Artist-Driven Music Careers Thrive on Social Media and Authentic Storytelling - Episode Hero Image

Artist-Driven Music Careers Thrive on Social Media and Authentic Storytelling

The Soapbox Lex · · Listen to Original Episode →
Original Title: The devil wore a lab coat

TL;DR

  • The opioid crisis, exemplified by the repurposing of a college into a rehab center, highlights systemic failures where "big pharma" is perceived as a contributing factor, necessitating artistic expression to shed light on the issue.
  • The music industry's intense competition, with 10,000 songwriters vying for 300 publishing deals, underscores the critical importance of networking and relationship-building for career advancement beyond raw talent.
  • Social media's platforming capability, demonstrated by daily posting of song demos, can virally propel an artist's career without traditional advertising, as evidenced by a 30,000 to 437,000 follower increase.
  • The COVID-19 lockdown fostered prolific songwriting, with one artist penning nearly 500 songs in a year, primarily for other artists, which later formed a substantial catalog for her own career.
  • A "righteous redneck robin hood" ethos, inspired by a bootlegging great-grandfather who built a church, translates into a philanthropic drive to give back to communities visited on tour.
  • The prevalence of tokenism in the music industry, particularly for female artists, is a persistent issue, though strong songwriting and relatable themes can transcend gender biases.
  • The shift from albums to singles and now to short-form video content like "reels" reflects an evolution in music consumption, where audience engagement with song snippets is paramount.

Deep Dive

Mary Kutter's journey from Kentucky songwriter to burgeoning artist highlights the evolving landscape of the music industry, where authenticity and direct audience engagement are paramount. Her approach, exemplified by viral social media success and a prolific songwriting output, demonstrates a strategic adaptation to modern distribution channels, bypassing traditional gatekeepers to build a dedicated fanbase. This shift underscores a broader industry trend toward artist-driven narratives and the power of digital platforms in cultivating careers.

Kutter's music and career trajectory are shaped by her roots and a keen awareness of societal issues, particularly the opioid crisis, which she addresses in songs like "The Devil Wore a Lab Coat." This willingness to tackle difficult themes, coupled with her storytelling prowess, forms the bedrock of her appeal. The overwhelming response to her work, spanning from personal family history to broader social commentary, indicates a strong resonance with audiences seeking relatable narratives. Her prolific output, particularly the 400+ songs written during the COVID-19 lockdown, showcases an intense work ethic and a deep well of creative material, positioning her for sustained artistic output.

The implications of Kutter's success extend to how artists can navigate and disrupt the established music industry. Her viral moment with "Devil's Money" on social media illustrates the potential for independent artists to achieve significant traction without relying solely on traditional label support. This organic growth, fueled by consistent online content, suggests that a direct connection with listeners can be a powerful engine for career advancement. Furthermore, her philanthropic initiative, "Righteous Redneck Robin Hood," inspired by her great-grandfather, signifies a commitment to using her platform for positive impact, mirroring the philanthropic ethos of icons like Dolly Parton and reinforcing the idea that an artist's message can extend beyond their music. Her approach to songwriting, characterized by a "carpe diem" mindset and a disciplined morning routine, underscores a dedication to craft that is essential for navigating the competitive Nashville songwriting scene, where networking and talent are crucial but delivering compelling work is the ultimate differentiator.

Action Items

  • Create a personal content strategy: Post 3-5 short-form video clips of song demos weekly to build an audience (ref: social media engagement).
  • Audit personal creative process: Dedicate 1 hour daily to stream-of-consciousness journaling to uncover underlying themes and prevent idea silos.
  • Develop a networking framework: Identify 5-10 key industry contacts per quarter and schedule brief virtual or in-person check-ins to foster relationships.
  • Measure content impact: Track engagement metrics (views, shares, comments) for 10-15 song clips to identify resonant themes and optimize future content.

Related Episodes

Key Quotes

"i mean, wouldn't you brush your teeth after you had one? i mean, well time one on, you mean? well time one on if he's a functional alcoholic, he's drinking one white claw. i mean, he's starting with one white claw. oh, you think there's more happening? oh yeah, i think here's what's happening. i think he's getting the morning white claw in. there's your plausible deniability, honey. i thought it was an energy drink."

The speaker questions the plausibility of someone not knowing White Claw was alcoholic, suggesting a deeper pattern of alcohol consumption. This highlights the speaker's skepticism towards the initial claim and introduces the idea of rationalization as a coping mechanism for addiction.

