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03 Feb 2022
Singer Songwriter Liz Longley on how to build super fans, your mailing list, book yourself in venues and the prosody of vocal dynamics and how she writes a song.
Liz Longley is a singer/songwriter who became the #4 most funded solo female musician in Kickstarter history - a story covered by Billboard Magazine. We talk about the power of a devoted fan base, building super fans, how important an email list is, booking venues and she performs her song "Fine" off of her new album "Funeral for my Past" and walks us through her thoughts on chords, melody and story development and a surprising place to use modulation!
https://www.scarletkeys.com
https://www.lizlongley.com
This episode was mixed by Peter Sykes: https://www.petersykesmusic.com
"The Craft of Songwriting: Music, Meaning and Emotion: https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Songwriting-Music-Meaning-Emotion/dp/0876391927/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=the+craft+of+songwriting&qid=1638411380&sr=8-2
Rob Giles is a singer-songwriter known for his solo work, along with working with Andy Summers of the Police and the band The Rescues. He pivoted to film and television writing in 2015 when he sold two spec scripts to Warner Bros. Warner Bros also developed two shows with the CW in 2016 and 2017.
This was such an inspiring and honest conversation touching on sobriety, therapy and working on yourself as well as your craft. We talked about lyric structure and the freedom in the boundaries of craft and how the number of lines in a song section can support the emotion of your song and How changing a chord changes the feeling
We talked about rethinking and reframing success as Rob takes us through his journey of writing songs in New York, Nashville and L.A., making a record with Andy Summers from the Police, his own artistic journey and his work as a member of the Rescues to writing screen plays for television.
Focussing on the process, doing what you love and knowing when to quit a dream to dream a better dream.
In this episode, VP and A&R of Warner Bros. Nashville B.J. Hill, shared music biz gold! He talked about what he looks for in a writer he signs to a publishing deal, what he looks for in a song and nuances in lyric writing that he feels takes a song over the edge and onto the radio.
He plays two of his favorite songs and talks about why he loves them. He shares a number 1 song and plays the original work tape before it was recorded by Kenny Chesney. He talked about how there's still big money to be made if your song is a top 10 hit and insight into what he thinks it takes to make it as a songwriter.
https://www.scarletkeys.com
https://www.instagram.com/skeys2021/
https://www.petersykesmusic.com
The show's theme song "What's in a Song" was co-written with Otto Gross
Is known affectionately in various industry circles as “The Voice,” the multi-talented Memphis born performer launched her career with a self-titled album that included the ballad “Come In Out Of The Rain,” which reached the Top 5 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart and later hit the Top Ten on the UK singles chart. Wendy opened for Michael Bolton and then recorded well received albums (including one produced by Foster). Wendy diversified and launched a new phase of her career recording guest duets with Michael McDonald (“No Love To Be Found”), Kirk Whalum (“All I Do”), Peabo Bryson (“My Gift Is You”), Larry Carlton (“I Still Believe”) and Julio Iglesias (“Just Walk Away”), the latter whom she toured with for over 15 years.
She was most recently a finalist on The Voice on Blake Shelton’s team and on today’s show, she’s going to talk about:
On today's show, Wendy talks about what she’s learned from the masters including Michael Jordan about singing
The Dynamic arch as a singer
How she plans the architecture as a vocalist
Be a vocal techniqnition
Emotional composition as a singer
Some tips on being a professional on tour
And her favorite warm up exercises
David Santos is a world class musician, primarily known as a touring and recording bassist, but also known as a guitarist and pianist. He has toured and recorded with Billy Joel/Elton John, John Fogerty, Crosby Stills and Nash, The Neville Brothers, Tommy James Toby Keith, Faith Hill, Tim Mcgraw and many others. David is also a respected educator and songwriter/producer.
Today, he talks about:
Being a master musician
Continuing to study and learn and play
The importance of learning to read music as a musician
Being true stylistically to the genre you are playing
Accessing the moment as you play
Don’t be the guy that’s happening elsewhere
Be in the moment 100%
Handling criticism like a pro
Staying open
Being a touring working musician on the road with Billy Joel, Elton John, Melissa Etheridge and Crosby Stills and Nash
https://www.scarletkeys.com
https://wendymoten.com
https://davidsantos.com
This episode was mixed by Peter Sykes: https://www.petersykesmusic.com
"The Craft of Songwriting: Music, Meaning and Emotion: https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Songwriting-Music-Meaning-Emotion/dp/0876391927/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=the+craft+of+songwriting&qid=1638411380&sr=8-2
Lori McKenna: Grammy winning songwriter and Americana folk artist on the power of mumbling as lyric process and making your last chorus the firework finale of your song!
Multi grammy award winning songwriter Lori McKenna.
Lori is an American folk, Americana, and country music singer-songwriter. In 2016, she won a grammy for Best Country Song "Girl Crush" performed by Little Big Town. In 2017, she won a grammy for her song “Humble and Kind” recorded by Tim McGraw and most recently was nominated for a grammy for best song “Beautiful Noise” co written with Brandi Carlilie, Alicia keys, Brandy Clark, Linda Perry, Ruby Amanfu, Hailey Whitters, and Hillary Lindsey.
Lori She has 11 solo albums as an artist, and cowritten with other artists such as Tylor Swift, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Sarah Barielles, Lady Gaga and many many more.
Lori is one of the nicest and most talented people you could want to meet and is a songwriter that other songwriters study to write better songs. This conversation inspired me and I can’t wait to share it with you.
Some show highlights:
The power of mumbling to find a lyric
Letting the song be a cowriter
How some times a chord will tell you what to say
When you start overthinking-take a walk
Using imagery in your song to tell people what the room looks like so they can put themselves in there
Anaphora as a lyric writing device
First part of the song is the most important
Writing on paper and the computer
Keeping notes
Changing the last chorus even a little bit, so the last chorus doesn’t just pass you by
The grand finale of the last chorus, all the fireworks
Sing the first verse and chorus to your best friend and sing the second verse and chorus to yourself
Last verse and chorus to your someone else
A song is a conversation and you don’t have to express it all to just one person, think of it as three different conversations “how to kiss a boy”
http://www.lorimckenna.com
https://www.scarletkeys.com
Engineer: Peter Sykes https://www.petersykesmusic.com
The show's theme song "What's in a Song" was co-written with Otto Gross Recorded and performed by Otto Gross: @OttoGrossProduction (instagram) @OttoGrossMusic (Youtube, facebook, TikTok) https://biglink.to/ottogrossmusic
In this episode, I talk with legendary master songwriter Hugh Prestwood about his craft and break down two of his masterpiece songs "The Song Remembers When" and "Ghost in this House".
Show highlights:
Writing alone and how for some writers, co-writing causes anxiety and doesn't allow you to do your best work. He likens cowriting to a painter handing another painter their paint brush in the middle of a painting.
