Preview Mode Links will not work in preview mode

The Unstarving Musician


The Unstarving Musician’s Podcast features interviews with indie music artists an industry pros who share their experience and expertise on songwriting, recording, touring, getting gigs, marketing, and much more. It’s all intended to help indie artists to more of what they love–make music.

Feb 10, 2023

Drew Ryder Smith in black v-neck tee on black background

My guest for this episode is a country singer-songwriter, Drew Ryder Smith. He just released three new singles, which were delayed because of a dilemma caused by the many other Drew Smiths on streaming platforms and elsewhere. But the songs are out now and they sound great!

The recording quality of this episode is quite good. Drew clearly had a nice home setup and his speaking voice is as good as it gets.

Drew has been a professional songwriter for about ten years but has recently decided to return to the life of touring and releasing songs as a solo artist. His work has been recorded in many countries including the US, Canada, Ireland, Germany, and Australia, by legends like Merle Haggard, Randy Houser, Rob Snyder, Jason Charles Miller, Kevin Denney, John Schneider, and Australian-Canadian country singer Gord Bamford.

Before becoming a full-time songwriter for a publishing house, Drew had it going on as a touring musician. He'd opened for Don Williams, Big & Rich, Lee Brice, and Lady A. He also opened for Merle Haggard at the Ryman Auditorium with industry executives, John Prine, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, and Keith Urban in the audience. He is the owner of Gray Sound Recording, working as a producer and senior mixing engineer, and the creator of The Before You Record Course.

Drew released a song called Exes in September of 2022, which was one of the 15 most added songs for digital radio for multiple weeks following its release. He just dropped three new songs titled The Bottom Of It, Call Me Back, and Don't Wake Me Up. We talk about these songs plus: website platforms (he's used them all), his home base of Nashville, his ties to Fort Worth Texas, growing up in Tennessee, pneumonia, songwriting vocationally, touring, recording, the origins of "Robonzo", some of our favorite legendary drummers, and more.

We spent quite a bit of time on pneumonia and Covid, but I only left some of that in the final edit. We may have digressed before ever touching on a music-related discussion. However, I think it was somewhat therapeutic for us both.

Please enjoy my conversation with Drew Ryder Smith.

Support the Unstarving Musician

The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.

Learn how you can offer your support.

This episode was powered by The Gigging Musician Podcast. Host Jared Judge says that playing music for live audiences is one of the most rewarding things on the planet. On his podcast, Jared dissects everything that goes into being a successful gigging musician. Hear it at www.GiggingMusicianPodcast.com or wherever you get your podcasts.

This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career.

Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?

To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.

This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes.

Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.

Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.

Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.

Mentions and Related Episodes

DrewRyderSmith.com

ACM Awards

CMA Awards

Drew's Behind the Scenes studio vocal effect

Drew's latest releases and socials 

Being A Successful Gigging Musician – Jared Judge (Ep 225)

Getting Paid for What You Are Worth - Robonzo on The Gigging Musician Podcast 

Resources

The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo

Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income

Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music

Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.

More Resources for musicians

Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure)  Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!


Visit UnstarvingMusician.com to sign up for Liner Notes to learn what I'm learning from the best indie musicians and music industry professionals.

Stay in touch!

@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter  and  Instagram

@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook  and  YouTube