New York, NY (Top40 Charts/ PLA Media) "Anyone, anyone can learn the craft of songwriting," this is the motto of Hillbilly Culture, the latest brainchild of Berklee honors graduate and songstress
Amanda Williams. Hillbilly Culture adds new services to the traditional publishing company umbrella by creating educational opportunities and tool honing programs to aid in excelling any songwriter. "Hillbilly Culture is more than just a music publishing company," says Amanda. "It's a celebration of the traditional forms of entertainment and education - songs & story telling. We provide aspiring songwriters with tools to develop their ideas and teach writers how to use the craft beyond its commercial appeal. Songwriting is one of the best forms of creative expression; it's my firm belief that if everyone was a songwriter, we'd have a happier and healthier society."
Hillbilly Culture currently oversees the catalogs of Amanda Williams and her father, renowned tunesmith, Kim Williams, ASCAP, ACM, CMA, CCMA, Dove and NSAI award winner. His string of sixteen No 1 hits has included the following:
If The Devil Danced in Empty Pockets-Joe Diffie
Ain't Goin' Down Till the Sun Comes Up-Garth Brooks
Papa Loved Mama-Garth Brooks
It's Midnight Cinderella-Garth Brooks
Who Needs Ya Baby-Clay Walker
The Heart is a Lonely Hunter-Reba McEntire
After years of research and development, Amanda has crafted a unique set of programs for writers who sign up as Hillbilly Culture Club members. "So many new songwriters come to town with stars in their eyes and become quickly discouraged because they don't know what to do next. Hillbilly Culture Club offers songwriters the tools and structure to build upon for future success."
Amanda feels lucky that she was able to learn songwriting by "sitting at the feet of the masters," watching her dad, Kim pen hit after hit with his co-writers. She developed Hillbilly Culture Club to offer that same opportunity to aspiring songwriters everywhere.
"We interview hit songwriters, like Dad, record company executives, publicists, radio DJs, and other industry professionals & compile their advice into short video clips in our Video Vault."
The Hillbilly Culture business paradigm also includes:
Voices from the Mountain
This NPR style biweekly internet broadcast features a variety of guests that examine the songwriting and business aspects of the music industry. The lineup features a trio of guests from all walks of the music business playing games and telling stories designed to entertain and educate songwriters and music lovers alike. The first two episodes are currently available on the website. To date guest have included:
Kim Williams writer 140 million units sold
Pam Lewis, publicist, owner PLA Media
TJ McFarland singer/songwriter
Ron Harbin, writer of Mr. Mom & What About Now Lonestar
Philip Douglas, writer of Kiss This Aaron Tippin, performer
Lance Miller, recording artist/writer, Nashville Star contestant
Con Hunley, recording artist
Phil Jarnigan, DJ at Merle FM Knoxville, TN
Songwriter Times
Updated weekly, Hillbilly Culture Club members access articles written by songwriters for songwriters.
Song Writer Retreats
The Hillbilly Culture Song Writer Retreats offer an opportunity for a small group of 15 applicants to attend educational workshops and co-write with professional writers. Participants connect with each other as well as successful writers and work on the skills they need to take their great idea and turn it into a great song. Interested writers can find more information about the first retreat, set for March 4-6th, and submit an application on the website.
"We celebrate the diversity and exchange of ideas," says Amanda. "I truly believe the words of my father when he says that 'anyone, anyone can learn the craft of songwriting.' Let us come together around the camp fire and share our stories with one another. This is the environment that we value and have at the foundation of Hillbilly Culture."
To access additional information on Hillbilly Culture and sign up to be a member, visit www.hillbillyculture.com.
