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Songland, Uncategorized

Charlie Puth Becomes First Artist on Songland to Highlight a Songwriter

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On this week’s episode of Songland, Charlie Puth searches for his next big hit. He meets four undiscovered songwriters: Sam DeRosa, Zach Sorgen, Paris Williams, and Joel Adams.

First up is Sam DeRosa with her song, “Pill For This.” Charlie and producers, Shane McAnally, Ester Dean, and Ryan Tedder are blown away by Sam’s performance. Their only real suggestion is to give the song a more intimate feel and strip it back a little. Ester also says she’d love to hear this song as a duet.

Next, Zach Sorgen shares his song, “Habit.” Charlie and the producers love it and call the song ear candy. In terms of feedback, they advise Zach to add a drum beat to give the song more swag. Shane mentions playing with a few of the lyrics as well.

Third, Paris Williams performs her song, “Pity Party.” Charlie and the producers say that the melody is a ten. The only thing left to do is customize the song for Charlie and tailor it so that it feels authentic coming from his point of view.

Last up is Joel Adams with his song, “Hate Love.” Charlie and the producers say that the song is fantastic. They suggest some lyric changes and giving the song more duality.

Having heard all four songs, Charlie now has to decide who will advance to the studio round. He selects Zach Sorgen, Joel Adams, and Sam DeRosa.

During the studio round, Joel pairs up with Ester; Zach pairs up with Ryan; and Sam pairs up with Shane to refine their songs in preparation for the performance round.

When the performance round arrives, Sam kicks things off with “Pill For This.” Charlie and the producers like how the production complements the lyrics and gives the song an angsty feel. Charlie also says that Sam is a very strong singer.

Next, Zach Sorgen performs “Bad Habit.” Charlie and the producers say that the song is“fun and universal. Even better, Charlie says he can picture himself singing it.

Finally, Joel Adams pitches his new version of “Hate Love.” Charlie and the producers find the way Joel and Ester have flipped the concept of hate love to be very clever.

With each of the songs having been refined, Charlie must choose the one he’ll record. He picks Zach’s song, “Bad Habit.”

Following Charlie’s episode of Songland airing, he revealed on Twitter that he chose not to record his own version of the song and let Zach have the honor instead. Charlie sparked controversy over his decision since he performed the song live but did not end up releasing it, which actually hurts the songwriter instead, since a big name isn’t attached to it. Fans who went to search for Puth’s version of the song were left empty handed. The song is also not doing as well on the charts as another song featured on the show “Pill For This” which is also sung by the songwriter.

Next week, OneRepublic visit Songland.

Songland, Television

OLIVIA LANE REVEALS NEW ORIGINAL TRACK ON NBC’S ‘SONGLAND’

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NASHVILLE, TN) – Talented country music singer/songwriter Olivia Lane will showcase her songwriting chops to the world in a brand-new episode of NBC’s premiere songwriting competition series Songland. Olivia will collaborate with Grammy-winning producer Ester Dean on a fresh original track to perform for featured guest artist Leona Lewis. You can watch the episode tomorrow night (8/28) on NBC at 9:00pm ET / 8:00pm CT.

Courtesy of PFA Media

Lane said in an email blast:

I can’t believe my episode of NBC’s Songland airs tomorrow night at 9/8c!
It was such a surreal experience having my song listened to, analyzed, picked apart, and put back together again by 4 powerhouses: Ester Dean, Shane McAnally& Ryan Tedder of OneRepublic. Also Leona Lewis is more beautiful and down to earth in person than you could ever imagine.

Olivia Lane has been receiving critical acclaim for her latest EP The One, released August 9th. PopCulture.com stated that “Olivia Lane is back, and better than ever,” with Entertainment Weekly saying, “she’s got bold, brassy tunes (and incredible pipes) to match those towering talents.” Olivia stopped by the PopCulture studios to perform and talk about some tracks from the EP, you can find the performance and interview HERE.

Songland

Meghan Trainor Gives Kole’s Big Break, Recording “Hurt Me” on Songland

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Meghan Trainor appeared on NBC’s Songland this week. Trainor, who started out in the music business as a songwriter herself, has a special appreciation for the show. It’s about time for songwriters to gain more recognition for their work, she says.

During the episode, Trainor meets four undiscovered songwriters: Brandin Jay, Kole, Zachary Kale, and Josh Wood.

Brandin is up first with his song, “No Money Alright.” Meghan thinks the song is a jam. Producers Ryan Tedder, Ester Dean, and Shane McAnally agree. Their only feedback is to improve the chorus a little and give the song a more modern feel.

Next is Kole, who shares her breakup song, “Hurt Me.” Meghan and the producers call the song ear candy but point out that the arpeggio conflicts with the notes, creating chords that pass over the melodies as Kole is singing.

Third, is Zachary Kale, with “All Over Again,” a love song he wrote about his wife. Meghan and the producers praise the song’s many incredible pieces. However, they think the song might be too bouncy and could possibly work better as a ballad.

Finally, Josh Wood pitches his song, “Alone.” Meghan and the producers say that the chorus has the potential to be a true hit chorus. Still, they want Josh to take advantage of song real estate and use the space in the song to tell a story.

Having heard from all four undiscovered songwriters, it’s time for Meghan to decide who will move to the studio round. She selects Brandin, Josh, and Kole.

