Episode 39 Mark Wright: Hit Producer & Songwriter
Mark Wright grew up loving the business of music. His father was a music director for schools in his local area and he was a member of the All State Choir. He chose to continue studying music when he went to college and then went right into the industry immediately after graduation.
He knew that his life was going to be dedicated to music. Mark started his career as a songwriter and later realized that his favorite part of the process was the production. He spent the next several decades helping artists realize their vision of having hit records.
While the creative process was absolutely his favorite part, he made the move into the corporate side by working with several different record labels. He quickly realized that he preferred the creative side however and found himself losing his zeal for the work.
Now he’s working on a few different endeavors all geared toward helping those he loves working with the most, artists. His years in the industry have allowed him to work with some of the biggest names in country music developing top tier talent. Those years of experience are serving him well in his consultancy.
Listen in to learn all about the golden years of country music and how Mark helped to develop it. His stories are fantastic and it’s amazing to think of all the huge stars he helped to develop. If you’re a fan of country music, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
Show Highlights:
[00:10] Learn about Mark Wright’s industry credits and accolades.
[02:39] Mark shares the highlights of his early days learning music.
[04:12] Who did he listen to growing up?
[05:00] Did he know what he wanted to do when he went to Belmont College?
[07:27] How did he start out in the industry?
[09:59] Mark chats about his first publishing experience.
[10:53] What happened between his songwriting stint and his transition to production?
[12:20] Did he have a signature in his production process?
[14:58] As a producer how involved did he get in the song arrangement?
[16:40] What is his process for working with artists and cutting records with them?
[20:42] Was he surprised when “I Hope You Dance” crossed over to the pop charts?
[21:48] Did he have to deal with a bunch of challenges with artists?
[22:48] How does he handle differences of opinion with the artists?
[24:32] Is it different working with singers versus instrumentalists?
[26:42] Are we missing things by not being able to record in the same room at the same time?
[28:23] Learn how various people are approaching this new realm of recording.
[29:59] Hear a good story about working with Brooks & Dunn.
[32:55] What was it like working with Clint Black?
[35:16] Did he have a good experience working with Trisha Yearwood?
[36:43] Hear more about working with Rhett Akins.
[39:03] How does he feel about his time working with various record labels on the corporate side?
[42:29] What’s he looking forward to in his life and career?
Mark Wright:
Mark Wright Biography by AllMusic
Songs Discussed During The Interview:
Lee Ann Womack - I Hope You Dance https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RV-Z1YwaOiw
Today My World Slipped Away - George Strait https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4uc4orZ444s
Mark Chesnutt - Too Cold At Home https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3800PSW4vQ
Mark Chesnutt - Bubba Shot The Jukebox https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=439jqiY0Eto
Mark Chesnutt - Gonna Get A Life https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yH7DC8kjU0
Gretchen Wilson - Redneck Woman https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82dDnv9zeLs
Bruno Mars - Uptown Funk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPf0YbXqDm0
Episodes Mentioned:
Episode 36 Rhett Akins: Hit Songwriter & Recording Artist
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The Music Makers podcast theme song was written and produced by Andy Kushner with help from the rhythm section and horn players of the band, SoundConnection.
Sponsor: Kushner Entertainment
Check out Andy's Other Podcast: The Wedding Biz
