Member Spotlight

Global Songwriters Member Spotlight

James Hoppe, Singer/Songwriter/Multi-Instrumentalist

James Hoppe is an ASCAP songwriter and keyboardist from Los Angeles, California. James and his wife Monique, who’s an outstanding ASCAP songwriter in her own right and professional photographer, have three beautiful little girls who offer daily inspiration. James’ musical influences include singer songwriters of the early 70’s, like Elton John, James Taylor, Cat Stevens, and rock bands like the Eagles, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Van Halen and the Doobie Brothers.

At 8 years old, James studied classical piano but always had more of an interest in writing songs than playing Mozart. “My piano teacher would scream at me and tell me that I was wasting my mother’s money, since I often composed my own music rather than follow the lesson plan for the week. But through years of writing songs, I became a better musician, and in the process found my passion in life. I always felt that I didn’t choose songwriting, it chose me!”

As a teenager, James played in local rock bands. By age 18, he was gigging in premiere LA clubs like the Whiskey A-Go-Go and the Roxy. He continued to write songs and play live shows through his 20’s and 30’s, and had moderate success as an artist with one of his bands being signed to a development deal with Sony Records in 2003. Several years later, James shifted his focus to writing country and adult contemporary music; two genres that incorporated all of the influences that inspired him growing up.

James music has been featured on CBS, TBS, and the TRU Network as well as, licensed to various cable shows including a score for the original cable movie, The Enemy Within. His songs have received local and national radio airplay on 106.7 FM KROQ, 95.5 FM KLOS, KNAC.com, Songtown USA and internationally on The Voice of America.

http://www.jameshoppemusic.com

Global Songwriters Member Spotlight

Brandon James, Singer/Songwriter

Hailing from Toronto, Canada, Brandon James’ passion for music came to him in the form of late nights spinning his father’s folk rock vinyl collection. A classically inspired singer, songwriter and multi-instumentalist (guitar, piano, mandolin), Brandon’s career started in an all boy’s choir at the age of 7. He has entertained audiences from Westminster Abbey to singing for Pope John Paul II at the Vatican, and on club stages from Toronto to Los Angeles.
Three time award nominee for his debut Country record at the 2011 LA Music Awards, Brandon James is currently working in the emerging Nashville-based Pop Americana duo, Cotton Wine. Hauntingly irresistible harmonies combined with a DIY approach in writing, performing, producing their own record and creating their own music videos using only an iPhone, give this duo a unique voice in Music City. In addition to recently releasing their self titled debut, now available on iTunes, they’ve been performing regularly at various Nashville venues. Recent highlights include headlining the 2014 Bacon & Bourbon Festival at Loveless Cafe, being invited to showcase at this year’s Folk Alliance Conference and performing what will now be their fourth appearance at the Bluebird Cafe this April.
Brandon now resides in Nashville, TN with his wife, Shaila and his two year old son, Ethan.

Global Songwriters Member Spotlight

Linne Black, Singer/Songwriter

Linne first brought her songs to Nashville over thirty years ago and was signed to a company on her first day in town. She had songs recorded by major artists such as Mickey Gilley, Barbi Benton, Tommy Overstreet, Mary Lou Turner (of Bill Anderson fame), Billy Crash Craddock, and Alabama, all under a former pseudonym (Linda Darrell), along with forty-plus cuts by wonderful independent artists! The song, “Sing a Love Song, Porter Wagoner” was featured in TNN and HBO special, “Company’s Comin'”. She was a staff writer for Excellorec Music in Nashville, headed up by classic hit-writer and publisher, Bob Tubert. Linne is a former RCA recording artist who produced by Chet Atkins. She continues to write and regularly collaborates with many awesome writers in Nashville and beyond.

Besides being a prolific songwriter, Linne is a Nationally Certified Registered Nurse, Neonatal Specialist, and works in a large Neonatal Unit in North Carolina . Besides working and spending quality time with her husband and their wonderful family, Linne divides her time between NC and Nashville, where she concentrates on finding great songs for her song publishing company, Pitchy Women Music Group, an up-and-coming indie company based in Nashville. The company consists of Pitchy Women (ASCAP), Big Pitchy World(BMI) and Born2Pitch (SESAC).

Linne is a proud member of the Association of Independent Music Publishers (AIMP), International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA), Gospel Music Association (GMA), Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI )(Chapter Coordinator) , SongU, and of course, Global Songwriters Connection! She is also co-founder the East Coast Songwriters Conference, and is on it’s board.

