We often treat commercial success as the final destination of a creative life, but for legendary songwriter Matraca Berg, it was just the first act. Her songs became major country hits for Martina McBride, Trisha Yearwood, Deana Carter, Kenny Chesney, the Chicks, Patty Loveless, and Reba McEntire, among many others. Matraca’s catalog defines generations of American songwriting.
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We sit down with the GRAMMY-nominated member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame on the Other 22 Hours to explore the realities of achieving massive success while battling paralyzing stage fright, the transition from the multi-platinum physical sales era of the 1990s to modern streaming, and how she keeps her creative tank full as the industry has changed around her. In a culture obsessed with youth and immediate output, Matraca offers a grounded, reassuring perspective on aging within an art form, artistic alignment, and learning to trust.
In This Episode:
– Matraca Berg
– Ep 147 – Jeff Hanna
– Sudie Calloway
– Mel Tillis
– Joni Mitchell
– Bluebird Cafe
– Clint Black
– Nanci Griffith
– Ep 60 – Lori McKenna
– Bobby Braddock
– Harlan Howard
– Ashley McBryde
– Gary Harrison
– Ep 28 – The Wood Brothers
– Zach Berkman
– Tiger King
– Chris Stapleton
– Ella Langley
– Jessi Colter
– Waylon Jennings
– Maggie Gyllenhaal
– Peter Sarsgaard
– Hill Country Barbecue
– Jake Gyllenhaal
– Minnie Pearl
Go Deeper:
Watch: View this entire conversation above or on YouTube.
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The Other 22 Hours is hosted by Aaron Shafer-Haiss (producer, mixer, musician) and Michaela Anne (songwriter, artist, creative coach). More about Aaron’s work. More about Michaela Anne’s work.
Produced by Aaron Shafer-Haiss. Original music written, performed and produced by Aaron Shafer-Haiss.
Photo Credit: Glenn Rose
