Donnie Winters... the MAN, the LEGEND, the SONGWRITER and (happy to say) MY FRIEND! Most folks only know him as the (very capable) soundman at Douglas Corner Cafe; a "must visit" stop on every songwriters' first (and every) trip to MUSIC CITY... but there is SO MUCH MORE to this amazing songwriter/performer's story. Such as? Well I'll attempt to ke…

Rob Mackay and Garry Koehler. Good things come to those who wait, we're told; this episode will be no exception. Our own VIEW FROM DOWNUNDER correspondent (and rising Country music star in his own right) BRENDAN SMOOTHER takes the helm of the CSSP for an exclusive interview with the award-winning Australian Country duo THE BOBKATZ. THE BOBKATZ is c…

Super-cool graphic by Walter Scattolon. Thanks, Walter! As hard as it is for us to imagine, we've reached the half-century mark. Cincuenta. Cinquante. Cinquanta. Fünfzig. Vijjftig. Caoga. Femtio. Pedeset. Pum Deg Piecdesmit. Fimmtíu. Viisikymmentä. 50. Tsib Caug. Fiddy. vagmaH. L. Any way you say it, it boggles the mind... So for the last episode o…

Here's the part where John Cleese would come out and say, "Now for something completely different"... if we could afford him! Indeed, this episode is unlike any other we've done; as it features an interview with the Nashville-based "Glam Rock" band LIPSTICK. Randy and I visited Greg Troyan and Steve Smith at LIPSTICK HEADQUARTERS recently to speak …

Well we're mighty glad to announce that the interview we did with Nashville living legend, TOMMY TURNER way back in June is finally seeing the light of day! For those not "in the know" as such; Tommy is an amazingly gifted songwriter with an incredibly inspirational story to tell. We'd go into more detail here but better you get the dirt from the m…

THEY thought they could keep us down, hold us back. snuff us out... but NO! The minions of darkness didn't prevail as we are BACK with a vengeance!!! So just WHERE have we been? Funny you should ask. We were RIGHT HERE ALL ALONG. although you (our loyal and adoring public) couldn't tell. Long story short (TOO LATE)? Technical issues (GREMLINS, say …

Photo by Thom Bresh Were y'all starting to think we were dead and gone? Us too (No, not really). Yes, yet another inexcusably long delay in getting this episode out. Life happens, donchaknow? I'd like to make a grand pronouncement about more prompt and regular postings in the future... but I'd hate to paint myself a liar. So how's the new site look…

Steve and Randy doing some last-minute remodeling to Steve's new home Yes, yet another crazy-long delay in getting this episode out. We've actually had this one "in the can" for a month... just couldn't get it posted due to multiple issues including the loss of yet another laptop. Guess it's time to invest in a "good" one for once. Of course, we ca…

Just let me say right here and now: we have THE BEST listeners in the world (and all around it as well)! Period. And this may well be the BEST EPISODE of this show we've ever posted... in spite of (or perhaps as a result of?) the near total absence of we hosts. As promised in EP43; the first show of 2015 features none other than YOU, our beloved li…

To close 2014, Randy and Marie coordinated a full-on ATTACK OF THE CO-HOSTS (past and present); "turning the tables" on Steve and interviewing HIM for a change. Hopefully this won't be too much of a disappointment to those of you who have been patiently (and no-so-patiently) waiting for EP 43... We also announce our plans for the first show of 2015…

Here's a special treat for all our faithful listeners: A success story from an aspiring songwriter that I believe we can all relate to... and such a familiar voice! Angie Perrault is a Nashville transplant from the "Great White North" (aka Minnesota) who relocated to pursue a degree and career in the music business, and wound up a songwriter along …

So we're back with what's really just EPISODE 40 PART TWO (but just pretend it's a whole new episode). We're sure you noticed that it took slightly longer than two weeks to get this episode posted, but we've both been UBER-BUSY. Sorry about that. Before we give you the skinny on the segments for this go-'round, let us first give you a bit of a "hea…

So yeah; it's been awhile. Sorry about that. We've been BUSY, BUSY, BUSY!!! Since so many of you faithful listeners have been requesting MORE episodes (and getting fewer), we decided to record 2 whole shows worth of material in one go. The first half will comprise this episode and the second will be released in two weeks as EP 41. Fair enough? We h…

