In this episode of “When Words Fail: Music Speaks,” hosts Blake Moseley, James Cox, and Amanda Dolan dive into the transformative and healing power of music with special guest, country artist Doug Adkins. Here are the key highlights and themes discussed in the episode:

Guest Interview: Doug Atkins

• Musical Background: Doug shares his journey in music, influenced by his upbringing in Montana and his mother’s band, the Cherry Donors.
• Influences: Pays tribute to iconic songwriters Willie Nelson and Ed Bruce.
• Touring Experiences: Insights into life on the road and connecting with audiences.

Songwriting Insights

• Genuine Emotion vs. AI: A deep discussion on the importance of genuine emotion in music, contrasting traditional songwriting methods with AI’s lack of emotional depth.
• Human Collaboration: Emphasis on the irreplaceable value of human collaboration in music creation.
• Songwriting Challenges: Doug recounts the personal challenge of writing 37 songs in a year.

Teaching and Mentoring

• Focus on Melodies: Doug’s approach to teaching songwriting by focusing on melodies first.
• Mentoring Younger Musicians: Encouraging the next generation of songwriters.

Upcoming Projects

• 11th Album: Doug is preparing to record his 11th album, aiming to tell complete stories through his songs.
• New Album Release: Announcing a new album set to release in January 2025.

Personal Reflections

• Favorite Artists: Reflection on favorite country artists and Neil Diamond’s “The Jazz Singer.”
• Inspiration: The story behind his song “Dirt Roads and Fence Lines.”
• Contemporary Country Music: Expressing confusion and thoughts about the current state of country music.

Listener Engagement

• Online Presence: Encouragement for listeners to engage with Doug’s music online.

Sponsors and Discounts

• Betterhelp: Affordable mental health care with experienced therapists and a 10% discount for new users.
• Bones Coffee Company: Unique coffee flavors for coffee enthusiasts.
• All Above Landscaping: Landscaping services in Sumter with exclusive discounts for podcast listeners.

Tune in to explore the soulful journey of Doug Atkins and gain insights into the authentic process of creating music that resonates deeply with listeners.