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Songs On 2nd - Is There a Better Writer's Round in Nashville?

by Rich and Laura Lynch

Songs On Second is a monthly songwriter series that raises money for Heartstrings Foundation. We had the pleasure of attending their third installment of this event on October 05, 2022 at the Wildhorse Saloon in Nashville, Tennessee. This stellar showcase shined a light on Heartstring's important mission and included some of this town's top songwriters on display in the familiar "rounds" format all in noble support of first responders and military veterans. With the big off-Broadway stage, the polished production and professional performances you have to ask if there is any better example of a writer's round in Music City.


Love & Theft on the Wildhorse Saloon stage.

The pair of rounds presented a wide range of talent from diverse musical back rounds. Two of the acts - Devil's Cut and Love & Theft were dynamic duos. The first were a rock and roll outfit from Michigan and their set included rocking reflections on not so good relationships. Love & Theft were a little bit more country. They have charted a number of times since their formation in 2009. Their songs at the Wildhorse showcased fine word play paired with compelling singing and strumming.


Devil's Cut, Lauren Watkins, Noah Garner and Josh Roy in Nashville.

Songs On Second has starred a number of high caliber players. On the 5th, Ben Burgess proved that he is the real deal. He started writing with Warner Chappell Music Publishing in 2015, where he stockpiled cuts including the BMI 2020 Country Song of the Year, Morgan Wallen's 7X platinum "Whiskey Glasses," Tyler Rich's gold "The Difference," Pat Green's Texas radio #1 "Drinkin' Days," Lil Wayne's "Dreams," Martin Garrix & Troye Sivan's platinum "There for You," Dierks Bentley's "My Religion and more.


Round #1 at Songs On Second.

Trent Tomlinson has also written a number of hits and he was engaging at the Wildhorse. Josh Ray and Noah Garner added to the high caliber talent of the night as did the only lady in the rounds. Lauren Watkins was born and raised in Nashville where she played at some of the local honky-tonks in her teens. Lauren went to college, and then returned to Mid-Tenn to focus on her career in country music. Watkins has signed a publishing deal with Songs & Daughters and Big Loud. Lauren's clever storytelling was on full display at the Wildhorse with songs like "Sleeping In My Make Up" and "How's Your Mama" which is sort of a southern put down.


Rowan Pickering, Trent Tomlinson, Ben Burgess and James Tucker in Nashville.

The final act was a full band performance fronted by Laura Walsh. Laura's debut album was released in 2015 which led to touring and an eventual move to Nashville in 2018. In Music City she found herself performing at the Country Music Hall of Fame, releasing a new single, "Tease" and playing regularly at the Tin Roof Bar downtown. Walsh continues to create and grow as an artist and she rocked it out at the Wildhorse to close out another fine edition of Songs On Second.


Round #2 at Songs On Second.

Heartstrings Foundation was founded in 2017 by two brothers - Rowan and Aaron Pickering. They grew up in a family that was heavily involved in their community and served in the military. The siblings also enjoyed late-night family jam sessions. Rowan has worked in the entertainment industry for over 25 years and Aaron spent 17 years as both USAF Enlisted Aviator and a civilian contractor. They were inspired to merge their expertise with their passion for music to support those who serve others and Heartstrings Foundation was formed.


Laura Walsh headlined the October edition with a full band.

The Wildhorse Saloon is located in the heart of historic downtown Nashville with the banks of the Cumberland River right outside their back door. They opened in 1994 and since then millions of people have visited the venue for line dancing, live music, special events such as Songs On Second and so much more.

Related Links: For more information on SONGS ON 2ND and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links - Heartstrings Foundation | Songs On 2nd Pulls on the Heartstrings at the Wildhorse Saloon | Wildhorse Saloon


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