Posts by Clay Mills
5 Pro Tips for Writing a Great Song Every Time
By Clay Mills & Marty Dodson When it comes to writing consistently great songs, it’s not about chasing trends or being the cleverest writer in the room — it’s about crafting something real that resonates. Marty Dodson and I share five essential tips (plus a bonus!) that will elevate your writing every time you sit down to…
Read More5 Free Songwriter Tools To Keep You Organized
These days, most songwriters I know are busier than ever managing lives, families, jobs, social media, writing, performing – the list goes on and on. Our time is precious and valuable! Here’s a list of 5 free songwriter tools I use to streamline and organize my writing process so that I have more time to…
Read MoreThe Secret to Writing Songs That Artists Want to Record
Publisher Ronna Reeves shares the real keys to writing songs that get noticed—and get cut—in today’s music world. When it comes to writing songs that actually get cut, there’s a secret many writers miss: it’s not about being the cleverest or the flashiest—it’s about being the most real! In today’s music world, artists (and their…
Read More9 Things Creatively Successful People Don’t Do
Creatively successful people have healthy mental habits. They not only have mastered their art, but they have learned to master their habits, attitudes, and emotions. They understand this mastery allows them more creative space in their mind and spirit. Check out these 9 things creatively successfully people don’t do so you too also become a…
Read MoreSeparating The Song From Its Production
As a songwriter I have been blessed with both a career I never dreamed possible and a chance to help thousands of talented writers at SongTown level-up up their songwriting. I especially love delving into vocal melodies and different production techniques that will make a song stand the test of time. Every January I give…
Read MoreSongwriting: The Most Subtle Art On The Planet
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard aspiring songwriters lament that their songs are just as good or better than the songs that major artists are recording. They can’t understand why their songs aren’t getting the attention they deserve or being recording on records. They haven’t yet grasped that songwriting is a subtle…
Read MoreAre Your Songs “Too Personal” To Be Commercial? (Songwriting Pro Tips)
This week on the SongTown Songwriting Podcast, multi-hit writers Clay Mills and Marty Dodson reveal how to write deeply personal songs without losing commercial appeal. Learn how to share your truth in a way that still connects with artists—and moves audiences. Don’t fall into the trap of getting so personal that no one else can…
Read MoreAre Near Rhymes Cheating? How PRO SONGWRITERS use RHYME!
Are near rhymes cheating when it comes to songwriting? In this episode Hit writers Clay Mills & Marty Dodson dive into the world of advanced songwriting techniques and explore how pro songwriters use rhyme to craft great songs. Clay & Marty’s 10-day video series: This video series will help you level-up your songs and finish…
Read MoreSongwriting Hack – “From Song Idea To Major Label Cut”
We’re going to do something special today. Since the beginning of SongTown, I’ve had members ask me if I would break down a song – from the beginning of the idea and inspiration, how he wrote it, to how it became a major label cut. And I’ve always been hesitant because songs don’t always start…
Read MoreOther People’s Opinions On Your Songs – Is It Good Or Bad For Your Songwriting?
One of the hardest things to come to grips with as a songwriter is other peoples opinions on your songs. Here is a story that can help you navigate the waters of song feedback. I wrote with a writer last week who is actively looking for a publishing deal. He is a super talented writer…
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