Songwriter Connection

Award-winning country singer and songwriter Trey Calloway joins us around the dining room table for a conversation filled with great stories, hard-earned lessons, and plenty of music. Trey has built a respected career on the road and in the songwriting world, earning a loyal fan base with his authentic country sound and heartfelt lyrics.
In this episode of Songwriter Connection, Trey talks about the journey from small-town beginnings to the Nashville music scene, the inspiration behind his songs, and what it takes to stay true to yourself in today’s country music industry. He also shares the stories behind some of his favorite songs and performs them live in the intimate setting that makes this podcast so special.
If you love real country music, honest songwriting, and hearing the creative process straight from the artist, you’ll want to pull up a chair for this one.

This week on Songwriter Connection, we’re joined by Nashville hit songwriter and artist CJ Solar, whose impressive career includes some of the biggest songs and milestones in country music.
CJ co-wrote “Up Down,” recorded by Morgan Wallen and Florida Georgia Line, which became Morgan Wallen’s first No. 1 hit. His songs have also been cut by artists including Jason Aldean, Jameson Rodgers, Jarrod Niemann, Justin Moore, and many others, including a No. 1 with Jameson Rodgers.
CJ’s talent and impact have earned him recognition well beyond the songwriting room. Rolling Stone named him a “New Artist You Need to Know,” while Stone Country and MusicRow Magazine have recognized him as Independent Artist of the Year.
In this episode, CJ takes us behind the songs and shares the stories, experiences, relationships, and lessons that have shaped his journey as both a songwriter and artist. We talk about writing hits, finding your voice, navigating Nashville, and what it takes to build a lasting career in country music.
It’s an honest, inspiring conversation about the connection between the songwriter, the song, and the listener.

This week on Songwriter Connection, we're excited to welcome Nashville singer-songwriter Scott Clay to the show.
Originally from Washington State, Scott shares the story of taking the leap to Music City, chasing his songwriting dreams, and building a career in one of the most competitive music towns in the world. We talk about the inspiration behind his songs, the lessons he's learned along the way, and what keeps him motivated to create authentic country music.
Scott also gives listeners an exclusive look at his brand-new single, "Colorado," sharing the story behind the song before performing live around the dining room table.
From heartfelt conversation to incredible live performances, this episode is packed with great music and the stories that make the songs come alive.

This week on Songwriter Connection, rising Nashville artist Gracie Calvaneso pulls up a chair at the dining room table, joined by her songwriting team, Scott Barrier and Shannyn Bessoni.
Together, they share the stories behind their creative partnership, the songwriting process that brings their ideas to life, and the collaboration it takes to craft songs that connect with listeners. You'll hear discussions about inspiration, co-writing, and the unique chemistry that makes a great songwriting team.
Of course, it wouldn't be Songwriter Connection without music. Gracie, Scott, and Shannyn perform several songs live around the dining room table, giving listeners an intimate look at the songs and the stories behind them.
If you love great songwriting, creative collaboration, and discovering talented artists on the rise, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

This week on Songwriter Connection, I'm joined by Nashville songwriter and guitarist Erik Halbig for a conversation filled with incredible stories, outstanding musicianship, and a lifetime of experiences in Music City.
Erik has shared the stage and studio with some of the biggest names in country music, building a career as one of Nashville's most respected musicians and songwriters. In this episode, we talk about his journey, the lessons he's learned along the way, and what it takes to build a lasting career in the music business.
Of course, it wouldn't be Songwriter Connection without the songs. Erik performs several of his original songs, sharing the inspiration and stories behind the music that have shaped his remarkable career.
Whether you're a songwriter, musician, or simply love hearing the stories behind great songs, you won't want to miss this episode with Erik Halbig.