Song Poet Tia Sillers: Lessons in Songwriting and Life

I recently had the pleasure of watching my dear friend Tia Sillers on the Work Tapes podcast, and I was struck once again by her incredible wisdom about songwriting, creativity, and life itself. Tia, whose songwriting credits include the Grammy-winning “I Hope You Dance” and the rock hit “Blue on Black,” has always had a way of cutting through the noise to get to what really matters in both music and life. I knew from the moment I began writing with Tia, as she sat down and began rambling off the coolest verse lyric idea in the most intriguing way, that she was special. I think you’ll see what I mean…

The Bluebird Cafe

Tia’s journey into songwriting began at age 14 when she discovered Nashville’s legendary Bluebird Cafe. She would ride her bike there and, in true teenage fashion, sneak in through the kitchen to watch songwriters perform! But like most of us who are watching songwriters for the first time, what captured her attention wasn’t just the music – it was the witty fun banter between writers, the stories behind the songs, the entire ecosystem of creativity that existed in that small room.

Breaking Through Genre Boundaries

As I listened to her describe those early days, I was reminded of how organic her path to becoming a songwriter really was. She didn’t set out with grand ambitions to write hit songs; she was simply drawn to the craft, the community, and the creative process. It’s a reminder that sometimes the best careers grow from genuine passion rather than calculated planning.

Key elements of Tia’s approach to songwriting:

• Actively avoiding being pigeonholed as a “female songwriter”
• Seeking out diverse collaborations, especially with rock bands
• Focusing on craft over gender identity
• Pushing beyond conventional genre boundaries
• Maintaining authenticity while serving different musical styles

The Art of Lyrical Craft

Her work with the band Flight Attendant perfectly illustrates this versatility. The song they discussed, “Be Mine,”showcases Tia’s ability to craft lyrics that are both playful and profound. Lines like “Be my Russian doll, my player two, my deep Neptune” demonstrate her love for what she calls “muscular words” – strong, evocative language that adds depth and dimension to seemingly simple love songs. It’s this attention to craft that has always set her apart. It’s why I call her the song poet. She can pull it off like no one else.

Embracing Change in the Music Industry

What really resonated with me was Tia’s perspective on the changing music industry. Instead of lamenting how things aren’t what they used to be, she introduced a powerful concept: “flux gusto” – the idea that everything is constantly in flux, and we can choose to approach that change with enthusiasm rather than resistance. After experiencing profound personal loss with the death of her husband Mark Selby, she gained a deeper understanding of what truly matters and what doesn’t.

Advice for emerging songwriters in the AI era:

• Focus on developing excellent, unique skills
• Practice real instruments rather than relying on technology
• Tap into genuine human emotions and experiences
• Stay curious and continue learning
• Embrace change rather than resist it

The Creative Process

I was particularly moved by her description of her creative process. Tia keeps three drawers in her house where she collects words, phrases, and ideas. Once a month, she goes through these drawers, pulling out fragments that might become songs. It’s a beautiful reminder that creativity isn’t just about inspiration – it’s about consistently gathering material, staying curious, and being ready when inspiration strikes.

Behind the Scenes: The Perfect Songwriter

Her perspective on being behind the scenes rather than in the spotlight was refreshing. “I think I’m the perfect songwriter,”she said, explaining how she loves writing songs that take on lives of their own, independent of her. This ability to serve the song rather than her ego has undoubtedly contributed to her longevity in the industry.

Lessons in Resilience

Perhaps the most powerful lesson from the interview was about resilience and perspective. As Tia pointed out, it takes just as much energy to be bitter and frustrated as it does to be curious and positive – they’re both muscles we can choose to exercise. In an industry that’s constantly changing, this mindset isn’t just helpful; it’s essential for survival.

Final Thoughts

What makes Tia such a valuable voice in the songwriting community isn’t just her success – it’s her commitment to authenticity, her willingness to evolve, and her deep understanding that at its core, songwriting is about capturing human truth. Whether she’s writing for a country artist, a rock band, or a modern pop group, she brings the same level of craftsmanship and emotional honesty to every project.

As I finished watching the interview, I wasn’t surprised by how much wisdom she packed into one conversation. I’ve always known she was special and many of you in SongTown know her as she has taught courses at SongTown. But I thought I’d tell you a bit more about her today. From the practical aspects of songwriting to broader life lessons about dealing with change and loss, Tia’s insights always remind me that being a songwriter isn’t just about writing hits – it’s about staying curious, remaining authentic, and approaching both success and challenge with what she calls “flux gusto.” In an industry that’s constantly evolving, these might be the most valuable lessons of all.

Write on!
CM