"the devil wore a lab coat, man, that that was a song idea that had been sitting on my heart for a long time. you know, i grew up, you know, in the sixties in kentucky and i saw with my own eyeballs the opioid crisis and, you know, it's so heartbreaking about addiction and specifically with this epidemic, obviously it hits the person that, you know, does get addicted, but then a lot of times they have kiddos like, you know, them and then turns into the stockpile."

Mary Kutter explains the inspiration behind her song "The Devil Wore a Lab Coat," connecting it to her personal experiences witnessing the opioid crisis in her home state of Kentucky. She emphasizes the devastating impact of addiction not only on the individual but also on their families and children.

"you know, i think because the supply and demand seesaw is so crazy in nashville, i think that's why that's what i tell myself, anyway. i think that's why networking and all that stuff, who you know, is so important. it's just because there's so many people, you know what i'm saying? you want to make sure who you're talking to is on the up and up and all that, you know, but you got to have the goods, you know, you might get an introduction to walk in the room, but my goodness, if you do not deliver, you probably won't get asked back."

Kutter discusses the intense competition in Nashville's music industry, where a vast number of songwriters vie for limited opportunities. She posits that the high supply of talent and low demand for publishing deals make networking and personal connections crucial for success, while also stressing the necessity of delivering quality work to maintain those connections.

"i remember when i first moved to nashville, um, to make bread and butter, i was hosted different writers' nights in nashville. and so, when a lot of folks think of nashville, they think of broadway, you know, down the strip where, you know, it's super fun to be down at and that's where they're doing a lot of cover gigs. well, close to music row, right in the middle of the city and midtown as they call it, there is a whole scene within itself as all the local musicians and pre-pandemic that was the pop-in spot if you were trying to make it in the music business."

Kutter describes the vibrant local music scene in Nashville's midtown area, which served as a crucial hub for aspiring musicians before the pandemic. She contrasts this with the more tourist-oriented Broadway scene, highlighting midtown as the place where artists focused on building their careers and performing original music.

"i remember one night i was sitting in the back of the bar, you know, some folks were up there playing and i looked around and this is right after i'd moved to town. i looked around and i thought, oh my gosh, every single person in this room is beautiful. all these people singing are singing great songs. i felt like i was on a movie set. and it was just such a like weird, oh wow, you know, talk about going from the little puddle to the pond to maybe the ocean or whatever, you know, it was really a, it was a crash course in songwriting and a phd in just being in the music business right in those shows at night."

Kutter recounts a profound moment of realization about the immense talent in Nashville's music scene. She describes feeling overwhelmed by the caliber of musicians and songwriters performing in local bars, recognizing it as a transformative experience that accelerated her understanding of the music business.

"i had this thought to piggyback off of this, this is a very heavy thought, i apologize ahead of time, but i'm just saying what's been in my brain: a hundred years from now, i'll be gone, you'll be gone, we'll all be gone. and it kind of changes the way you view things a little bit. so if you really want to go after something, go for it."

Kutter shares a philosophical perspective on life's brevity, emphasizing the importance of pursuing one's goals with urgency. She explains that contemplating mortality shifts one's viewpoint, encouraging a proactive approach to achieving aspirations rather than succumbing to hesitation.

"my new year's resolution at the top of this year was to obviously keep on doing what i'm doing, but i was thinking how cool would it be because every day, you know, i'm running for like 45 minutes, just five miles. that's about an album, you know, give or take. so i've been listening to a different album every single day and the way i figure is that's a lot of music by the end of this year, you know."

Kutter details a personal New Year's resolution focused on expanding her musical knowledge by listening to a different album daily during her five-mile runs. She views this practice as a significant learning opportunity, accumulating a vast amount of musical exposure over the course of the year.

"you know, i think that what happened was, for better or for worse, in the 2010s and i have from my study this year is when i actually had this thought process about this timeframe, really, i guess it really started a couple of years before that, but really in the 2010s, there was just a lack of females that were actually being successful. now there were like, obviously Kelsea Ballerini cut through, Miranda Lambert cut through, but for the amount they were pushing out, the amount that were working, it was no bueno in Nashville."

Kutter analyzes the landscape of country music in the 2010s, noting a perceived decline in the success of female artists compared to previous eras. She acknowledges some prominent exceptions but argues that, overall, the industry was not effectively supporting or promoting women in the genre.

"my great granddaddy built a church. he was a bootlegger. you know, growing up, i always heard that story. well, you know, it just, my brain, i was always like, that's so weird. like, bootlegging was illegal

Resources

External Resources

Books

  • Dolly's autobiography - Mentioned as an example of someone who moved to Nashville and wrote for other people before becoming an artist.

