Put The Butt in the Chair: The Real Cure For Writer’s Block

Publishers don’t give writer’s block vacations. People often ask us how we fight “writer’s block”. Unfortunately, my publisher does not offer Writer’s Block Vacation Days. I’m expected to write, not make excuses. So, on days when I don’t FEEL like writing, what do I do? I put my butt in the chair and I write…

Read More

Don’t Judge A Pro Songwriter By His Cover

The other day, a friend and I were talking about a songwriter in town that is on FIRE. He’s getting an amazing number of cuts. We were talking (with a little envy) about his success and wishing for something even close to what he is experiencing. Someone else came in the room and heard us…

Read More

SongTown Birthday Bash: Recap!

RECAP: SongTown Birthday Bash and Townie Awards (10/1/2016) The SongTown Birthday Bash took place this past Saturday night at the Listening Room Cafe in Nashville, TN. Around 300 people attended to celebrate two years of SongTown! We also held our first ever Townie Awards show highlighting outstanding members of SongTown (full list of winners and photo gallery…

Read More

9 Of The Most Famous Collaborations In Music History

Recently, I’ve read a lot of articles and social media posts about songs that have multiple songwriters. Asserting that co-writing creates bad art.  Seemingly ignoring some of the most famous collaborations throught histroy. What journalist and headline seeking trash-talkers don’t understand is music by nature is a collaborative art … Has nothing to do with quality…

Read More

How To Blow A Potential Pub Deal In 3 Common Mistakes!

You’ve got the songs… So you’ve been writing and put together a nice collection of songs; and you’re ready for that next step… Finding a publisher. That person who believes in your writing and has the connections to make things happen. Here are 3 common mistakes that can kill your chances of working with a music publisher……

Read More

A Week In The Life: A Surprising Look At The Schedule Of A Pro Songwriter

Marty Dodson- Hit songwriter - Songtown

Several people have asked, so here is an outline of my week. It’s fairly typical with a few twists thrown in. MONDAY 9 AM – Meet with Entertainment Attorney to Sign New Contract 10 AM – Deliver Signed Contracts to Publisher 10:30 AM – Write with a new artist that my publisher set me up…

Read More

Riding Your Creative Flow: 5 Steps For Enhancing Your Songwriting

What Does Creative Flow Feel Like? 1. You feel completely focused. So much so that you forget your personal needs. You may even  forget to eat for hours while you are working! 2. You have a clear vision of what your art should sound or look like while working on it. 3. You are certain…

Read More

Songwriters: Here’s The Real Way To Get A Publishing Deal

This is one of the top questions filling our ST mailbox! The writer often states that they have songs and just can’t get the right person to listen. They feel their songs are as strong as what’s playing on radio, so how can they get a publishing company to take a chance on them? Well, I’ve…

Read More

Kids Are Dreamers, Dreams Change The World

I remember spending my days daydreaming as a kid. I daydreamed sitting in my desk at school, I daydreamed while doing the list of chores waiting for me when I got home from school, and I daydreamed before closing my eyes and falling asleep at each night. I think I knew deep down that dreams…

Read More