Karl Michael on Finding His Sound, Writing with Bruno Mars, and Building Confidence | Ep. 15

Alex Tamashunas on Why Songwriters Deserve More Credit & How Spotify Is Changing That | Ep. 16

Our guest this week has spent her career in the spaces most people don't see: the publishing offices, the writing rooms, and now the streaming platforms quietly shaping what gets heard and who gets credit. As Spotify's Songwriting & Publisher Partnerships Lead, Alex Tamashunas is one of the few people we've met working at the highest levels of this industry with a songwriter's heart still fully intact. In this conversation, Alex opens up about the uphill battle of building real fandom around the people who write the songs, what Spotify's new Song DNA feature means for songwriter visibility, and why AI in the writing room is less a creative tool and more a shortcut that costs you something. She also gets into the advice she wishes more emerging writers heard: the power of first impressions, finding your tribe, and knowing when to shoot your shot. Whether you're trying to navigate publishing, figure out your next move as a songwriter, or just curious about what's really happening inside one of the world's biggest music platforms, we think this one has something for you. We're so grateful Alex made the time to sit with us. Hope you enjoy! 00:00 – Welcome & Intro: Alex Tamashunas 01:00 – How Alex & Willie Met + the Hunter Hayes Connection 03:18 – Growing Up in New Jersey & Falling in Love with Country Music 07:00 – Why Nashville Over LA? Following the Lyric 09:00 – What Does a Music Publisher Actually Do? 11:27 – From Bartending to Publishing to Spotify 13:37 – Spotify's Song DNA Feature & Giving Songwriters Visibility 19:07 – The Gap Between How Much Songwriters Matter & How Little They're Celebrated 23:00 – Building Fandom Around Songwriters: Is the Appetite There? 26:40 – The Double-Edged Sword of Music Personalization & the Loss of a Shared Heartbeat 33:58 – Algorithmic vs. Editor-Curated Playlists: Why Both Matter 35:30 – Advice for Independent Artists & Songwriters Finding Their Footing 43:50 – The Importance of Mentors & Finding a Great Publisher 45:00 – When Songwriters Become Artists: Why Alex Loves Seeing That Transition 48:50 – AI in the Writing Room: Where It Helps & Where It Costs You 56:35 – Authenticity, Connection & What Listeners Are Really Starving For 59:00 – Falling Back in Love with Music & Artist Rec: Annika Bennett 01:03:35 – The Importance of Writing Alone Once a Week Follow Alex Tamashunas: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/alextamashunas/] Follow The Bilby + Ella Show: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/bilbynella/] ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@BilbynElla] ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.tiktok.com/@bilbynella] ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join Our Community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://beacons.ai/bilbynella] Follow Hill: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/hillelliottmusic/] Follow Willie: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/williegoinham/]

Karl Michael on Finding His Sound, Writing with Bruno Mars, and Building Confidence | Ep. 15

London-born artist and songwriter Karl Michael joins the Bilby & Ella Show for a conversation rooted in resilience, identity, and staying power. Raised on rap, soul, and R&B, Karl spent years honing his craft and building momentum as an artist, from competing on The Voice UK to stepping into his own as a solo act. His journey reflects a deep commitment to growth and a willingness to evolve along the way. Now based in Nashville, Karl has written with names like Bruno Mars, Teddy Swims, and Yungblud, while continuing to develop his own sound as an artist. In this episode, he opens up about navigating the highs and lows of the industry, growing in confidence as a vocalist, and learning to trust who he is in the room. It’s a conversation about perseverance, self-belief, and what it takes to keep going when the path doesn’t look how you expected. Be sure to check out Karl’s latest single “Way Less Lonely” available now ahead of his upcoming EP. 00:00 Intro + Welcoming Karl Michael 02:10 Growing Up in London + Early Musical Influences 07:20 Falling in Love with R&B, Soul & Pop 11:40 Chasing Music Full-Time + Early Career Moments 17:20 Early Breaks + Writing Opportunities 23:30 Writing with Bruno Mars + Major Collaborations 28:50 Finding His Sound as an Artist 34:30 Moving to Nashville + Finding His Place 40:10 Overcoming Personal Setbacks + Resilience 45:20 The Highs and Lows of the Music Industry 50:30 Building Confidence as an Artist 54:30 Final Thoughts + What’s Next Follow Karl Michael: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/itskarlmichael/] TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@itskarlmichael] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@KarlMichael] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/itskarlmichael] Follow The Bilby + Ella Show: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/bilbynella/] ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@BilbynElla] ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.tiktok.com/@bilbynella] ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join Our Community⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://beacons.ai/bilbynella] Follow Hill: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/hillelliottmusic/] Follow Willie: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/williegoinham/]

