Posts by Marty Dodson
10 Lyrics Mistakes That Peg You As An Amateur Songwriter
In this SongTown lesson, Clay Mills and Marty Dodson break down 10 lyric mistakes that can make your songs feel amateur. You’ll learn how to strengthen your big idea, write more conversational lyrics, avoid filler, and make every line support the hook. Stick around for the bonus tip on building your signature style. Clay &…
Read More3 Signs You’re a Better Songwriter Than You Think
Think your songs sound worse than ever? That may actually be a sign you’re growing as a writer. In this SongTown lesson, we break down 3 real signs you’re becoming a better songwriter, from hearing problems faster to rewriting smarter and writing for connection instead of cleverness. If you want better songs, stronger lyric writing,…
Read MoreHow To Write Songs People Actually Listen To
How do you write songs that truly connect with listeners? In this SongTown lesson, Marty Dodson and Clay Mills break down pro songwriting tips that help your songs feel honest, believable, and emotionally powerful. Learn how emotional truth, contrast, arc, and audience awareness can turn a good idea into a great song. Clay & Marty’s…
Read MoreThe 7 Deadly Sins of Songwriting | Avoid These Now
What are the biggest mistakes songwriters make that can hurt both their songs and their careers? In this SongTown lesson, Clay Mills and Marty Dodson break down the 7 deadly sins of songwriting—from gossip and blame to preachy lyrics, emotional untruth, and turning opinions into facts. If you want to write better songs, build better…
Read MoreStop Shooting in the Dark: Why Writing With Intention Can Change Your Songwriting Career
by SongTown co-founder Marty Dodson I see it every day: talented songwriters pouring their hearts into songs, only to watch them gather dust on a hard drive. Why? Because 99% of songwriters are shooting in the dark. When I first started writing songs professionally, I was no different. My goal each day was simple —…
Read MoreLyricist Only? Here’s How You Make It As A Songwriter
In this episode, Multi #1 songwriters Clay Mills and Marty Dodson break down the truth about being a lyricist in today’s music business… and what actually works if you want to get songs written, recorded, and released. Clay & Marty’s 10-day video series: This video series will help you level-up your songs and finish them…
Read MoreWhy Listeners Skip Your Song: 5 Pro Songwriting Fixes
Why do listeners skip your song? In this lesson, Clay and I break down 5 pro songwriting fixes to help you grab attention fast and keep people listening past that critical first 30 seconds. We’ll talk unique sound, fresh lyrics, contrast, emotion, and finding your songwriting fingerprint so your songs stand out and connect. Clay…
Read MoreWhen the Door Closes, Knock on Another One
By SongTown Co-founder Marty Dodson Years ago, I was doing everything I could to level up my songwriting career. Like a lot of writers trying to break through, I was chasing every opportunity I could find. And there was one particular songwriter in town who was absolutely on fire—cut after cut, hit after hit. Everyone…
Read MoreRejection, Resilience, and Rising Again: What One “No” Taught Me About Songwriting
By SongTown Co-founder Marty Dodson Years ago, I finally worked up the courage to ask a “big” hit songwriter to write with me. I had been grinding away, developing my skills, and building a catalog of songs I was proud of. For the first time, I felt like I could hold my own in a…
Read MoreWhen the Muse Goes Missing: How I Jump-Start Inspiration on “Blah” Days
By SongTown Co-founder Marty Dodson There are days I open a blank Google Doc and feel certain I’ve got nothing left to say. I’ve written all the songs I can possibly write—at least that’s what the voice in my head insists. I’ll pick up my guitar and instead of feeling like an old familiar friend,…
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