4 Questions Pro Songwriters Ask While They Write
The line between pro songwriters and aspiring pro songwriters is primarily a line of thought. Pro songwriters learn to think differently as they write. That different line of thinking usually involves a series of questions that they keep asking as they write. Those questions cause the song to be more commercial than it would have…
Read MorePeople Songwriters Need To Thank
Most songwriters I know have a lot of people who have helped them get to whatever level of success they are enjoying – even if it is simply being able to write regularly. Here’s my list. I’m guessing many of you have similar lists. My mom. When I was a kid, I would sit on…
Read MoreSongwriters: How To Increase Your Chances Of Getting A Song Recorded
I posted on Facebook one day that I had “worked really hard” to get on a particular album and had failed to make it. Someone asked me to explain what I had done to “work really hard”. So, I thought I’d lay it out for you here so everyone could read it. I had heard…
Read MoreWriting Songs With Artists
Writing songs with artists is a completely different game. Writing songs with artists is a completely different game than writing songs FOR artists or simply writing with another writer to try and craft the best song possible. When you write with an artist in the room, the goal is to help that artist find their…
Read MoreJack Tempchin Reveals Story Of Writing “Peaceful Easy Feeling” For The Eagles
Legendary songwriter Jack Tempchin is most known for writing classic rock songs for the Eagles, Glenn Fry, and Johnny Rivers. Classic songs like “Already Gone,” “Peaceful Easy Feeling,” “Slow Dancing,” and many others. Clay Mills hangs out with Jack for an incredible evening of music and stories from the SongTown Studio set; and in the above video clip Jack reveals his funny story behind…
Read MoreWriting Songs For Artists
Writing songs for artists is a guessing game. When I’m shooting for a particular artist as I write, I’m trying to guess what that artist wants to say. Not only that, I’m trying to guess what they haven’t already said so that I can help them say something new. I look at it this way.…
Read MoreSongwriters: Win or Learn
Songwriters tend to have this “win or lose” mentality. When I play my songs for someone, I either “win” and they take a copy, or I “lose” and they reject my song (and by default, me). I would suggest that we look at those opportunities as “win or learn” opportunities. Again, if they love my…
Read MoreThe 9-Minute Songwriter Workout (Ultimate Toolbox)
These three songwriting exercises are designed to get you into the flow of writing without thinking. Your best ideas come from the subconscious, and you can tap into this with regular practice. Remember to do these exercises quickly, spending three minutes on each in rapid fire succession. I set the timer on my iPhone. Don’t…
Read MorePut The Butt in the Chair: The Real Cure For Writer’s Block
Publishers don’t give writer’s block vacations. People often ask us how we fight “writer’s block”. Unfortunately, my publisher does not offer Writer’s Block Vacation Days. I’m expected to write, not make excuses. So, on days when I don’t FEEL like writing, what do I do? I put my butt in the chair and I write…
Read MoreDon’t Judge A Pro Songwriter By His Cover
The other day, a friend and I were talking about a songwriter in town that is on FIRE. He’s getting an amazing number of cuts. We were talking (with a little envy) about his success and wishing for something even close to what he is experiencing. Someone else came in the room and heard us…
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