Episodes
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Funding for this program is provided by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners and presented by Home By Dark, The City of Alpharetta, Fulton County Arts & Culture, and Arts Alpharetta.
A SONG CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE podcast features one-on-one interviews with professional songwriters. Episodes may cover a variety of subjects such as the writer’s background, their introduction to songwriting, the creative process, the demo recording process, pitching songs, the business of professional songwriting, sources of inspiration, and poignant moments in their career. Every show focuses on one song from the writer’s catalog that has had significant impact on the world, the writer, or the host.
Featured Guest – Marcia Ramirez www.marciaramirez.com
Many people have seen Marcia Ramirez performing on stage with artists such as Rodney Crowell, Patty Loveless, Pam Tillis and Tanya Tucker. Now people are discovering Marcia's own music as she's becoming an in-demand performer at many venues across the country, such as the world famous "Bluebird Cafe" in Nashville, TN. Marcia is a multi-instrumentalist, as well as one of Nashville's busiest session singers. Marcia has recorded five solo albums.
Her song, "God and My Girlfriends" is on Reba McEntire's project, "Sing It Now: Songs of Faith and Hope", and her song "You Belong in The Sun" is on Jo Dee Messina's Greatest Hits, garnering Marcia her first Gold Record.
Marcia has also had her songs cut by American Idol finalist Scott McIntyre, Australian Country Music Star Melinda Schneider, Grand Ol' Opry stars, The Whites, Nashville Star finalist Rachel Williams and many others, including Brandon Rhyder, Supersonic Blues Machine, Leather and Lace, Shari Rowe and Canadian Star Tara Oram. She is currently touring with pop legend Christopher Cross and squeezing in her own shows across the country as well. -
Funding for this program is provided by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners and presented by Home By Dark, The City of Alpharetta, Fulton County Arts & Culture, and Arts Alpharetta.
A SONG CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE podcast features one-on-one interviews with professional songwriters. Episodes may cover a variety of subjects such as the writer’s background, their introduction to songwriting, the creative process, the demo recording process, pitching songs, the business of professional songwriting, sources of inspiration, and poignant moments in their career. Every show focuses on one song from the writer’s catalog that has had significant impact on the world, the writer, or the host.
Featured Guest - Danny Mitchell www.dannymitchellmusic.com
Danny Mitchell is a pianist, singer, composer, and songwriter. He currently plays piano, organ, sings background vocals, and is the band leader for multi-platinum recording artist Miranda Lambert.
As an artist & songwriter, Mitchell has performed around the country in venues including Chicago's House of Blues, Hollywood's Hotel Cafe, and Nashville's famed Grand Ole Opry. As a solo artist, Mitchell has released four studio albums.
He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point in jazz piano and composition – his compositions ranging from small chamber pieces to full symphonic works. His Dawning of a Soul was performed by the National Wind Ensemble in New York City’s Carnegie Hall under the direction of H. Robert Reynolds. The Home of the Great Spirit was commissioned by the Lakeshore Wind Ensemble Association for the 25th Anniversary of the University of Wisconsin-Manitowoc Lakeshore Wind Ensemble.
In 2021, Mitchell was commissioned by a consortium of University of Wisconsin-system schools to compose a piece of music that reflected the hardship we experienced during the pandemic of 2020 and beyond. From the Depths We Rise received its world premiere by the University of Wisconsin-Madison wind ensemble under the direction of Scott Teeple in April 2022 at the CBDNA North Central Division Conference.
For more information about the Alpharetta Arts Center and its upcoming events, visit https://www.alpharetta.ga.us/government/departments/recreation-parks/alpharetta-arts-center -
Missing episodes?
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A SONG CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE podcast features one-on-one interviews with professional songwriters. Episodes may cover a variety of subjects such as the writer’s background, their introduction to songwriting, the creative process, the demo recording process, pitching songs, the business of professional songwriting, sources of inspiration, and poignant moments in their career. Every show focuses on one song from the writer’s catalog that has had significant impact on the world, the writer, or the host.
