Persistence, Patience, and Purpose in Songwriting

Persistence, Patience, and Purpose in Songwriting

Author: Full Circle Music: A Nashville Recording Studio & Online Music Education Academy September 10, 2025 Duration: 47:29
Ben Stennis is a Grammy-winning, multi-week No.1 songwriter behind Cody Johnson’s “’Til You Can’t,” plus cuts with Morgan Wallen, Tim McGraw, Bailey Zimmerman, High Valley, and Jason Aldean. He shares his unlikely path from stuntman dreams to Nashville, the decade-long wait before his first deal, and how faith and biblical wisdom guide everything from co-writes to career decisions. We talk preparation for high-pressure bus runs, the power of writing with your crew (“iron sharpens iron”), guarding your name (Proverbs 22:1), resisting comparison in the scroll era, setting lyrical boundaries, giving generously, and keeping the focus on purpose over hype. If you’re a songwriter, artist, or producer who wants sustainable success without losing your soul, this conversation will light a fire.

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Behind every song on the radio, there's a story of hustle, craft, and sometimes, sheer luck. Made It In Music: Interviews With Artists, Songwriters, And Music Industry Pros pulls back the curtain on those stories, moving past the glamour to find the real work. Hosts Seth Mosley and X O'Connor, from the Full Circle Music studio and academy, sit down with the people who have not only reached the top but have built a lasting place there. Their guests are Grammy-winning artists, hit songwriters, and seasoned executives-the ones who know what it takes to navigate the complexities of a music career over the long haul. In each conversation, you'll hear the unvarnished details: how a breakthrough actually happened, the collaborations that fell apart or soared, and the practical decisions behind sustaining a life in this business. This isn't about vague inspiration; it's a deep dive into the specific strategies, creative processes, and personal resilience required. Whether you're an aspiring artist, a behind-the-scenes professional, or simply fascinated by the mechanics of the music world, this podcast offers a rare, grounded perspective from those who've truly been there. Tune in for honest talks that aim to provide a clearer map, helping you understand not just how to get your start, but how to build something that lasts.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Made It In Music: Interviews With Artists, Songwriters, And Music Industry Pros
Podcast Episodes
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In part two of this episode, Tim Hunze discusses the ins and outs of Music publishing. He also talks about what makes a song desirable for music publishers. Tim Hunze is currently the VP of publishing at Big Machine Musi…
The Publisher/Songwriter Relationship (Part 1) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:43
In this episode, Tim Hunze discusses the ins and outs of music publishing. He also talks about what makes a song desirable for music publishers. Tim Hunze is currently the VP of publishing at Big Machine Music. Tim has a…
Making Money in Music: Your Questions Answered (Part 2) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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In part 2 of this episode, Riley Taylor sat down with GRAMMY award winning songwriter and producer Seth Mosley for an “Ask Me Anything” session to discuss making money in music. This episode was recorded with our live on…
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Duration: 46:20
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Sam Tinnesz is a singer-songwriter and composer based in Nashville, Tennessee, USA. He is known for his alternative and pop-rock style of music, which often incorporates elements of electronic and cinematic music. Tinnes…
What They Don't Tell You About The Music Industry (Part 1) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:14
Sam Tinnesz is a singer-songwriter and composer based in Nashville, Tennessee, USA. He is known for his alternative and pop-rock style of music, which often incorporates elements of electronic and cinematic music. Tinnes…
What Industry Pros Are Looking For (Part 2) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:17
Brad O’Donnell is Co-President of Capitol Christian Music Group based in Nashville, TN. His wide musical background and ambitious vision has helped him excel in a variety of roles from A&R to marketing and promotion. He…
What Industry Pros Are Looking For (Part 1) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:40
Brad O’Donnell is Co-President of Capitol Christian Music Group based in Nashville, TN. His wide musical background and ambitious vision has helped him excel in a variety of roles from A&R to marketing and promotion. He…