In this episode of “When Words Fail: Music Speaks,” hosts Blake Moseley, James Cox, and Amanda Dolan dive into the transformative and healing power of music with special guest, country artist Doug Adkins. Here are the key highlights and themes discussed in the episode:

Guest Interview: Doug Atkins

• Musical Background: Doug shares his journey in music, influenced by his upbringing in Montana and his mother’s band, the Cherry Donors.
• Influences: Pays tribute to iconic songwriters Willie Nelson and Ed Bruce.
• Touring Experiences: Insights into life on the road and connecting with audiences.

Songwriting Insights

• Genuine Emotion vs. AI: A deep discussion on the importance of genuine emotion in music, contrasting traditional songwriting methods with AI’s lack of emotional depth.
• Human Collaboration: Emphasis on the irreplaceable value of human collaboration in music creation.
• Songwriting Challenges: Doug recounts the personal challenge of writing 37 songs in a year.

Teaching and Mentoring

• Focus on Melodies: Doug’s approach to teaching songwriting by focusing on melodies first.
• Mentoring Younger Musicians: Encouraging the next generation of songwriters.

Upcoming Projects

• 11th Album: Doug is preparing to record his 11th album, aiming to tell complete stories through his songs.
• New Album Release: Announcing a new album set to release in January 2025.

Personal Reflections

• Favorite Artists: Reflection on favorite country artists and Neil Diamond’s “The Jazz Singer.”
• Inspiration: The story behind his song “Dirt Roads and Fence Lines.”
• Contemporary Country Music: Expressing confusion and thoughts about the current state of country music.

Listener Engagement

• Online Presence: Encouragement for listeners to engage with Doug’s music online.

Sponsors and Discounts

• Betterhelp: Affordable mental health care with experienced therapists and a 10% discount for new users.
• Bones Coffee Company: Unique coffee flavors for coffee enthusiasts.
• All Above Landscaping: Landscaping services in Sumter with exclusive discounts for podcast listeners.

Tune in to explore the soulful journey of Doug Atkins and gain insights into the authentic process of creating music that resonates deeply with listeners.

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James Cox Podcast Host who has Cerebral Palsy

James Cox is an individual living with cerebral palsy. He has a podcast called “When Words Fail…Music Speaks” in which he discusses how Music can help with depression. James has lived with cerebral palsy all of his life, and now he wants to help people understand that living with a disability does not define who he is.

James’ dad is a retired colonel in the Air Force, so he lived in many different places such as the Philippines and bases in the southeast USA meeting many interesting people and gaining life experience. James has worked several different jobs over the years that allowed him the opportunity to meet new people and gain different outlooks on life. Places such as Central Carolina Tech College, The Sumter Library, Dave and Buster’s, and Outback Steakhouse.

James has been living on his own for five years now. Moving out of Sumter SC, he has been living up to his life long goal to live on his own and thrive despite his disability. He now lives in Columbia SC and has a part time job that he loves in addition to his podcast.