Posts by Clay Mills
Songwriting: 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…
Read MoreSongwriters 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…
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