
Advertise on podcast: Worktapes
Rating
5from
This podcast has
71 episodes
Language
EnglishPublisher
Brandon CarswellExplicit
Yes
Date created
2021/04/28
Latest episode
2026/05/30
Average duration
66 min.
Release period
38 days
Description
Welcome to Worktapes! This is a podcast where we tear apart songs. Why was the song written? What’s it about? What is the context and emotion behind it? Where were you at the time? What were you going through? How do lines come to you? What is the inspiration? How long did it take to write? In each episode, we talk to a writer about one song they've writtenand listen to the original demo or work tape of that song.
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Check latest episodes from Worktapes podcast
Episode 70 - Mat Kearney - Big Man
2026/05/30
Mat Kearney joins Worktapes for a second time and hopefully not the last. Known for his distinct blend of pop, folk, and hip-hop. His distinct sound has fostered hits like "Nothing Left Lose" and “Ships in the Night.” His music regularly appeared on the biggest TV Shows of the early to mid 2000s like Grey’s Anatomy, Scrubs, and One Tree Hill. He's toured with John Mayer, Sheryl Crow, Train, Mutemath, Keane, and more. Collaborations with Trent Dabbs, Kate York, Paul Moak, Matthew Perryman Jones, Brooke and The Bluff and Micah Tawlks. In this episode we discuss the 20th Anniversary of his "Nothing Left To Lose" and get a live performance. We also hear an early worktape his newest release, "Big Man".
Check out Mat's first appearance on Worktapes in Episode 64
Find Mat Kearney -https://www.instagram.com/matkearney/
Listen to "Big Man" - https://lnk.dmsmusic.co/matkearney_bigman
Listen to "Nothing Left To Lose" - https://music.apple.com/us/album/nothing-left-to-lose/265279882?i=265280023
20th Anniversary Tour - https://www.matkearney.com/tour
This episode of Worktapes Podcast was produced by Brandon Carswell & Jonas Litton Hosted by Brandon Carswell
Filmed & Edited by Jonas Litton
Production assistant Khayman Williams
Recorded at Sound Stage Studios in Nashville, TN
https://www.instagram.com/worktapes_podcast/
*All songs used by permission
Episode 69 - Stephen Day - Moonshine
2025/09/16
Stephen Day is an accomplished singer/songwriter who has performed with the likes of Teddy Swims, Ben Rector & Stephen Sanchez. His catalogue has produced over 140 million streams, sync placements including Universal Pictures and is currently touring his latest record, “Gold Mine” produced by Micah Tawlks. In this episode of Worktapes we talk about a song he wrote called “Moonshine” and listen to the original worktape as we discuss it.
Find Stephen Day
Listen to Moonshine
Worktapes is Produced by Brandon Carswell Film & Editing by Shaun Carswell This episode was filmed in Nashville, TN Episode intro music written by Brandon Carswell & produced by Micah Tawlks - "Back To Us" Worktapes show cover art designed by Harrison Hudson **All songs used by permission**
Episode 68 - Shelby Means - Streets of Boulder
2025/08/28
Shelby Means is one of the foremost bassists in modern bluegrass. From her GRAMMY-winning work with Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway, to her travels with the GRAMMY-nominated band Della Mae, her career has spanned nearly two decades crossing more than 20 countries. She’s also an accomplished songwriter and vocalist, just released her first self tilted solo album this year. In episode 68 of Worktapes we discuss a song she wrote called, “Streets Of Boulder” and listen to the Worktape.
