At a 2016 Memphis Chapter songwriters' week event in New Orleans, PJ Morton and Jim McCormick discussed what made them songwriters and how they challenge themselves professionally and creatively at the same time. McCormick has been writing for BMG Music in Nashville, is accustomed to co-writing and has a daily routine. Morton is used to working by himself like his heroes James Taylor and Stevie Wonder — often at his home studio, but sometimes in a conventional high-end studio environment away from the family. McCormick agreed that keeping yourself interested is key, but that's some of why he likes working with collaborators. He said a mentor once advised him to do two things, show up and be open about the outcome. Morton acknowledged that songwriting is a practice in itself. "If you're closed off, you'll miss all the possibilities," PJ Morton said.

PJ Morton: Expanding On R&B Greats And "Making People Feel"