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Stepping into the vibrant heart of the Nashville music scene, the powerhouse talent of Bridgette Tatum is immediately noticeable. A hit songwriter behind chart-toppers like Jason Aldean’s “She’s Country,” Bridgette’s unique voice and captivating storytelling have made her an admired figure in Music City. Join me as I dive into the career of this South Carolina native, exploring her songwriter journey as a significant part of modern country music.
From South Cackalacky to Nashville Stardom
In the latest episode of The Creative Push Podcast, I sat down with the acclaimed songwriter and artist. Bridgette’s journey is one of southern roots, musical evolution, and a relentless passion for the craft of songwriting. She brings a unique voice and outlook, offering a blend of wisdom, humility, and humor that both emerging and experienced creatives will find invaluable.
Bridgette’s musical upbringing as a native of Florence, South Carolina, “South Cackalacky,” set the stage for her ensuing journey. She recounts her early days singing gospel music with her parents, and how a ride on a cowboy’s horse in Texas, and the influence of country icons like Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood helped shape her life’s direction. Bridgette reminisces,
“I found ‘If Tomorrow Never Comes’ by this guy Garth Brooks and then found Trisha Yearwood, and that changed the trajectory of my life.”
Songwriting as a Calling
Although Bridgette began her career as a singer, it’s songwriting that captured her heart. She humorously explains,
“If you ain’t got the song, then you don’t have anything. You’re just mumbling a bunch of stuff or playing a bunch of stuff.”
Bridgette’s love for the craft was ignited singing in nursing homes at just six and blossomed from those formative experiences. She shares the practical realities of pursuing music education, detailing her path to Nashville State when more prestigious and expensive colleges like Belmont weren’t accessible due to her budget. Bridgette’s honesty about financial barriers is refreshing,
“Belmont didn’t like poor students… I wasn’t a trust fund baby.”
Instead, she found mentorship and opportunity at Nashville State, culminating in an internship with Kent Blazy, the co-writer of “If Tomorrow Never Comes.”
The Story Behind “She’s Country” and Creative Serendipity
Bridgette made her mark in Nashville as a top-tier songwriter in 2009 when she co-wrote Jason Aldean’s iconic anthem, “She’s Country.” The track soared to #1 on country radio for two consecutive weeks, became the most-played song in the genre that year, and achieved the rare feat of selling more ringtones than any other song across all genres. She explains the story behind her major career milestone when a burst of inspiration came over her, she pulled into a Target parking lot to write down her thoughts using the playful word “Cackalacky.” She later co-wrote with Danny Myrick on her ideas, and together they finished the song. The song’s success was both a surprise and a testament to following Tatum’s creative instincts.
The Lessons and Seasons of a Creative Life
Tatum’s versatility is evident in her diverse catalog of cuts by other artists, including Randy Houser (“Back”), Kristy Lee Cook, The Farm (“Farm Party”), and multiple tracks for Gretchen Wilson like “Big Wood Deck,” “Mary Kay and Maybelline,” and “Summertime Town.” Her song “Loud” was chosen as the official theme for ACC Football’s 2010 season, and she has released her own album and singles, showcasing her powerful vocals and distinctive blend of country with Americana and Alt Country influences.
Despite her accomplishments, Bridgette remains candid about the realities of the creative journey. She reflects,
“Everybody’s intentions are not going to be good… avoiding bad people would have been awesome to know right out of the womb.”
Her biggest failure?
“Not listening to God and following that path the right way… my biggest accomplishment right now is getting out of my own way and letting him just take the wheel.”
Her approach to songwriting is fluid and often sparked by a title or a fleeting emotion. Bridgette emphasizes,
“You cannot teach somebody how to put emotion into a song.”
She’s refreshingly honest about not always feeling creative, but finds inspiration in co-writing and listening to the stories others bring to the room. As for writer’s block, she considers it more of a season than a permanent state, even though she hasn’t faced writer’s block yet in her career.
Purpose, Marketing, and Forward Motion
For those seeking advice, Bridgette insists on the importance of having a purpose.
“You have to have a purpose in it because there are some days you’re not going to want to wake up and do this, and you’re going to have to allow your purpose to wake you up and not get discouraged by the no’s.”
She credits resilience, faith, and the willingness to keep spinning and never stopping. She believes these are the key methods for marketing and progress. Her collaboration with new artists is a testament to her commitment to the next generation. Whether she’s writing, performing with up-and-comers, or backing others’ musical journeys, Bridgette’s philosophy is unwavering. Serve the song, serve the artist, and let the creative energy flow wherever it may.
The Artist’s Voice: “Sex, Church, and Chicken”
Beyond her successes as a songwriter for others, Bridgette Tatum has cultivated a compelling artistry as a performer. Her album, “Sex, Church, and Chicken,” released on Root 49 Records, offers a glimpse into her raw honesty and eclectic influences. Tatum’s music is characterized by her powerful, soulful vocals and her ability to weave vivid narratives. Tracks like “I Like My Cowboys Dirty,” “Hillbilly Rockstar,” and “Funky in the Country” showcase her spirited and often rebellious side, while ballads such as “Hold on to Me” reveal a deeper emotional vulnerability, rooted in her gospel upbringing. Her live performances are known for their authenticity, storytelling, and an undeniable ability to connect with an audience.
Tatum Town: Nurturing New Talent
Bridgette Tatum is not just a creator of music but also a builder of careers. After co-creating SoNash Publishing in 2022, she has since launched her own venture, Tatum Town. This production and artist development company is a testament to her commitment to fostering emerging talent. At Tatum Town, Tatum leverages her extensive experience as a hit songwriter, producer, and performer to mentor and develop new artists, guiding them through the intricate landscape of the music industry.
While interviewing Bridgette at the recent “Bands At The Barn,” she brought along Emma Zinck, an artist she is currently co-producing. She and Emma are co-writing and working together through mentorship and development.
A Pillar of the Nashville Community
Bridgette’s influence in Nashville extends beyond her professional endeavors. She is a recurring featured artist in “Sang. It. First.” a popular songwriter round series that pairs hit-making storytellers with rising artists, providing a crucial platform for collaboration and exposure. Tatum is also deeply involved in charitable work, balancing her demanding music career with a dedication to organizations like The Charley Foundation, which supports Nashville children in need. Her willingness to give back underscores her genuine connection to her community and her belief in the power of music to make a difference.
Looking Ahead: Always Learning
Bridgette’s humility shines when asked about the future.
“I have zero clue what’s going to be in my future… hopefully more songs, obviously, and hopefully more music. I’d like to make a new record at some point in time.”
Even after decades in Nashville, her willingness to learn reminds us that the creative journey is never truly finished because there’s always something new on the horizon. As a country music hitmaker, artist, and devoted advocate for the next generation, Bridgette is excited about what is ahead, especially with the music she has helped co-write on Trish Yearwood’s upcoming new release album.
The Creative Push Vlog on YouTube
You can see the interview I did with Bridgette in this video.
The Creative Push Podcast
You can find more about Bridgette on The Creative Push Podcast!
Find out more about Bridget on her Website, on YouTube, or on Instagram
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