Belmont is well known for its vibrant music scene and thriving songwriter community in Nashville, and with its collaboration with Operation Song, it offers its veterans and military-affiliated students a unique opportunity to delve into the healing world of music through the Veteran Success Team/Interdisciplinary Studies and Global Education (ISGE).
Operation Song, a nonprofit organization founded by songwriter Bob Regan, aims to empower veterans, active duty military and their families to tell their stories through the art of songwriting. This powerful initiative allows veterans to express their emotions and experiences in a therapeutic and creative way.
“They aren’t writing for the business, or the radio, they are writing a personal and often private story that they may not have thought to tell,” Mike Byer, Executive Director of Operation Song, explained. “My hope is that it reminds them that the joy in songwriting comes from telling true, honest, and compelling stories, and isn’t always about tailgates, dirt roads and beer.”
“The joy in songwriting comes from telling true, honest, and compelling stories, and isn’t always about tailgates, dirt roads and beer.”
Part of a six-year-long partnership between Operation Song and Belmont, songwriting retreats pair student songwriters with accomplished Nashville professionals, giving them mentorship and an intimate view into their dream careers. This partnership not only fosters a unique connection with the Belmont community but also grants access to the legendary Columbia Studio B in Nashville.
One of the participating student veterans, Dylan Flannery, shared his thoughts and experiences regarding a recent songwriting retreat with Operation Song held on campus Sept. 11, 2023. Flannery, a music major at Belmont University, wanted to get “plugged into the songwriting scene in Nashville and learn how to potentially become a songwriter in the future, so it was a great chance for me,” Flannery said.
Flannery collaborated with songwriter with a No. 1 country hit, and Belmont alum Cameron Bedell (Liz Rose Music), and together, they created a song called "The Spy." The process began with a thorough interview in which Bedell delved deep into Flannery's story, ensuring that the song would authentically capture his experiences.
Flannery also noted the significance of Bedell’s attention to his story, saying, "The second Cameron started singing the chorus after we hammered away at the lyrics, the song had purpose and body. At that point, it was just filling out the rest of it. But I think the most memorable part was how attentive he was to my story and how interested he was."
"The Spy" is just one of the many powerful songs that emerged from this collaboration, offering a unique perspective on the experiences of veterans. The lyrics resonate with the theme of vulnerability and the idea that, "The mind's like a home with the door unlocked at night; anything can get inside."
Flannery’s music can be found under the name "flann." His EP, "Spell," is available on all major streaming platforms, and he recently released a music video for his song "Haunting," which can be viewed on YouTube.
Operation Song Founder Bob Regan performs songs co-written with veterans at the Veteran's Dinner at Belmont on Aug. 25, 2023
"This retreat exemplifies the incredible healing power of music,” Byer said. “It's truly remarkable to witness how songwriting can serve as a bridge between veterans and the community, allowing them to share their experiences and emotions through music."
The support from industry professionals affiliated with Belmont University's Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business, along with the active involvement of Mark Ford and Carol Ann Etheridge Ford from the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, has been pivotal in ensuring the retreat's success. Their contributions, ranging from recording performances to facilitating logistics and bringing in seasoned songwriters, have been invaluable, Byer noted.
Belmont's partnership with Operation Song not only provides students like Flannery with invaluable songwriting experiences but also sheds light on the powerful stories and emotions of veterans, ultimately bridging the gap between music and healing. As this collaboration continues to grow, it promises to be an inspiring journey of creativity and connection for all involved.
“Music plays a vital role in the military community....Songs we would listen to motivated us, encouraged us during stressful times, and helped us think of loved ones when we were missing home. Music’s role in our lives is so important on many different levels, why not use the power of music to heal our military community?”
Interesting in songwriting?
Cameron Bedell and other industry pros are featured in a new online course called “The Art of Songwriting,” now available from Belmont Online.