Welcome back, folks; it's been awhile. Hopefully this episode will have been well worth the wait! Steve discusses the very "bread and butter" of all forms of popular music, "THE HOOK" in NOTES & BOLTS Randy details the life and career of MEL TILLIS in the LEGENDARY SONGWRITER Segment Steve takes a close look at the song that first introduced the le…

Welcome friends and fans! Randy and Steve are (finally) back together and "in the flesh" for this long-awaited episode. Among the fun and frivolity you've come to love and expect; you'll also hear: Steve covering two months worth of emails, phone calls and personal inquiries in the NEWS and SUCH Randy going UNDER THE MICROSCOPE to examine the smash…

Sorry for the delay in posting this episode; life has gotten mighty hectic down here in Nashville as of late. Hopefully this interview will have been well worth the wait. We've always made a point of trying to feature songwriters from as many backgrounds and genres as possible, and we're extremely pleased to bring you an hour with our first verifia…

So kids, you know how we're always telling y'all that we want your feedback and suggestions? That this show is all about YOU, our faithful listeners? That we love each and every one of you and value your opinions? Well, the proof is at hand: an episode detailing the creation of an original song (in this case, the very first Rempis-Finchum compositi…

Yep, after a comedy of errors concerning the production of the April 1st show; the CSSP is back (as promised). For the first time, co-host extraordinaire Randy Finchum will be "flying solo" as he interviews Nashville transplant singer-songwriter ADAM JAMES; who will also be playing a song or two LIVE as well as including an exclusive preview of his…

For Episode 34, we're pleased to bring you an exclusive interview with hit songwriter/performer/teacher BERNIE NELSON. With the help of friend of the show and music journalist extraordinaire, PRESHIAS HARRIS; Steve and Randy were given the chance to experience the event that is CRS (Country Radio Seminar) Nashville and interview Bernie the morning …

Yes folks, Steve and Randy are back in action after attending the annual Nashville CRS (Country Radio Seminar), armed with some great info, an interview for the next episode and... an awful flu bug of some sort that was the bane of many CRS attendees. Such is the life of a "podcaster in the fast lane" I guess. Steve And Randy flanking Country Music…

It's the day after Valentine's day, and we're tickled pink to be bringing you an exclusive interview with Nashville's own MARC-ALAN BARNETTE! Marc-Alan is a veteran songwriter with many credits under his belt, including the "unofficial anthem" of every struggling Nashville songwriter, "TABLES AND CHAIRS" and likely his best-known song (and a favori…

Well folks, we're back to our regularly scheduled programming after two interview releases, and we want to send out a huge THANK YOU to both Bernie Faulkner and Marty Brown for giving us the opportunity to interview them for the show. You can expect periodic updates here on both of these great guys as new developments in their respective careers ar…

He was a founding member of the band EXILE. He "discovered" Billy Ray Cyrus and Montgomery Gentry... only to have them both leave him behind when fame and money came along. He wrote the song "April's Fool" which was on Tracy Lawrence's million-selling album, "Sticks and Stones" and he's more active today than ever! He's BERNIE FAULKNER, a Nashville…

ALL ABOUT YOU is the theme of this episode, and it makes sense: why we do this, why we work hard to give you great content show after show, and why we KEEP ON KEEPIN' ON with this podcast... it's ALL ABOUT YOU! MARVEL as Randy tells the tale of "Cowboy" Jack Clement in the LEGENDARY SONGWRITER SALUTE THRILL as Steve goes UNDER THE MICROSCOPE with t…

Here's our holiday gift to you, our dear listeners! An exclusive interview with Nashville songwriting great LORNA FLOWERS. Lorna moved to Nashville in 2004 after years of commuting from England (!), and has become one of the most respected and well-known writers (as well as producer and educator) in the community. She's had 70+ cuts worldwide, incl…

It's a new co-host, new studio, new gear, practically a whole new show (eh, maybe not)... but you WILL hear all your favorite segments and then some. Listen as: Randy talks co-writing in NOTES AND BOLTS Steve discusses uber-successful writer/producer DESMOND CHILD in theLEGENDARY SONGWRITER SALUTE Randy tells us all about FRIENDS IN LOW PLACES in Y…

