Why Most “List Songs” Don’t Work (Pro Songwriting Fixes)

What turns a clever list into a truly great song? In this SongTown lesson, Marty Dodson and Clay Mills break down how pro songwriters use list songs to create bigger emotion, stronger second verses, and memorable choruses. If you want better songwriting tips and real-world tools for writing better songs, this one’s for you. Clay…

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10 Lyrics Mistakes That Peg You As An Amateur Songwriter

In this SongTown lesson, Clay Mills and Marty Dodson break down 10 lyric mistakes that can make your songs feel amateur. You’ll learn how to strengthen your big idea, write more conversational lyrics, avoid filler, and make every line support the hook. Stick around for the bonus tip on building your signature style. Clay &…

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Songwriting Masterclass: 3 Skills Every Serious Songwriter Needs to Master

What separates a serious songwriter from the rest? In this SongTown mini masterclass, Clay Mills and Marty Dodson break down 3 essential skills every writer needs to master to grow in song craft and write better songs. If you want to level up your songwriting and start thinking like a pro songwriter, this lesson is…

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3 Signs You’re a Better Songwriter Than You Think

Think your songs sound worse than ever? That may actually be a sign you’re growing as a writer. In this SongTown lesson, we break down 3 real signs you’re becoming a better songwriter, from hearing problems faster to rewriting smarter and writing for connection instead of cleverness. If you want better songs, stronger lyric writing,…

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Why 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 &…

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How 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…

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The 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…

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3 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…

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How 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! …

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Where 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…

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