David Dennis on The Belonging Co., Leading Worship & Creative Calling | Ep. 14

Worship leader and artist David Dennis joins us for a conversation rooted in faith, creativity, and calling. Currently serving at The Belonging Co. in Nashville, David has become known for his powerful voice and presence, with many recognizing him from songs like “The Joy” and “I Know That I Know.” But as he shares in this episode, his journey is about far more than the stage. In this conversation, David opens up about his path to Nashville, the challenges and uncertainties he faced along the way, and how his understanding of worship has evolved over time. He gives an honest look at what it means to lead from a place of humility, how to maintain the right posture while performing, and the tension of balancing artistry with a life centered on honoring God. We also dive into the creative process behind worship music, the shifting landscape of Christian music, and what it looks like to pursue both excellence and authenticity in the room and on stage. Whether you’re an artist, worship leader, or creative trying to stay grounded in your purpose, this episode is a real, raw, and encouraging look at building a life and career that’s rooted in something deeper. 00:00 Intro + Meet David 03:10 Georgia to Nashville: David’s Roots 05:35 Growing Up in Church + The Start of His Story 09:34 Belmont, College Years + A Really Hard Season 16:53 How David Got Connected with The Belonging Co. 23:25 Practicing Humility with Your Gifts 30:03 Stepping Back Into Songwriting + Their Creative Process 40:00 Technical vs. Authentic Songwriting 43:00 How David Prepares for Writing Sessions 47:30 Songwriting as a Worship Leader 51:45 Connecting Theology to Songwriting 55:30 Creating Content as a Worship Artist 59:00 Frannie Cash, Forrest Frank, Josiah Queen + More 01:02:45 Entering Your 30s: Life + Perspective Shift 01:07:10 Music That Shaped David + Early Influences 01:15:00 Dream Collaborators for David’s Solo Project 01:18:00 Closing Thoughts + Encouragement Follow David Dennis: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/daviddennisgeorge/] Follow The Bilby + Ella Show: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/bilbynella/] ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@BilbynElla] ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.tiktok.com/@bilbynella] ⁠⁠⁠Join Our Community⁠⁠⁠ [https://beacons.ai/bilbynella] Follow Hill: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/hillelliottmusic/] Follow Willie: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/williegoinham/]

Brett Sheroky on Nashville Songwriting, Surviving Open Heart Surgery & His Debut Album | Ep. 13

