_zps118660c3.jpg 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: Steve and Randy giving an overview of their last several (busy) weeks and their "hobnobbing" escapades at the Country Radio Seminar Randy jumps right into the WHAT THE !@#$%? segment with an update on an old Billy Ray Cyrus song so bad... it'll make you ache (all over again) Steve wishes ASCAP a Happy 100th Birthday by listing their TOP 25 songs (including some unexpected surprises) Randy touches on THE INTANGIBLES in his READIN', WRITIN' and 'RITHMATIC segment Steve gives you a look back on a classic song "Just When You Need It Most" in UNDER THE MICROSCOPE We premiere a BRAND NEW SEGMENT (hopefully the first of many) tentatively titled WHAT'S UP FROM DOWN UNDER thanks to listener/contibutor Brendan Smoother who'll be discussing the classic song "I've Been Everywhere" And we'll close out the show with some banter, a few updates, and details how YOU can invest in your own songwriting career by becoming a "Sponsored Guest" on the show.

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: Steve and Randy giving an overview of their last several (busy) weeks and their "hobnobbing" escapades at the Country Radio Seminar Randy jumps right into the WHAT THE !@#$%? segment with an update on an old Billy Ray Cyrus song so bad... it'll make you ache (all over again) Steve wishes ASCAP a Happy 100th Birthday by listing their TOP 25 songs (including some unexpected surprises) Randy touches on THE INTANGIBLES in his READIN', WRITIN' and 'RITHMATIC segment Steve gives you a look back on a classic song "Just When You Need It Most" in UNDER THE MICROSCOPE We premiere a BRAND NEW SEGMENT (hopefully the first of many) tentatively titled WHAT'S UP FROM DOWN UNDER thanks to listener/contibutor Brendan Smoother who'll be discussing the classic song "I've Been Everywhere" And we'll close out the show with some banter, a few updates, and details how YOU can invest in your own songwriting career by becoming a "Sponsored Guest" on the show. {saudioplayer}CSSPEPISODE33A.mp3{/saudioplayer} download CRS COUNTRY RADIO SEMINAR WEBSITE THE ROW KITCHEN AND PUB NASHVILLE 360 BURGER NASHVILLE Gary Cavanaugh Indie Gogo Fund Video Steve Rempis Randy Finchum TO DONATE TO THE CSSP CSSP TWITTER CSSP FACEBOOK CSSP EMAIL: cssongwritingpodcast@gmail.com CSSP "Snailmail" address: PO BOX 727 Gallatin, TN 37066 NEW CRAZY CONTEST: Who will send the most bizarre/useful (or not)/unexpected item to the above address? The winner (and runners-up) will be recognized on the show and given the chance to do a "call-out" for the opening of a future episode! R.I.P. TIM WILSON... You'll be sorely missed, Brother