How important truth is in a song and how it gives you confidence
Sus chords and starting on the V chord
How much people love images in lyrics
How perfect rhyme can offer challenge when it's a boundary
Writing simple but sophisticated melodies
https://www.scarletkeys.com
https://hughprestwood.com
Engineer: Peter Sykes https://www.petersykesmusic.com
The show's theme song "What's in a Song" was co-written with Otto Gross Recorded and performed by Otto Gross: @OttoGrossProduction (instagram) @OttoGrossMusic (Youtube, facebook, TikTok) https://biglink.to/ottogrossmusic
Ken Yates has gained a reputation as one of his country’s brightest rising singer-songwriters. The winner of two Canadian Folk Music Awards for Songwriter of the Year and New Artist of the Year. Yates supported Passenger on their tour across North America and in Europe in 2020, and has shared stages with Ryan McMullan, Jenn Grant, and many others.He doesn’t like bar chords
In this episode, he talked shares his secret sauce open tuning that inspired several songs off of his newest record.
How a three chord progressions sound interesting using different chord voicings
How a repetitive chord progression allows room for the lyric: iv V vi
Low Cadd9 tuning: C GDGG B tuned down to the G then high D string
Writing the guitar part and chords first, living with the track for weeks then finding the lyrics in response to the feel of the chords
Making a big living with a small audience the in-between famous and not famous While having an emerging career
Opening for other artists and what you can learn
Playing Living rooms/backyards/ selling c.d.’s building you’re fanbase
Then getting on bigger shows as supporting acts to grow your audience and bigger crowds
Persistance and patience
How it won’t be the one big thing that sends you over the edge, but many small things
Engineer: Peter Sykes https://www.petersykesmusic.com
The show's theme song "What's in a Song" was co-written with Otto Gross Recorded and performed by Otto Gross: @OttoGrossProduction (instagram) @OttoGrossMusic (Youtube, facebook, TikTok) https://biglink.to/ottogrossmusic
On this week’s episode, I have Hughie Stonefish on the show. Hughie is a member of the comedy act Lewberger and won an Emmy for best song written with Jason Alexander from Seinfeld. Hughie talks about how he using music theory, rhyme and improv in his songwriting.
Here's the link to join my membership: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/scarlet.keys/membership
To find Hughie Stonefish: http://lewbergercomedy.com http://www.hughiestonefish.com
Engineer: Peter Sykes https://www.petersykesmusic.com
The show's theme song "What's in a Song" was co-written with Otto Gross Recorded and performed by Otto Gross: @OttoGrossProduction (instagram) @OttoGrossMusic (Youtube, facebook, TikTok) https://biglink.to/ottogrossmusic
Back for more in part 2: Ken Yates has gained a reputation as one of his country’s brightest rising singer-songwriters. The winner of two Canadian Folk Music Awards for Songwriter of the Year and New Artist of the Year. Yates supported Passenger on their tour across North America and in Europe in 2020, and has shared stages with Ryan McMullan, Jenn Grant, and many others.He doesn’t like bar chords
In this episode, he talked shares his secret sauce open tuning that inspired several songs off of his newest record in an in-depth lesson!
Engineer: Peter Sykes https://www.petersykesmusic.com
The show's theme song "What's in a Song" was co-written with Otto Gross Recorded and performed by Otto Gross: @OttoGrossProduction (instagram) @OttoGrossMusic (Youtube, facebook, TikTok) https://biglink.to/ottogrossmusic
In this episode, I talk with singer songwriter and Tisch Professor Mike Errico on:
Writers block
The power of “We” for songwriters and how it makes your listen feel seen
Mission songs
Songwriting prompts
The importance of journaling
Daily writing practice
Rewriting
Finding the sweet spot for the best key for your song
Being yourself
Mike Errico is a New York-based recording artist, writer, and lecturing professor Mike Errico has built his name on the strength of critically acclaimed releases and extensive composition for film and TV. He teaches songwriting at universities including Yale, Wesleyan, the New School, and NYU’s Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music. He was nominated for 2019’s David Payne-Carter Award for Excellence in Teaching, and taught the 2022 GRAMMY® Museum’s inaugural Summer Sessions in New York City.
In addition to his performing and teaching careers, Errico’s opinions and insights have appeared in publications including The New York Times, CNN, the Wall Street Journal, Fast Company, and many others.
Music, Lyrics, and Life (Backbeat) is his first book.
Engineer: Peter Sykes https://www.petersykesmusic.com
The show's theme song "What's in a Song" was co-written with Otto Gross Recorded and performed by Otto Gross: @OttoGrossProduction (instagram) @OttoGrossMusic (Youtube, facebook, TikTok) https://biglink.to/ottogrossmusic
Matilda Gratte is one of my unforgettable former students from Sweden. She tours with Zara Larson and Ed Sheeran as a back ground singer and is an emerging singer/songwriter herself.
In this episode, we talk about writing great melodies over common chords, adding tensions to those chords, touring with artists, and being true to yourself as an artist.
She is an amazing artist.
Matilda goes by the artist name Elma: https://www.instagram.com/thisiselma/
Engineer: Peter Sykes https://www.petersykesmusic.com
The show's theme song "What's in a Song" was co-written with Otto Gross Recorded and performed by Otto Gross: @OttoGrossProduction (instagram) @OttoGrossMusic (Youtube, facebook, TikTok) https://biglink.to/ottogrossmusic
Jesse Ruben is a Singer songwriter and a master performer. In this episode, he shares performance techniques, how to connect with your audience, his favorite chords and advocating for yourself and finding innovative ways to get your music out there and so much more:
Writing songs that people reach for, that effect their lives.
What happens when your music is in service of the world.
Taking the path you are offered and following it.
Writing songs that people need
Being a great live performer:
Eye contact
Never ever apologize
Never start a song over
Never point out a mistake
Practice your songs in the dark so you know them so well you can focus on the audience
Messing up can be one of your best moments on a stage
How harmonic rhythm and chord choices can highlight an important lyric or moment in your song
Engineer: Peter Sykes https://www.petersykesmusic.com
The show's theme song "What's in a Song" was co-written with Otto Gross Recorded and performed by Otto Gross: @OttoGrossProduction (instagram) @OttoGrossMusic (Youtube, facebook, TikTok) https://biglink.to/ottogrossmusic
In this episode, I talk with Dr. Suzanne Hanser. Founding Chair Emerita and Professor of Music Therapy at Berklee College of Music. Suzanne is President of the International Association for Music & Medicine and Past President of the World Federation for Music Therapy and the American Music Therapy Association. She teaches a course for Berklee Online, Music Therapy Techniques for Wellness: https://online.berklee.edu/courses/music-therapy-techniques-for-wellness
And singer songwriter Heather Woods. Heather is a music therapist that has served oncology patients for nearly 10 years. Heather is passionate about sharing the power of the arts to facilitate mindfulness, self-compassion, and joy, and offers evidence-based creative programs to encourage empowered and authentic self-care. http://www.heatherwoodsmusic.com
Engineer: Peter Sykes https://www.petersykesmusic.com
The show's theme song "What's in a Song" was co-written with Otto Gross Recorded and performed by Otto Gross: @OttoGrossProduction (instagram) @OttoGrossMusic (Youtube, facebook, TikTok) https://biglink.to/ottogrossmusic
Engineer: Peter Sykes https://www.petersykesmusic.com
The show's theme song "What's in a Song" was co-written with Otto Gross Recorded and performed by Otto Gross: @OttoGrossProduction (instagram) @OttoGrossMusic (Youtube, facebook, TikTok) https://biglink.to/ottogrossmusic
Multi award winning singer/songwriter Ruby Rose Fox shares her new app for musicians called Muscle music . Ruby has taught at Yale and Emerson and shares her techniques to help you understand the mechanisms that drive anxiety so you can learn to live in a dynamic body that unconsciously dysregulates for our safety and survival. Instead of pushing away anxiety we accept it, understand what its asking for, and use techniques to find connection and emotional regulation for better performances!
