Posts by Clay Mills
Songwriters And Artists: Writing Real Vs. Really Clever Songs
Perhaps the most common songwriting mistakes that I’ve seen kill a song… If I had to choose one songwriting mistake I’ve seen over and over in mentoring sessions through the years, it would be “writing clever instead of writing real.” Throughout the entire writing process I am asking myself, does this feel real? Could this have really happened?…
Read MoreYou Are What You Eat: What’s Your Musical Diet?
It’s been said that we are what we eat. And if we eat healthier food, we will have healthier bodies! But what about your musical diet? Many songwriters write emails to Marty Dodson and I each week asking what they can do to become better writers and have artists to record their songs. When examining…
Read MoreMEGA Songwriting Tips: 2 HOURS of Pro Techniques!
Get ready to level up your songwriting with this 2-hour episode of our BEST songwriting tips! Whether you’re battling writer’s block or looking to refine your craft, this episode is packed full of tips from hit songwriters to help you along your songwriting journey! Grab your notebook, tune in, and get ready to level up!…
Read More4 Must-Have Traits For A Successful Songwriting Career
In this week’s SongTown Songwriting Podcast episode, multi-hit songwriters Clay Mills and Marty Dodson, whose careers have spanned multiple decades, break down the 4 Characteristics of Songwriters Who Make A Living From Music. Acquire this mindset and you”ll reach your songwriting goals faster, have more fun, and last longer! Clay & Marty’s 10-day video series:…
Read MoreHow to Make Every Lyric Line Count: 6 Powerful Techniques
As songwriters, our job is to create maximum emotional impact with fewer words—saying more while keeping things concise, powerful, and musical. Sometimes, a single tweak can transform an ordinary line into something unforgettable. Let’s break down six techniques I use to pack the most punch out of a single lyric line… Starting Point: A Basic…
Read More5 Ways To Crush Self-Doubt As A Songwriter
In this week’s SongTown Songwriting Podcast episode, multi-hit songwriters Clay Mills and Marty Dodson share 5 ways to silence your inner critic and write better songs! 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: Mastering Melody Writing : Check It…
Read MoreOrganize Your Song Ideas & Melodies (Like A Pro)
In this week’s SongTown Songwriting Podcast episode, multi-hit songwriters Clay Mills and Marty Dodson for organizing your song titles, ideas, and melodies. Stay organized so your messy creativity can flourish! 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: Mastering…
Read MoreIf We Started Songwriting Careers Today – We’d Do These 5 Things!
In this week’s SongTown Songwriting Podcast episode, multi-hit songwriters Clay Mills and Marty Dodson share 5 things they’d do if they were starting songwriting careers today. 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: Mastering Melody Writing : Check It…
Read More7 Books Every Songwriter Should Read (2025 Edition)
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 25 years as a professional songwriter, I’ve read just about every book on creativity I could get my hands on. Still, I’m convinced I will never fully understand…
Read MoreSong Poet Tia Sillers: Lessons in Songwriting and Life
I recently had the pleasure of watching my dear friend Tia Sillers on the Work Tapes podcast, and I was struck once again by her incredible wisdom about songwriting, creativity, and life itself. Tia, whose songwriting credits include the Grammy-winning “I Hope You Dance” and the rock hit “Blue on Black,” has always had a way of cutting through the noise…
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