Four-Time GRAMMY®-Nominated Songwriter is Joined by Co-Hosts
Tracy Hackney & Kevin Sokolnicki for Weekly Episodes
Special Guests Include Acclaimed Songwriters Luke Dick, Luke Laird, Lori McKenna, Jimmy Robbins & Andy Albert
Dive Into the Premiere Episode Now
NASHVILLE, TN (March 13, 2023) – Four-time GRAMMY®-nominated songwriter Laura Veltz has partnered with American Songwriter to launch a brand new podcast, Songwriter Soup. Joined by co-hosts Tracy Hackney, Partner, MRWM and veteran wealth management advisor as well as Kevin Sokolnicki, recording engineer and producer, the trio offers healthy recipes for not losing your mind and your money in the songwriting business. Season One special guests will include acclaimed songwriters Luke Dick, Luke Laird, Lori McKenna, Jimmy Robbins and Andy Albert. Listen to Songwriter Soup’spremiere episode here.
Big Machine Music songwriter Veltz has worked with some of the biggest names in music including Demi Lovato, Maren Morris, Idina Menzel and more. Named Billboard’s 2022 Songwriter of the Year, Laura took home both the 2020 ACM and CMA Awards Song of the Year + 2021 BMI Pop Song of the Year for co-penning Morris’ chart-topping smash “The Bones.” The song’s historic reign propelled Veltz to become the first woman to claim the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s Top Country Songwriters chart, staying there for an unprecedented five consecutive weeks. Most recently, Veltz co-wrote Lovato’s “Still Alive” for the new Scream 6 movie, in theaters now.
“We all have thousands, if not millions, of songs living in our brains – they become familiar to sing and impactful enough to connect you back to key moments within your life’s story and yet, most people don’t know of the many great creators and poets behind their favorite lyrics,” shares Veltz. “Songwriters are such a secret that most of us remember the moment we realized songwriting is an actual job and we generally have no idea how to get started, let alone navigate the complexities of the business along the way. With Songwriter Soup, my hope is that some of the things we’ve distilled into words help songwriters live a little bit better, a little easier and enjoy this incredible opportunity to be the world’s emotional interpreter.”
As an audio engineer, Sokolnicki has worked with artists such as Randy Travis, Kenny Rogers and Lynda Carter, among others while Hackney serves as a financial advisor for artists, songwriters, producers and music business executives. Together they bring more than three decades of experience to Songwriter Soup.
“I cannot count the number of times I’ve heard a songwriter say they have no idea how their recorded songs will pay them or if it will pay them at all,” says Hackney. “Songwriter Soup is designed to pull back the curtain on both the money and creative side of songwriting. Whether you’re a longtime songwriter with multiple hits who is dealing with complex business, creative and financial decisions or the avid music fan who wants to know more about how songs get to your ears, we’re digging in with some fun, fascinating people to understand this career that has vital impact on all of our lives.”
Songwriter Soup will release new hour-long episodes every Monday via American Songwriter.
“A songwriter’s path is full of uncertainty and comes with highs and lows creatively, socially and especially financially,” adds Sokolnicki. “That kind of shaky ground can lead to all kinds of anxiety and decisions that leave you questioning everything. This podcast is made for anyone on a creative journey who might need a little encouragement and sound financial advice.”
ABOUT SONGWRITER SOUP: American Songwriter presents its newest podcast, Songwriter Soup, a weekly podcast offering healthy recipes for not losing your mind and your money in the songwriting business. Hosted by 4X GRAMMY®-nominated songwriter Laura Veltz, Partner, MRWM and veteran wealth management advisor Tracy Hackney and recording engineer and producer Kevin Sokolnicki, Songwriter Soup drops a new one-hour episode every Monday, listen here. Season One guests include acclaimed songwriters Luke Dick, Luke Laird, Lori McKenna, Jimmy Robbins and Andy Albert.
ABOUT AMERICAN SONGWRITER: American Songwriter is an international music media company exploring the craft of music by highlighting the world’s greatest songwriters and artists. Songwriters, musicians, and music enthusiasts have trusted American Songwriter to be their home for news, education, and music industry information for over 35 years. Launched in 1986 as a magazine, it has grown into an international website. American Songwriter’s mission is to inform, inspire, and educate songwriters, artists, and music enthusiasts globally. For more information, visit americansongwriter.com.
