10 Major Focus Mistakes That Amateur Songwriters Focus On
by SongTown Co-founder Clay Mills Over the past 10 years of teaching thousands of students in SongTown, I’ve noticed that one of the biggest things holding writers back is what they choose to focus on—both during the writing process and in everything surrounding it. Whether it’s mindset, expectations, or industry myths, these distractions can seriously derail…
Read MoreWhy You Should Write Songs Even If No One Hears Them
Why should you keep writing songs even if no one hears them? In this SongTown lesson, Marty Dodson and Clay Mills share why songwriting helps you find your voice, grow your confidence, and connect with other songwriters. This is for anyone who wants to write better songs and live a more creative life. Clay &…
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 More3 Things Most Indie Artists Miss When Releasing Music
Clay Mills of SongTown chats with Clay Myers (Top Artist Development Consultant) about 3 areas every indie artist need to master to have a successful career. 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 MoreHow Publishers Know If Your Songwriting Is Good?
How do publishers know if your songwriting is actually good? In this lesson, Clay Mills and Marty Dodson break down the 3 instant tells… Plus, there’s a secret hidden audio track as a bonus. 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! …
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 MoreWhere Great Songs Go to Die (Your iPhone)
In this episode, Clay Mills and Marty Dodson break down why song ideas get lost in voice memos and notes — and how professional songwriters organize their titles, melodies, and lyric ideas so nothing slips through the cracks. If you want better songwriting systems, stronger co-writes, and more finished songs, this one’s for you. Clay…
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…
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