Pitch List

This week, Chris sits down with #1 writer, artist, producer and multi-instrumentalist Gordie Sampson to talk all things songwriting. From recording as a session player to writing powerhouse cuts like “Jesus Take The Wheel”, “This Town Is Killing Me”, “Storm Warning” and many others, Gordie spills his story and knowledge for us. Listen on for our deep dive into staying raw and emotional as you grow, the magic in a day-of demo, and more. Thanks for listening, and stay safe!

From smash hits like “The Climb” (Miley Cyrus) and tearjerkers like “Mine Would Be You” (Blake Shelton), Jessi Alexander has quite the catalogue - not to mention being a CMA and ACM Song of the Year recipient. But what you might not know about this week's guest is her story of perseverance, as she redefined success over and over again. Dive in - plus, check our socials for Jessi’s video performance of “Damn Country Music” (written by Carly Barlowe, Josh Thompson and Jessi), off her new record!

When Josh Kerr first moved to Nashville, he had a list of 3 people he wanted to write with: Dave Barnes, Sean McConnell, and Keith Urban. Today, he has a song on his new record written with Sean, an ongoing writing relationship with Dave, and a #1 chart-topper with Keith. Chris sits down with Josh this week to chat about his Christian music and trumpet background, writing those hits, and more. And, check out the in-studio performance of Josh’s song “The World Didn’t Stop Spinning” on our social medi

This week, Chris calls up Jorgen Elofsson all the way from Sweden to talk about our favorite things - songwriting, bands our guests were in when they were 17, and more songwriting. This mega-hit maker has penned tracks like “Stronger” (Kelly Clarkson), hits for Britney Spears and many more international chart-toppers. Listen on for chats about the mystical side of creating art (including a psychic Reiki healer that tapped into Jorgen’s creative energy), why so much pop music comes out of Sweden, and m

This week, Chris chats with killer writer/artist Dave Barnes (he’s had some serious cuts with artists like Hunter Hayes, Carrie Underwood, Ingrid Michaelson and more). In this episode, learn how to shift your spider senses from “professional songwriter mode” to “personal artistry” and back again, plus you’ll hear their hot takes on celebrating the album “deep cut”. Listen on to hear Chris and Dave drop some truth bombs, while also managing to sneak in your daily dose of inspiration and grati

Earlier this fall, Chris sent our producer Daena out to Franklin, TN to talk to some of the artists of Pilgrimage Festival 2019. With this special episode of Pitch List, we look back on that hot early autumn day with nuggets of songwriting wisdom and stories of artistry from some of the best performers of the weekend. Listen on to hear our chats with The Wild Reeds, Bre Kennedy, Anna Shoemaker, Anna Rose and Stephen Kellogg (plus - we catch up with podcast alumnus Lucie Silvas). Thank you, Pilgrimage 2019!

Welcome to Pitch List Season 3! In the season premiere episode, Chris sits down with his old friend and Music Row legend Josh Kear. As the only songwriter to ever win a Grammy for Country Song of the Year three times, Josh’s track record speaks for itself - but his insightful notions about the songwriting business and heart of his craft speak even louder. Listen to hear him open up about his journey to finding himself, and finding a team of people who believed in who that came to be.

Happy New Year, Pitch Listers! We want to thank everyone who listened to the show in 2019, whether you’ve been with us since day 1, or just joined the Pitch List family today. We are so excited to announce that we’ll be back with Season 3 of the show on January 23rd. See y'all soon!

Aimee Mayo has been writing her memoir, "Talking To The Sky", for the past 13 years. Finally, she is ready to tell her stories through chapters, and not just songs. In this special mini episode, learn about Aimee's book, life, and how it relates back to music. Check out her Kickstarter campaign, closing THIS FRIDAY the 13th, to help support her lifelong dream, and to learn how she went from small town Alabama gal to Nashville-based hit songwriter (and all the crazy in between): https://bit.ly/2PK9Mq7

In the finale of Pitch List Season 2, Chris sits down to talk with the one and only Phil Barton. Originally from Australia, but living in Nashville for the past 12 years, Phil has had continual country music success over the years in Canada, Australia, and here in town (launching with the #1 single “Woman Like You"). Listen on to hear, in classic Pitch List style, a discussion of magic co-writers, live band demo sessions, and how INXS inspired a young Aussie Phil to aim for a hit song in the States.

It's a CMA Fest special episode here at Pitch List! This week, Chris sent our producer Daena downtown for the festivities to talk with some of our favorite country artists. Listen to hear how Adam Hambrick's newborn daughter inspired his new single, why Walker Hayes thinks vulnerability is the key to connection, how Anna Vaus got signed while in college, and MORE! Plus: we catch up with alumni Shy Carter and Seaforth. Don't forget to visit us at pitchlistpodcast.com for more exclusive CMA content.

This week, Chris sits down with new hitmaker supergroup Stereosaga!!!, made up of Bryan Simpson, Ryan Tyndell and Jordan Rigby. Listen on to hear how Ryan got a job at the YMCA after signing his first deal, just to stay grounded, what it's like to have the freedom for a passion project like their own, and to be reminded how having a creative outlet to express ourselves can be the best job in the world.

This week, Chris talks backstage at the Charleston Music Hall with Muscle Shoals singer/songwriter John Paul White. Since returning to his solo career after his work with The Civil Wars, John talks about the process of writing his new record, “The Hurting Kind”, as well as the unique experience of being an outsider on Music Row. Listen on to hear their conversation about the changing industry, what it means for writer/artists, and more. And, visit us on YouTube for John's exclusive backstage performance

This week, enjoy our first ever live episode of Pitch List, recorded last weekend at the Charleston Songwriters’ Festival in South Carolina. Hear from festival creator Arlis Albritton and his crazy past life on the road, how Cliff Cody went from West Texas bar bouncer to karaoke star to full time musician, and listen to where Andy Albert thinks country music is going next. Now kick back, relax and hit play (bonus: cue up some ocean sounds to pretend you’re on the beach with us).

This week, Chris explores a different side of the music industry with recording studio designer and builder Mike Cronin. Mike has worked on countless famous studios around the world, including Oceanway and Blackbird Studios, as well as various projects for independent clients such as Chris Stapleton, Mutt Lange, and even our very own Aimeeland Studio. Listen on to hear how having a space you love and enjoy working in can influence the work you do and the things you create - more than you might think.