The Commercial Suicide Songwriting Podcast

We've reach a milestone of sorts, kiddies... our TENTH EPISODE! Thanks to YOU, our wonderful listeners; we've already achieved things we'd never have thought possible and far exceeded our own expectations. Give yourselves a bow! This episode has no particular theme; just our usual segments delivered with great relish- like a good hot dog. There are also a few surprises as well... In our NOTES AND BOLTS segment, Marie shares the finer points of PROSODY in songwriting. This material comes straight from Berklee College of Music instructor (and phenomenal songwriter) PAT PATTISON Steve tell you everything you'd want to know about MEATLOAF songwriter (and then some) JIM STEINMAN in the LEGENDARY SONGWRITER SALUTE Marie comes close to having her first meltdown while discussing THE SPICE GIRLS hit "WANNABE" in WHAT THE !@#$%? Steve puts STEELY DAN'S sarcastic classic "MY OLD SCHOOL" UNDER THE MICROSCOPE By reader suggestion, you'll learn how to protect your intellectual property via COPYRIGHTS in MARIE'S ACADEMIC MOMENT STEVE'S PHONE is back, with a verse and chorus of "IT'S COMING OVER" for your listening pleasure We'll reach into THE MAILBAG to share some comments and stories And we're pleased to be featuring "THE DEVIL'S AT YOUR DOOR" by Nashville songwriter and CSSP listener JOHN CARROLL in our second-ever LISTENER SUBMISSIONS segment

We've reach a milestone of sorts, kiddies... our TENTH EPISODE! Thanks to YOU, our wonderful listeners; we've already achieved things we'd never have thought possible and far exceeded our own expectations. Give yourselves a bow! This episode has no particular theme; just our usual segments delivered with great relish- like a good hot dog. There are also a few surprises as well... In our NOTES AND BOLTS segment, Marie shares the finer points of PROSODY in songwriting. This material comes straight from Berklee College of Music instructor (and phenomenal songwriter) PAT PATTISON Steve tell you everything you'd want to know about MEATLOAF songwriter (and then some) JIM STEINMAN in the LEGENDARY SONGWRITER SALUTE Marie comes close to having her first meltdown while discussing THE SPICE GIRLS hit "WANNABE" in WHAT THE !@#$%? Steve puts STEELY DAN'S sarcastic classic "MY OLD SCHOOL" UNDER THE MICROSCOPE By reader suggestion, you'll learn how to protect your intellectual property via COPYRIGHTS in MARIE'S ACADEMIC MOMENT STEVE'S PHONE is back, with a verse and chorus of "IT'S COMING OVER" for your listening pleasure We'll reach into THE MAILBAG to share some comments and stories And we're pleased to be featuring "THE DEVIL'S AT YOUR DOOR" by Nashville songwriter and CSSP listener JOHN CARROLL in our second-ever LISTENER SUBMISSIONS segment Related links: COURSERA SONGWRITING COURSE PAT PATTISON JOHN CARROLL MUSIC STEVE REMPIS MARIE PERRY {saudioplayer}csspEPISODE10.mp3{/saudioplayer} download

In this episode's NOTES AND BOLTS segment, Steve will tell you how to use grammatical concepts such as VERB AGREEMENT to ensure that your writing makes SENSE to the reader and/or listener... and will likely make you wish you hadn't slept through all those language classes in school! Marie features none other than KRIS KRISTOFFERSON in the LEGENDARY SONGWRITER SALUTE Steve risks nausea to examine Beyonce's RUN THE WORLD (GIRLS) in WHAT THE !@#$% ALABAMA'S classic hit: DIXIELAND DELIGHT goes UNDER THE MICROSCOPE with Marie We share a valuable "public service announcement" from the NASHVILLE SONGWRITERS ASSOCIATION INTERNATIONAL (NSAI) Marie's ACADEMIC MOMENT shares some well-placed words of wisdom for aspiring songwriters And as usual, we reach into the MAILBAG and give you the skinny on the NASHVILLE SCENE Friends don't let friends write lame songs!

