Songwriters Unblocked

In this episode we chat with songwriter Matt Marino about his journey in music. Uncovering the profound impact of finding peace in his life and the transformative influence of living on a farm on his creative process. Marino generously breaks down his songwriting techniques, offering an intimate look into the authentic experiences that have profoundly shaped his career. We'll also get into his move to LA and the hustle of maki...

Join Sierra and Sarah as they peel back the layers of the songwriting process, uncovering the magic behind the music. Discover how Sarah draws inspiration from diverse sources to craft songs that resonate with authenticity and connect with a broad audience.

In this candid conversation, the duo delves into the dynamics of the Nashville music industry, shedding light on the intricacies and hurdles faced by artists. Additiona...

Welcome to a special episode of "Songwriters Unblocked" with your host, Sierra Cornell, featuring the incredibly talented Christina Martin. In this unique session, Sierra and Christina embark on a journey through the seasons of Christina's life, exploring the intricacies of the Austin music scene and the profound influence of her Canadian roots.

Buckle up for an authentic and unfiltered conversation as Sierra and Chri...

 Unlock the secrets to creative relationships, dive into identity exploration, and revolutionize your perspective on the industry with the enigmatic Natalie Sharata! In this episode, we'll explore the dynamic world of creative collaborations, delve deep into the realm of personal identity, and unveil groundbreaking ideas to transform your industry. Join us for a thought-provoking conversation that's bound to inspire and e...

In this episode, we take a journey through Rodney's impressive career, starting with his roots in Los Angeles and leading to his current role as the Chair of the Songwriting Department at Berklee College of Music. We explore the evolution of his career, from his early days in the industry to touring the world and ultimately transitioning into education.

Rodney shares his valuable insights into networking and building meaningful...

Join us as we explore the fascinating life and career of Grammy-nominated and Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame nominated songwriter Bob Regan. Discover valuable insights into the music industry from his perspective.mWe'll also uncover the meaningful impact of music on veterans and active-duty military personnel through Bob's passion project, Operation Song®. This nonprofit has provided healing and empowerment, allowing ...

In this episode, Sierra talks with Sophie Truax, a talented queer songwriter and artist hailing from Seattle, WA, and currently based in Los Angeles. At just 22 years old, Sophie writes concept-driven and left-of-center lyrics. With a diverse range of influences, they skillfully navigate various genres while also releasing music under their own artist project.

Explore songwriting with Sophie as she shares her insights and unique app...

Welcome to a captivating conversation with LA songwriter, Karissa Bone. Join us as we delve into her music, a blend of raw, honest lyrics and pop aesthetics that channel influences from Bon Iver to Olivia Rodrigo. In this episode, we explore Karissa's music school journey, her embrace of criticism, and the art of finding inspiration in the everyday. We also reflect on how our appreciation for music has transformed since enteri...

 Join us this episode as we delve into the themes of being seen as songwriters and artists, trusting the journey of our careers, and discovering our unique message. Learn why embracing the journey itself is the key to personal and artistic growth. Riley Wells shares her unique path, fusing spirituality with music, making tunes fit for modern-day goddesses. Gain a fresh perspective on art, self-expression, and personal growth. Get r...

In this captivating episode, Sierra and Percy embark on a journey through the ever-evolving landscape of technology, reflecting on their own experiences as kids. They confront the demons of perfectionism and share valuable insights on recognizing that elusive moment when a song is truly complete.

Percy Bluu (born Grant Keller Robertson) is an American songwriter/recording artist/mix engineer from Memphis, TN. Although he&a...

Sierra and Sara have a candid discussion about how their approach to music has evolved during their time in the industry. They emphasize the importance of choosing the right creative path and share practical insights on unconventional ways to earn a living as a songwriter.

Sara Synder is a songwriterbased in both London and Los Angeles. Her understanding of how to pull stories and emotional memories out, while being a breath of...

In this thought-provoking episode, Sierra and Jake dive deep into the creative process, uncovering how the weight of judgment can hinder artistic expression. They explore the liberating world of free-form writing and the transformative potential of songwriting in the realm of music therapy. 

“Washburn the River” is the bedroom indie folk project of singer-songwriter turned producer Jake Rosenburg. With a shifting blend of organic an...

In this episode, Sierra and Jayne have a candid conversation about Jayne's healing journey through music, the artistic advantages of age, the charm of dogs as muses, and the unconventional method of songwriting through channeling, among other intriguing topics. 

Jayne Trimble is a Canadian singer, songwriter, musician, engineer, producer and founder of World Peach Records. Also records as OXLIP, her music has been des...

Sierra and Don go deep on the art of songwriting, discussing vulnerability, song structure, and form. Don also sheds light on the unique South African music industry compared to the global landscape. Tune in for insightful conversations and fresh perspectives.

South African born, Australian raised alternative pop artist Don Calya has built a solid underground foundation through her creative music genre and her strong performance ski...

Sierra and Erin pull back the curtain on the music industry, sharing their insights on balancing a hectic schedule without going up in flames. Tune in as they discuss their real experiences as women in this business, from the challenges they've faced to the inspiring moments that keep them going. It's a candid and insightful chat that you won't want to miss! 

Erin McLendon is a walking, talking poster child for “Girls...

Sierra and Michéle get real about the keys to music industry success. They discuss the no-nonsense importance of staying consistent, never giving up, and how sync placements can make your music hustle pay off. Tune in for some down-to-earth insights into achieving your musical dreams!

Michèle is an Emmy Winning, #1 hit music producer, arranger, and songwriter who works both for artists and film/TV/media.  She has had numerous hit so...

Join Sierra and CLOVER in an engaging conversation about innovative music education. Discover how mindfulness and affirmations become powerful tools for students, making musical learning a breeze. Plus, they share practical tips on finding co-writers in your city and embracing unconventional, free-form approaches to songwriting. Tune in for insights and inspiration!

CLOVER is a singer-songwriter currently based between Brooklyn, NY ...

Holistic artist development coach and networking magician, Wendy Parr sits down with Sierra to discuss, how going inward can help us figure out our creative identity, the importance of evaluating your strengths, and how to develop an artistic compass to guide us towards our authenticity. 

Wendy Parr, The Holistic Artist Coach and Founder of The Parr Method, has spent more than 20 years in the entertainment industry empowering record...

This week, singer-songwriter Jayelle sits down with Sierra to discuss the importance of referencing and cultivating a broad reference bank, certain perceptions about songwriters who do not have artists projects, and how their relationship to music has changed over time as they've started working in the music industry. 

Singer-songwriter Jayelle channels an intense inner darkness through her music. With an enchanting and illustr...