3 Songwriting Books That Made Us Better Writers (Must-Reads)
Multi-Hit/Grammy nominated songwriters Clay Mills & Marty Dodson share 3 books that completely changed the way they write songs. We dig into work ethic, handling rejection, show-don’t-tell lyric writing, rewriting songs, and why clarity beats being “clever” every time. If you’re looking for real-world songwriting tips from pro writers, this episode will help you write…
Read MoreFinding Gratitude in the Writer’s Life: A SongTown Thanksgiving
by SongTown co-founders Marty Dodson & Clay Mills Every year around this time, we (Marty & Clay) slow down just long enough to take stock of the journey we’re on—this wild, unpredictable, often beautifully messy path called songwriting. And every year, we’re reminded of the same truth: There is so much to be thankful for.…
Read MoreChasing Ideas Vs. Chasing Truth
By SongTown Co-Founder Marty Dodson I’ve been in more co-writing rooms than I can count. And over the years, I’ve come to recognize a moment that happens more often than most people would expect—it’s the moment when a subtle creative tug-of-war begins. If you co-write long enough, you’ll be there too. We’ve all been there.…
Read MoreHow to Write a Bridge in a Song (8 Pro Tips)
Multi-hit songwriters Clay Mills & Marty Dodson break down 8 pro bridge tips to bring fresh momentum, new sounds, and real emotion to your songs. Learn when you actually need a bridge, how to create contrast with melody/chords, and ways to set up that last-chorus lift. Perfect for leveling up your songwriting and sharpening your…
Read MoreOwn Your Path: What Taylor Swift Taught Me About Songwriting Success
By SongTown Co-Founder Marty Dodson Several years ago, I watched a video that stopped me in my tracks. It was Taylor Swift, learning in real time that her latest album hadn’t been nominated for a Grammy. Surrounded by friends and family, you could feel the tension and disappointment in the room. People were quick to…
Read MoreMake Your Songs Unpredictable: 10 Melody & Lyric Fixes
Multi #1 songwriters Marty Dodson & Clay Mills share 10 ways to make your song unpredictable—the kind of lyric-to-melody fit and arrangement moves artists, publishers, and fans can’t ignore. If you want real-world pro songwriting advice from the SongTown crew—fresh songwriting tips for melody writing and lyric writing—hit play, take notes, and write on! Clay & Marty’s 10-day video…
Read More7 Tips From Publishers That Every Songwriter Needs To Know
Level up your songwriting with Clay Mills & Marty Dodson as we share 7 real-world tips from top publishers inside our SongTown Edge Groups. From conversational lyrics to chorus lift and word-to-melody flow, you’ll learn how to build a diverse, pitchable catalog that artists can’t ignore. Clay & Marty’s 10-day video series: This video series…
Read More5 Reasons Your Songs Sound the Same (Pro Fixes)
Stuck writing the same song on repeat? In this quick SongTown songwriting tips lesson, multi‑#1 hit writers Clay & Marty show how to write a song that doesn’t all sound the same—fixing grooves, lyric habits, themes, and instrument limits. Try new grooves, move the hook, sing before you play, and swap instruments to spark fresh…
Read MoreMake Your Hooks Hit Harder: 8 Pro Songwriter Tips (Music & Lyrics)
20-Time Hit Songwriters Clay Mills and Marty Dodson reveal proven ways to make your hooks and choruses hit harder—advanced techniques made simple, grounded in real-world hits. If you’re chasing your best songs and want practical, craft-first lessons for your next one, this is for you. Clay & Marty’s 10-day video series: This video series will…
Read MoreThe WORST (but most helpful) Exercises for Songwriting
Hit songwriters Clay Mills and Marty Dodson break down The Worst—but Most Helpful—Exercise For Songwriters. Learn how pro writers sharpen their skills with tough melody and lyric workouts that build your rhythm vocabulary and make your songs more hooky. If you’ve ever felt stuck in the same patterns, this exercise will help you unlock fresh…
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