Some take aways from today's episode:
How to tell which state you are in and how to regulate your feelings: Freeze or flight or fight
Fight or Flight
Notice and name your state
symptoms are:
Fidgiting
Forgetting lyrics
Face will go flat
Nothing will sound quite right due to inner ear attunement
Wanting to move
Just breathing doesn’t work because you are stewing on hormones, you can’t breathe them away
They have to be metabolized
Solutions:
planking
squats
get the energy out
Pressing against chest
pushing
plank/child’s pose/plank/child’s pose
Freeze State:
Symptoms are:
Can’t fight or flee
Imobilization
Feeling tired
Feeling out of it
Face is still flat
Disassociated
Methods to unfreezing are:
Noticing and naming your state
Including a safe co-regulator if possible.
Light shaking
Light movements (qi gong, tai chi, light yoga)
Scary movies, sad music——> any safe method to restore blood flow to the prefrontal cortex
*Once a person unfreezes, they move up the ladder and should employ the fight/flight method
*These are broad approximations and it’s important to learn polyvagal theory and practice co-regulation BEFORE attempting any of these suggestions.
Engineer: Peter Sykes https://www.petersykesmusic.com
The show's theme song "What's in a Song" was co-written with Otto Gross Recorded and performed by Otto Gross: @OttoGrossProduction (instagram) @OttoGrossMusic (Youtube, facebook, TikTok) https://biglink.to/ottogrossmusic
My guest today is hit songwriter Jason Blume. He was Brittany Spear's first co-writer and has gone on to have more than 50 million album sales with singles on Billboard’s pop , country and R&B charts with songs recorded by Britney Spears, the backstreet boys, the oak ridge boys, K-pop and J-pop artists and many more. His songs have appeared on Emmy winning shows and you can hear Jason’s songs all over film and television. Jason is a writer with the heart of a teacher and I can’t wait for you to hear him talk about writing unforgettable melodies and the techniques fond in hit songs. Jason shares his story on his road to becoming a successful writer and how to create your own luck, cowriter splits, copyrighting your song and writing for a large audience, how he has only had two hit songs that weren't rewritten and so much more!
Show take aways:
The most important tool in writing a melody is repetition.
Engineer: Peter Sykes https://www.petersykesmusic.com
The show's theme song "What's in a Song" was co-written with Otto Gross Recorded and performed by Otto Gross: @OttoGrossProduction (instagram) @OttoGrossMusic (Youtube, facebook, TikTok) https://biglink.to/ottogrossmusic
Charlie Worsham won the ACM award for best acoustic guitar payer in 2022, is signed to Warner Bros. and is a master session player, multi instrumentalist, songwriter and tours with Dierks Bently.
In this episode, Charlie shares his journey of moving to Nashville, getting a record deal, and being a side man for major acts. He shares the power of asking for help, and following the next thing. We dive into two of his songs off of his new EP "Sugarcane" and he shares his take on writing great lyrics and how to play your best as a guitarist.
Engineer: Peter Sykes https://www.petersykesmusic.com
The show's theme song "What's in a Song" was co-written with Otto Gross Recorded and performed by Otto Gross: @OttoGrossProduction (instagram) @OttoGrossMusic (Youtube, facebook, TikTok) https://biglink.to/ottogrossmusic
Chris DuBois is a songwriter and music publisher based out of Nashville. He is co-owner of Sea Gayle Music with business partners Brad Paisley and Frank Rogers.
Sea Gayle is one of the most successful independent publishing companies in all of music. In 2010 and 2011, Sea Gayle was named ASCAP Country Publisher of the Year. It was the first time since 1982 that an independent publishing company had won that award. In 2009, Sea Gayle Music launched Sea Gayle Records as an imprint of Sony Music Nashville.
They have some of Nashville’s most successful roster of staff writer’s one of which was Chris Stapleton.
As a songwriter, DuBois has had more than 30 Top 20 singles including 17 songs that have reached No. 1. DuBois has been the recipient of over 30 ASCAP awards and in 2004 was named ASCAP Country Songwriter of the Year.[3] DuBois was also named NSAI Songwriter of the Year for 2010 and 2011.[4]
A few of these songs include:
Mud on the Tires: Brad Paisley
Your Man: Josh Turner
Buy me a Boat: Chris Jansen
You should probably leave: Chris Stapleton
He has had songs recorded by artists such as:
Darius Rucker, George strait, Tim McGraw, Luke Bryan, Blake Shelton, Keith Urban, Chris Stapleton, Kenny Chesney, Adele, and Sheryl Crow to name a few.
In this episode Chris shares how he finds titles, inspiration, what he looks for in a writer to sign, we talk about revenue for writers, writing techniques, story songs, copywriting your songs and so much more!
Take aways:
Identify the songs that give you chills
Identify the moments in the songs that give you chills
Then study what’s going on there melodically or lyrically
Try to emulate what you’re hearing
Try to write a song that sounds like a song you love
Try the title game
Write from a piece of art with a 500 word narrative
Ellen Britton is an amazing guitarist and songwriter who has toured with many huge acts and appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Late Night with Conan O’Brien, The View, The Rosie O’Donnell Show, and The Today Show.
As a teacher, she has worked with Brandi Clark, Pam Tillis, Mickey Guyton, Carly Pearce, Little Big Town and so many more.
On this episode, Ellen talks about the importance of dynamics as a performer and guitar player and shares some voices, strumming patterns and power chords for anyone who would like to write on guitar!
Engineer: Peter Sykes https://www.petersykesmusic.com
The show's theme song "What's in a Song" was co-written with Otto Gross Recorded and performed by Otto Gross: @OttoGrossProduction (instagram) @OttoGrossMusic (Youtube, facebook, TikTok) https://biglink.to/ottogrossmusic
Hit Maker Justin Tranter - on writing with and for Imagine Dragons, Dua Lipa, Kelly Clarkson, Justing Bieber, and Lady Gaga, shares writing tips, technique and all the things!!
Matt has played on countless records for artists such as:
Wynonna Judd, Lyle Lovett, Shania Twain, Trisha Yearwood, Leonard Cohen, Mark Knofler, Dixie Chicks, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Billy Joel, Steve Martin, Bruce springsteen, Toy Story 4 Randy Newman and Christ Stapleton.
