If there is one thing that the pandemic of 2020 has taught us, it’s how to adapt. Even though fans would rather be in their seats (or standing) at a concert, and the musicians would rather be on a stage, both are still finding ways to stay connected. Musicians are livestreaming across multiple social media platforms, bringing their music to their fans, and making new ones along the way. But television has also taken a hit. It’s November and only a few shows have had their season premieres, which would normally have been 4-6 weeks ago. But as we adapt, sometimes we have to look back to the way things were done before technology was at our fingertips. Granted, people may not gather around the radio anymore for entertainment, as in the days when shows like “Father Knows Best” and “Gunsmoke” got their start, but they are streaming podcasts. Enter David Hudgins (Friday Night Lights) and Brooks Hudgins, who took this once in a life time (we hope) opportunity to write the first ever musical specifically for the podcast realm. Taking the idea of telling the story of a songwriter’s journey and the ins and outs of the industry while intertwining original music – and bringing in some big names in the process – Make It Up As We Go was born. Eight episodes will be released over 7 weeks (October 8 -November 19), filling in that void of a new episode of your favorite TV show and the desire to hear new music.
This scripted story centers around Charlotte Sayles, played by Scarlett Burke, as she chases her dream of making it in the country music industry. Burke is joined by some very familiar names including Dennis Quaid, Rob Mayes, Billy Bob Thornton, Michael Raymond-James and cameos by Lindsay Ell, Bobby Bones and Miranda Lambert (who is also executive producer). The podcast’s original music was written by Burke with Nicolle Galyon and produced by Jared Gutstadt.
Make It Up As We Go is set up as a radio interview between Charlotte and Bobby Bones. Charlotte’s answers to Bones’ questions are played out with the dialogue between characters acting out her life’s events. Burke’s very nervous, yet natural tone makes her very believable, which being an audio only performance, is very important. The entire cast does very well with the challenge of portraying their characters and expressing their emotions clearly (no shying away from cussing when angry), given that there is no visual assistance.
Another detail that adds a bit of nostalgia is Burke reciting the sponsor advertisements (Knorr Rice and Pasta Sides, Magnum Ice Cream) in character, harkening back to the times of radio shows.
Listen to episodes on your preferred digital service here: APPLE | SPOTIFY | IHEART
Listen to the podcast’s original music here.
Make It Up As We Go Episode Recaps:
(recaps will be added as the new chapters are released)
Chapter 1 “My Dove” introduces us to Charlotte, and sets up the meeting between the singer-songwriter, her boyfriend Davis Gabbert, and Nashville producer Elliot Lieberman, who discovers Sayles performing her original song “My Dove” on stage at The Golden Light in her hometown of Amarillo, TX. Quite stereotypically, Elliot promises the pair a ride to Nashville, only to fall back on his offer (hangover in the morning, no bus for them to ride on) leaving the couple to find their own way to Music City. During their drive, Charlotte and Davis pitch lyrics back and forth. They finally arrive and check out their run down apartment supplied by Elliot (he promised a place, not a palace). But he makes up for the dump with a writing session with well-known Nashville songwriter Marshall Tracy (Michael Raymond-James), that doesn’t go all too well.
The dialogue between Charlotte and her father prior to leaving shows the kind of upbringing Charlotte’s experienced. After pressing Charlotte about what Elliot is promising her, she says they are “making it up as we go.” A hard working man, her father offers the money he made from selling a cow to help start her, and promises there is more if she needs it, proving to his daughter he supports her and believes in her.
Chapter 1 “My Dove” Cast:
Scarlett Burke as Charlotte Sayles / Bobby Bones as Himself / Dennis Quaid as Joe Sayles / Rob Mayes as Davis Gabbert / Zach Selwyn as Elliot Lieberman / Michael Raymond-James as Marshall Tracy / Jameson Moss as Jacob (assistant) / Brooks Hudgins as Jeff (assistant) / Phil Bogard as Paul (songwriter) / Dub Cornett as Roadie / Jesse Siebenberg as Radio announcer
Chapter 2 “Poison” : Elliot sticks up for Charlotte’s talent, demanding Emily to meet with the duo again and give them more than 30 minutes of his time. Reluctantly, Marshall agrees that while Charlotte may have the talent, her boyfriend Davis is dead weight. Elliot works to set up a writing session for Charlotte with CMA Winner Emily Turner, laying on some blackmail and quilt trips. Although she was quick to say no, as she’s thanking everyone who believed in her during her CMA Song of the Year acceptance speech, Turner realizes she was Sayles at one point, and needs to be there for her now. Elliot passes along the good news to Charlotte, but with a catch: the writing session is only for her – no Davis – setting up for a conflict between partners, lovers and jealous to raise its ugly head.
