Posts by Clay Mills
5 Ways To Break Out Of Your Writing Rut And Spark New Songs
One of the hardest things a songwriter has to learn to level-up their writing is learning how to avoid or pull themselves out of a songwriting rut. Here are 5 things I’ve learned over my 25+ year career that have me avoid songwriting ruts and stay inspired… Switch instruments to spark new song ideas… If…
Read MoreThe Erin Enderlin Interview: “Last Call”
Find out what Sir Elton John thinks about singer-songwriter Erin Enderlin’s music and soak in some writing wisdom as she stops by the SongTown Podcast set. Host Clay Mills chats with her about her amazing career as a hit songwriter and alt-country singer. It’s truly a don’t-miss episode as she sings a gorgeous raw version…
Read MoreDoes Your Song Need A Bridge?
So you’ve reached that point in the song; you’ve written two verses and a chorus, and that little voice in your head is asking “Does your song need a bridge?” When do you know if a song truly needs a bridge? I’ve heard publishers say things to their writers like, “You must write bridges because…
Read MoreYour Next Song Demo: 7 Tips Before You Spend Money
I have received several emails this week asking about the best approach to recording song demos. There are many things that have changed over the last year since I first blogged about this. Here are a few questions to consider when demoing your songs. 1. Who will be listening? If you are playing your demo…
Read More5 Simple Ways To Boost Your Creativity And Songwriting Power
As a professional writer, learning to boost your creativity and songwriting power is crucial to success. I am asked often how I walk into a co-write with superstars like Darius Rucker, Little Big Town, or Lady Antebellum and create songs “on-demand?” Well, I didn’t start out doing this, but I’ve learned a few tricks over…
Read MoreBrian Davis: Messing With Memories and Songs
Multi #1 songwriter stops by the SongTown Studios to talk about his music and offer songwriters key tips on how to write a song that hits your audience… heart to heart. Clay & Marty’s 10-day video series: This video series will help you level-up your songs and finish them faster. CLICK HERE to begin! SongTown Press Books:…
Read MoreSongwriters: 5 Keys To Building A Better Song Catalog
Several SongTownian’s have recently asked the question, “what’s the best way to build a better song catalog?” Here are some key things I’ve learned over the years after writing for several major publishing companies and building a new catalog at each. Write, write, write! There is no substitute for this. A catalog is a collection of songs. You…
Read More#SongwritingHack 1.06 – How To Write Killer One Chord Songs
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been at workshops or songwriting classes and had students come up to me and say something like, you know, I wish I had taken more music theory when I was younger. Or, I wish I’d taken piano lessons or guitar lessons; I can only play a few…
Read More#SongwritingHack 1.18 – “Top 5 Songwriter Guitar Hacks For The Broke A$$ Writer”
Today I’ve got five songwriter guitar hacks that are free for all – check them out. 1. Capo Trick When you’ve come up with that great guitar idea, and you want to come back in a few days and remember what you did, your iPhone can perfect for recording a short little video. Simply grab…
Read MoreAre You A Pro Vs. Aspiring Songwriter? Great Songs Don’t Care!
Over the weekend someone tagged me in a Facebook thread that had over 500 comments debating heatedly over whether or not a lyricist was an actual “songwriter”… All I can say is who cares? I don’t mean that in a harsh way. You see, I’ve been fortunate that over 150 major artists have recorded my…
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