American Songwriter

American Songwriter is a magazine published every two months since 1984, focusing on all facets of songwriting. It includes interviews, advice for songwriters, industry news, product reviews, and a lyric contest. The magazine is headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee.

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4 Toe-Tapping Country Gospel Songs for Your Easter Weekend

4 days ago | americansongwriter.com | Clayton Edwards

Easter weekend is here, and millions of people around the world will gather to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ after his crucifixion on Good Friday. Those who celebrate are giving thanks for the sacrifice and what it means to them spiritually. These country gospel songs are the perfect way to make a joyful noise this weekend. Some of these tunes are classic gospel hymns performed by country or gospel artists.
4 Country Songs That Sound Happy but Are Actually Dark

5 days ago | americansongwriter.com | Clayton Edwards

Country music is full of songs that signal their dark content with minor-key arrangements and vocal deliveries that match the tone. However, that’s not always the case. Some songs will have listeners tapping their feet and grooving to the upbeat instrumentation until they listen to the lyrics a little more closely. The dark country songs below fit that mold. There’s a lullaby with a threatening omitted verse and jaunty tunes that hide stories of murder, abuse, addiction, and betrayal.
Behind the Meaning of Ian Munsick and Lainey Wilson's Country Ballad, "Feather In My Hat"

5 days ago | americansongwriter.com | Alex Hopper

There are many ways to say “I love you.” Country music has displayed countless options since the genre’s inception. Ian Munsick and Lainey Wilson recently delivered yet another with “Feather In My Hat.” Uncover the meaning behind this country ballad below.
Blake Shelton’s First Christian Song Came To Him in a Dream Where He Thought God Was Telling Him Life Was “Absolute Crap”

5 days ago | americansongwriter.com | Cindy Watts

Blake Shelton has recorded and released country hits for over two decades. But about 10 years ago, he waded into a new sonic space—gospel music. Following a particularly trying time in his life, Shelton co-wrote and released Savior’s Shadow. A dream inspired the song in 2015, and he used it as his album closer on his 2016 collection, If I’m Honest.
On This Day in 2009, Keith Urban Achieved Major Crossover Success with 'Defying Gravity'

5 days ago | americansongwriter.com | Clayton Edwards

On this day (April 18) in 2009, Keith Urban celebrated a major career milestone. His album Defying Gravity topped the all-genre Billboard 200 albums chart, giving him his first No. 1 on that survey. Crossing over to the “pop” albums chart solidified his place as one of the most popular acts in country music. After a pair of Australia-only releases, Urban dropped his self-titled debut album in the United States in 1999.
On This Day in 1987, MTV Gave Metalheads a Reason to Watch with 'Headbangers Ball'

5 days ago | americansongwriter.com | Clayton Edwards

On this day (April 18) in 1987, Headbangers Ball premiered on MTV. The show played music videos from both obscure and well-known rock and metal bands. It also featured interviews with bands and artists. As a result, those who had no interest in the network’s coverage of Top 40 music had a reason to tune in. MTV knew how to hook metal fans of the ’80s and proved it with the premiere episode of Headbangers Ball. The network tapped Lemmy Kilmister and drummer Phil Taylor of Motorhead to host the show.
3 Classic Tracks That Bob Dylan Dislikes (Including One of His Own)

5 days ago | americansongwriter.com | Alex Hopper

No one has ever accused Bob Dylan of being a people pleaser. He isn’t afraid to give his opinion, even when it proves to be unflattering to his peers. Love him or hate him for it, he’s persistently honest. Find three classic tracks that Dylan dislikes–including one of his own–below. Dylan’s criticism of The Beatles’ classic track, “Yesterday”, was covertly delivered.
On This Day in 2020, the Cranberries Reached a Major Musical Milestone with Their '90s Hit "Zombie"

5 days ago | americansongwriter.com | Clayton Edwards

On this day (April 18) in 2020, the Cranberries became the first Irish music group to get a billion views on a YouTube video. The official video for their nostalgic hit “Zombie” gave the band the distinction. Released in 1994, the song remains the band’s best-known song. The Cranberries released “Zombie” at a pivotal time in Irish history.
4 Artists to Watch During Weekend 2 of Coachella

5 days ago | americansongwriter.com | Alex Hopper

The great part about Coachella being two weekends–and streaming in its entirety online–is that fans have more than one opportunity to catch all the action. If you weren’t able to see all the performances during weekend one of Coachella, make sure to check out the four highlighted artists below during weekend two. Tyla was a breakout star in 2024. Her South African-tinged tracks have taken the pop world by storm.
April 18: On This Day in Country Music History with Johnny Cash, Taylor Swift, and More

5 days ago | americansongwriter.com | Cindy Watts

Today is Good Friday, but 15 years ago, today – April 18 – was a great day for Lady A. The country trio celebrated a triple win at the 45th Academy of Country Music Awards, taking trophies for Top Vocal Group of the Year and Single and Song of the Year for their career-making hit “Need You Now.”And that’s not the only country music news tied to April 18. Reaching back six decades, here’s a look at news-making country music headlines on this day in history.