In this episode's NOTES AND BOLTS segment, Steve will tell you how to use grammatical concepts such as VERB AGREEMENT to ensure that your writing makes SENSE to the reader and/or listener... and will likely make you wish you hadn't slept through all those language classes in school! Marie features none other than KRIS KRISTOFFERSON in the LEGENDARY SONGWRITER SALUTE Steve risks nausea to examine Beyonce's RUN THE WORLD (GIRLS) in WHAT THE !@#$% ALABAMA'S classic hit: DIXIELAND DELIGHT goes UNDER THE MICROSCOPE with Marie We share a valuable "public service announcement" from the NASHVILLE SONGWRITERS ASSOCIATION INTERNATIONAL (NSAI) Marie's ACADEMIC MOMENT shares some well-placed words of wisdom for aspiring songwriters And as usual, we reach into the MAILBAG and give you the skinny on the NASHVILLE SCENE Friends don't let friends write lame songs! {saudioplayer}csspEPISODE9.mp3{/saudioplayer} download

Well folks, you're in for a real treat this time. We've interviewed some truly great songwriters, but never one that even other top-level writers look to in awe. That is, until now. We're thrilled and honored to bring you an interview with a genuine "living legend" JIMBEAU HINSON! photo Jimbeau Hinson Jimbeau's credits include writing: (I'm Settin') Fancy Free (#1 hit for The Oak Ridge Boys) Party Crowd (#2 hit for David Lee Murphy) Train of Memories (#3 hit for Kathy Mattea) Don't Give Candy to a Stranger (#4 hit for Larry Boone) Harmony (#5 hit for John Conlee) Hillbilly Highway with Steve Earle (off Earle's breakthrough album "Guitar Town") ...but this list only scratches the surface of an incredible career that spans 5 decades. We (Steve and Marie) were actually invited into Jimbeau's ranch outside Nashville to conduct this interview with he and his wife Brenda... and even got a tour of the house. You can be sure that this experience was a "high-water" mark for THE COMMERCIAL SUICIDE SONGWRITING PODCAST, and we're excited to be sharing it with you. Now how are we ever going to top THIS???

Well folks, you're in for a real treat this time. We've interviewed some truly great songwriters, but never one that even other top-level writers look to in awe. That is, until now. We're thrilled and honored to bring you an interview with a genuine "living legend" JIMBEAU HINSON! Jimbeau's credits include writing: (I'm Settin') Fancy Free (#1 hit for The Oak Ridge Boys) Party Crowd (#2 hit for David Lee Murphy) Train of Memories (#3 hit for Kathy Mattea) Don't Give Candy to a Stranger (#4 hit for Larry Boone) Harmony (#5 hit for John Conlee) Hillbilly Highway with Steve Earle (off Earle's breakthrough album "Guitar Town") ...but this list only scratches the surface of an incredible career that spans 5 decades. We (Steve and Marie) were actually invited into Jimbeau's ranch outside Nashville to conduct this interview with he and his wife Brenda... and even got a tour of the house. You can be sure that this experience was a "high-water" mark for THE COMMERCIAL SUICIDE SONGWRITING PODCAST, and we're excited to be sharing it with you. Now how are we ever going to top THIS??? {saudioplayer}csspEPISODE8.mp3{/saudioplayer} download Important JIMBEAU links: Website Facebook Myspace Twitter Wrinkled Records Nashville Cares

This will forever be known as the FRANKENSTEIN EPISODE, which I was forced to piece together from a pile of audio files. And as an ADDED BONUS, it features REALLY POOR AUDIO QUALITY! Hooray. Hopefully the content will be worth the inconvenience Today's theme is PURPOSE-DRIVEN SONGWRITING, as will be deftly cover by Marie in NOTES AND BOLTS. WILLIE NELSON, NEIL DIAMOND and BRUCE SPRINGSTEIN get the "BEFORE THEY WERE STARS" treatment in the LEGENDARY SONGWRITER SALUTE. Marie discusses CAREER ADVICE given by Nashville music exec and ASCAP representative LEANN PHELAN in her ACADEMIC MOMENT. Steve focuses on possibly the "GREATEST COUNTRY SONG OF ALL TIME" in UNDER THE MICROSCOPE. Marie proves that she's not above throwing a 9-year-old "under the bus" in the WHAT THE !@#$% segment. We introduce a potential new feature where we'll PLAY AND CRITIQUE a listener's song. Steve explains that he's "SLEEPIN' LIKE A BABY" in STEVE'S PHONE. And as usual, we'll touch on the LOCAL SCENE and THE MAILBAG. Write, Rewrite, Rewrite (as necessary). Wash, Rinse, Repeat.

