Karen Waldrup

One great co-write can change a career, but only if you understand what actually happened in the room. We sit down with Louisiana country music recording artist Karen Waldrop to get specific about the songwriting process behind “Me Again,” including what it was like writing with hit writer Danny Wells, how the melody and structure came together, and why the best collaborators know when to lead and when to get out of the way. If you’re a songwriter, an indie artist, or just a listener who loves the story behind the song, this conversation is packed with real craft, not mythology.From songwriting we move into the studio, where Karen shares what she learned working with producer Garth Fundis and what it takes to track a record in iconic Nashville spaces like Sound Emporium, Soundstage, and BMG Studio A. We also talk about making music that holds up in 2026 listening environments, including Dolby Atmos mixing for immersive audio and why she’s pushing for the best possible sound. Karen breaks down a bold independent artist strategy too: touring songs before releasing the full project, using real-time audience reaction to guide what comes next.The emotional center is her new release “Keeping the Faith,” a hopeful country song rooted in belief, prayer, and the decision to keep moving even when life hits hard. Karen opens up about going through divorce while finishing a positive record she calls “No Way Back,” why honesty with fans matters, and how her community showed up through a Mother’s Day video built from fan-submitted photos and stories. We also zoom out to the bigger legacy she cares about most: her long-term charity work supporting Haiti through homes, clean water, and music-driven fundraising.Subscribe for more artist interviews, share this with a friend who loves country music storytelling, and leave a review if you want more conversations like this. What helps you keep the faith when the plan falls apart?Episode LinksKaren Waldrup: https://karenwaldrup.com/Send us Fan MailSupport the showLinksJay Franze: https://jayfranze.com/JFS Countdowns/Playlists: https://jayfranze.com/playlists/ContactContact: https://jayfranze.com/contact/SocialsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayfranzeYouTube: https://youtube.com/@jayfranzeEverywhere: @jayfranzeServicesServices: https://jayfranze.com/services/BooksBooks: https://jayfranze.com/books/MerchandiseMerchandise: https://jayfranze.com/merchandise/SupportSupport: https://jayfranze.com/support/Sponsor the Show: https://jayfranze.com/sponsor/Shout OutsHigh Mountain Breezes Music: https://highmountainbreezesmusic.com/VR Knives: https://www.facebook.com/VRKnives