Songwriting is beautifully complex and yet simple... I am often reminded when teaching aspiring songwriters how simple, and yet complex, writing a song can be. It's a beautiful mix of emotions, wit, determination, and being in the moment. A very common obstacle I see to great writing is what I call...
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...
Back when I was beating the streets of Nashville looking for my first cut as a songwriter, I was asked to write a theme song for a TV show about Sisters. They wanted something in the vibe of Sarah McLachlan. As luck would have it my parents had just...
1.Believe: As creative people, we tend to be self-doubters. It's what drives us to look inward, to constantly question life around us, and, if channeled properly, will drive us to write great songs. It's perfectly natural to struggle with believing in ourselves and our art, but ultimately, we must...
If I had to choose one thing as the most important thing in songwriting, it would be "making your song believable." Throughout the entire writing process I am asking myself, does this feel real? When someone hears your song for the first time, that's what hits them first. Nothing loses the listener faster than...
Today I got an email from a talented SongTownian who asked me if it was a good idea to sign a contract that allowed his co-writer to negotiate contracts on their song on his behalf. And gave the co-writer 100% of the publishing on any deal made. Say WHaaaaaa?????? I had to...
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 tools I use to streamline and organize my writing process, so that I have...
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...
Pro songwriter Clay Mills shares how to turn that old classic song you can't stop humming for the last 2 days, into inspiration for your own classic! Want to study with pro writer Clay Mills in SongTown's 6-week Melody Masterclass? Get hands-on instruction and feedback in the best online melody class of...
Every week I see determined hardworking songwriters flocking to pitch to publisher events to play their songs for publishers. I see whole businesses existing on this model of setting up pitch to publisher events. I've seen it for 25 years! While there might be some networking potential to find co-writers, etc,...