Matt has produced many artists such as: Keith Urban and Mellissa Manchester
He won a Grammy for Producing, arranging and playing on Willie Nelson’s record: Willie Nelson Singers Gershwin and Willie Nelson’s record Willie Nelson Sings Sinatra
Matt has toured extensively with Lyle Lovett and Allison Kraus and is here today to talk about songwriting and the elements of being a master player in service of the song or the singer.
Show takeaways:
The importance of feel and timing
Lean into the nervousness
Lead with your weakness
The importance of vulnerability
When playing: 80% attention on the singer who is performing and 20% read the chart, play the fills, adjust, play in time, remember the song and create the part
Voicing an F Major chord: CFA: F chord in second position. Take the F out of the middle and drop it an octave
When you play close voicing, all of the overtones bash into each other
When you don’t, it doesn’t ring the same way and you give the overtones room
Engineer: Peter Sykes https://www.petersykesmusic.com
The show's theme song "What's in a Song" was co-written with Otto Gross Recorded and performed by Otto Gross: @OttoGrossProduction (instagram) @OttoGrossMusic (Youtube, facebook, TikTok) https://biglink.to/ottogrossmusic
Tom Hambridge is an American rock, country, and blues, producer, songwriter, musician and vocalist. Hambridge has received two Grammy Awards, an ASCAP award, seven Grammy nominations, seven Boston Music Awards, and has been inducted into the Buffalo Hall of Fame.
In this episode, Tom talks about his influences, how being a drummer informs his writing, working with vocalists, what he learned from Chuck Berry, avoiding cliches and navigating a cowrite.
Engineer: Peter Sykes https://www.petersykesmusic.com
The show's theme song "What's in a Song" was co-written with Otto Gross Recorded and performed by Otto Gross: @OttoGrossProduction (instagram) @OttoGrossMusic (Youtube, facebook, TikTok) https://biglink.to/ottogrossmusic
In this episode Berklee Professor and artist Susan Cattaneo shares the magic of songwriting and breaks it down offering some wonderful ideas on how to use metaphor.
With her powerful voice, captivating melodies and finely-crafted lyrics, Susan Cattaneo is one of Boston’s most respected singer/songwriters and educators.
Susan won the CT Folk Festival and is nominated for Singer Songwriter of the Year at this year’s Boston Music Awards. She has been a finalist or winner in the country’s most prestigious songwriting and music contests. An in-demand collaborator for a wide range of local and national artists, she is a three-time Kerrville New Folk finalist. Her double album The Hammer and The Heartcharted #1 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart and yielded a folk radio #1 single and top 10 album. Her latest work, All is Quiet has been featured as a top 10 folk radio album since its release in April.
In her 20 plus years teaching Songwriting at Berklee, Susan has helped students work on over 15,000 songs in all musical genres and styles and mentored over 2,000 artists.
Engineer: Peter Sykes https://www.petersykesmusic.com
The show's theme song "What's in a Song" was co-written with Otto Gross Recorded and performed by Otto Gross: @OttoGrossProduction (instagram) @OttoGrossMusic (Youtube, facebook, TikTok) https://biglink.to/ottogrossmusic
In this episode, I talk with award winning singer/songwriter Anna Wilson and Golden Globe and Country Music Hall of Fame nominee, hit songwriter and producer Monty Powell. This power duo have written songs for Keith Urban, Lady A., Reba McEntire, Rascal Flatts and too many more to mention.
This is a master class in lyric technique!
Take aways from today's episode:
Song maps
Lyrical flow
Alliteration to grab the listener’s ear
Internal rhyme
Technical writing
Image ladder
Creating a visual picture with words
Lead a narrative that you want your listener to perceive
Be detailed and exact and clear so the listener sees what you want them to see
Engineer: Peter Sykes https://www.petersykesmusic.com
The show's theme song "What's in a Song" was co-written with Otto Gross Recorded and performed by Otto Gross: @OttoGrossProduction (instagram) @OttoGrossMusic (Youtube, facebook, TikTok) https://biglink.to/ottogrossmusic
Today I have Grammy winner and producer Cliff Goldmacher. Cliff has a catalog of over 1,000 songs and writes with and for artists across multiple genres. He has written a #1 single on the jazz charts, a song on a GRAMMY-winning album and multiple songs featured in major movie releases and national advertising campaigns. Some of his songs have been recorded by Kesha, Keb Mo, and Lisa Loeb to name a few.
On today’s show, Cliff shares some writing tips from his book “The Reason for the Rhymes” and breaks down his songwriting process and career advice. The function of a chorus, metaphor, simplicity and being a good cowriter.
Show takeaways:
When trying to find a metaphor, ask the question "What is my concept like?"
If you are using one metaphor, stay with that metaphor. Stay in the ocean for example, keeping all of your imagery connected to your original metaphor
When in doubt say less
Try to have the maximum impact with the fewest words
The importance of staying organized
The chorus is the moment in the song when you stop and explain to your listener why you’ve been saying what you’ve been saying in the verse
The chorus should have the same lyric each time
Productivity supports creativity and creativity supports productivity
What assets are you bringing to a cowriter? production? great vocals? great instrumentalist?
The art of collaboration
The importance of listening to an artist and helping them translate what’s important to them
Be macro-patient and micro-impatient: Be impatient enough to get up every day and do the work
Cliff's book "The Reason for the Rhymes": https://www.amazon.com/Reason-Rhymes-Mastering-Essential-Innovation-ebook/dp/B089RSCLCV/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1B1FNTKHS2MF1&keywords=cliff+goldmacer&qid=1672445129&sprefix=cliff+goldmacer%2Caps%2C80&sr=8-1
For info on Otto Gross: The show's theme song "What's in a Song" was co-written with Otto Gross Recorded and performed by Otto Gross: @OttoGrossProduction (instagram) @OttoGrossMusic (Youtube, facebook, TikTok) https://biglink.to/ottogrossmusic
Eric is a 2x Grammy Nominated Singer/Songwriter/Producer/Artist/Entrepreneur. Winner of the 2012 Soul Train Music Award For Independent Artist Of The Year. Widely regarded as the "King Of Independent Soul/R&B". He was on Jimmy Fallon's show "That's my Jam" and has a new book out "Lessons".
Here are some show takeaways:
Perception is a golden gift
Ideas are everywhere
Say no to doubt
When to say no
How to say no
When to say yes
When recording it’s not about how good you sound it’s about how true you sound.
Writing without agenda
Capture the moment and get out of the way
Remove doubt
Say thank you for the idea
Tell doubt to leave the room
To find out more about Eric Roberson and his music:
For info on Otto Gross: The show's theme song "What's in a Song" was co-written with Otto Gross Recorded and performed by Otto Gross: @OttoGrossProduction (instagram) @OttoGrossMusic (Youtube, facebook, TikTok) https://biglink.to/ottogrossmusic
In this episode, I talk with Grammy nominated composer and award winning pianist, educator and author of the best selling book “Effortless Mastery” and “Becoming the Instrument”.
