The proper way to format your lyric sheet is one of the most overlooked details in the songwriting business! Since starting SongTown, Marty Dodson and I have had the chance to see many songs and/or song lyrics presented in our publisher groups, song contests, and song feedback forums on...
"As a songwriter nothing is more important than writing the song in the room." ~Clay Mills "Let's write a romantic song. Your record is 80% done and there's no song on it about romance and falling in love." I said those words to Darius Rucker and producer Frank Rogers while sitting...
Often songwriters in our SongTown classes ask, "How do I write commercial music without selling out?" They are writers who would like to have commercial success and hear one of their songs on the radio or an album. But they want to know how to accomplish this and still be true...
This Christmas season, I find myself looking back and remembering people that have been an important part of my life. I think the winter holidays are a wonderful time for cultivating gratitude. There have been people who have been there for me since day one, and there have been those...
People often ask me if they have to do full-production demos to present songs to publishers or major artist? I do a fair amount of full demos, but I also have had about half of my major cuts from pitching home demos done on a very basic set-up on...
Following your dreams... When I was 19 years old, I decided to leave my small Alabama hometown and strike out on a journey to the Big Apple: New York City. It took a combination of naivety and hard-headedness, I suppose. After all, I didn’t know anyone in New York City,...
Multi #1 songwriter Clay Mills talks about the importance of creating both rhythmic & melodic "hooks" for verses when writing songs.
All part of the weekly lesson series for members at SongTown.
Throughout my 20 years as a professional songwriter, I’ve noticed there isn't always a large difference in talent level among creative people. Why then, do some songwriters seem to have an over abundance of fans buying their music while others struggle to sell the first song? The answer is...
Are your songs not getting results? Is that latest greatest song you've written not having the impact on your audience that you were so sure it would? Often the difference in a good song and one that moves the listener is a simple quick fix. Keep your intro under 15 seconds. One of...
Writing and reading lessens our isolation and prods our imagination. Music makes our souls dance, and great art leaves an impression that lasts for centuries. Over my 23 years as a professional songwriter, I’ve read just about every book on creativity I could get my hands on. Though I’m convince I...