Welcome back to the dHarmic Evolution podcast with me James Kevin O’Connor, singer/songwriter and master storyteller. In today’s episode, we go all the way to Denver, Colorado to speak with another talented artist, Owen Kortz. Owen grew up in a musical family, with a major Beatles influence. In high school, he took his first guitar lessons and easily fell deep in love with music making. While learning, his mother who also wrote songs coached him, hence becoming the powerful musician and lyricist he is today. He relies on his feelings, emotions, and experiences when writing songs; Owen is also a fan of co-writing, enjoying his time with friends who also love making music. His major influencers for his style of music include The Beatles, Simon and Garfunkel, James Taylor, and more. As to the kinds of music he likes to listen to at the moment, he tells me that it varies, probably because of the extensive background and exposure he has been through all these years of listening, writing, and creating music. Aside from writing and playing songs, Owen keeps himself busy by helping out music students enrolled in the Songwriting Program of the Music and Entertainment Industry Studies Department at the University of Colorado-Denver. In addition, he volunteers for the Urban Peak Homeless Youth Shelter. Talk about a music man with a heart! Check out the full interview for more of Owen’s stories. On this episode: You’ll learn about Owen’s style in music writing Owen’s major influences in music How Owen came to help with the songwriting program at the University of Colorado-Denver Sound clips of Owen’s songs---which are awesome! The details on Owen’s albums and other amazing stuff you don’t want to miss! Quotes from Owen Kortz: “It’s just a matter of starting with an object or a guitar riff.” -on how he gets inspiration for writing lyrics “I ask myself, ‘How can I put this in such a way that will connect with my extended family - my audience, my community?’” “I between gigs, I do a lot of writing.” “It’s just about bringing people together around music.” Owen Kortz Songs featured: I’m There I Love You Hello, Old Friend Leave My Love with You Resources: The Success Principles by Jack Canfield The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey The Craft of Lyric Writing by Sheila Davis Writing Better Lyrics by Pat Pattison Follow Owen: Owen Kortz’s website Facebook: Owen Kortz Twitter: @owenkortz Soundcloud: Owen Kortz YouTube: Owen Kortz Don’t forget! Subscribe to dHarmic Evolution on iTunes Please sign up on dharmicevolution.com for free bonus content! Follow dHarmic Evolution on social media