Global Songwriters Member Spotlight

Kevan Kirk, Songwriter

Fourteen years ago, Kevan Kirk became a dedicated student of the art of songwriting. As he wrote and learned more about the music industry, he found not only a great artistic community, but a highly integrated business network. He began making frequent trips to Nashville in order to attend industry events and network with his peers, while also supporting the local music business community by recording in local studios. Kevan has been thankful to experience some success in his musical journey, with five independent cuts under his belt and two Songtown USA writing awards. Kevan formed his own publishing company, kevankirkmusic Publishing, LLC and has already produced a music video for his original song, “Sweet Addiction,” which garnered national airplay on TCN-The Country Network, now known as ZUUS.

While Kevan’s solid work ethic, entrepreneurial spirit, and strong faith has helped him attain a steady stance in the industry, his musical journey began very simply on the strings of an old guitar.

When Kevan Kirk was five years old, he was drawn to a guitar that had been lying in the corner since his father received it as a birthday gift earlier in the year. While he had dreamed of being an astronaut or fireman, once he felt the smooth wood of that guitar in his hands, he knew that music was his future. As Kevan grew up, his grandmother became his greatest musical influence exposing him to great artists like Hank Williams, Elvis Presley, and Al Jolson, as well as teaching him to play the Hammond organ. He became intrigued by different styles of music and found himself flipping through the stations on the radio listening to the varied sounds and rhythms. The diversity in his musical background greatly influenced him and before Kevan finished high school, he began writing his own songs.

Kevan formed a rock band with several of his friends and started playing their original music around his hometown of Santa Clara, CA. He experienced the first taste of success when his band was asked to be the Whiskey-A-Go-Go’s house band and even released a four song EP. As he continued to evolve in his writing, Kevan found that his songs began to lean toward the contemporary country genre and he set his sights on Nashville.

Kevan continues to write and learn as much as he can in order to attain his goal of being signed to the all elusive publishing deal. He enjoys celebrating each successful milestone as it comes and believes that the journey is more important than the destination.

Kevan currently lives in Milwaukee, WI with his wife, but will soon relocate to his beloved Nashville to continue to focus on his music and career.

Global Songwriters Member Spotlight

Doug Folkins, Singer/Songwriter

Doug Folkins is a country songwriter from Campbell River, British Columbia, Canada. With 6 of his own indie albums and over 1000+ live shows behind him, Doug is focused on writing hit songs for country and Americana artists. To date, Doug’s songs have been cut by seven artists in Canada and the US, resulting in 2 charting radio singles.

Doug has co-written with Nashville hit writers; Dan Demay, Steve Dean, Wil Nance, Gary Loyd, Greg Crowe, Stephen Allen Davis, Glen Mitchell, and Scott Harter among others. Legendary song-smith, Larry Wayne Clark was Doug’s biggest influence on the Canadian song writing scene as a mentor and co-writer.

Doug also writes with recognized up and coming Canadian artists Codie Prevost, Drew Gregory, Candice Ryan, Chris Buck, Olivia Wik, James Barker, Nicole Summerlyn and Jesse Mast.

Two of Doug’s songs have been signed to publishing deals in Nashville and 4 other songs are signed to publishing deals in Texas.

Doug’s publishing is self-administered under his company, Fenwick Music (SOCAN).

Doug is currently looking for artist co-writes and single song publishing deals.

http://www.soundcloud.com/dougfolkins

Global Songwriters Member Spotlight

Brad Yunek, Songwriter

I have been happily married to my wife Susan for over 32 years. We have been blessed to be the parents of two incredible kids, Heather 13, and Joshua 8. For over 20 years, I made my living as an equipment mechanic. Since 1996, I have been so fortunate to work for two good friends who own and operate Western Pleasure Guest Ranch in Sandpoint, Idaho. The ranch is also home for my family.

Songwriting has always been a big part of who I am. I wrote my first song back in junior high, and I have been writing ever since. It wasn’t until 2004 though, after some encouragement from my wife, that I started out down this road of writing to the commercial markets. I love shaping a story, be it a serious one, or something just for fun. I love it when someone hears one of my songs, and they get it; they understand and appreciate what the song is saying. I so enjoy creating something that did not exist prior to me writing it.

The themes of most of the songs that I write seem to revolve around God, family, friends, love of country, and people just tryin’ to get through this thing we call life. I am a member of BMI, SongU, and Global Songwriters Connection.

