Posts by Marty Dodson
We Wrote 10,000 Songs — Our Top 3 Lessons
After more than 10,000 songs between them, Marty and Clay break down the three lessons that shaped their careers most: trading reactive listening for inspired listening, taking ownership instead of blaming co-writers and publishers, and why no song you ever write is wasted. Plus, details on spending a day with them in Nashville at the…
Read MoreIt’s Not Too Late
By SongTown Co-founder Marty Dodson I once ran across a quote that stopped me in my tracks: “It’s never too late to be what you might have been.” That quote helped change my life. I grew up in Nashville, where music wasn’t just part of the culture. It felt like it was in the air.…
Read More4 Ways Pro Songwriters Outwrite You Every Time
Clay Mills and Marty Dodson break down four habits that separate pro songwriters from everybody else — starting with the big one: pros don’t wait on inspiration. Along the way they get into Jack Tempchin and Glenn Frey lighting a candle to “invite the muse,” Chris Wallin on replacing an incredible line with the right…
Read More5 Huge Hits That Broke All The Songwriting Rules
Clay and Marty break down five massive hits — “Lovely Day,” “Lyin’ Eyes,” “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “When Doves Cry,” and “Before He Cheats” — that violate core songwriting rules they normally teach. Find out what they did wrong, and why these worked anyway! Clay & Marty’s 10-day video series: This video series will help you level-up…
Read MoreClay and Marty’s Mount Rushmore of Songwriters
Clay and Marty reveal their personal Mount Rushmore of songwriters — from legendary artist-writers to behind-the-scenes hitmakers who changed the way great songs are written. In this SongTown songwriting lesson, they break down what makes these writers timeless, emotional, original, and worth studying for any serious songwriter. Clay & Marty’s 10-day video series: This video…
Read MoreYour Song Is Already Copyrighted — Here’s What Most Songwriters Get Wrong
Did you know your song is already copyrighted the moment you write it? In this lesson, hit songwriters Clay Mills and Marty Dodson break down what most songwriters get wrong about copyright — including the “poor man’s copyright” myth, why registering with ASCAP or BMI has nothing to do with your copyright, and when pro…
Read More12 Song Pitching Mistakes That Peg You As An Amateur Songwriter (Don’t Burn Bridges!)
In this songwriting lesson, hit songwriters Clay Mills and Marty Dodson break down 12 song pitching mistakes that can peg you as an amateur songwriter and burn bridges with publishers, artists, and industry pros. Learn how to pitch songs the right way, protect your relationships, and give your music the best chance to be heard.…
Read MoreYou Can Learn Songwriting (And Why “Born With It” Is a Myth)
The other day, I heard a hit songwriter say: “You can’t teach songwriting. You’re either born with it or you’re not.” I’ll be honest—that hit me wrong. There’s a little ring of superiority in that, don’t you think? As if the people who’ve had hits were sprinkled with some kind of magic dust that everyone…
Read MoreHow Pro Songwriters Write Universal Songs (Without Being Generic)
Great songs don’t just tell the truth—they make people feel something true in their own lives. In this SongTown songwriting lesson, Clay Mills and Marty Dodson share how to take a personal idea and turn it into a universal song that connects with more listeners. You’ll learn songwriting tips for finding the core emotion, using…
Read MoreWhy Your Songs Don’t Hit Hard Enough : 5 Songwriting Fixes
Want your songs to hit harder and keep listeners hooked? In this SongTown songwriting lesson, Clay Mills and Marty Dodson share five powerful ways to use contrast in your lyrics, melody, and emotion so you can write better songs that stand out. These songwriting tips will help you create stronger sections, fresher ideas, and more…
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