Posts by Marty Dodson
How To Make Your Lyrics More Musical (8 Pro Tips!)
Why do some lyrics leap off the page while others fall flat? And why are some lines so easy (and fun) to sing? Multi-hit, Grammy-nominated songwriters Clay Mills and Marty Dodson break down what makes lyrics truly musical—and how you can craft lines that artists want to record and sing. Let’s make your lyrics more…
Read More5 Ways To Get Out of Your Songwriting Comfort Zone
Most songwriters find themselves in a complacent songwriting “comfort zone” from time to time. Personally, I find myself at times resting on a little plateau of my own making. I work really hard for a stretch and then I coast for a bit. When I find myself coasting, here are some things I do to…
Read MoreSongwriting Success After 40 – Is it too late?
What are the realities of songwriting after 40? Are you more creative when you’re young? Is success still possible when you’re 40 and beyond? Multi-hit/Grammy nominated writers Clay Mills and Marty Dodson discuss Songwriting after 40. Clay & Marty’s 10-day video series: This video series will help you level-up your songs and finish them faster. CLICK…
Read MoreWhy You Should Be Writing More Conversational Lyrics
One of the questions I get most often when I mentor songwriters is “Why does everyone tell me I need to write more conversational lyrics?” While there is no “one size fits all” answer to how your lyrics “should” be written, there is a reason that people give you that advice. When I’m having that…
Read MoreSongs Are My Footprints
I look at the songs I write as footprints. They are what remain of me after I pass through a place. Yesterday, I passed through another day of writing and I left behind a song that represents ME. Two songs, actually. I poured my heart and soul into them and I’m proud of what I…
Read More12 Pro Re-Writing Tips that Amateur Songwriters MISS!
Multi-hit/Grammy nominated songwriters Clay Mills and Marty Dodson share their top 12 checklist for re-writing songs. Great writers know that great songs aren’t written, they’re re-written! 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 MoreWrite The Song In The Room (5 Pro Tips for Next-Level Songwriting)
In this week’s SongTown Songwriting Podcast episode, multi-hit songwriters Clay Mills and Marty Dodson discuss the “Write The Song In The Room” songwriting technique. Here are 5 tips to lock you into this approach for next-level songwriting and songs. Clay & Marty’s 10-day video series: This video series will help you level-up your songs and…
Read MoreSync Song vs Single: Great Songwriters Know These 3 Key Differences
In this week’s SongTown Songwriting Podcast episode, multi-hit songwriters Clay Mills and Marty Dodson, break down the differences in writing a sync song vs a single. Master these to excel in one or both genres! Clay & Marty’s 10-day video series: This video series will help you level-up your songs and finish them faster. CLICK HERE to…
Read MoreThe Songwriter’s Achilles Heel
When I first started trying to write as a profession, I talked to my wife (now my ex-wife) and asked for 2 years to chase my dream of becoming a songwriter. She agreed to work part time and I would work part time writing and we would tag-team with the kids. When she worked, I…
Read MoreHow To Write A New Song Every Day
I can’t count the number of times I’ve been asked “How in the world do you come up with a song-a-day – every day?” Learning how to write a new song every day can seem like a daunting task. Here’s how I pull that off… Coming In With Ideas I have a database that includes…
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