Find Shelby
Listen to Streets Of Boulder
Worktapespodcast.com
Worktapes is Produced by Brandon Carswell
Film & Editing by Brandon Carswell & Quinn Chowaniec
Additional Production Assistance by Jonas Litton
This episode was filmed at Sound Stage Studios in Nashville, TN
Episode intro music written by Brandon Carswell & produced by Micah Tawlks - "Back To Us"
Cover Art by Mid Century Western
Worktapes show logos designed by Harrison Hudson
**All songs used by permission**
Episode 67 - Natalie Hemby - Carousel
2025/06/20
Natalie Hemby secured her first publishing deal at the age of 19, laying the foundation for a stellar career as one of the most sought-after songwriters in the music industry. With her songs recorded by top artists like Kacey Musgraves, Maren Morris, Sheryl Crow, Miranda Lambert, Lady Gaga, Yola, Dierks Bentley, Rag'n'Bone Man, Lady A, Kelly Clarkson, Little Big Town, Labrinth, and many others, she has proven herself to be an undeniable talent. In 2021, she released her second solo album, Pins and Needles, produced by her husband and longtime collaborator, Mike Wrucke. As part of The Highwomen, alongside Brandi Carlile, Maren Morris, and Amanda Shires, Hemby won a GRAMMY® Award for Country Song of the Year, “Crowded Table.” Billboard has recognized her as “one of Nashville’s strongest creative figures.” In this episode, we discuss a song she wrote with Miranda Lambert called “Carousel” and listen to the original worktape of that song.
Listen to Carousel by Miranda Lambert
Listen to Natalie Hemby
Listen to Highwomen
Nataliehemby.com
Worktapes is Produced by Brandon Carswell
Film & Editing by Brandon Carswell & Russ Loyd
Additional Production Assistance by Jonas Litton
This episode was filmed at Sound Stage Studios in Nashville, TN
Episode intro music written by Brandon Carswell & produced by Micah Tawlks - "Back To Us"
Cover Art by Mid Century Western
Worktapes show logos designed by Harrison Hudson
**All songs used by permission**
Episode 66 - Anthony Smith - Tomorrow
2025/04/14
Anthony Smith is a versatile songwriter, producer and arranger who has achieved great success in many genres, including Country, Pop, R&B, and Jazz. His songs have been recorded by Bucky Covington, Lonestar, Clay Walker, Rodney Atkins, Chris Young, Reba McIntire, Vince Gill, Emerson Drive, Heartland, Donna Summer, Kenny Rogers to name a few. In this episode we discuss a smash #1 hit song nominated at the 2012 ACM Awards for single of the year, “Tomorrow” by Chris Young and we will listen to the original worktape of that song.
Find Anthony
Listen to Tomorrow
Ads for this episode:
Dave Barnes plays 3rd & Linsdley for 2 special nights July 11th & 12th - Get tickets Here
Gear up at Eastside Music Supply
Worktapes is Produced by Brandon Carswell
This episode was filmed at Sound Stage Studios in Nashville, TN
Episode intro music written by Brandon Carswell & produced by Micah Tawlks - "Back To Us" Worktapes show cover art designed by Harrison Hudson
**All songs used by permission**
Episode 65 - Dave Barnes - Someday This Will All Make Sense
2025/03/31
With nearly 30 years of songwriting under his belt, Dave Barnes has carved his own path through rock, acoustic, country, soul, and contemporary Christian music. Over the years, he’s collaborated with a star-studded list of artists, including Amy Grant, Matt Wertz, Carrie Underwood, Thomas Rhett, and Maren Morris. He also earned a Grammy nomination for his hit song "God Gave Me You," which was recorded by Blake Shelton making it a #1 hit. In this episode we discuss his early grunge music influences, moving from playing drums into songwriting, how comedy informs his songwriting , and we listen to the worktape of his song "Someday This Will All Make Sense"
This episode is sponsored by Songtown
We shop at Eastsidemusicsupply.com
Find Dave Barnes
Listen to "Someday This Will All Make Sense"
Dadville Podcast
Worktapes is Produced by Brandon Carswell
Film & Editing by Shaun Carswell
This episode was filmed at Sound Stage Studios in Nashville, TN
Episode intro music written by Brandon Carswell & produced by Micah Tawlks - "Back To Us" Worktapes show cover art designed by Harrison Hudson
**All songs used by permission**
Episode 64 - Mat Kearney - Headlights Home
2025/02/28
Known for his distinct blend of pop, folk, and hip-hop, Mat Kearney has created a unique sound that has led to hits like “Nothing Left to Lose” and “Trainwreck,” which contributed to his 2006 Dove Award win. He has toured with John Mayer, Sheryl Crow, Train, Mutemath, Keane, and more. His collaborations include artists like Trent Dabbs, Kate York, Paul Moak, Matthew Perryman Jones, Brooke and The Bluff, and Micah Tawlks. In this episode, we discuss his early hip-hop influences, life-transforming grace that informed his writing, working with Brooke & The Bluff, and listen to early worktapes of the song “Headlights Home.”