Can you believe that the CSSP has been doing what we do for a whole year already? 'Tis true! To celebrate this monumental event, we've put together a really special show for y'all. So be listening for several of your favorite segments, a special guest or two, and the bittersweet announcement that our much beloved co-host Marie Perry is moving on to…

You read right, kiddies. Song Of The Year Grammy Winner, 7-time Songwriter Of The Year nominee and writer of EIGHT #1 hits: RICHARD LEIGH, being interviewed in-person by Steve and Marie at his favorite pub in Pulaski, Tennessee. Richard is best known for his #1 hits, including: I'll Get Over You- Crystal Gayle Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue- Crys…

Our first LISTENER SUBMISSION SPECIAL EPISODE back in May was such a hit with the listeners that we had to do it again... and TWICE AS BIG! Lori Kelly- GOLD https://soundcloud.com/lorikelley Pressureplate- LIES https://www.facebook.com/bradley.ard?fref=ts Serassa- GOTTA GET AWAY https://soundcloud.com/serrasa A.J. Bigler- I'LL BE LOVING YOU http://…

Photo by Mishelle Bergeron Travis Bowlin is an up-and-coming songwriter-performer with a very bright future ahead of him (which explains the shades in the photo)! His gritty and soulful vocal stylings and refreshingly "non-Nashville-sounding" songs set him apart from hordes of other would-be next-big-thing types. This is our first ON LOCATION LIVE …

Yippie-ki-yeh, Songwriters! We're "back to business" in EP22, and darned glad to be here. Listen as: Steve busts out the guitar and shows you that there's still plenty of TREAD ON THE OLD TIRES of even the most-used chord progressions in NOTES AND BOLTS Marie tells all she know about Dallas Frazier in the LEGENDARY SONGWRITER SALUTE Steve "takes th…

"Hey Randy, what number is this take?" It took two tries to get this interview done, but it was well worth the effort. This is our exclusive interview with about-to-explode pro Nashville songwriter RANDY FINCHUM. Randy has had numerous cuts with various Nashville (and abroad) artists, and even came a hare's-breath from penning the theme to the 2012…

Can you believe we've reached EPISODE 20? Wild. Crazy. In fact, that pretty much sums up most of this episode. Within, you'll hear: Marie discusses a few "fool-proof" tests you can perform to determine if your song is "ready" (and any good!) in NOTES AND BOLTS Steve tells a few tales about "The Storyteller" Tom T. Hall in the LEGENDARY SONGWRITER S…

We're excited to share our interview with Nashville songwriter and former HEE HAW regular GERALD SMITH (aka "The GEORGIA QUACKER"), conducted at the offices of his publishing company MELODY ROUNDUP MUSIC on "Music Row" here in the heart of Music City. As well as his "novelty" recordings and the distinction of being the voice of the animated duck on…

It's our MILESTONE 18th EPISODE (which really means very little, but is a great excuse to drink nonetheless!) and we're at your service as always. We're exited to add a NEW SEGMENT (yes, another one), A NEW CONTRIBUTOR, and to bring you (almost) all your favorite segments and features. Why? Because WE LOVE YOU ALL!!! Stay tuned as: Steve busts out …

We've had interviews with some great pro songwriters and even a legendary character or two (and all were interesting, entertaining and informative); but never has one been as fun and fascinating as our recent Skype session with Dallas, Texas-based COMMERCIAL SUICIDE SONGWRITING PODCAST fan and listener, EZRA VANCIL. You may well have heard Ezra's w…

For the first time ever, this episode is going straight from the disk to the world: no corrective editing. This means you'll hear all the "ums", "uhs", coughs (or worse) and verbal missteps made by the both of us. There simply wasn't time for editing this week, so for better or for worse; this is the episode exactly as it "went down" in Marie's den…

After a brief hiatus (approximately one episode), our beloved co-host MARIE PERRY is back, and ready to rock (sort of). In NOTES and BOLTS, Steve will be addressing the dreaded affliction known as WRITER'S BLOCK Marie will discuss the tragic life and fascinating career of Townes Van Zant in her LEGENDARY SONGWRITER SALUTE Steve gets TOO SEXY for th…