This will forever be known as the FRANKENSTEIN EPISODE, which I was forced to piece together from a pile of audio files. And as an ADDED BONUS, it features REALLY POOR AUDIO QUALITY! Hooray. Hopefully the content will be worth the inconvenience Today's theme is PURPOSE-DRIVEN SONGWRITING, as will be deftly cover by Marie in NOTES AND BOLTS. WILLIE NELSON, NEIL DIAMOND and BRUCE SPRINGSTEIN get the "BEFORE THEY WERE STARS" treatment in the LEGENDARY SONGWRITER SALUTE. Marie discusses CAREER ADVICE given by Nashville music exec and ASCAP representative LEANN PHELAN in her ACADEMIC MOMENT. Steve focuses on possibly the "GREATEST COUNTRY SONG OF ALL TIME" in UNDER THE MICROSCOPE. Marie proves that she's not above throwing a 9-year-old "under the bus" in the WHAT THE !@#$% segment. We introduce a potential new feature where we'll PLAY AND CRITIQUE a listener's song. Steve explains that he's "SLEEPIN' LIKE A BABY" in STEVE'S PHONE. And as usual, we'll touch on the LOCAL SCENE and THE MAILBAG. Write, Rewrite, Rewrite (as necessary). Wash, Rinse, Repeat. {saudioplayer}csspEPISODE7.mp3{/saudioplayer} download

We've done it again, faithful CSSP listeners: another exclusive interview with REAL PROFESSIONAL NASHVILLE SONGWRITERS! But this time, we've done you one better, as both of these writers are also PROFESSIONAL SONGWRITING TEACHERS. Ladies and Gentlemen, the COMMERCIAL SUICIDE SONGWRITING PODCAST proudly presents the married team of DEANNA WALKER and RICK BERESFORD. photo Deanna_Rick_Cropped_zpsuhileta1.gif Deanna is a songwriter, producer, composer, and the founder of the Blair Songwriting Program at Vanderbilt University in Nashville. She's had cuts by Kenny Rogers, The Sweethearts of the Rodeo, Rissi Palmer, Kendra Chantelle, Jenny Gill, Jess Moskaluke, Brandy Clark, Jana Stanfield, Elizabeth Eckert, David. G. Smith, Sage Keffer, Jeffrey East, Brandon Bolin, as well as many others. Rick Beresford is a songwriter, producer, composer, and teaches Commercial Songwriting at Belmont University in Nashville. He is the director of the Kerriville Folk Festival Song School held in Kerrville, Texas each year and permanent faculty member of the NSAI. He's had cuts by George Jones, Brenda Lee, The Everly Brothers, Don Williams, Canada's Jake Mathews, Mickey Gilley, Sweethearts Of The Rodeo, Elizabeth Eckert, Kyle Wyley, John Conlee and many Grand Ol' Opry stars. Additionally, Rick has received two BMI AWARDS and a MUSIC CITY NEWS AWARD. You can actually schedule LIVE tutorial sessions with one or both of these amazing writer/teachers. If these two can't help you achieve your maximum songwriting potential, no-one can! Note that this was our first "in-person" interview for the podcast, so the sound quality may be a bit uneven. We're trying though!

