Laura Veltz Launches ‘Songwriter Soup’ Podcast With ‘American Songwriter’

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Grammy-nominated songwriter Laura Veltz has launched a new podcast Songwriter Soup in partnership with American Songwriter, consisting of new hour-long episodes every Monday.

Joined by co-hosts Tracy Hackney and Kevin Sokolnicki, the podcast offers insights into sparing your sanity and saving money in the songwriting business. The first season will feature acclaimed songwriters Luke Dick, Luke Laird, Lori McKenna, Jimmy Robbins and Andy Albert.

“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.

Named Billboard’s 2022 Songwriter of the Year, Veltz has worked with some of music’s biggest stars including Demi Lovato, Maren Morris, Idina Menzel and more. In 2020, she took home the ACM and CMA Awards for Song of the Year, and BMI’s Award for Pop Song of the Year in 2021. Veltz became the first woman to claim the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s Top Country Songwriters chart for “The Bones.” 

“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,” she says. “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 the podcast.

“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.”

 “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.”

Caela Griffin
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