Featured Guest on DECEMBER 4 @ 7:00pm ET – Carole Ford homebydark.com/caroleford
Carole Ford's music has reached thousands of people around the world. As a songwriter she's reached Top Ten success on the CCM charts, had a placement on the soap opera “The Young & The Restless” and song cuts by numerous gospel and indie artists. As a performer, she’s been on stages across the US and abroad and has released two solo CDs.
Growing up in Macon, Carole currently resides in Kennesaw, GA and is a touring member of HOME BY DARK.
For more information about the Alpharetta Arts Center and its upcoming events, visit https://www.alpharetta.ga.us/government/departments/recreation-parks/alpharetta-arts-center -
Funding for this program is provided by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners and presented by Home By Dark, The City of Alpharetta, Fulton County Arts & Culture, and Arts Alpharetta.
A SONG CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE podcast features one-on-one interviews with professional songwriters. Episodes may cover a variety of subjects such as the writer’s background, their introduction to songwriting, the creative process, the demo recording process, pitching songs, the business of professional songwriting, sources of inspiration, and poignant moments in their career. Every show focuses on one song from the writer’s catalog that has had significant impact on the world, the writer, or the host.
Featured Guest on NOVEMBER 6 @ 7:00pm ET – Christopher Alan Yates www.caymusic.info
Christopher Alan Yates’ musical roots began at the feet of his father, who was a country guitarist and bluegrass bassist. As a child, Yates’ introduction to performing live music started with neighborhood parties, fish fries, and barbeques. His talent grew quickly, and he embarked on a lifelong career in music.
A regular on the Atlanta music scene, Yates’ fans have followed as he has morphed into a collaborative artist who writes and performs both solo and with friends and writer’s groups. From country to pop to pure rock, his albums “Familiar Fire”, “Mint Condition”, and ‘Red” cover a wide sonic spectrum.
A desire to understand all elements of music production and a need to control the quality of his work led him to become an audio engineer with an impressive resume on and off stage. Yates has worked and performed with some of the most renowned artists and music acts in the industry, including Drivin’ n Cryin, Collective Soul, REHAB, Shawn Mullins, Marc Broussard, The White Buffalo, John Waite, The White Stripes, Randall Bramblett, Sonny Emory, Ed Sheeran, Michael Tolcher, Kevin Griffin, Sheila E., Speech (from Arrested Development), Scott Stapp, Ringo Starr, Sister Hazel, and more.
In 2011, Yates co-founded The Sweet Tea Project along with Ed Roland, best known as the frontman of the rock band Collective Soul. The group made its debut via a cover of "Shelter from the Storm" on the 2012 Bob Dylan tribute, “Chimes of Freedom” which debuted in the U.S at number 11 on the Billboard 200. The Sweet Tea Project released their debut album, “Devils 'N Darlins”, in September of 2013. Their second album, “Alder Lane Farm” was released in 2017.
For more information about the Alpharetta Arts Center and its upcoming events, visit https://www.alpharetta.ga.us/government/departments/recreation-parks/alpharetta-arts-center
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You can also watch this interview on YouTube at https://youtu.be/onfBiGitXgo
A SONG CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE podcast features one-on-one interviews with professional songwriters. Episodes may cover a variety of subjects such as the writer’s background, their introduction to songwriting, the creative process, the demo recording process, pitching songs, the business of professional songwriting, sources of inspiration, and poignant moments in their career. Every show focuses on one song from the writer’s catalog that has had significant impact on the world, the writer, or the host.
Featured Guest on this episode is Jenn Bostic jennbostic.com
Jenn Bostic’s song “Jealous of the Angels,” written for her late father, was championed by both Smooth Radio and BBC Radio 2. She has performed the song on BBC Breakfast, Weekend Wogan, Good Morning Sunday and Songs of Praise. The music video has over 3 million views on YouTube. She has had four singles playlisted at BBC Radio 2, the most listened to radio station in Europe.
