Conversations with Robert Deitch

Today we’d like to introduce you to Robert Deitch.

Hi Robert, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I grew up in a 3 church, two-tavern town in southeast Iowa. My dad was a mechanic/small business owner, and my mother was a housewife and daycare provider. I was one of 5 children, which meant there were very few dull moments. If we weren’t riding motorcycles, we were playing sports or up to something we shouldn’t have been up to.

I’ve always loved all kinds of music. My older sister and two older brothers provided me with a broad range of record albums that I listened to nonstop. Everything from Chicago to Zeppelin, to Skynyrd, to Alabama to Bread. Add to that, my grandpa and Mother were avid country listeners. All of which, really shaped my musical taste. I’ve always had non-stop songs playing in my head, and a desire to write. I just didn’t know how, or where to start. About 15 years ago, I decided it was time to scratch the itch. I started by learning guitar. I took a few lessons and decided it wasn’t for me, and started to focus on learning chords, and eventually songs. A year or two later, I stumbled on to an NSAI songwriter seminar in Nashville. It was an amazing, bittersweet experience. It overwhelmingly affirmed to me that I wanted to pursue songwriting, During the seminar, one of the professional songwriters asked the room of about 100 aspiring writers, “Raise your hand if you’ve always had what seemed like a nonstop radio station playing in your head, but playing music no one has heard before”. I was one of two people who sheepishly raised my hand. The guy then said, “welcome home! you are meant to be here”.

For the first time in my life, I felt truly affirmed. On the flip side, it was truly eye-opening to see the volume of talented songwriters in Nashville. So, I flew home to Iowa, wrote more songs, applied what I learned, and when I went back to the next Seminar, about 6 months later, my songs caught the ear of a couple of pro songwriters, Barry Dean and Hugh Prestwood. This led me to a meeting at BMI, which opened the door to a handful of music publishers, which led me to my first Staff writer Deal. In the past 12 years, I’ve written for Murrah Music, BMG Chrysalis, and most recently, Dan Hodges Music. They were all kind enough to let me live in Iowa for 3 weeks a month and live in Nashville the other week. About 3-4 years ago, a friend of mine, Royce Johns, challenged me to make my own CD, and start playing shows. In the past 4 years, I’ve released 2 CDs and played around 350 solo and band shows in the Midwest and Nashville.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There are always challenges. I know my road has been smoother than some, and success is truly relative.

I think the biggest challenge/obstacle, was the fact that I didn’t live full-time in Nashville. Hits happen at the moment, and through relationships and networking. It was hard finding a true rhythm and develop deep relationships.

But if I’m honest, not being there every single day, prevented me from developing into the very best songwriter I could possibly be. But I don’t regret it. I’ve never had the big hit. I’ve had some big holds, and a few hands full of cuts. But I’ve been a part of some amazing songs with awesome songwriters. Worked for some phenomenal publishers. And I have an incredible family and network of friends. I’ll take that over a hit, all day, every day.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a Singer/Songwriter who specializes in writing/performing meaningful songs. Many of them are story songs. Songs about life, people, experiences, and places, for people who want to laugh, think and maybe even fight back a tear or two.

We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
I’ve learned that we are people who need a strong network of friends and family. I’ve learned that Zoom calls and Facetime have their purpose, but we need community and fellowship. Life is precious and fragile, and we need to value meaningful moments.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.smalltownproud.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robertdeitchmusic/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robertdeitchmusic
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaa5yRiTNOIFtJ_te_ro6BQ 

Image Credits
Zach Van Dorn and Randy Schwager