Articles & Papers

  • "The devil wore a lab coat" (The Soapbox Lex episode) - Discussed as the title of the podcast episode featuring Mary Kutter.
  • "Devil's Money" (Song) - Mentioned as a song that went viral and kicked open the door for Mary Kutter's artistry.
  • "Bootlegger's Bible" (Song) - Mentioned as a song released in November 2024.
  • "Smell the smoke" (Song) - Mentioned as a song that embraces elements of Kentucky's reputation.
  • "Bad Apple" (Song) - Mentioned as a song that expresses feelings about unattainable standards in the South with Christian roots.
  • "Go South" (Song) - Mentioned in relation to channeling Carrie Underwood.
  • "Lap Dog" (Song) - Mentioned as a song that could have been recorded by a male artist.

People

  • Mary Kutter - Featured guest, country artist, songwriter, and storyteller.
  • Paul - Co-host of The Soapbox Lex podcast.
  • Eric - Co-host of The Soapbox Lex podcast.
  • Robin Roberts - Quoted for her philosophy of treating every day like a sponge.
  • Dolly Parton - Mentioned for her Imagination Library and her practice of giving back.
  • Carrie Underwood - Mentioned as a successful female artist who recorded phenomenal songs.
  • Gwen Stefani - Mentioned as an artist from an era of female-led rock bands.
  • Janis Joplin - Mentioned as a female rock artist.
  • Blondie - Mentioned as a female rock artist.
  • Nate Smith - Mentioned as an artist who received a record deal after the world opened back up.
  • Bailey Zimmerman - Mentioned as an artist who received a record deal after the world opened back up.
  • Hank Jr. - Mentioned as an artist Mary Kutter has opened for.
  • Oliver Anthony - Mentioned as a musician with a similar grassroots, storyteller vibe.
  • Al Capone - Mentioned in relation to Mary Kutter's great-grandfather's life.
  • Gretchen Wilson - Mentioned as a successful female artist from the early 2000s.
  • Trisha Yearwood - Mentioned as a successful female artist from the early 2000s.
  • Faith Hill - Mentioned as a successful female artist from the early 2000s.
  • Martina McBride - Mentioned as a successful female artist from the early 2000s.
  • Reba McEntire - Mentioned as a successful female artist from the early 2000s.
  • Shania Twain - Mentioned as a top-tier female artist.
  • Kelsea Ballerini - Mentioned as a female artist who cut through in the 2010s.
  • Miranda Lambert - Mentioned as a female artist who cut through in the 2010s.
  • Miranda Moreson - Mentioned as a female artist with hit songs on her first record.

Organizations

  • The Soapbox Lex - Name of the podcast.
  • Reddit - Mentioned as the platform where a wife posted a story about her husband.
  • NFL (National Football League) - Mentioned in relation to the discussion of White Claw.
  • Mountain Dew - Mentioned as an energy drink company that produced an alcoholic beverage.
  • St. Catherine College - Mentioned as a college that closed and turned into a rehab center.
  • Pro Football Focus (PFF) - Mentioned in relation to the discussion of White Claw.
  • New England Patriots - Mentioned as an example team for performance analysis.
  • Calgary Stampede - Mentioned as a big rodeo event in Calgary.
  • The Barrel - Venue in Lexington where Mary Kutter will be performing.

Websites & Online Resources

  • https://soapboxlex.com - Website for The Soapbox Lex podcast.
  • YouTube - Mentioned as a platform where Mary Kutter's catalog was browsed.
  • Instagram - Mentioned as a platform where Mary Kutter posts content.
  • TikTok - Mentioned as a platform where Mary Kutter posts content.
  • MaryKutter.com - Mary Kutter's official website.