Here are some episode takeaways:
You don’t move forward unless you practice
Let your arms defy gravity
Sate of presence of mind
The body is the instrument that plays the instrument
BE the instrument
Get your mind out of the way so the body can commit to muscle memory and motor skill
The need to sound good obscures the way the body would play it
For info on Otto Gross: The show's theme song "What's in a Song" was co-written with Otto Gross Recorded and performed by Otto Gross: @OttoGrossProduction (instagram) @OttoGrossMusic (Youtube, facebook, TikTok) https://biglink.to/ottogrossmusic
In this episode, I talk with Grammy nominated composer and award winning pianist, educator and author of the best selling book “Effortless Mastery” and “Becoming the Instrument” in part two of a great conversation.
Find a place to sit and listen towards the end of the podcast for the meditation and then enjoy a live performance from Kenny.
For info on Otto Gross: The show's theme song "What's in a Song" was co-written with Otto Gross Recorded and performed by Otto Gross: @OttoGrossProduction (instagram) @OttoGrossMusic (Youtube, facebook, TikTok) https://biglink.to/ottogrossmusic
For info on Otto Gross: The show's theme song "What's in a Song" was co-written with Otto Gross Recorded and performed by Otto Gross: @OttoGrossProduction (instagram) @OttoGrossMusic (Youtube, facebook, TikTok) https://biglink.to/ottogrossmusic
In this episode, I am talking to Prince Charles Alexander about the evolution of hip hop music, production and rap.
Prince Charles is a sought-after recording and mixing engineer whose clients include Mary J. Blige, Destiny's Child, Faith Evans, P. Diddy, the Notorious B.I.G., Usher, Boyz II Men, Brandy, Babyface, Sting, Aretha Franklin, Usher, Brian McKnight, and others. Alexander has garnered more than 40 Platinum and Gold certifications from the RIAA and has multiple Grammy Awards and nominations. He holds an adjunct instructor position at New York University's Clive Davis Department of Recorded Music, has taught audio technology at the Institute of Audio Research, and is a frequent lecturer at the City College of New York in Manhattan.
He teaches advanced production and mixing at Berklee. From the early to mid 80s, he produced, wrote, and recorded on Virgin Records with his group, Prince Charles and the City Beat Band. Alexander was an early innovator of wind synthesis and a part of the "punk-funk" generation that incorporated many of the devices that would propel rap music to the forefront of the American music scene.
For info on Otto Gross: The show's theme song "What's in a Song" was co-written with Otto Gross Recorded and performed by Otto Gross: @OttoGrossProduction (instagram) @OttoGrossMusic (Youtube, facebook, TikTok) https://biglink.to/ottogrossmusic
For info on Otto Gross: The show's theme song "What's in a Song" was co-written with Otto Gross Recorded and performed by Otto Gross: @OttoGrossProduction (instagram) @OttoGrossMusic (Youtube, facebook, TikTok) https://biglink.to/ottogrossmusic
In this episode, I am talking with someone at the start of it all, Berklee student Kieran Rhodes.
He shares his favorite songwriting tools that he learned from Billy Joel and Randy Newman, why his friends nick named him the V/V, his experience on being on America's Got Talent and the two chords he won't leave home without.
He plays a song he wrote in his songwriting 1 class in the mixolydian mode and I give a mini lesson on how to write in mixolydian.
For info on Otto Gross: The show's theme song "What's in a Song" was co-written with Otto Gross Recorded and performed by Otto Gross: @OttoGrossProduction (instagram) @OttoGrossMusic (Youtube, facebook, TikTok) https://biglink.to/ottogrossmusic
Robert Gillies is a hit songwriter and artist living in Norway.
In this conversation we talk about finding the sweet spot of tempo for your song The 2 rules to start every cowrite with Working with Charlie Puth His fav microphone for home recording How our road to success can feel like a guided experience How to be in service of the work Opening for Andy Grammer
For info on Otto Gross: The show's theme song "What's in a Song" was co-written with Otto Gross Recorded and performed by Otto Gross: @OttoGrossProduction (instagram) @OttoGrossMusic (Youtube, facebook, TikTok) https://biglink.to/ottogrossmusic
Today I am so happy to have Corook and Olivia Barton on the show.
Corook is a multi-instrumentalist based in Nashville, Tennessee. they are signed to Atlantic Records, and thave toured with JP Saxe and Jukebox the Ghost.
Today share my conversation with Corook and their partner artist Olivia Barton. We talk about instant fame and it’s impact on an introvert, Corook talks about their path leading up to their first record deal and then they both talk about writing their magical viral song “If I were a fish” and a few tools they used in the process to capture joy in a jar.
For info on Otto Gross: The show's theme song "What's in a Song" was co-written with Otto Gross Recorded and performed by Otto Gross: @OttoGrossProduction (instagram) @OttoGrossMusic (Youtube, facebook, TikTok) https://biglink.to/ottogrossmusic
First, we talk about what constitutes copyright infringement from the point of view of a forensic musicologist.
Then, Joe dives into the analysis of "If I were a Fish" (pun intended) leaving everyone with some great new ideas to spark their songwriting.
Dr. Bennett has been analysing and transcribing popular music for international publication since 1994. He has written 30 books, including transcription, teaching and reference works (published worldwide by Music Sales Group), and more than 300 academic and media articles, relating to song analysis, guitar techniques, music similarity, music copyright law, and songwriting. He is currently a professor at Berklee College of Music in Boston USA, and the resident musicologist for TIDAL magazine.
As an academic Joe’s primary area of research expertise is the psychology of songwriting
For info on Otto Gross: The show's theme song "What's in a Song" was co-written with Otto Gross Recorded and performed by Otto Gross: @OttoGrossProduction (instagram) @OttoGrossMusic (Youtube, facebook, TikTok) https://biglink.to/ottogrossmusic
To hear a full version of "Little Big Sky", here is Susan Cattaneo's version: https://open.spotify.com/track/03g3yrMqmYHCoskJPeVdgS?si=b56beecfdadd4e4b
Grammy-winning artst Paula Cole has released seven solo albums of original songs. Cole has performed with icons in many genres of music, from Peter Gabriel to Dolly Parton, Herbie Hancock to Emmylou Harris, and Amy Lee of Evanescence to Burt Bacharach. Cole’s emotionally deep performances and her poetic, intelligent writing makes her stand out from the masses of contemporary music. Her compositions have been covered by a diverse range of artists—including Hancock, Annie Lennox, Katherine McPhee, and JoJo—and she has sold approximately 3 million albums. As the first woman in history to solely produce and receive the Best Producer Grammy nomination for her album This Fire, Cole has broken boundaries with a searcher’s spirit. From her top 10 hits of the 1990s to her more recent, critically acclaimed albums, Cole continues to write, produce, record, and perform heartfelt, meaningful, lasting music that defies categorization.
In this episode, Paula shares her writing process, prompts she gives her students and what she's learned from journaling and writing. She talks about how she found her sound as an artist and the artists who have inspired her. How walking helps her write.
