In this episode of Songs Off the Vine, host Tim Ostdiek welcomes Taylor Shae, an alt-country Americana singer-songwriter. They discuss Taylor's musical journey, her family connections to music, her early albums, and her growth as an artist. Taylor shares insights about her upcoming singles, her work at the Music District in Fort Collins, and her songwriting process. They also touch on the challenges of balancing life and music, the importance of feedback, and share some strange gig experiences. The conversation wraps up with Taylor's favorite songwriting tools and her thoughts on what makes a good song.00:00Introduction to Songs Off the Vine01:23Meet Taylor Shae: The Dusty Alt Country Artist02:57Taylor's Musical Origins and Family Influence08:01The Evolution of Taylor's Music Career12:20Upcoming Singles and Collaborations15:44The Music District: A Hub for Musicians18:57Fort Collins Music Community and Venues21:49Taylor's Songwriting Process and Techniques29:12Feedback and Growth in Songwriting34:33The Essence of a Taylor Shae Song36:22Balancing Life and Music39:09Avoiding Burnout in Creativity41:14Finding Inspiration in Movement42:36Songwriting Tools and Techniques44:45The Joys and Challenges of Songwriting46:22Strange Gigs and Memorable Experiences55:01Reflections on Life and Music57:15The Impact of Performing Original Songs

In this engaging conversation, Tim Ostdiek and Andy Epler explore the multifaceted journey of being an artist, touching on themes of community, the transition from church to secular music, the importance of local politics, and the responsibility artists have to their audiences. They discuss the creative process, influences, and the significance of making art that resonates with the community. The dialogue emphasizes the need for artists to engage with current issues and the impact of their work on society.

00:00

Introduction and Setting the Stage

02:14

The Artistic Journey Begins

05:08

Transitioning from Church to Bars

11:08

Exploring Spirituality and Art

16:55

The Philosophy of Preaching and Love

22:55

The Role of the Bible in Society

28:48

Creative Process and Songwriting Insights

31:15

Local Politics and Community Engagement

37:27

The Role of Local Artists in Society

41:11

Self-Sufficiency in Music Production

47:06

The Value of Local Influence Over Fame

54:11

The Illusion of Popularity in Music

55:24

Artistic Responsibility in Troubling Times

57:12

Creating Impactful Art

59:01

The Role of the Artist in Society

01:00:40

Songwriting Insights and Tools

01:02:37

The Intimacy of Inspiration

01:04:24

Musical Influences and Recommendations

01:09:36

Connecting with the Audience

01:12:00

Closing Thoughts and Reflections

Tim Ostdiek and Jenny Balagna chat about their five favorite albums of all time!

Welcome to Episode 4 of Songs off the Vine featuring Teresa Storch! I've been a fan of her songwriting for a long time and it was so fun to hear her story, dig into some of her songs, and in the end we realize we're almost the same person. Hope you enjoy!

Show notes:

In this episode of Songs Off The Vine, host Tim Ostdiek engages in a heartfelt conversation with songwriter Teresa Storch. They explore the intersection of spirituality and songwriting, the challenges of addressing personal and social issues through music, and the evolution of Teresa's artistic journey from busking to touring. The discussion delves into the emotional processing that music facilitates, reflections on early work, and the complexities of truth and fear in the current socio-political landscape. They also touch on the relationship with organized religion and the search for spirituality beyond traditional structures, making for a rich and insightful dialogue. In this conversation, the speakers explore the profound emotional and spiritual experiences associated with music performance, particularly in intimate settings like Unity. They discuss the challenges of balancing a music career with a personal life, including the difficulties of making a living as a touring artist. The dialogue also touches on the importance of finding a supportive partner in the music journey, as well as the ongoing struggle to maintain creativity and personal well-being amidst life's demands. In this engaging conversation, the speakers explore the intertwining themes of family, music, and collaboration. They reflect on their personal journeys, the dynamics of working together in a band, and the creative process behind songwriting. The discussion highlights the importance of connection through music, the balance between original compositions and cover songs, and the impact of their work on listeners' lives. The speakers also share insights into the challenges and joys of being a musician, emphasizing the value of collaboration and the emotional resonance of their art.

