Ross Copperman does it all. He writes hit songs. He produces hit records. He nurtures the next wave of musical superstars through his philanthropic work. And somehow he also finds the time to be a husband and father. From his early days as a reluctant eight year old banging away on an upright piano, Ross eventually flirted with a solo career across the pond before returning to the States, where he became one of Nashville's most in-demand players. A chart-topping songwriter and producer with twenty-nine number one hits to his name, the upcoming release of his newest EP brings Ross' career full circle, returning him to his pop music roots. Hang out in the virtual studio with Nick and Ross as they weigh in on a wide range of topics, from the differences between songwriting for yourself and for other artists, to the seismic changes that have leveled the playing field in the music industry.
HIGHLIGHTS:
[02:08] The song "I Hope", performed and written by Gabby Barrett, and produced by Ross, is nominated for Single Of The Year by the Academy Of Country Music
[02:50] Ross explains how he came to meet and work with Gabby
[05:40] Ross' obsession with songwriting took him from Virginia to the clubs of New York
[07:35] From his success in New York, Ross was signed by a British label and put out his first album
[09:36] In England, Ross learned a great deal about producing records
[10:19] The title for Ross' album, "Welcome To Reality", came to him in a dream
[10:56] Although he's back in the US, Ross still has professional ties to England
[11:49] Ross has a series of new EPs coming out, starting with "Somewhere There's A Light On"
[13:31] Ross' creative energy is invigorated by his focus on his new songwriting and recording
[15:18] The pandemic and social media have completely changed the live music business
[16:15] Ross' goal in the coming year is to play a theater, but maintain his new recording streak
[17:16] Leaving England for Nashville, Ross found himself taking advantage of all the opportunities that came his way
[20:29] Ross' big break in Nashville came when he met his life-long friend and mentor Josh Van Valkenburg
[21:44] Once he was established in Nashville, Ross had a decade-long string of country hits with artists like Keith Urban, Kenny Chesney, and Blake Shelton
[23:29] Some artists like collaborating with Ross over Zoom, but some enjoy working in the same space
[25:57] The song "John Cougar, John Deere, John 3:16" was inspired by the vignettes of American life that Ross remembered and loved
[27:06] Ross' songwriting skills have evolved, and his strengths have changed over the years
[28:26] Every song Ross writes starts in his home studio, but the real recording happens in a professional set-up
[30:30] Ross' musical talents weren't inherited, they came from his own personal drive
[31:19] Ross doesn't write to chase musical trends or social events, he just writes
[32:32] Nashville is changing positively in many cultural and social ways
[33:59] There is so much new music being release today, it's almost impossible to keep up with it all
[35:39] Ross' non-profit Song Farm focuses on teaching high school kids how to make and record music
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Find out more about today’s guest, Ross Copperman.
Find out more about your host, Nick Terzo
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
@vanvalk13 [Josh Van Valkenburg, Ross' friend and mentor]
@PhotoFinish [Photo Finish Records]