Find Mat
Listen to Headlights Home
Episode Sponsored by Eastside Music Supply
Worktapes is Produced by Brandon Carswell
Film & Editing by Shaun Carswell
This episode was filmed at Sound Stage Studios in Nashville, TN
Episode intro music written by Brandon Carswell & produced by Micah Tawlks - "Back To Us" Worktapes show cover art designed by Harrison Hudson
**All songs used by permission**
Episode 63 - Matt Wertz - Rosalee
2025/02/17
Matt Wertz, is an indie singer-songwriter whose soulful pop tunes have struck a chord with audiences worldwide. With his signature feel good indie rock-pop, Matt crafts songs that combine catchy melodies with nostalgic undertones. Throughout his career, he’s shared the stage with icons like Dave Barnes, Thad Cockrell, Jason Mraz, Ben Rector, and Gavin DeGraw, solidifying his place as a standout in today’s singer-songwriter scene. In this episode we discuss early influences, his newest record, “Recently”, spotify for artists and we listen to the worktape of a song he co-wrote with Jon Foreman called “Rosalee”
Find Matt Wertz
Listen to "Rosalee"
Worktapes is Produced by Brandon Carswell
Film & Editing by Shaun Carswell
Episode intro music written by Brandon Carswell & produced by Micah Tawlks - "Back To Us" Worktapes show cover art designed by Harrison Hudson
**All songs used by permission**
Episode 62 - Nathan Barlowe - Feed Your Feelings
2025/02/10
Nathan Barlowe is a talented multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and producer, best known for his work as a member of the bands Luna Halo, Five Knives, Reality Check, Honeymoon Thrillers and Keith Urban’s band as a touring musician. His music has been recorded by high-profile artists like Taylor Swift, Steven Tyler, Keith Urban, and Newsboys. Nathan has also achieved significant success in the dance music scene, with three top 10 Billboard dance singles to his name. His song placements include The Voice, American Idol, in Apple commercials, NHL Stanley Cup, the theme song for the final season of King of Queens. He is also the inventor of an innovative electronic instrument called “The Phantom,” which functions as a sampling machine played like a keyboard. We discuss how he began in music at an early age, imposter syndrome and listen to an original demo of the Luna Halo song “Feed Your Feelings”.
Find Nathan Barlowe
Find Luna Halo
Listen to Feed Your Feelings
Worktapes is Produced by Brandon Carswell
Film & Editing by Shaun Carswell
This episode was filmed at Sound Stage Studios in Nashville, TN
Episode intro music written by Brandon Carswell & produced by Micah Tawlks - "Back To Us" Worktapes show cover art designed by Harrison Hudson
**All songs used by permission**
Episode 61 - Clay Mills - Beautiful Mess
2025/02/03
Clay Mills is a Grammy nominated songwriter with cuts by Darius Rucker, Trisha Yearwood, Little Big Town, Lady A, Diamond Rio and more. When he’s not writing he is mentoring writers through Songtown, an organization he co-founded with hit writer Marty Dodson, offering a songwriting masterclass, community building and mentorship. In this episode we talk about how he came writing jingles in NYC, not giving up and his huge number one song cut by Diamond Rio, “Beautiful Mess”
Find Clay Mills
Listen to Beautiful Mess
Songtown
Worktapes is Produced by Brandon Carswell
Film & Editing by Shaun Carswell
This episode was filmed at Sound Stage Studios in Nashville, TN
Episode intro music written by Brandon Carswell & produced by Micah Tawlks - "Back To Us" Worktapes show cover art designed by Harrison Hudson
**All songs used by permission**
Episode 60 - Thad Cockrell - What If
2025/01/24
Thad Cockrell has been writing music for over 20 years, both under his own name and with his band, Leagues. His musical resume is nothing short of impressive, with co-writes and collaborations with artists like Joy Williams, Devon Gilfillian, Brittany Howard, Sandra McCracken, and many more. He’s also contributed to Super Bowl ads, film placements, pub deals, and even made a guest appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. In this first episode of Season 4, we discuss what it’s like to start a musical career later in life, his experience on The Tonight Show, forging a new path away from digital service providers like Spotify, and we listen to the original worktape of a song from his new record called “What If.”
