songwriting

Eric Paslay made his return to the Capital Region at the Upstate Concert Hall Friday night. I headed into the show with my GNA family and we got a round of drinks. It felt nice to just kind of kick back and relax to kick off the weekend, even though we were all technically working still.

I love Raelynn. I have been fortunate enough to meet Raelynn on a few occasions and I have taken to just call her "Sunshine" because you truly can not be in a bad mood around her she lights up a room with her childlike joy, smile  and enthusiasm for life...

Many have asked this question - "Richie, what is the process you use to write a song with young kids?".  I'm glad you asked! That's why we've created this short video of a typical day behind the scenes..

You guys are batting three for three.  Another great song has been created out of thin air - and it happened right here ON the air

Although I pretended to be flustered by trying to write a song on the spot, I actually relish the opportunity to do things under pressure.   So Sean and Bethany popped this on me this morning - and it could just become a weekly feature, thanks to how well you all responded! Welcome to "Write A Song Wednesday!!"

How many years is it, Ms Pink?  I'm losing track.  We've been working together for a long time with the Reading, Writing and Rhyming program and it continues to amaze me just how great her classes are.   Here's yet another example.  They broke the friendly and cutsey-ometers this time!

I guess the title says it all here.  It's a good problem to have I guess. I've been inundated with requests this year and although very happy about it, I don't want to shut out "old customers" or new schools who want a visit. Not trying to pressure you, teachers - I'm just saying....

Have you ever wanted to get into Country songwriting? Have you ever wondered about the Country songwriting business? We recently went to the top to ask one of the greatest Country Songwriters in Country Music history some frequently asked questions about songwriting.

We're wrapping up the summer fairly soon.  I want to write a song with kids outside in a real live summer camp setting.  Any camp counselors out there?

I had a whole heap of laughs today.  Two devoted WGNA fans, Rebbecca Castillo and her mother, Ruth Smith, decided to take on the challenge of presenting Toby Keith's Red Solo Cup from a woman' point of view.  So in the spirit of equal time, we present Rebbecca's song parody - recorded right at our studio!

It is!!!  Just ask the kids!  They'll break into song at any moment to tell you about it.  And I was lucky enough to be there to capture it with my handy-dandy recorder.

Woestina Elementary School in Rotterdam, NY is in a tough spot.  Looks like they might possibly close the school and consolidate.  Unfortunately,  it's becoming the way of the world!