Steve Hodges is Senior Vice President of Capitol Records / EMI Nashville. He's worked with hundreds of artists including Garth Brooks, Keith Urban, Lady Antebellum, Dierks Bentley, Darius Rucker, and Trace Atkins.
This episode is all about breaking acts via radio. We talk about how Steve started in radio (on the programming side), how he got his first major label job, the importance of research, songs that are "too hot" for radio, how the importance of radio affects songwriting, riding around in a car with Keith Urban, how Lady Antebellum broke, the secret behind Darius Rucker's life after Hootie and the Blowfish, and more.
For those not on the podcast...
Thank you for featuring Brett Ryan Stewart's song Sunshine from his newest album Tilt. He is notches above the normal talent of independent songwriters and performers. His Necessary Lies album was outstanding and Tilt is a testament to the uncanny ability he has to draw the listener into his world. It is great to have the chance to listen to the real thing and not the commercial fluff that is out there.
Posted by: Pat Sacher | March 22, 2011 at 12:01 PM
I think Brett Ryan Stewart is an awesome songwriter and I hope his music reaches the masses far and wide and brings him success. I have an earlier CD of his and play it in my truck all the time and never really grow tired of it and I am sure Tilt will turn out to be that kind of CD for me as well. I just love his lyrics and melodies and how he tells a story and connects with the listener in a way that I find rare. Good job Brett!!
Posted by: David Couts | March 22, 2011 at 07:54 PM
Hey guy's, your show is the perfect format to introduce BMS. Along with his co-writer Chris Tench, their listener friendly lyrics and melody really does send a great musical message to the audience. Thanks for having them on and I hope you feature BMS another time soon.
Posted by: ken | March 22, 2011 at 10:12 PM
Hi Steve.. I think he sounds great. The formula seems to be working for him. Would like to hear more. Maybe on a tour of some kind ? Bet he'd do well in the real market... nudge nudge, wink wink. Thanks for having him on.
Posted by: Danny Samenchik | March 22, 2011 at 10:22 PM