Derek Wells- Guitarist (Dolly Parton, Kenny Chesney, Maren Morris)
01/20/23 • 48 min
Today’s guest is Derek Wells!
We’d typically start this episode intro with a description of our guests occupation, but there isn’t a box big enough to fit Derek’s career into. He’s literally checked all of them. As a first call session guitar player, bandleader, record producer, publishing executive, and board member of pretty much every industry organization, Derek has masterfully navigated every corner of the music industry.
Derek’s playing can be heard on over 50 #1 records. His pickin can be heard an artists such as Dolly Parton, Kenny Chesney, Maren Morris, Thomas Rhett, and Carrie Underwood. As a producer he’s led the charge for artists like Maddie and Tae, Scotty McCreery and Granger Smith. He’s earned awards for ACM musician of the year and Music Row guitar player of the year; as well as a Grammy Nomination for Maren Morris’ album “HERO” Most recently, Derek took on the position of Vice President of A&R/Production at Spirit Music Group in Nashville.
Through all of Derek’s astounding success he has remained a humble, kind, and compassionate leader in the recording industry community. In this conversation we explore the journey that led Derek to where he is today, unpack his creative approach in the studio, and discuss the perspectives that have helped Derek remain grounded and focused on the opportunities that each day brings while staying patient and persistent in the process. And with that I am honored to welcome Derek Well’s, a legend who clearly did not need this introduction.
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Today’s guest is Derek Wells!
We’d typically start this episode intro with a description of our guests occupation, but there isn’t a box big enough to fit Derek’s career into. He’s literally checked all of them. As a first call session guitar player, bandleader, record producer, publishing executive, and board member of pretty much every industry organization, Derek has masterfully navigated every corner of the music industry.
Derek’s playing can be heard on over 50 #1 records. His pickin can be heard an artists such as Dolly Parton, Kenny Chesney, Maren Morris, Thomas Rhett, and Carrie Underwood. As a producer he’s led the charge for artists like Maddie and Tae, Scotty McCreery and Granger Smith. He’s earned awards for ACM musician of the year and Music Row guitar player of the year; as well as a Grammy Nomination for Maren Morris’ album “HERO” Most recently, Derek took on the position of Vice President of A&R/Production at Spirit Music Group in Nashville.
Through all of Derek’s astounding success he has remained a humble, kind, and compassionate leader in the recording industry community. In this conversation we explore the journey that led Derek to where he is today, unpack his creative approach in the studio, and discuss the perspectives that have helped Derek remain grounded and focused on the opportunities that each day brings while staying patient and persistent in the process. And with that I am honored to welcome Derek Well’s, a legend who clearly did not need this introduction.
Join The Band for FREE at studiomusicianacademy.com
For access to exclusive masterclass sessions
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Previous Episode
John Willis- Guitarist (Taylor Swift, India Aria, Jewel)
John is a first call guitarist, songwriter, and producer based in Nashville, Tennessee.
Raised in Louisiana, John found his calling for guitar picking at an early age, and after discovering the roll of studio musicians, he traveled to LA to train at the Guitar institute of technology.
After making fast friends with his instructors, John earned opportunities to see first hand how records were made. His next step was Muscle Shoals, where he honed his craft, and caught the ear of famed record producer David Briggs, who urged him to take the leap to Nashville. Through a 20/20 vision of purpose, and blind faith to trust the process, John has dominated the guitar player chair for over four decades.
John’s playing can be heard on records ranging from Alabama and Willie Nelson, to Kenny Chesney and Taylor Swift, to India Arie and Jewel. If that wasn’t enough, John has also honed his craft as a songwriter, producer, and studio owner.
Through continuing to expand his skill sets and creative approach, John has crafted the roadmap for long term success in an ever-evolving industry. The stories we unpack in this episode cover lessons that could easily be the one stop manual for success and fulfillment as a studio musician. Grab a pen, because you’re going to want to take notes!
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Next Episode
Nir Z- Drummer (Chris Cornell, Carrie Underwood, John Mayer)
Nir has circled the globe in his journey to becoming one of the industry's most in demand session drummers. Beginning his career in his home country of Israel, continuing on to New York City, and then finally landing in his current home base of Nashville.
Throughout his musical expedition, he has collaborated with countless iconic artists including Genesis, John Mayer, Chris Cornell, Carrie Underwood, and Blake Shelton. Nir’s impressive versatility and passion for perfecting the intricacies of the recording process have allowed him to remain a first call drummer for over four decades and counting.
Nir has an incredible home studio which he has optimized for being able to quickly navigate a variety of drum sound approaches with a unique combination of microphone configurations. His sounds are so highly sought after that companies such as ToonTrack and That Sound have called on him to create some of the most acclaimed drum sample collections in the industry.
This conversation dives deep into the early stages of finding your creative tribe, discovering opportunity organically, developing a deep musical toolbox, and unpacking unique recording techniques to execute a stand out sound and performance. We are grateful for the opportunity to welcome our friend Nir Z to the podcast. Let's go!
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