Josh works with Shane to ramp up the storytelling and lyrics on “Alone.” Shane wants the lyrics to be playful and to pop more since he and Josh are facing some serious competition in Brandin and Esther and Kole and Ryan.

Ryan helps Kole tweak “Hurt Me.” They edit some of the lyrics, and Ryan tinkers with the production to make it edgier and sound more urban.

Ester and Brandin tackle “No Money Alright.” They play with the narrative and change the lyrics up a little bit so they don’t sound as dated. They also want to give the song more of “Meghan’s vibe.”

When the performance round arrives, Josh goes first with “Alone.” Meghan and the producers all like the lyric, “no joke, I hope I see you never.” Meghan also thinks the beat is cooler than before and says that song has definitely been upgraded.

Kole is next. Her song, “Hurt Me” has become dancy, and Meghan says Kole reminds her of herself.

Brandin sings last. His song has undergone a major transformation, complete with a new title, “We Got Us,” and new lyrics. After hearing him sing, Meghan says she has chills everywhere.

With each of the songs improved, Meghan now has to choose which one to cut. It’s a tough decision because she says she would record all three but she ultimately picks Kole’s “Hurt Me.”

Listen to Meghan sing “Hurt Me” on YouTube.

On next week’s episode of Songland, Aloe Blacc seeks a song for the new movie, Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw.

Songland

The Jonas Brothers Get the Greenlight on Songland

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The Jonas Brothers were this week’s guest artist on NBC’s Songland. They stopped by the show not only with the intention of finding their next hit, but also for a song they felt “connected” to and imagined themselves playing on tour for years to come.

The Brothers were introduced to four undiscovered songwriters: Able Heart, Remmi, Ori, and Rynn.

First up is Able Heart, a former athlete whose Olympic dreams were shattered due to a devastating back injury at 15. Able said he turned to music to help with his recovery and pitches his song, “Greenlight” to Nick, Joe, and Kevin. When Able shares that he just performed for the first time ever, they tell him he did a great job. They like the song’s rock and rap influences and can even see bringing in a DJ to feature on the track. The Brothers and producers, Ester Dean, Ryan Tedder, and Shane McAnally all agree that Able is a “star.” Their only bit of advice is to double the verse before the chorus to fill up some of the empty space in the song.

Next is Remmi with her song, “Flickering,” a track she says is about lost love. The Jonas Brothers and the producers think the song is beautiful and that its message comes through well. They also hone in on the lyric, “I don’t want to be alone tonight” as an opportunity to create a deeper sense of longing and create an opportunity for harmonies.

Third is Ori, an eighteen-year-old who says that writing is his first love. He shares his song, “No Pressure.” The Jonas Brothers and the producers agree that he is comparable to Bon Jovi or Springsteen lyrically, but suggest making the character in the song more likeable. They also want the song to be more modern production wise.

Finally, Rynn sings “Crowded Places,” a song she wrote about missing her loved ones after she moved to Los Angeles to pursue songwriting. The Brothers and the producers all agree that the song is interesting and suggest setting it up to sing the hook. They also think the song could work as a ballad.

Having met all four songwriters, it’s time for Nick, Joe, and Kevin to decide who will advance to the studio round. They select Remmi, Able Heart, and Rynn.

During the studio round, Able Heart works with Ester to transform “Greenlight” into a group song and structure it so that each member of the Jonas Brothers has their own part to sing.

Rynn and Shane work to strengthen the lyrics on “Crowded Places” and connect them to the Jonas Brothers’ lives.

Remmi and Ryan try to differentiate her song from the others because Ryan knows that Nick, Joe, and Kevin won’t like anything too safe, since he just produced their most recent record. They add in a choir and play with harmonies.

Rynn goes first in the performance round with “Crowded Places.” The Jonas Brothers praise the new lyrics, saying that they will resonate now and in the future.

Able Heart is up second with “Greenlight.” Nick, Joe, and Kevin like that the song includes separate parts for everyone.

Finally, Remmi performs her song, whose title has changed to “Do You Think of Me.” The Jonas Brothers say that the song is powerful and lyrically, it connects with them from an emotional standpoint.

Having heard the new and improved versions of each of the songs, the Brothers ultimately decide to record Able Heart’s “Greenlight.”

Watch the music video for “Greenlight” on YouTube.

Next week, Meghan Trainor visits Songland.

Music

Olivia Lane Releases “So Good it Hurts” Music Video!

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(Nashville, TN) – Talented country music singer/songwriter Olivia Lane has unveiled a music video for her latest single, “So Good It Hurts.” Premiering during CMA Fest at Olivia’s first annual Liv It Up fan club party, the video features a jubilant Lane singing about her man as he gets attention from female admirers around town.

“So Good It Hurts” marks the third track released from Olivia’s upcoming EP, The One, out on August 9th. You can stream the song and preorder the EP on all digital platforms at the link provided HERE.

Lane has previously mentioned the song was inspired by the amazing man in her life and she wanted to write a song about how great is!

Olivia will be featured in an upcoming episode of NBC’s long-awaited songwriting competition series Songland. The series, which focuses on finding the next songwriting hit-maker, features a celebrity judge panel that includes Ryan Tedder, Shane McAnally, and Ester Dean – some of the best songwriters in the business today. Olivia will be premiering new music through the show on an episode later this year. Season 1 of Songland premiered May 28th on NBC.