In 2012 she won five Independent Country Music Association Awards including "Best Songwriter," "Best Musician," and "Overall Winner." Bostic was also named “International Touring Artist of the Year” in both the 2017 and 2018 British Country Music Awards. In 2018, she was nominated for "International Album of the Year" and "International Song of the Year" for Revival.
She has performed sold out tours across the United States and Europe, and has opened for the likes of Richard Marx, Christian Kane and The Band Perry. Venues have included The Grand Ole Opry, The Ryman Auditorium, and Jazz at Lincoln Center. Her latest project Take My Hand Part 1, was recorded with Grammy nominated producer and hit songwriter Lauren Christy, debuting at #11 on the iTunes Christian/Gospel Chart.
Funding for this program is provided by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners and presented by Home By Dark, The City of Alpharetta, Fulton County Arts & Culture, and Arts Alpharetta. -
A SONG CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE podcast features one-on-one interviews with professional songwriters. Episodes may cover a variety of subjects such as the writer’s background, their introduction to songwriting, the creative process, the demo recording process, pitching songs, the business of professional songwriting, sources of inspiration, and poignant moments in their career. Every show focuses on one song from the writer’s catalog that has had significant impact on the world, the writer, or the host.
Our featured guest on this episode is Michael Logen www.michaellogen.com
Logen grew up in the small college town of Lewisburg, in North Central Pennsylvania. He was raised listening to Americana and Folk classics like Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard and Gordon Lightfoot. He comes from a musical family and learned to play guitar from his dad.
Michael's songs have been featured on many TV shows including multiple placements on “Nashville”, “Suits”, “Parenthood”, “The Fosters” and “One Tree Hill.” Logen's folk song, “Couldn't Ask For a Better Friend” played prominently throughout the 2016 Rio Olympics when it was chosen by Folgers as the theme for their award-winning ad. Billboard Magazine also did a write-up on Logen's song in their article, “Olympic Gold.”
Michael has performed in every state in the continental US as well as in the UK, Denmark, The Netherlands, France, and Spain, opening for such artists as John Hiatt, John Legend, India.Arie, Jonny Lang and Mat Kearney.
A prolific songwriter, Michael’s songs have been recorded by many artists including Jonny Lang, Mat Kearney, Brandon Heath, The Greencards, Paul Carrack, Will Hoge and Sister Hazel. Most notably, he wrote “Breaking Your Own Heart” which was covered by Kelly Clarkson on her Platinum-Selling, Grammy-Winning album, “Stronger.”
Funding for this program is provided by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners and presented by Home By Dark, The City of Alpharetta, Fulton County Arts & Culture, and Arts Alpharetta.
For additional episodes, visit us at www.asongcanchangeyourlife.com
More links:
City of Alpharetta: www.alpharetta.ga.us
Fulton County Arts: http://fultonarts.org/
Alpharetta Arts Center: https://www.alpharetta.ga.us/government/departments/recreation-parks/alpharetta-arts-center -
HOME BY DARK keyboardist, Jim Hettinger, is an accomplished songwriter and his solo performances are a highlight ay every show.
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Another powerful evening of music and stories that will forever change us. Our featured guests were dear friends Danny Mitchell and Cindy Morgan. joined by the sublime HOME BY DARK band. Recorded live in Alpharetta, Georgia, this show reflects the love of a giant neighborhood coming together. So sit back, relax, close your eyes, and enjoy an evening with HOME BY DARK!
