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Worktapes: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Brandon Carswell
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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- 2 weeks ago1h 4m
Episode 70 - Mat Kearney - Big Man
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 64Find 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/tourThis episode of Worktapes Podcast was produced by Brandon Carswell & Jonas Litton Hosted by Brandon CarswellFilmed & Edited by Jonas LittonProduction assistant Khayman WilliamsRecorded at Sound Stage Studios in Nashville, TNhttps://www.instagram.com/worktapes_podcast/*All songs used by permission
- Sep 16, 202555 min
Episode 69 - Stephen Day - Moonshine
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**
- Aug 28, 202551 min
Episode 68 - Shelby Means - Streets of Boulder
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 ShelbyListen to Streets Of BoulderWorktapespodcast.comWorktapes is Produced by Brandon CarswellFilm & Editing by Brandon Carswell & Quinn ChowaniecAdditional Production Assistance by Jonas LittonThis episode was filmed at Sound Stage Studios in Nashville, TNEpisode intro music written by Brandon Carswell & produced by Micah Tawlks - "Back To Us"Cover Art by Mid Century WesternWorktapes show logos designed by Harrison Hudson **All songs used by permission**
- Jun 20, 20251h 4m
Episode 67 - Natalie Hemby - Carousel
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 LambertListen to Natalie HembyListen to HighwomenNataliehemby.comWorktapes is Produced by Brandon CarswellFilm & Editing by Brandon Carswell & Russ LoydAdditional Production Assistance by Jonas LittonThis episode was filmed at Sound Stage Studios in Nashville, TNEpisode intro music written by Brandon Carswell & produced by Micah Tawlks - "Back To Us"Cover Art by Mid Century WesternWorktapes show logos designed by Harrison Hudson **All songs used by permission**
- Apr 14, 20251h 12m
Episode 66 - Anthony Smith - Tomorrow
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 AnthonyListen to TomorrowAds for this episode: Dave Barnes plays 3rd & Linsdley for 2 special nights July 11th & 12th - Get tickets HereGear up at Eastside Music Supply Worktapes is Produced by Brandon CarswellThis episode was filmed at Sound Stage Studios in Nashville, TNEpisode 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**
- Mar 31, 20251h 23m
Episode 65 - Dave Barnes - Someday This Will All Make Sense
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.comFind Dave BarnesListen to "Someday This Will All Make Sense"Dadville PodcastWorktapes is Produced by Brandon CarswellFilm & Editing by Shaun CarswellThis episode was filmed at Sound Stage Studios in Nashville, TNEpisode 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**
- Feb 28, 20251h 5m
Episode 64 - Mat Kearney - Headlights Home
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 MatListen to Headlights HomeEpisode Sponsored by Eastside Music Supply Worktapes is Produced by Brandon CarswellFilm & Editing by Shaun CarswellThis 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**
- Feb 17, 20251h 30m
Episode 63 - Matt Wertz - Rosalee
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 CarswellFilm & 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**
About Worktapes
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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Frequently Asked Questions
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It's a free AI-powered email that summarizes new episodes of Worktapes as soon as they're published. You get the key takeaways, notable quotes, and links & mentions — all in a quick read.
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When a new episode drops, our AI transcribes and analyzes it, then generates a personalized summary tailored to your interests and profession. It's delivered to your inbox every morning.
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How often does Worktapes release new episodes?
Worktapes publishes biweekly. Our AI generates a summary within hours of each new episode.
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Worktapes covers topics including Music, Arts, Commentary, Performing Arts, Comedy Interviews. Our AI identifies the specific themes in each episode and highlights what matters most to you.
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