4 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 More3 Songwriting Workouts From 3 Decades of Writing Hits
In this episode Clay Mills and Marty Dodson share three powerful “songwriting workouts” designed to break through creative dry spells and sharpen your writing skills. Drawing from their decades of experience writing hits, they dive into techniques for improving your melodies, lyrics, and harmonic choices. Clay & Marty’s 10-day video series: This video series will…
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 MoreWhy AI Will Never Outwrite You — Leaning Into Your Human Advantage
by SongTown Co-founder Clay Mills I’ve been in the music business, producing and writing, since the 1980s. And I’ve been on the cutting edge of music technology for every bit of it. Drum machines were going to put drummers out of work. Then synthesizers. Samplers. ProTools and home computers were going to shut down every…
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 More4 Signs Your Songwriting Is About To Click
Are you getting close to a breakthrough? In this episode, Clay and Marty break down the 4 signs that your songwriting is about to click — from hearing problems in your own songs before anyone else does, to finding your unique voice, finishing more songs, and learning how to read feedback the right way. If…
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 MoreIs Songwriting Worth It – Or Am I Delusional?
No matter how small (to have fun!) or big your goals are, writing better songs is the answer. Our world-wide member based community of songwriters and artists have achieved #1 Billboard songs (Pop & Country), major sync placements (All Genres), Grammy/Emmy nominations and awards. Clay & Marty’s 10-day video series: This video series will help…
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…
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