In this, our first episode of 2013; we'll "ROCK YOU LIKE A HURRICANE" while "KILLING YOU SOFTLY"! In the "Legendary Songwriter Salute", Marie chronicles the career of Richard ("Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue") Leigh- her favorite songwriter! The topic of our "Notes and Bolts" segment,"Similes: Metaphorically Speaking" will be tackled by Steve as he explains how these devices can be YOUR FRIENDS! "Marie's Academic Moment" promotes POSITIVITY in your writing... while CONTRADICTING Steve's whole methodology (LOL!) Steve very nealy has a meltdown in the "What the #$&%!" segment while discussing Ke$ha's #1 hit, "TiK ToK" (!) Marie explores her own guilty pleasures by examining ROXETTE'S mega-hit, "IT MUST HAVE BEEN LOVE" in the "Under the Microscope" segment! In "Steve's Phone" you'll hear why exactly NONE have ever called him "Mr. Positivity" and hear a chorus of "Hope Your Dreams Come True"! Suggestions, kudos and criticisms abound in the "CSSP MAILBAG"! Marie shares some current info for Nashville-based listeners in the "Local Scene Report"! And whenever and wherever possible, we'll be sure include as many INAPPROPRIATE and UNNECESSARY exclamation points as we can!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's a COMMERCIAL SUICIDE SONGWRITING PODCAST first (though it certainly won't be a last!): an exclusive interview with #1 hit songwritier KIRSTI MANNA and acclaimed Nashville Music Producer BILL WARNER. Consider this episode to be our holiday gift to YOU, our faithful and beloved CSSP listeners. Have a wonderful and safe holiday season, and be sure to be listening for EPISODE 5 on January 1st, 2013. Our focus will be SIMILES: METAPHORICALLY SPEAKING, and you can expect all of our usual segments (as well as a surprise or two).

This episode will be AWESOME... or AWFUL; as we will be discussing the POWER OF OPPOSITES! The topic of "Notes and Bolts" will indeed be all about the POWER OF OPPOSITES; and how they relate to a great song. In the "Legendary Songwriter Salute", Steve will be looking back on the amzing career of William "SMOKEY" ROBINSON (we're sure you'll "Second That Emotion")! As always, "Marie's Academic Moment" shares great advice from a veteran industry pro. Steve puts Lady Antebellum's smash hit "NEED YOU NOW" squarely "Under the Microscope." In the "What the #$&%!" segment, Marie brings the party to a crashing halt as she send's Toby Keith's "RED SOLO CUP" straight to the depths of hell where it deserves to be! As an added bonus, we'll be reducing the voulume of the dreaded AIR HORN! In "Steve's Phone" you'll hear one of his classic "orphan choruses" tentatively entitled "Long Before Us." Your comments, questions, and a few surprises will be addressed in the "CSSP MAILBAG". Steve will share BEST OF (per Nashville Scene Magazine) information for songwriters in the "Local Scene Report". And as always, you can expect a bit of spirited and unapologetically opinionated banter from your hosts!

In this, our first "real and complete" episode; we have an in-depth discussion of what is generally believed to be the most important part of a great song: THE CHORUS. The topic of "Notes and Bolts" will be all about THE CHORUS; what makes a great one, and how it relates to the song. In the "Legendary Songwriter Salute", Marie covers the amazing story of uber-songwriterHARLAN HOWARD. In "Steve's Phone" you'll get to hear a 1 minute demo of his song-in-progress, "TOO SMART TO COUNT TO 10." Marie examines the classic song "SHE CALLED ME BABY" in "Under the Microscope." Steve gives a scathing review of Justin Bieber's "BABY" in the "What the #$&%!" segment. "Marie's Academic Moment" shares great advice and an inspirational story from a pro songwriter. Your comments and questions will be addressed in the "CSSP MAILBAG". Marie will share some great information in the "Local Scene Report". And as always, lots of fun and frivolity from your hosts! Inspiration. Education. Entertainment.

The premiere episode of The COMMERCIAL SUICIDE SONGWRITING PODCAST is now available for your downloading and listening pleasure. In this first episode, your humble hosts ("Nashville" Steve Rempis and Marie Perry) introduce themselves and state their future plans for and goals of the CSSP. You'll also hear in in-depth description of the planned recurring segments which will be featured in each episode (see the list at the bottom of this page).