Find Thad Cockrell
Listen to What If
Produced by Brandon Carswell
Film & Editing by Shaun Carswell
Episode intro music written by Brandon Carswell & produced by Micah Tawlks - "Back To Us" Worktapes show cover art designed by Harrison Hudson
**All songs used by permission**
Episode 59 - Hannah Aldridge - The Great Divide
2025/01/10
In episode 59 of Worktapes, we are joined by Muscle Shoals native, singer-songwriter, and rock-Americana artist Hannah Aldridge. Her writing explores themes of rebellion and the allure of spiritual darkness while grappling with deeply rooted Southern Christian values. In this episode, we discuss growing up as the daughter of hit songwriter Walt Aldridge, what draws her to darker themes, how to stay authentic in an industry that prioritizes hit songs, and we listen to the original worktape of her song “The Great Divide.”
Find Hannah Aldridge
Listen to "The Great Divide"
Produced by Brandon Carswell
Film & Editing by Shaun Carswell
This episode was filmed at Sound Stage Studios in Nashville, TN
Episode intro music written by Brandon Carswell & produced by Micah Tawlks - "Back To Us" Worktapes show cover art designed by Harrison Hudson
**All songs used by permission**
Episode 58 - Kylie Dailey - Folded Hands
2025/01/03
In episode 58 of Worktapes, we hear from indie folk singer-songwriter and Epidemic Sound artist Kylie Dailey! Kylie’s calming, laid-back vocals and relatable lyrics, paired with enchanting arrangements by producer and husband Kevin, invite the listener to relax and feel seen. We discuss the dynamics of writing with your spouse, unintentionally becoming an artist, writing authentically while balancing family, and we listen to the original worktape of a song called “Folded Hands.”
Find Kylie
Listen to Folded Hands
Produced by Brandon Carswell
Film & Editing by Shaun Carswell
Episode intro music written by Brandon Carswell & produced by Micah Tawlks - "Back To Us" Worktapes show cover art designed by Harrison Hudson
**All songs used by permission**
Episode 57 - Leeland & Jack Mooring - PT 2 - Still Mighty
2024/12/21
Leeland Mooring is a Texas-based singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist with seven albums, four GRAMMY® nominations, and eight GMA Dove Award® nominations. LEELAND have become one of the most significant and standout voices in a new generation of worship music. In part 2 of this interview we we are joined by Jack Mooring who is an author, pastor and co-founder of the band Leeland. We discuss biblical worship writing vs emotive writing, modern vs. puritan worship songs, The Power Team, a word on Christmas music from Brother Terry and we listen to the worktape of Leeland’s song “Still Mighty”.
Find Leeland
Listen to "Still Mighty"
Find Jack Mooring
Read Jack's book, "Portrait Of God"
Produced by Brandon Carswell
Film & Editing by Shaun Carswell
Episode intro music written by Brandon Carswell & produced by Micah Tawlks - "Back To Us" Worktapes show cover art designed by Harrison Hudson
**All songs used by permission**
Episode 56 - Leeland Mooring - Still Mighty - PT 1
2024/12/14
Leeland Mooring is a Texas-based singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist with seven albums, four GRAMMY® nominations, and eight GMA Dove Award® nominations. LEELAND have become one of the most significant and standout voices in a new generation of worship music. In part 1 of this interview we hear about how Leeland started writing songs and touring at a young age, amazing and hilarious church stories and what shaped hi musical influence. Stayed tuned for Part 2 with Leeland coming soon!
Find Leeland
Listen to Still Mighty
Episode sponsor: Artist And
Produced by Brandon Carswell
Film & Editing by Shaun Carswell
Episode intro music written by Brandon Carswell & produced by Micah Tawlks - "Back To Us" Worktapes show cover art designed by Harrison Hudson
**All songs used by permission**
Podcast reviews
Read Worktapes podcast reviews
theloaf 2024/04/19
Love this podcast!
Such a great concept to hear artists talk about how their songs came to be.
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