Posts by Marty Dodson
What Is The Role Of An A&R?
John Ozier has been responsible for over 30 #1’s as an A&R executive, a publisher, and as a songwriter. John is a hit songwriter with cuts by Lee Brice, Tyler Farr, Kid Rock, Kellie Pickler, Charlie Worsham, Josh Thompson, American Young, Air Supply and others. He co-wrote Lee Brice’s multi-week No. 1 and multi-platinum single,…
Read MoreHit Songwriter and Producer – Forrest Glen Whitehead
Forest Glen Whitehead is the co-producer of Kelsea Ballerini’s GOLD-certified debut album, “The First Time”, as well as her GRAMMY-nominated follow up album “Unapologetically”. In this episode of On Songwriting, Hit Songwriter and Producer Forest Glen Whitehead talks about how he got his start in the music business after moving to Nashville and knowing basically…
Read MoreHow To Write A Song
We have many people that come to SongTown wanting to learn how to write a song for the first time. Others have written for a short time and want to learn good techniques and habits. I love to help people who are just starting out. I believe it’s especially important start off on the right foot and not…
Read MoreWhy Do I Need A SongTown?
Clay and Marty share the story behind why they started SongTown and what SongTown is all about! They also talk about the benefits of joining a community of passionate songwriters from all over the world and the importance of surrounding yourself with other supportive songwriters. Write better songs faster! Clay & Marty’s 10-day video series…
Read MoreHow To Connect Better With Your Songs
Marty and Clay share their insight from a collective 50 years of songwriting experience and answer the popular question, “How can I better connect with my audience through my songs?” Write better songs faster! Clay & Marty’s 10-day video series will help you level-up your songs and finish them faster. CLICK HERE to begin! SongTown Press Books:…
Read MoreHow to be a Bad Co-writer
With a combined 50 years in the music business, Clay Mills and Marty Dodson have enough stories to write a book about ways they have BEEN bad co-writers and about bad co-writes they have experienced. Tune in to learn how NOT to be one yourself. Write better songs faster! Clay & Marty’s 10-day video series…
Read MoreWhat’s The Big Idea: Developing Song Ideas
In this episode, we talk about developing song ideas and deciding who your intended audience is for the song BEFORE you start writing. You’ll learn tips for writing songs for yourself and for pitching to other artists. Write better songs faster! Clay & Marty’s 10-day video series will help you level-up your songs and finish…
Read MoreArguing For Your Limitations: Are You Keeping Yourself From Getting That First Song Recorded?
I’ve been reading a book called “Big Magic” by Elizabeth Gilbert, the author of “Eat, Pray, Love”, that was given to me by SongTownian Lance Sims. In the first few pages of the book, Ms. Gilbert writes… “If you argue for your limitations, you get to keep them.” That hit me squarely between the eyes.…
Read MoreThe Different Types of Songwriting Publishing Deals
There are two common types of songwriting publishing deals that publishers make with writers. But, you don’t have to limit yourself to those two options if you can think outside the box. Here are the two common types of deals plus some ideas for creative options: 1) Staff Writer Writes exclusively for one publisher. Has…
Read MoreThe Story Behind The Hit Song: Must Be Doin’ Somethin’ Right
My biggest song so far (by far) has been my Billy Currington hit “Must Be Doin’ Something’ Right”. The song also has an interesting story. My co-writer, Jason Matthews, and I had been working for two days on another song idea. By lunchtime on the second day, we still hadn’t made any progress. Not even…
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