Max Rees and Caitlyn Smith Co-Write a Song and Cover Storytelling and Rhyme Scheme

Over the course of four days, four teenaged students took the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum's crash course in songwriting, each crafting, recording, and performing an original composition with the help of industry professionals. The five-episode series, "Words & Music: Journey of a Song," documents their experiences.

In this third episode, follow Max Rees on his inspiring journey to the heart of what it takes to write a song. Guided by singer-songwriter and Monument Records recording artist Caitlyn Smith, Max takes his story and his song, "Ticket," from the page to the stage, his journey culminating in recording a demo and performing his song live in the CMA Theater with the help of producer and engineer Kevin Dailey and Big Machine Music President, Mike Molinar.

About Caitlyn Smith

Caitlyn Smith was nominated for the Academy of Country Music’s New Female Artist of the Year award in 2022, the same year her latest album, "High," was released. Smith’s previous releases include her 2020 album "Supernova," which includes the singles “Long Time Coming” and “I Can’t” (featuring Old Dominion), and her 2018 debut album, "Starfire." She wrote “Like I’m Gonna Lose You” (Meghan Trainor and John Legend), “Wasting All These Tears” (Cassadee Pope), and “You Can’t Make Old Friends” (Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers), as well as songs recorded by Gabby Barrett, James Bay, Garth Brooks, Miley Cyrus, Lady A, Tenille Townes, and Rascal Flatts.

Enter the Official Songwriting Contest

Interested in starting your own journey of a song? Enter the "Words & Music: Journey of a Song" Contest, presented by the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum with support from Omni Hotel Nashville and American Airlines. Write and submit your own original lyrics or song by January 31 and be entered to win one of several prizes, including a scholarship to the Museum's songwriting camp in June of 2024.

Enter to win: https://www.countrymusichalloffame.or…

Stay Tuned

In the fourth episode of "Words & Music: Journey of a Song," join student songwriter Avalon Simpson on her journey of a song, featuring #1 hit songwriter and producer Cameron Bedell, set to premiere January 3, 2024.