Rick Carnes is the President of the Songwriters Guild of America and a songwriter himself, with credits on 40 platinum albums. His songs have been recorded by artists such as Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire, Alabama, and Dean Martin. Since 1931 the SGA has fought to legally protect songwriters, the music they create, and their ability to earn a living from it. Rick has served as president of the SGA since 2004. 

RICK CARNES

Songwriters create the meaning in people’s lives. When you’re married, you have a song. When you fall in love, you have a song. At a funeral, they play a song. When people go off to war, they’re singing a war ballad. Songs create the meaningful moments in people’s lives. People bookmark the moment they met and kissed for the first time with a song. Songs are the bookmarks of your life. Your life is not going to have those meaningful moments cemented into your heart and soul without those songs. That’s a critically important job. That’s worth paying for.

My entire life has been songwriting. I fear that the next generation isn’t going to have any guys like me, no girls, no anybody, coming out that can say, “I’m going to be a songwriter my entire life.” And that’s what I’m striving for. I’m striving for the profession of songwriting producers. I truly believe that songwriting is an art that grows over time. You get better at what you do. And if you have to stop at twenty-five so you can pay for your rent, then that’s the death of art, and we must promote careers in songwriting.

This interview was conducted by Mia Funk and Konner Kienzle with the participation of collaborating universities and students. Associate Interviews Producer on this podcast was Konner Kienzle. Digital Media Coordinator is Hannah Story Brown.

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Mia Funk is an artist, interviewer and founder of The Creative Process.