That's right; our first ever LISTENER SUBMISSION SPECIAL EPISODE featuring the music of our listeners, including: 1. Daniel Davis Ghost Case Study 0017/ Molly the Maid danieldavismusic.bandcamp.com 2. Steve Thompson Your Point Of View © 2011 Susan Butler Steve Thompson soundcloud.com/sthompson 3. Jimmy Anderson Lower Broadway www.jimmyandersonmusic…

BEST SHOW EVER??? (probably not...) We have no particular theme this time around, but we DO have a few surprises up our collective sleeves. In NOTES AND BOLTS: Marie talks about lyrical imagery and how to turn even the most mundane lines into "mental cinema" for your listeners. Steve shares a (former) guilty pleasure in LEGENDARY SONGWRITER SALUTE,…

If you listened to EPISODE 3 (and SHAME ON YOU if you didn't), you heard Marie talk about today's guest interviewee; KRIS BERGSNES. Kris' writing credits include: All of That Love from Here- Wynonna Judd A Ring Where a Ring Used to Be- Billy Joe Royal Brand New Me- John Michael Montgomery Somebody Must Be Prayin' for Me- Tim McGraw You Didn't Have …

In this, our 11th Episode, we'll be giving you some ideas to kick-start your creativity and generate new songs (or at least the "seeds" thereof) more quickly than ever before. In NOTES AND BOLTS, Steve will be talking all about the so-called "IMMERSION SONGWRITING" technique Marie will discuss the life and career of CRAIG WISEMAN in her LEGENDARY S…

We've reach a milestone of sorts, kiddies... our TENTH EPISODE! Thanks to YOU, our wonderful listeners; we've already achieved things we'd never have thought possible and far exceeded our own expectations. Give yourselves a bow! This episode has no particular theme; just our usual segments delivered with great relish- like a good hot dog. There are…

In this episode's NOTES AND BOLTS segment, Steve will tell you how to use grammatical concepts such as VERB AGREEMENT to ensure that your writing makes SENSE to the reader and/or listener... and will likely make you wish you hadn't slept through all those language classes in school! Marie features none other than KRIS KRISTOFFERSON in the LEGENDARY…

Well folks, you're in for a real treat this time. We've interviewed some truly great songwriters, but never one that even other top-level writers look to in awe. That is, until now. We're thrilled and honored to bring you an interview with a genuine "living legend" JIMBEAU HINSON! Jimbeau's credits include writing: (I'm Settin') Fancy Free (#1 hit …

This will forever be known as the FRANKENSTEIN EPISODE, which I was forced to piece together from a pile of audio files. And as an ADDED BONUS, it features REALLY POOR AUDIO QUALITY! Hooray. Hopefully the content will be worth the inconvenience Today's theme is PURPOSE-DRIVEN SONGWRITING, as will be deftly cover by Marie in NOTES AND BOLTS. WILLIE …

We've done it again, faithful CSSP listeners: another exclusive interview with REAL PROFESSIONAL NASHVILLE SONGWRITERS! But this time, we've done you one better, as both of these writers are also PROFESSIONAL SONGWRITING TEACHERS. Ladies and Gentlemen, the COMMERCIAL SUICIDE SONGWRITING PODCAST proudly presents the married team of DEANNA WALKER and…

In this, our first episode of 2013; we'll "ROCK YOU LIKE A HURRICANE" while "KILLING YOU SOFTLY"! In the "Legendary Songwriter Salute", Marie chronicles the career of Richard("Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue") Leigh- her favorite songwriter! The topic of our "Notes and Bolts" segment,"Similes: Metaphorically Speaking" will be tackled by Steve as h…

It's a COMMERCIAL SUICIDE SONGWRITING PODCAST first (though it certainly won't be a last!): an exclusive interview with #1 hit songwritier KIRSTI MANNA and acclaimed Nashville Music Producer BILL WARNER. Consider this episode to be our holiday gift to YOU, our faithful and beloved CSSP listeners. Have a wonderful and safe holiday season, and be sur…

This episode will be AWESOME... or AWFUL; as we will be discussing the POWER OF OPPOSITES! The topic of "Notes and Bolts" will indeed be all about the POWER OF OPPOSITES; and how they relate to a great song. In the "Legendary Songwriter Salute", Steve will be looking back on the amzing career of William "SMOKEY" ROBINSON (we're sure you'll "Second …