The conversation between Charlotte and Emily is very timely, as the veteran explains to the rookie how much harder this road will be for her because she is a woman in country music in Nashville.
Chapter 2 “Poison” Cast:
Scarlett Burke as Charlotte Sayles / Zach Selwyn as Elliot Lieberman / Michael Raymond-James as Marshall Tracy / Jameson Moss as Jacob (assistant) / Bre Blair as Emily Turner / Dennis Quaid as Joe Sayles / Rob Mayes as Davis Gabbert / Jared Gutstadt as CMA Presenter / William Siebenberg as Weston Turner / Wendy Selwyn as Jen Lieberman
Chapter 3 “Make It Up As We Go”: Davis’ drunken blow up visit to Elliot’s house after finding out about Charlotte’s writing session with Emily could have hurt Charlotte’s chances in Nashville, but Elliot was able to score another session with Emily and vocal coach Apollo Joiner. But again, both are without Davis, bringing the conflict between Charlotte and her boyfriend to head.
Over pancakes Joiner brings up Charlotte’s mother, sparking the singer songwriter to cry. Aside from the quick mention in the introduction and in her conversation with her father, this is the first time Charlotte’s talks about her mother.
Chapter 3 “Make It Up As We Go” Cast:
Scarlett Burke as Charlotte Sayles / Zach Selwyn as Elliot Lieberman / Craig Robinson as Apollo Joiner / Rob Mayes as Davis Gabbert / Bre Blair as Emily Turner / Dennis Quaid as Joe Sayles / The Salty Suites as Madison White Bluegrass Trio
Chapter 4 “Workin Out”: Charlotte’s unexpected mistake during her writing session with Emily not only upsets Davis, but also puts Elliot in a bad situation. Now she has to figure out how to straighten things out which will either cost her Davis and/or her growing relationship with Emily – and possibly her shot in Nashville period. Then an unlikely writing partner remerges, Marshall Tracy.
Chapter 4 “Workin Out” Cast:
Scarlett Burke as Charlotte Sayles / Rob Mayes as Davis Gabbert / Jameson Moss as Jacob (assistant) / Zach Selwyn as Elliot Lieberman / Dennis Quaid as Joe Sayles / Bre Blair as Emily Turner / Craig Robinson as Apollo Joiner / Michael Raymond-James as Marshall Tracy
Listen to Lindsay Ell’s recording of “Workin’ Out” here.
Chapter 5 “Dream Small”: Charlotte’s unexpected writing session with Marshall leads to her first recording session. Marshall brings Charlotte to her first industry party to network, rubbing elbows with producer Van Tyler, Miranda Lambert and Bobby Bones. A phone call from her best friend brings Charlotte to tears. Charlotte and Emily exchange apologies and re-connect as friends.
Chapter 5 “Dream Small” Cast:
Miranda Lambert as Herself / Billy Bob Thornton as Van Tyler / Scarlett Burke as Charlotte Sayles / Michael Raymond-James as Marshall Tracy / Bre Blair as Emily Turner / Zach Selwyn as Elliot Lieberman / Lee Dawson as Dan Barnes / Bobby Bones as Himself / Natalie Gelman as Kendall / Shelly Siebenberg as Missy Goodson / Craig Robinson as Apollo Joiner / Jesse Siebenberg as Roman / Nasheka Siddall as Simone
Listen to episodes here: APPLE | SPOTIFY | IHEART
Listen to the podcast’s original music here.
Make It Up As We Go is co-produced by Audio Up Media and iHeartMedia and exclusively presented by Unilever’s Knorr and Magnum brands.