SET LIST:
Last Night Left On Earth - Danny Mitchell
Breaking Heart - Cindy Morgan
You, God, and Me - Danny Mitchell
Dear Life - Cindy Morgan
Can't Take You Anywhere - Danny Mitchell
Bird in a Cage - Danny Mitchell and Cindy Morgan
Heart Rhythms - Danny Mitchell
How Could I Ask for More - Cindy Morgan
Somewhere Over the Rainbow - Matt Blanchard
In the Red - Cindy Morgan
Coming Home - Danny Mitchell
HOME BY DARK is:
Carole Ford - Background Vocals
Vanessa Conner - Background Vocals
Jim Hettinger - Piano/Keys/Accordion
Steve Cuningham - Electric Guitar/Lap Steel / Mandolin
Michael Shetler - Bass
Matt Blanchard - Saxophones/Percussion
James Casto - Drums
Audio Engineer/"HBD Live In Concert" Editing - Jarrod Knabel
"HBD Live in Concert" Editing - Jacob Martin
WEB:
www.dannymitchellmusic.com
www.cindymorganmusic.com
www.homebydark.com -
Home By Dark, The City of Alpharetta, Fulton County Arts & Culture, and Arts Alpharetta present the latest episode of A SONG CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE. Recorded at the Alpharetta Arts Center Black Box, the show can be heard on all major podcast outlets and viewable at facebook.com/homebydark
A SONG CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE podcast features one-on-one interviews with professional songwriters. Episodes may cover a variety of subjects such as the writer’s background, their introduction to songwriting, the creative process, the demo recording process, pitching songs, the business of professional songwriting, sources of inspiration, and poignant moments in their career. Every show focuses on one song from the writer’s catalog that has had significant impact on the world, the writer, or the host.
Tony Arata was born in Savannah, Georgia and grew up on nearby Tybee Island. While studying for a journalism degree from Georgia Southern University, he began performing his original songs in local bands. In 1986, he and wife, Jaymi, moved to Nashville where his unique, soulful style began to get the attention of people like Allen Reynolds and Garth Brooks. Garth to date has recorded seven of Tony’s songs, and “The Dance” won song of the year at The Academy of Country Music and received both a Country Music Association and a Grammy nomination, as well as a most performed song in Radio and Records Magazine. He has also had No. 1 records with “Here I Am” for Patty Loveless, “I’m Holding My Own” for Lee Roy Parnell, and “Dreaming with My Eyes Open” for Clay Walker. Other artists who have recorded his songs include Emmylou Harris, Bonnie Raitt, Trisha Yearwood, Delbert McClinton, Don Williams, Reba McEntire, Suzy Bogguss, and Hal Ketchum. Tony has also done three solo albums featuring new songs, covers, and guest appearances by many of Nashville’s finest musicians as well as folks who have recorded his songs, including Garth, Patty, and Lee Roy Parnell.
On this episode of A SONG CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE, Tony talks about his hit song “Here I Am” recorded by country superstar Patty Loveless. -
A SONG CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE podcast features one-on-one interviews with professional songwriters. Episodes may cover a variety of subjects such as the writer’s background, their introduction to songwriting, the creative process, the demo recording process, pitching songs, the business of professional songwriting, sources of inspiration, and poignant moments in their career. Every show focuses on one song from the writer’s catalog that has had significant impact on the world, the writer, or the host.
Featured Guest on NOVEMBER 8 @ 7:00pm – Cindy Morgan cindymorganmusic.com
From gospel to pop to Americana, Cindy Morgan is an insightful voice across musical genres as she has grown to become one of Nashville’s acclaimed songwriters. An East Tennessee native, Morgan’s evocative melodies and brilliant songwriting have poetically and prolifically mined the depths of life and love both in her own recording and through songwriting for noteworthy artists around the globe.
Coming off her her 2015 release, Bows & Arrows (Folk Album of the Year at the Canadian Covenant Awards), Morgan has moved through a significant season of loss and change which has proved to be rich soil for the soul and has led to the release of the 2019 EP Autumn & Eve: Old Testaments Volume I. The first in a three-part series, listeners will find a familiarity and a freshness in the moody, Americana nature of Morgan’s latest EP, as she explores the places where her own story meets the ancient stories. The songs infuse Old Testament struggles with modern day heartache. “Weight,” the first single from the forthcoming EP, combines Morgan’s signature vocals with a modern folk earnestness, and is available November 2018.