Singer/songwriter Sam Robbins' song about his father from one of Paula's prompts: https://open.spotify.com/track/6R1NtDvc6i24t7pZROFaED?si=44837935583f449c
Today I have Susan Rogers who many of you know as Prince’s recording engineer. Today we talk about her new book “This is what it sounds like” and who we are as listeners, what Prince used to ask her to prepare for his writing sessions and insight into writing songs that appeal to a wider audience.
Some takeaways:
Ask a non musical person for feedback on your songs
Active listening
Getting your best vocal performance in the studio
Music from the neck up vs music from the neck down
Making music is an expression of life and you need to put your life into it
Balance between something common and something novel
Who you are as a listener
Taylor Swift workshop: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/650136163767
Today’s guest is grammy winning songwriter and producer Rich Jaques. Rich has had over 1500 songs placed on film and t.v. and is going to share today about his musical journey.
Some key points:
Follow the point of enthusiasm (follow your bliss)
Finding your own path
Notice what makes you excited
Writing more impressionistically as not to impose a lyric on a scene
Don’t ask who you want to be but who are you
Getting over your emotional wall in the biz
What gets in your way to success
Figure out your blocks
To listen to Rich Jaques: https://open.spotify.com/album/39NM2EhS00PH1mQbdQbRCi?si=SPFutN-NQ5mpFSMkFRYKcQ
In this episode of a two part series, Berklee Professor and Grammy winning writer Mark Simos and I try out his unique approach to writing using different chord configurations in a writing exercise he calls Hank Williams in hell. This is a live co-write so if you are curious about how people write songs collaboratively or want to explore new ways to use the classic three chords, this episode is for you!
Sign up for keyboard class email scarlet@scarletkeys.com
In this episode of a two part series, Berklee Professor and Grammy winning writer Mark Simos and I try out his unique approach to writing using different chord configurations in a writing exercise he calls Hank Williams in hell. This is a live co-write so if you are curious about how people write songs collaboratively or want to explore new ways to use the classic three chords, this episode is for you. The final song is shared at the end of this episode.
In this episode, we break down co-writing and talk about reflecting back on process and what can be learned from taking pause and observing what went well and what you wish had gone differently making you a better writer and co-writer going forward.
David Wilcox is an award winning and highly acclaimed American singer songwriter from Asheville North Carolina.
His storytelling cuts deep into the soul and observes the human condition from both the nerve center and the outside looking in. He’s released more than 20 records and is famous for his thoughtful insights, humor and open tunings on guitar.
In this episode, David takes a deep dive into his writing process and will leave you totally inspired.
David Wilcox is an award winning and highly acclaimed American singer songwriter from Asheville North Carolina.
His storytelling cuts deep into the soul and observes the human condition from both the nerve center and the outside looking in. He’s released more than 20 records and is famous for his thoughtful insights, humor and open tunings on guitar.
In this episode, David talks about process and prompts and writes a song on the spot.
In this episode, I share a little peak into the craft and poetry of Taylor Swift's songwriting. We look at her choice of chord progressions and one way in to one of her epic bridge sections as well as her use of metaphor.
You will walk away with a few tools from the woman currently ruling the world that you can try in your own songs no matter what the genre.
Stuart Roslyn is a composer, producer and musician specializing in original music for motion pictures and their trailers. He also creates unique soundscapes for network tv and big brand commercials. His career spans more than 20 years composing and producing many genres of music for the biggest names in entertainment. He is either directing a full orchestra or writing and mixing in his studio.
Today, Stuart is here to talk about his approach to work and to life. This episode is packed with wonderful advice for working and living.
In this Episode I talk with singer/songwriter/producer/actor Aidan Laprete about Voice lessons, finding your sound, and producing.
He walks us through writing melody takes - gibberish to find melodies, turning mumbles into words and making it make sense and shares guitar voicings to help you out of sonic ruts.
Aidan is from Hawaii and was first known for his ukulele playing at age 8. He has been in film and tv such as "Hawaii Five-O" and "The Wilds" and performs and dissects several of his newly released songs sharing his process.
In this minisode, I talk about the power of verbs and how they can do more than just their expected work but can help to tell your story, create characters and build metaphors.
My guest today s an American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer Will Kimbrough.
As a producer, he has produced albums for Rodney Crowell, Todd Snider, Kim Richey, Garrison Star and Matthew Ryan to name a few.
His songs have been recorded by Jimmy Buffett, Little Fear, Jack Ingram, and he has collaborated with Rosanne Cash, Guy Clark, Steve Earle, Emmylou Harris, John Prine, and Mavis Staples just to name a few.
In 2004 he was recognized as the instrumentalist of the year by the Americana music association.
Will is a prolific writer and recording artist, a member of Willie Sugarcapps, DADDY and Emmylou Harris' Red Dirt Boys, has written extensively with Jimmy Buffet and he has released 10 solo alums.
In this Episode, Robert Ellis Orrall talks about writing with Taylor Swift. What she was like as a young writer, how he set up the showcase that got her a record deal and shares two songs her wrote with Swift along with an original from his latest record.
Upcoming workshop: Taylor Swift Master class this Tuesday May 28th: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-songwriting-of-taylor-swift-writing-great-melodies-tickets-907284772177
Link to song from band Corner Boy "Morning Morning": https://open.spotify.com/track/7wjyEuRd6pYN34BmVkOpa1?si=a25d393f73594a0b https://www.cornerboymusic.com/
If you sign up before July 15th, you will receive a free copy of my book "The Craft of Songwriting: Music, Meaning and Emotion" or some "What's in a Song" swag.
My guest today is one of my former students singer/songwriter Madi Diaz
Madi grew up in Pennsylvania where she was homes schooled by her mother and took piano lessons from her father at the age of 5.
After high school, Madi was accepted to Berklee College of Music and met her first collaborator Kyle Ryan which led to her recording her first record skin and bones in Hawaii.
Later, Madi went on to tour with the civil ward and Landon Pig. She was featured in Paste magazine as on of teh top ten buzziest acts at SXSW and had songs featrured in ABC family’s Pretty little liars, Drop dead Diva, Army Wives, had her song “The End of the Day” featured on the television series Nashville performed by Connie Britton and Charles Esten.
Since then she had gone on to record several albums, was a guest on Last Call with Carson Daly, and went on to tour with Harry Styles band playing guitar and singing back up vocals and supported Kacey Musgraves on the UK and European legs of her Deeper Well World Tour.
Madi has released 6 studio albums and 4 EP’s
Today we will talk about so many things that are helpful for songwriters from the biz to inspiration to writing to a prompt for a film placement and listen to a few songs off of her most recent album “Weird Faith”. A case for co-writing and preparing to write.
In this episode, Pat Pattison, author of "Writing Better Lyrics" walks us through step by step of how to find metaphors. This is the exercise I gave to writer Madi Diaz that she talked about in the previous episode.
Pat talks about the difference between simile and metaphor for songwriters, passing metaphors and central metaphors and takes us through a song by Eli and Fur and Gillian Welch.
