Songwriting
The “Outside Looking In” Game – A Songwriter’s Dream Killer!
About a year ago, I wrote a post here on the SongTownUSA FB about the power of dreams. I told the story of how, when I was 10 years old, I listened over and over to a record called “Home Free” by Dan Fogleberg… recalling that everyday I looked inside the album at photos of…
Read More4 Keys To Finding The Perfect CoWriter
Music History is filled with great songwriting collaborations. John Lennon-Paul McCartney, Elton John-Bernie Taupin, Mick Jagger-Keith Richards, and the list goes on. Two heads can truly be better than one when writing a song, but only if it’s the right match! And finding that right match can seem impossible at times. Over the years…
Read MoreSongwriters: Are You A Naughty Or Nice Co-Writer?
We get a lot of questions in regard to co-writing etiquette. Since the holidays are coming up, it’s important to know whether you are on the “naughty” or “nice” co-writer list. Here are some real life experiences I (or friends of mine) have experienced. Naughty Co-Writer #1 This guy takes a phone call during the…
Read MoreHappy New Year From SongTown
I want to start by wishing each of you a Happy New Year. Clay and I are grateful for each one of you and we’ve been privileged to get to know some new songwriting friends this year through SongTown. We songwriters are a special breed and it’s fun to have a place for our tribe…
Read MoreBridges: A Songwriter’s Rule Of Thumb
One of the most difficult moments in the process of writing a song is “bridge time.” I have been in many co-writes where we agonized over whether or not we need a bridge. At one point, early in my career, I came to my publisher to ask him if I needed a bridge in a song I…
Read MoreTaking Chances With Your Songwriting
Taking Chances With Your Songwriting By: Marty Dodson Several years ago, my publisher asked me to attend a song camp in Sweden. I love to travel, but Sweden is a long way from the comfortable confines of Nashville. The trip cost a good bit of money. My publisher paid for it up front, but they…
Read MoreIf you are a writer, your time is better spent on a clever lyric than a clever tweet
“Social media is a giant distraction to the ultimate aim, which is honing your craft as a songwriter. There are people who are exceptional at it, however, and if you can do both things, then that’s fantastic, but if you are a writer, the time is better spent on a clever lyric than a clever…
Read MoreWhat If These Artist Had Said “I Only Create When I’m Inspired”
What If These Artist Had Said “I Only Create When I’m Inspired” By: Clay Mills Do you find yourself choosing to only writeåÊsongs when your inspired byåÊheartache or some other major life event? Here’s a quick list of some truly great art the world would never know if the artist had said, ÛÏI only create…
Read MoreA Modern Songwriting Parable
So, let’s say I invent a new kitchen gadget and I really want to get Walmart to stock my gadget on their shelves. Why do I want Walmart to stock it? Duh? They have millions of customers. If I want to make lots of money with my product, I HAVE to get Walmart to sell…
Read MoreHow One Day Can Change Your Songwriting Life!
How One Day Can Change Your Songwriting Life! By: Marty Dodson One of the things I love about songwriting is that your fortunes can change completely in one day. I’ve been fortunate enough to experience several of those life changing days. One day, I walked into Jason Matthew’s house with nothing going on in my…
Read More