Nashville singer/songwriter Cindy Morgan is a two-time GRAMMY® nominee, a thirteen-time Dove winner, and a recipient of the prestigious Songwriter of the Year trophy. Morgan has 21 number one radio hits to her credit, and has penned songs for notable artists including David Archuletta, Vince Gill, India.Arie, TJ Shepherd, Rascal Flatts, Ricky Skaggs, Amy Grant, Glen Campbell, Mandisa, Natalie Grant, Michael W. Smith, Point of Grace, Brandon Heath, Britt Nicole, Sandra McCracken, Josh Garrels, Sierra Hull, Kris Allen, and EchoSmith among many others. In 2017, Morgan’s song “Bird in a Cage” was performed by Robert Redford and Sasha Lazard in the movie Blind starring Alec Baldwin and Demi Moore. Cindy has authored three books, Barefoot on Barbed Wire (Harvest House Publishers, 2001), Dance Me Daddy (HarperCollins, 2009), and her memoir, How Could I Ask for More (Worthy Inspired, 2015) in addition to being a co-creator of the charitable Hymns for Hunger Tour, which has raised awareness and resources for hunger relief organizations across the globe.
On this episode of A SONG CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE, Cindy discusses her deeply personal song, “Dear Life.” -
NEXT EPISODE – Sunday, October 25 at 7:00pm
Listen on all major podcast outlets and at asongcanchangeyourlife.com. Watch at facebook.com/homebydark
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Alpharetta, GA. – Home By Dark, The City of Alpharetta, Fulton County Arts & Culture, and Arts Alpharetta present the latest episode of A SONG CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE podcast available Sunday, September 13 at 7:00 PM. Recorded at the Alpharetta Arts Center Black Box, the show can be heard on all major podcast outlets and viewable at facebook.com/homebydark
A SONG CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE podcast features one-on-one interviews with professional songwriters. Episodes may cover a variety of subjects such as the writer’s background, their introduction to songwriting, the creative process, the demo recording process, pitching songs, the business of professional songwriting, sources of inspiration, and poignant moments in their career. Every show focuses on one song from the writer’s catalog that has had significant impact on the world, the writer, or the host.
Featured Guest on OCTOBER 25 @ 7:00pm – Emily Shackelton lizrosemusic.com/emily-shackelton
Emily Shackelton is a songwriter from Biwabik, Minnesota. After studying at Berklee College of Music, where she won the coveted BMI John Lennon Songwriting Competition. Shackelton has penned the Carly Peace single, “Every Little Thing,” which hit No. 1 on the MusicRow CountryBreakout chart, as well as Lauren Alaina’s single, “Doin’ Fine.”
Emily was awarded 2018 Music Row’s Breakout Songwriter of the Year. She has had several songs featured on TV shows like American Idol and ABC’s Nashville, including “Love Like Mine” sung by Hayden Panettiere and featured on the gold-selling, season one, soundtrack.
Her catalog includes cuts by Reba McEntire, Carly Pearce, Runaway June, Sara Evans, Jana Kramer, David Cook, Seth Ennis, Mickey Guyton, Cassadee Pope, and more.
In 2017 she signed a new co-venture with Liz Rose Music, Altadena, and BMG.
For more information about the Alpharetta Arts Center and its upcoming events, visit https://www.alpharetta.ga.us/government/departments/recreation-parks/alpharetta-arts-center -
Home By Dark, The City of Alpharetta, Fulton County Arts & Culture, and Arts Alpharetta present the latest episode of A SONG CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE podcast recorded at the Alpharetta Arts Center Black Box. Our guest for this episode is Kyshona Armstrong.
Kyshona Armstrong, a music therapist gone rogue, has a natural gift for using music to tap into emotion. She began her career as a music therapist, working in mental health hospitals and correctional facilities, writing music with her patients and using music to redirect behaviors and emotions. Kyshona soon found the need to write music independently to help her process her daily experiences with clients.
Born in South Carolina and raised in a family of gospel quartet musicians, Kyshona’s musical upbringing was swamped in a myriad of influences from Beethoven to Guns n’ Roses. Today, audiences will often find a common thread of overcoming, hope, and empowerment in her songwriting and storytelling.
Earlier this year, Kyshona released her new LP Listen, co-produced with Andrija Tokic (St. Paul & The Broken Bones, Alabama Shakes, Hurray For The Riff Raff) and recorded mostly at his famed Nashville studio The Bomb Shelter.
