Ep 1. Lady Antebellum

In the first episode of Songland season 2, multi-platinum selling country-pop trio Lady Antebellum is on the hunt for the perfect song to add to their arsenal. The group has seen countless successes throughout their career, including 10 number one hits and numerous awards, and they have come to Songland to find a fresh sound and connect with new songwriters.

As always, the episode begins with the three Songland producers - Ryan Tedder, Shane McAnally, and Esther Dean - introducing themselves and their unique musical styles. They then bring out the first songwriter of the night, whose name is not revealed until they begin performing their original song for Lady Antebellum.

The first songwriter is a young woman with a soulful voice and a touching personal story that inspires her music. Her heartfelt lyrics and heartfelt performance bring Lady Antebellum to tears, and they express their admiration for her talent. However, they also express hesitations about the song's production and suggest making some changes before moving forward. The producer's feedback is essential in the songwriting process, and they work together with the songwriter to create a new version of the song that satisfies everyone's vision.

The second songwriter is a seasoned artist with a rock background, and he brings a more upbeat tune to the table. His song has a catchy hook and a lively energy that gets Lady Antebellum dancing and nodding their heads. However, they also offer criticisms of the lyrics, which they feel lack depth and meaning. The songwriter is receptive to the feedback and works with the producers to find ways to elevate the song's message.

The third songwriter comes from a completely different musical background, and his unique style surprises Lady Antebellum. He brings an electronic sound to the mix, with synthesized beats and layers of sound. His songwriting is also novel, with a poetic and metaphorical approach that leaves the band intrigued. However, they do voice some concerns about the song's structure and melody, which they feel could be improved. Together, they experiment with different arrangements and eventually settle on a sound that both the songwriter and band are happy with.

Finally, the fourth songwriter of the night is a young artist with an infectious personality and a contagious smile. Her song is an emotional ballad that showcases her powerful voice and touching lyrics. Lady Antebellum is immediately drawn to her presence and the song's potential. However, they note that while the song is beautiful, it may not necessarily fit with their style. The songwriter is understanding of their feedback and grateful for the opportunity to work with them.

After hearing all four songs, Lady Antebellum retreats to deliberate and choose their top three picks. The producers express their admiration for all the songwriters and their willingness to take their feedback and improve their work. Finally, Lady Antebellum announces their favorite three songs and invites the songwriters responsible to work with them in the studio to record the final version.

Overall, the first episode of Songland season 2 is a captivating journey that showcases the power of collaboration and the beauty of songwriting. Lady Antebellum's presence adds a new dimension to the show, as their experience and expertise brings a fresh perspective to the producers and songwriters. It is an episode that both fans of the band and of the show will enjoy, and it sets the stage for a season full of talent and creativity.