00:00

Introduction to Songs Off The Vine

01:02

Meet Teresa Storch: A Songwriter's Journey

03:01

The Impact of Spirituality on Songwriting

06:02

Navigating Personal and Social Issues Through Music

09:07

The Role of Music in Processing Emotions

12:10

Experiences in the Music Scene: From Busking to Touring

14:49

Reflections on Early Work and Growth as an Artist

18:10

The Evolution of Songwriting and Themes

20:53

Exploring Truth and Fear in Music

24:02

The Relationship with Organized Religion

27:02

Finding Spirituality Beyond Traditional Structures

29:42

The Spiritual Experience of Music Performance

33:00

Navigating the Music Scene: Balancing Passion and Work

39:19

Finding Balance: Family, Music, and Personal Well-being

49:12

The Journey of Becoming a Musician: From Fear to Fulfillment

54:40

Love and Music: The Intersection of Personal and Professional Life

59:44

The Journey of Family and Music

01:01:14

Collaboration in Music: The Teresa Storch Band

01:03:56

Navigating Creative Differences

01:05:50

Debuting New Music: The Process

01:08:26

Reflections on the Music Journey

01:10:34

The Balance of Covers and Originals

01:12:04

The Art of Interpretation in Music

01:14:40

The Identity of a Musician

01:17:43

The Connection Through Songwriting

01:19:19

The Impact of Music on Lives

01:20:29

Fun and Friendship in Music

In this episode of Songs Off The Vine, host Tim Ostdiek engages in a heartfelt conversation with Shanna in a Dress, a talented songwriter and winner of multiple songwriting contests. They discuss the importance of community in songwriting, the challenges of marketing music, and the joy of being seen on stage. Shannon shares her experiences with songwriting challenges, her upcoming album 'The Sweet Spot', and her journey into mindset coaching. The conversation also touches on the complexities of songwriting contests and the emotional connections that music fosters.

Takeaways

Tim Ostdiek introduces the podcast and its mission.

Shanna in a Dress shares her musical influences and community impact.

The importance of songwriting challenges in fostering creativity.

Shanna discusses her upcoming album and marketing strategies.

Music provides experiences and connections beyond financial gain.

Performing allows artists to be seen in their entirety.

Mindset coaching helps unlock potential in creatives.

Songwriting processes can be structured with prompts and deadlines.

Songwriting contests can be both rewarding and challenging.

Chapters

00:00 Welcoming Shanna Inadres

01:56 Songwriting Challenges and Community

07:16 The Sweet Spot Album

09:22 Navigating Marketing and Authenticity

12:06 Experiences and Connections in Music

14:02 The Power of Performance

19:36 Mindset Coaching and Unlocking Potential

22:23 Weeding the Mind Garden

24:19 The Songwriting Process

29:30 Navigating Songwriting Contests

36:14 Speed Round Fun

42:08 Closing Thoughts and Future Plans

Welcome to episode two of Songs Off the Vine! This week, host Tim Ostdiek sits down with singer-songwriter Antonio Lopez for an honest and open conversation about music, creativity, and the journey of an artist.

Antonio shares stories from his early days growing up in Alamosa, CO, the surprising musical influences that shaped him, and how a Craigslist post led to a friendship. He reflects on the highs and lows of the artistic path, what it means to stay present in both life and music, and the importance of creative community.

We also discuss:
🎸 His new single "Lone Lobo" and the inspiration behind it
🎸 Playing music at Red Rocks (and that time Carlos Santana might have been listening)
🎸 The evolution of songwriting and the wisdom hidden in old lyrics
🎸 The balance between creative confidence and vulnerability
🎸 How songs take on new meaning over time

Stick around to hear about our cover of John Prine’s Long Monday, which we recorded after the interview—catch the full performance on YouTube!

📢 Check out Antonio’s latest single "Lone Lobo" wherever you stream music.

📹 Watch our cover of "Long Monday" on YouTube

If you’re enjoying the show, please subscribe, leave a rating, and share it with a friend!

Songs Off the Vine is a podcast hosted by singer-songwriter Tim Ostdiek, where songwriting, creativity, and the art of making come to life. Through insightful and heart-opening conversations, Tim sits down with songwriters, musicians, and creatives to explore the stories behind their work, the spiritual threads woven into the process, and what it all reveals about being human. Whether you're a fellow artist or simply someone who loves songs with depth and meaning, this show is a fun and thoughtful deep dive into the creative spirit.