My intention is to always be the kind of writer that other writers want to write with, and I will continue to refine my craft in the pursuit of having commercial success with my songwriting!

Global Songwriters Member Spotlight

Annalise Morelli, Singer/Songwriter

Annalise is known for her powerhouse vocals that cross many genres of music today.  While she has the ‘gift” to sing any genre of music, she chooses the world of country music because its where her heart lives.  Her parents recently discovered an old mix tape that proves Annalise’s natural God-given talent as early as 2 years old.

When Annalise is performing, she reaches out to her audience encouraging them to join in with the music.  She shares  “When the barrier between the stage and the audience is broken, then I embrace the audience and feel connected.”

Originally from Charleston, SC, Annalise lives in Nashville where she is writing and creating music everyday. You may catch her on the piano, guitar, and maybe even the drums.  As much as she loves to express herself through playing instruments, singing is her ultimate instrument of choice.

Her favorite thing to do is to perform LIVE, and once you hear her you will know why.  She has earned many accolades since her young career began, Macy’s Day Parade just at 11, studying at The Juilliard at 14, a featured segment on ABC Nightline at 17, and the list continues.

Opening for huge acts like Old Crow Medicine Show, Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, Phil Vassar. She is currently working on her latest project and is about to explode with fresh exciting new music.

“There is nothing else I would rather be doing, and the fact that I get to do it everyday makes everyday a great day.”

Annalise’s world is happy, and her music celebrates her enthusiasm for life. She invites her audiences to be a part of that happy and blessed lifestyle. You can reach Annalise and her team at her website, AnnaliseMorelli.com

Global Songwriters Member Spotlight

Beverly Hingson, Songwriter

I grew up in a very small town in Southeast Georgia. To this day, it still doesn’t have even one traffic light! I was a loner even then and loved getting off to myself and listening to any kind of music I could get my hands on. My dad listened to country. My mom being the good southern Baptist she was, only listened to gospel. I took their styles in but didn’t limit myself and to this day love all types of music.

I started writing songs when I was about 20 years old, but wasn’t serious enough about it to pursue it as a career. It would take a couple more decades and a lot more life in the rear view to cause me to have the drive it takes to want to chase this dream with all my heart. Just over 4 years ago, I decided that I wanted to one day be known as one of the best songwriters in Nashville. I have worked towards that goal every day since that decision. Dec 5th of this year marked my first anniversary of actually living here and it has been one of the greatest experiences of my life! I have spent all of that time trying to move to the next level in order to really feel have a confidence level to pitch my work to anyone in town.

My first single song contract was with Sherrill Blackman for my cowrite Shut Up Love. My first referral was from Bradley Collins, head of Writer/Publisher relations at BMI for my song Getting Home to You. It was referred to Chris Young at Sony. My work is also currently being pitched by Bob Stegall (Bigger Picture Music Group, Keith Stegall) and most recently, I have been receiving cowrite invitations from some writers that I have greatly admired and even studied along the way.

I am drawn to songs that have great lines. Great production is… well it’s great… but those unique lines are what made me want to be a songwriter. The challenge of coming up with words that fit together in a way that no one else has put them together before is the high that I live for!! I hope to write as long as I am blessed to live on this earth.

Global Songwriters Member Spotlight

Sarah Spencer, Singer/Songwriter

In a nutshell: Sarah Spencer writes pop folk with one part Southern spectacle, one part girlish sensibility, and a dash of woeful escapism. Sarah currently lives in Nashville, Tennessee, working as a songwriter and session singer.

Sarah was born and raised in the Sunshine State, in the gently lilting hills of central Florida. Growing up in the horse capital of the world fostered in her a deep love of nature, animals, and eventually, music.

At age 6, Sarah started taking classical piano lessons, which sparked a life long love affair with music. Although reluctant to practice the lengthy classical pieces she was assigned, she instead began composing her own – a passion her teacher recognized and fostered.

Years later, Sarah had hundreds of pop songs MIDI orchestral movements under her belt. In high school, she began collaborating with friend Steve Morse (guitarist to Dixie Dregs, Deep Purple, Steve Morse Band, Flying Colors) producing a series of demos from writing sessions that would later lead to a full length album, “Angelfire”.

“Angelfire” toured briefly in California and Florida. Despite being an alternative, acoustic-soul project, Angelfire was incredibly well received by Morse’s rock fans.