Joe Leathers and Kyle Jacobs craft hit songs. Matt Wynn sings and also writes. You may not immediately recognize their names, but when their talents meet, a deadly combination emerges. I sat down with these Nashville hit-makers at SOWAL House in Rosemary Beach, FL, to explore their incredible skills.

 

Kyle Jacobs is no stranger to top-10 Country charts, penning hits for Garth Brooks, George Strait, and his lovely bride, Kellie Pickler. He was introduced to Rosemary Beach when Joe invited him to tag along years ago.

A Memphis, TN native, Leathers still works in the municipal bond industry. Yet somehow, the salesman with a magnetic personality managed to expand his songwriting credits to the top of Country charts.

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Matt Wynn isn’t just an accomplished songwriter but an up-and-coming artist. He’s opened shows for headliners like Luke Combs and Brett Young.

Performing at the 30A Songwriters Festival since its inception, Leathers finds comfort along the area’s white-sand beaches. His family previously owned a home in Rosemary Beach for many years. They often invited fellow songwriters to visit and write songs, and nearby residents never minded. Neighbor Kim Jameson even demonstrated her appreciation by bringing delivering a peach cobbler. The songwriters found energy and a new friend through the gesture.

In reality, few people recognize songwriters. Most fans believe their favorite artists write their songs.

Songwriters Live Between the Parenthesis

“We live between the parenthesis,” Leathers emphasized when admitting songwriters fly under the radar. “People are surprised when their favorite artists didn’t write the song. The musicians we’re privileged to work and write for are the best in the world. We see these musicians blow our minds regularly, yet fans only hear a three-minute song. I wish people could see the chase because we’re about excellence. There’s no place for a mediocre song.”

My curiosity peaked, so I asked Joe and Kyle how many hit songs originated in Rosemary Beach. The answer; over 150, including Tim McGraw’s “Still,” “Hard to Love,” “One of Them Girls,” and “Rumor” by Lee Brice.

Surrendering to the Song

Jacobs and Leathers have publishing deals with Curb Music Publishing in Nashville. It’s easy to believe songwriters create blockbuster hits by passing a bottle of bourbon around until a magical verse appears. In reality, songwriting takes lots of effort and time. More than anyone can imagine. For every story about hit songs written in 15 minutes, tens of thousands of other songs demand more effort. Much more.

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I asked the trio when they know a song is complete. Writers like myself face deadlines. At some point, surrendering an article or project becomes necessary. The rules are different for hit songs.

“We surrender to the song,” Jacobs quickly interjected. “If the song requires more work, you roll up your sleeves and dig in. The song will tell you when it’s ready. Just listen to the song.”

Our episode lasted an hour and twenty-three minutes, including Matt playing and singing a new song, “Beautiful Music.” We discussed the art of songwriting and how creatives begin their process. There’s more advice and insight than I’m writing here. Listen as these songwriters detail the songwriting process and create hits along Florida’s Emerald Coast.

You can also find this episode on Apple, Spotify, Google, Sticher, and other podcasts streaming services.