Songwriter Brett Sheroky has spent years behind the scenes writing songs for artists like Blake Shelton, Jake Owen, Matt Stell, Cody Jinks, Randall King, and Tucker Wetmore. His songs have climbed the charts, hit #1 on Texas radio, and appeared on shows like The Voice and American Idol. Now, with the release of his debut album Rock Paper Scissors, Brett is stepping out from behind the songs and into the spotlight as an artist. In this episode, Brett joins Bilby & Ella to talk about the craft of songwriting, the realities of navigating today’s music industry, and the long road it takes to build a creative life. He also opens up about a life-changing season that reshaped his perspective on music, career, and the time we’re given to pursue what matters most. Blending the spirit of 90s country with the grit of 70s rock, Brett Sheroky’s music feels both timeless and fresh. This is a conversation about songwriting, resilience, and staying true to the art. Listen now and check out Brett’s debut album Rock Paper Scissors, available everywhere. 00:00 Brett Sheroky’s Open Heart Surgery Story 05:10 Living With a Heart Condition & Perspective on Life 11:20 Brett’s Path Into Songwriting 17:40 Moving to Nashville & Learning the Writing Room 24:05 Live Shows in Nashville + The Dawes Story 31:10 Brett’s Debut Album “Rock Paper Scissors” 38:15 Social Media’s Impact on Discovering Artists 45:45 Brett, Bilby & Ella’s Definition of Success 52:30 The Demand for Authentic Artists Today 59:20 Brett Reflects on 17 Years in Nashville 01:05:40 Breaking Down Other Artists’ Rise 01:12:30 Will AI Be the Next Napster? 01:19:50 Inviting God Into the Songwriting Process 01:26:40 What’s Next for Brett’s Music 01:31:50 Final Thoughts & Wrap Up Follow Brett Sheroky: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/brettsheroky/] TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@brettsheroky] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@BrettSheroky] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/brettsherokymusic/] Website [https://www.brettsheroky.com/] Follow The Bilby + Ella Show: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/bilbynella/] ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@BilbynElla] ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.tiktok.com/@bilbynella] ⁠⁠Join Our Community⁠⁠ [https://beacons.ai/bilbynella] Follow Hill: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/hillelliottmusic/] Follow Willie: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/williegoinham/]

Jeffrey Steele on Being the “Dumbest Guy in the Band,” Honky Tonk Education, & Nashville | Ep. 12

7x Grammy Award–nominated songwriter and Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee Jeffrey Steele joins us for an honest conversation about the craft, calling, and emotional core of songwriting. With more than 60 charting songs including “What Hurts the Most,” “My Wish,” and “The Cowboy in Me,” Jeffrey reflects on the life experiences, observations, and faith that have shaped his voice as a writer. We talk with Jeffrey about his journey from playing rock clubs in Los Angeles to finding his way into Nashville’s writing rooms, and how losing his voice at a pivotal moment forced him to rediscover songwriting from the inside out. Along the way, he shares what it looks like to trust instinct, lean into collaboration, and chase honesty over perfection. Throughout our conversation, Jeffrey offers perspective on creative longevity, the power of being fully present in the room, and why the best songs often come from real conversations and lived experience rather than chasing trends or clever rhymes. This one felt special to us. It’s a masterclass in intuition, humility, and the long game of creativity from one of Nashville’s most influential songwriters, and we hope it encourages you wherever you are in your own creative journey. 00:00 – Introduction & Jeffrey Steele’s Songwriting Journey 02:05 – Do You Write What Was Never Said? 12:16 – From Rock Bands to Nashville Writing Rooms 20:59 – Losing His Voice & Reinventing Himself as a Writer 23:40 – How to Read the Room as a Songwriter 34:20 – “Never Do It for the Money” (Kris Kristofferson Story) 36:56 – Overthinking vs. Letting the Song Happen 46:07 – The Arrangement Behind “The Cowboy in Me” 48:09 – Grief, His Father & “What Hurts the Most” 1:01:38 – Why 90s & 00s Songs Still Hit Today 1:19:13 – Jeffrey Steele’s New Song “A Voice” (Not Being the Second Best Merle Haggard) 1:43:35 – Writing to Help the World, Not Hurt It Follow Jeffrey Steele: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/jsteelemusic/] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@JeffreySteeleMusic] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/JeffreySteeleMusic/] Website [https://www.jeffreysteele.com/] Follow The Bilby + Ella Show: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/bilbynella/] ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@BilbynElla] ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.tiktok.com/@bilbynella] ⁠Join Our Community⁠ [https://beacons.ai/bilbynella] Follow Hill: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/hillelliottmusic/] Follow Willie: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/williegoinham/]