Billboard said, “LISTEN highlights Kyshona’s descriptive songwriting and soulful vocals alongside a versatile blend of folk, rock and R&B influences. While Kyshona sings of fear, hope, community, love and understanding throughout the 10-track project, she also finds herself.”
NPR’s All Songs Considered said, “I don’t think it’s a coincidence that she called it LISTEN, because she has that very real conviction that the act of listening and the feeling of being heard are fundamental human needs…there’s that sense of purpose in the language that she chooses, that sense of speaking in a collective way. There are particular songs where she will address ‘Brothers and Sisters…hear what I’m saying.’ It’s stately, noble language, and sometimes it’s optimistic, and sometimes it’s more confrontational…it’s always emphatic, but it’s also warm.”
Kyshona has shared the stage with Margo Price, Wynonna Judd, Lake Street Drive, Meiko, Even Stevens, JD McPherson, Fink, Devon Gilfillian, and many more. Deemed “One of the most compassionate and uplifting young voices in Nashville today.” by NPR Music’s World Cafe, Kyshona’s music has been heard on Issa Rae’s (HBO’s Insecure) short film series, and major prime time television shows on ABC, CBS and NBC
On this episode of A SONG CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE, Kyshona and host, James Casto, dive into her powerful song More In Common.
For more information about the Alpharetta Arts Center and its upcoming events, visit www.alpharetta.ga.us/government/departments/recreation-parks/alpharetta-arts-center -
Emily Shackelton with HOME BY DARK.
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Another beautiful song from our talented friend, Georgia Middleman. Learn more about Georgia at www.georgiamiddleman.com
For HOME BY DARK tour dates, videos, and more, go to www.homebydark.com -
A longtime HBD favorite. Follow Danny at www.dannymitchellmusic.com
For HOME BY DARK tour dates, videos, and more, go to www.homebydark.com -
Carole Ford www.homebydark.com/carole-ford
For HOME BY DARK tour dates, videos, and more, go to www.homebydark.com -
Another beautiful song from the very talented Sarah Darling. Follow Sarah at www.sarahdarling.com
For HOME BY DARK tour dates, videos, and more at www.homebydark.com -
He's simply one of the best sax players on the planet. Much of this recording was improvised, which makes this song even more incredible. Follow Matt at www.mattblanchard.com
For HOME BY DARK tour dates, videos, and more, go to www.homebydark.com -
Jo Dee Messina cut this song years ago and did a great job. And we REALLY love hearing it performed from the writer, Marcia Ramirez! Follow Marcia at www.marciaramirez.com
For HOME BY DARK tour dates, videos, and more, go to www.homebydark.com -
This was such a powerful evening of music and love! Our featured guests were the supremely talented Michael Logen and Liz Longley. joining the sublime HOME BY DARK band. Recorded on a perfect summer night in Alpharetta, Georgia, we'll remember this show for a long time. So now the rest is up to you. Sit back, close your eyes, and enjoy an evening with HOME BY DARK!
SET LIST:
Mystery - Michael Logen
Weightless - Liz Longley
What You're Looking For - Michael Logen
Bad Habit - Liz Longley
Human After All - Michael Logen
Torture - Liz Longley
Piano Solo - Jim Hettinger
Airborne Ranger Infantry - Michael Logen
When You've Got Trouble - Liz Longley
Cannonball Embrace - Michael Logen
Funeral For My Past - Liz Longley
HOME BY DARK is:
Carole Ford - Background Vocals
Vanessa Conner - Background Vocals
Jim Hettinger - Piano/Keys/Accordion
Mike Waldron - Electric Guitar
Michael Shetler - Bass
Matt Blanchard - Saxophones/Percussion
James Casto - Drums
Audio Engineer/"HBD Live In Concert" Editing - Jarrod Knabel
"HBD Live in Concert" Editing - Jacob Martin
WEB:
www.michaellogen.com
www.lizlongley.com - Show more
