Here is everything you need to know about the fifth episode of Songland, airing June 25 after America’s Got Talent on NBC. Four songwriters will present their tunes to the panel, hoping to have it recorded by this week’s star artist, pop star and songwriter, Meghan Trainor.
The competition features an all-star panel of songwriters and producers that include Ryan Tedder (Leona Lewis “Bleeding Love,” Beyonce “Halo,” and his own hits with OneRepublic), Ester Dean (Nicki Minaj “Super Bass,” Katy Perry “Firework,” Kelly Clarkson “Mr. Know it All”) and Shane McAnally (Kacey Musgraves “Merry Go Round,” The Band Perry “Better Dig Two,” Keith Urban “Female,”).
Check out this week’s four songwriters:
Kole – From Kole’s Facebook page bio: “Since graduating UCLA in 2017, KOLE has been an in-demand topliner and collaborated with countless producers and artists including Wayne Wilkins (Natasha Bedingfield -’Unwritten’ and Beyonce – ‘Sweet Dreams). Also “Born and raised in the San Fernando Valley, she grew up a classical pianist, actress, and singer, and began writing songs at the age of 11.” Kole’s latest single is “Shiitake.” She’s performed several features as well. Check out her songs on Soundcloud, plus Facebook and Twitter.
Brandin Jay – This 30 year old artist is a: “Singer/Songwriter, Actor, Director, Playwright, And Choreographer,” according to his Facebook bio. He’s also been featured in the movies Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins and Disney’s Let It Shine, This bio is from 2012, but adds more detail. He attended a performing arts school in Atlanta and also attended Berklee in Boston. Here’s a clip of Brandin on the BET series Reed Between the Lines with Malcolm Jamal Warner. He also did a commercial with Shaq. His latest single is titled “Winning.”
Josh Wood – OK. I have actually had contact with Josh. He manages American Idol alum Catie Turner, and helped facilitate a recent interview I did with the singer. How about that? Josh wears a ton of hats. Besides managing Catie, he has worked as a casting producer for American Idol (3 seasons), America’s Got Talent (2 seasons) and The Four. According to a bio posted on the website for the ASCAP Expo, where he appeared as a speaker, he’s placed songs on the TV shows Grey’s Anatomy, Nashville, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, and The Mindy Project. He got a write-up in Billboard for his single “Radio You & I.” Check out the video HERE. And his official website HERE.
Zachary Kale – First thing you need to know about Zach! He co-wrote Gabby Barrett’s single “I Hope” with the American Idol alum and Jon Nite. Here’s what Gabby had to say about the songwriting sessions for “I Hope,”: “
The 11-episode series will feature artists: Jonas Brothers, John Legend, Meghan Trainor, Charlie Puth, OneRepublic, Old Dominion, will.i.am, Kelsea Ballerini, Leona Lewis, Aloe Blacc, and Macklemore.
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