Other Resources

  • White Claw - Mentioned as an alcoholic beverage that some people allegedly mistook for an energy drink.
  • Energy drinks - Mentioned in the context of confusion with alcoholic beverages.
  • Hard Mountain Dew - Mentioned as an alcoholic beverage produced by Mountain Dew.
  • Candy cigarettes - Mentioned as a product that looked like real cigarettes.
  • Functional alcoholic - Mentioned as a description for someone rationalizing drinking White Claw.
  • Vodka - Mentioned as a component of a morning drink.
  • Orange juice - Mentioned as a component of a morning drink.
  • Lemonade - Mentioned as a component of a morning drink.
  • Opioid crisis - Mentioned as a heartbreaking issue in addiction.
  • Big Pharma - Mentioned as a topic Mary Kutter wanted to write a song about.
  • Nashville - Mentioned as the city where Mary Kutter lives and writes songs.
  • The Bluegrass - Region in Kentucky where Mary Kutter is from.
  • Springfield, Kentucky - Town where Mary Kutter grew up.
  • Bardstown, Kentucky - Town mentioned in one of Mary Kutter's songs and where her family has history.
  • Calgary, Canada - Original hometown of one of the podcast hosts.
  • Country music - Genre of music discussed.
  • Modern country music - Genre of music Mary Kutter is redefining.
  • Modern country music - Genre of music Mary Kutter is redefining.
  • Modern country music - Genre of music Mary Kutter is redefining.
  • Modern country music - Genre of music Mary Kutter is redefining.
  • Modern country music - Genre of music Mary Kutter is redefining.
  • Modern country music - Genre of music Mary Kutter is redefining.
  • Modern country music - Genre of music Mary Kutter is redefining.
  • Modern country music - Genre of music Mary Kutter is redefining.
  • Modern country music - Genre of music Mary Kutter is redefining.
  • Modern country music - Genre of music Mary Kutter is redefining.
  • Modern country music - Genre of music Mary Kutter is redefining.
  • Modern country music - Genre of music Mary Kutter is redefining.
  • Modern country music - Genre of music Mary Kutter is redefining.
  • Modern country music - Genre of music Mary Kutter is redefining.
  • Modern country music - Genre of music Mary Kutter is redefining.
  • Modern country music - Genre of music Mary Kutter is redefining.
  • Modern country music - Genre of music Mary Kutter is redefining.
  • Modern country music - Genre of music Mary Kutter is redefining.
  • Modern country music - Genre of music Mary Kutter is redefining.
  • Modern country music - Genre of music Mary Kutter is redefining.
  • Modern country music - Genre of music Mary Kutter is redefining.
  • Modern country music - Genre of music Mary Kutter is redefining.
  • Modern country music - Genre of music Mary Kutter is redefining.
  • Modern country music - Genre of music Mary Kutter is redefining.
  • Modern country music - Genre of music Mary Kutter is redefining.
  • Modern country music - Genre of music Mary Kutter is redefining.
  • Modern country music - Genre of music Mary Kutter is redefining.
  • Modern country music - Genre of music Mary Kutter is redefining.
  • Modern country music - Genre of music Mary Kutter is redefining.
  • Modern country music - Genre of music Mary Kutter is redefining.
  • Modern country music - Genre of music Mary Kutter is redefining.
  • Modern country music - Genre of music Mary Kutter is redefining.
  • Modern country music - Genre of music Mary Kutter is redefining.
  • Modern country music - Genre of music Mary Kutter is redefining.
  • Modern country music - Genre of music Mary Kutter is redefining.
  • Modern country music - Genre of music Mary Kutter is redefining.
  • Modern country music - Genre of music Mary Kutter is redefining.
  • Modern country music - Genre of music Mary Kutter is redefining.
  • Modern country music - Genre of music Mary Kutter is redefining.
  • Modern country music - Genre of music Mary Kutter is redefining.
  • Modern country music - Genre of music Mary Kutter is redefining.
  • Modern country music - Genre of music Mary Kutter is redefining.
  • Modern country music - Genre of music Mary Kutter is redefining.
  • Modern country music - Genre of music Mary Kutter is redefining.
  • Modern country music - Genre of music Mary Kutter is redefining.
  • Modern country music - Genre of music Mary Kutter is redefining.
  • Modern country music - Genre of music Mary Kutter is redefining.
  • Modern country music - Genre of music Mary Kutter is redefining.
  • Modern country music - Genre of music Mary Kutter is redefining.
  • Modern country music - Genre of music Mary Kutter is redefining.
  • Modern country music - Genre of music Mary Kutter is redefining.
  • Modern country music - Genre of music Mary Kutter is redefining.
  • Modern country music - Genre of music Mary Kutter is redefining.
  • Modern country music - Genre of music Mary Kutter is redefining.
  • Modern country music - Genre of music Mary Kutter is redefining.
  • Modern country music - Genre of music Mary Kutter is redefining.
  • Modern country music - Genre of music Mary Kutter is redefining.
  • Modern country music - Genre of music Mary Kutter is redefining.
  • Modern country music - Genre of music Mary Kutter is redefining.
  • Modern country music - Genre of music Mary Kutter is redefining.
  • Modern country music - Genre of music Mary Kutter is redefining.
  • Modern country music - Genre of music Mary Kutter is redefining.
  • Modern country music - Genre of music Mary Kutter is redefining.
  • Modern country music - Genre of music Mary Kutter is redefining.
  • Modern country music - Genre of music Mary Kutter is redefining.
  • Modern country music - Genre of music Mary Kutter is redefining.
  • Modern country music - Genre of music Mary Kutter is redefining.
  • Modern country music - Genre of music Mary Kutter is redefining.
  • Modern country music

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