Today I have Berklee Professor Ben Camp on the show discussing AI We talk about where it is now and what it means for songwriters in the future. We talk ethics, creativity, originality, works that are derivative and Ben takes a song we wrote together years ago and puts it through AI to demonstrate some of the current possibilities AI offers creatives.
Ben Camp has taught songwriting to over 2,000 students at Berklee College of Music, and is a gold record awarded writer and producer. Ben's songs have amassed over 100 million streams, appeared in film and TV on networks like MTV, CBS, NBC, and more. They have written singles for Brice Fox, Tiesto, Victoria Justice, Sam Feldt, and others. Ben has been following the developments in AI for over a decade, and you can find their interviews about AI + Music on NPR, Al Jazeera, and others.
In this episode, singer/songwriter Michael McDermott talks about writing process, writing from your life and shares new songs off his two new albums dropping Sept 13th.
In this episode, I talk with singer/songwriter Kylie Rothfield.
She shares what she learned about singing and stage fright from Alicia Keys. We talk about what she learned from writing with some of the best writers in Nashville, song craft, process and so much more. This was a good one!
Pre save Kylie's single coming out Sept. 27th here:
When one hears Kylie Rothfield‘s voice, there is no denying the timeless, raw sense of emotion in her delivery. Crafting songs that combine elements of soul, blues and pop, Kylie’s music is unique, honest, and expressive. Although her vocal ability is undeniable, she is also an accomplished self-taught guitarist, sponsored by Epiphone guitars and fully capable of supporting her captivating live show as a solo acoustic performer or with a full band. It’s no wonder she caught the ears of Alicia Keys, who described her as “a blossoming, powerful flower with so much heart, so much talent, so much emotion and vocal power”.
In July of 2015, Kylie signed a publishing deal with Terrorbird Media and Elephant Lady Records/Kyle Andrews. Together, they had 5 placements on national television in their first year together (NBC, E!, ABC, MTV).
In September of 2016, Kylie was selected to be on The Voice (NBC). She was chosen by Alicia Keys, who coached her throughout the season, and carried her through to the Top 20 Live Shows in November. Her performance of "Hound Dog" in the knockout rounds garnered attention by many media outlets and was called the "dark-horse breakout performance of the season". Guest advisor Faith Hill said “Kylie absolutely blew me away. She interprets songs like a true artist and she could sing ANYTHING”
She has over 1 million combined streams on Spotify & Apple Music from recent independent releases and was recently featured on NBC's Songland S2 (06/08/2020), working with Ester Dean, Ryan Tedder, and Shane McAnally to pitch a song she wrote to Tony and Grammy-winning artist Ben Platt.
Most recently, in 2024 Kylie signed a management deal with Arianna Soto and a record deal with new label, DVG Records. She is currently in the process of recording a full-length album that is set to be released in spring 2025.
My guest today is New England based singer/songwriter Jesse Terry.
Before I introduce him I wanted to let you know that on Saturday Nov. 16th I am offering a virtual 3 hour songwriting workshop. There are a few spaces left and you can sign up through the show notes or on my website at scarletvkeys.com
This workshop will be very process oriented focused on lyric writing.
You will be doing a lot of small writing exercises to sharpen your lyric writing skills. We will work on metaphor, avoiding cliche’s and literary devices used by some of the best writers.
Today we will talk about his writing process, crowd funding an album with your super fans and some of the reasons he writes such beautiful melodies. He’s going to play a few song off of his new record Arcadia, released Oct. 4. And this might just be his best record yet.
It’s rooted in rhythmic rock & roll and sharp songwriting, Arcadia marks a turning point in Jesse Terry's career. It's the seventh original album from an award-winning musician who's spent much of the past decade on the move, playing 150 shows annually, bouncing between solo performances and full-band gigs. Arcadia captures both sides of that musical personality, finding room for amplified anthems one moment and intimate moments the next, showcasing just how wide Terry's reach can be. Arcadia is layered with dueling electric guitars, stacked vocal harmonies, and heartland hooks, all supplied by instrumentalists like Ethan Ballinger (Miranda Lambert, Lee Ann Womack), Ross McReynolds (Katie Pruitt, Becca Mancari), Sam Howard (Molly Tuttle, Joy Williams), Juan Solorzano (Ruston Kelly, Parker Millsap), and Danny Mitchell (Rodney Crowell, Anderson East). It's a big, bold sound — the sort of record that begs to be played in the car, windows rolled down, driving down the fast lane toward some new horizon. At the center of that sound is the craft Terry has been sharpening since his years in Nashville, back when he composed songs for others as a staff writer on Music Row. A grand-prize winner of the John Lennon Songwriting Contest, Terry established himself as a top-shelf.
Jesse's new record: https://open.spotify.com/album/5lpXAMZDC4hqAU0t2AV29Z?si=SpFXPTHsSL-BidKeOtVbgg
In this episode, I speak with Neuroscientist, author and musician Dr. Daniel Levitin on how music affects our health. From reducing cortisol to lessening the effects of Parkinsons and how we can use music as medicine! We talk science and his new book "I Heard there was a Secret Chord: Music as Medicine":
Daniel Levitin's music: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7iRoKs96ka4AJPOA39VJj5?si=su7HYKBPT5y1LKw1ws5YfQ
Try writing a song using the words and rhythm of a nursery rhyme to try audio doodling in your melody.
Write your chorus first
Start a song with the chorus
You need input for output: Go hear live music, new music, travel, try new things, read...
ABOUT TODAY'S GUEST:
Rodney Alejandro
Grammy nominated artist/songwriter/producer Rodney Alejandro stands as a formidable polymath whose talents span an impressive array of roles both on stage and in the studio.
Renowned for his dynamic passion for music, Alejandro has excelled as a musician, arranger, songwriter, producer, music director, executive, and educator, establishing himself as a linchpin in the entertainment world. In one of his eras, Alejandro dazzled audiences worldwide as the keyboardist and music director for the international pop band, The Script.
His innovative arrangements transformed the band’s hits into captivating live experiences, weaving emotional narratives that swung from exhilarating highs to poignant lows, leaving concert-goers spellbound.
Alejandro’s illustrious career as a live performer includes collaborations with an array of music legends. From the Latin rhythms of Mañá, and Chucho Valdez y Irakere to the soulful strains of Stevie Wonder and Labrinth, to the rock prowess of Roger Daltry and Bunburry, his diverse collaborations have cemented his reputation as a versatile and sought-after talent. Before joining The Script, he had already made a name for himself behind the scenes.
His songwriting and production prowess has earned him accolades across multiple genres, including English, Latin, and Asian music markets. He has contributed to multiple Grammy and Latin Grammy nominated projects and earned a Billboard Latin Pop Album of the Year, along with numerous gold and platinum certifications.
In the studio, Alejandro's versatility shines through, with his fingerprints on projects ranging from R&B giants like Ray Charles and The Tempatations, to Latin superstars like Kumbia Kings and Olga Tañon, Zydeco royalty Sean Ardoin, and rock legend Sammy Hagar.
