Ep 5. Meghan Trainor

Songland season 1 episode 5 features the talented musician and songwriter Meghan Trainor. In this episode, Trainor joins the panel of songwriters and producers to help discover the next big hit song. The episode starts with Trainor explaining her love for all things music and sharing her experiences in the industry. She then meets the four aspiring songwriters who are vying for the chance to work with her.

The first songwriter to perform is Max Embers. He presents his original song "Backwards" which is a funky, upbeat track that catches the attention of the judges. Trainor and the producers are impressed with his energy and catchy melody, but they suggest some changes to the lyrics to make the song more relatable to a larger audience.

The second songwriter, Amanda Brown, performs her song called "We're Coming In Hot." Her soulful vocals and powerful lyrics impress Trainor. However, the producers advise her to simplify some parts of the song to create a more cohesive and streamlined track.

Next up is Josh Wood, who performs his song "Same Mind." His soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics resonate with Trainor and the producers. They suggest adding a bridge to the song to enhance the emotional impact of the lyrics.

Finally, Zach Sorgen performs "Bad Dream." The song has haunting vocals and a seductive melody that captivates the judges. However, they suggest a few tweaks to the lyrics to ensure that the song meets commercial standards.

After the performances, Trainor and the producers deliberate to choose their favorite song, which they will then help to develop further. In a surprising twist, they decide to work with two of the songwriters: Max Embers and Zach Sorgen.

Together, they work to refine the songs, making changes to the lyrics and melody to create a hit song. The producers provide guidance on how to make the songs appeal to a broader audience while still maintaining the original spirit of the songs.

At the end of the episode, the two songs are premiered to a live audience. Meghan Trainor performs a slick rendition of "Bad Dream" to a raucous response from the crowd. Max Embers' "Backwards" evokes a similar response, with the audience dancing and singing along.

Overall, the episode successfully showcases Meghan Trainor's talent and love for music while discovering new and exciting songwriters. The songs are all unique and modern, and the show delivers a behind-the-scenes look at how hit songs are created.