Viewer’s of NBC’s latest show “Songland” got a special Belmont flair on Wednesday night’s episode as alumni Casey Cook and Chris Jobe each performed original songs for the chance to collaborate with guest star Macklemore. Cook and Jobe are the second and third alumni to appear on the show, after alumna Rynn competed as a finalist on the show’s fourth episode.
“Songland” opens the door for up-and-coming songwriters as they compete in front of music superstars for the chance to collaborate and have their song selected, giving an inside look at the creative process. Guest stars search for their next hit song, choosing between the works of four contestants.
Job presented his song “It Could’ve Been You,” and Cook performed her song, “Judgements.” Macklemore selected Cook to move on to the next round and work with producer Ester Dean to tailor her song to fit Macklemore’s style (known for “Firework” by Katy Perry, “Rude Boy” by Rihanna, “Super Bass” by Nicki Minaj, “Mr. Know It All” by Kelly Clarkson and “Come & Get It” by Selena Gomez).
Cook, who graduated from Belmont in 2015 with her Bachelor’s in Entertainment Industry Studies and a minor in music, said Belmont was her top choice school for good reason.
“Belmont is an amazing school for anyone who is interested in being in music – on the creative side or the business side. The Belmont connections are strong no matter where you are, and just saying that I went to Belmont has elevated conversations I’ve had with people,” she said. “My last semester of college I studied in Los Angeles for Belmont West and that was the best decision I ever made.”
“Judgements,” written two years ago with Cameron Stymeist and fellow Belmont alumna Norma Jean Martine, is about being vulnerable with someone you’re getting to know.
Cook explained, “That initial conversation you have where you want to dive deep into their story and hear them out; the good, the bad, and everything in between, and you say to them “no worries, no judgements here. We’re all a little crazy and that’s okay.”
And while Macklemore ultimately went another direction, Cook has released two other singles this week. “I Wonder” is a collaboration with electronic act, West Coast Massive. “Pieces” is a duet co-written and featured by another Belmont alumnus, Sammy Plotkin. Find these songs and more now available on iTunes, Apple Music, and Spotify.