His contributions have spanned various projects showcasing his ability to adapt and excel in diverse musical settings. Alejandro’s talents extend to television and film as well, where he has composed and produced music for acclaimed shows such as "The Shield" (Golden Globe winner for Best Drama Series), “Thief,” and “The Ellen DeGeneres Show”(Latin Theme).
His work has also enriched the soundtracks of programs like CBS’s “The Unit”, HBO’s “Pee-Wee Herman's Broadway Special” and “Smallville.”
His current era has been thirty plus years in the making. Although he initially deferred college to pursue a major record deal, he later attended San Jacinto Junior College, followed by Berklee College of Music, where he graduated summa cum laude with dual majors in Contemporary Writing and Product
This is a new weekly podcast for songwriters on songwriting. In each episode, Berklee College of Music Professor and songwriter Scarlet Keys takes a deep dive into the craft, art and process of songwriting in conversations with eminent songwriters, producers and creatives asking them questions that only a songwriting professor would ask. This is an educational podcast aimed at giving listeners actionable tools, techniques and inspiration they can use in their songwriting.
In this podcast, Grammy winning songwriter Steve Leslie shares his journey as a songwriter, how he discovered and mentored writer Chris Stapleton, his favorite chord and his short hand way of playing it and advice to young writers on being a professional songwriter.
My guest today is award winning singer songwriter and producer Mark Erelli.
Mark has produced albums for Lori McKenna, toured with Josh Ritter, Paula Cole, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill. He has released over 11 albums as a solo artist.
On this episode, Mark dives into the writing process from one of the songs off his new record Blindsided and the crucial art of critical thinking for the songwriter. He shares his favorite ways to rhyme, how to write to the biggest idea and a few of his favorite chords and much more.
In this episode, I talk with the author of "The Artist's Way", Julia Cameron and she shares some of her life changing tools for unblocking, creating flow, and handling the inner and outer critique.
Show take aways:
Take long walks, walking primes the pump
Have a weekly artist's date
Use humor to diffuse the mean critique voice
Due your morning writing
Write by hand
When we are vulnerable we are rewarded with the flow of creativity
Miniaturize you're sensor and give it a cartoon wee small voice
https://juliacameronlive.com
https://www.scarletkeys.com
The show's theme song "What's in a Song" was co-written with Otto Gross
Steve Seskin is a hit songwriter and artist. He plays one of his hit songs and walks us through how the song came to be step by step, sharing his thought process and craft. He shares his insights on what it takes to write a great story song.
Show take aways:
Try writing your chorus first asking "What is the big pictures idea". Try to write so that your choruses grow in meaning each time you hear them.
Try writing to the following chord progression:
I VImin IV V = C Amin F G
Rewrite, Songwriting isn't a race, take as long as each song needs whether it's 3 hours or 75 hours, serve the song.
Write what you care about, it doesn't have to have happened to you.
There are songs that entertain and there are songs that make you think and sometimes we get lucky and we get both at the same time: "Believe" by John Mayer.
https://www.steveseskin.com
"The Craft of Songwriting: Music, Meaning and Emotion: https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Songwriting-Music-Meaning-Emotion/dp/0876391927/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=the+craft+of+songwriting&qid=1638411380&sr=8-2
This episode is literally a master class on songwriting. Gary talks about his process, how he writes a song like it's a screen play and shows you how he writes a great melody and the notes that matter.
Show take aways:
· Start with a title
· Decide what style the song should be in
· Decide where to place the title to determine the song form
· Is it the first line of the song? Does it occur at the end of every verse or at the end of the chorus?
· Try writing the chorus first
· Show don’t tell
· Write the song like it’s a screen play
· Focus on the North Star or the elevator pitch for the main idea
· The verse is the setting, the characters, the where, the who and when
· The Chorus is the why
· Audition your melodies and find the money notes
· The money notes in a major key are the unstable notes in the scale: 2, 4 6 and 7th
http://middlemanburr.com
"The Craft of Songwriting: Music, Meaning and Emotion: https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Songwriting-Music-Meaning-Emotion/dp/0876391927/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=the+craft+of+songwriting&qid=1638411380&sr=8-2
In this episode, I talk with hit songwriter Greg Becker about his writing process, what inspires him, what keeps him grounded as a writer. He shares his journey as a songwriter, how he cowrites and collaborates and the importance of rhythm in your melody.
In this episode, I talk with best selling author of "Writing Down the Bones" on having a writing practice and trusting the mind. How writing topics can help songwriters, the zen of writing, haiku and being willing to write terrible things.
https://nataliegoldberg.com
https://www.scarletkeys.com
"The Craft of Songwriting: Music, Meaning and Emotion: https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Songwriting-Music-Meaning-Emotion/dp/0876391927/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=the+craft+of+songwriting&qid=1638411380&sr=8-2
In this episode I talk with singer/songwriter Sally Taylor about writing the music first, what she learned about writing from growing up with two of the most popular artists of our time and the power of metaphor. She shares her unbelievably inspiring brain child Consenses and how it can be so helpful to songwriters.
Find Sally Taylor: https://consenses.org
Scarlet's book on songwriting: "The Craft of Songwriting: Music, Meaning and Emotion: https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Songwriting-Music-Meaning-Emotion/dp/0876391927/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=the+craft+of+songwriting&qid=1638411380&sr=8-2
In this episode, Pat walks us through several songs demonstrating the powerful effect of melodic phrasing and how it can transform your songwriting. He also breaks down one of his original songs to demonstrate the before and after he changes the phrasing.
https://www.patpattison.com
https://www.scarletkeys.com
The final version of "Pieces" was arranged by: David Bawiec
This episode was mixed by Peter Sykes: https://www.petersykesmusic.com
"The Craft of Songwriting: Music, Meaning and Emotion: https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Songwriting-Music-Meaning-Emotion/dp/0876391927/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=the+craft+of+songwriting&qid=1638411380&sr=8-2
This week, I talk with Norwegian born L.A. based hit songwriter and producer about how he found his unique voice as a writer and a producer. Creative Bravery and being yourself in a wold that wants you to follow the trend and writing with and producing artist Salem Ilese.
https://www.scarletkeys.com
http://www.bendikmoller.com
This episode was mixed by Peter Sykes: https://www.petersykesmusic.com
"The Craft of Songwriting: Music, Meaning and Emotion: https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Songwriting-Music-Meaning-Emotion/dp/0876391927/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=the+craft+of+songwriting&qid=1638411380&sr=8-2
This week, I talk with Neuroscientist and best selling author of the book "This is your Brain on Music". Why we feel better when we hear sad songs, how certain compositional decisions affect the brain of the listener and so much more.
https://www.scarletkeys.com
http://daniellevitin.com
This episode was mixed by Peter Sykes: https://www.petersykesmusic.com
"The Craft of Songwriting: Music, Meaning and Emotion: https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Songwriting-Music-Meaning-Emotion/dp/0876391927/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=the+craft+of+songwriting&qid=1638411380&sr=8-2
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