The ‘Simple Chorus, Complicated Verse’ Song
There is evidence throughout pop songwriting history – at least its Verse/Chorus song part –…
7 Steps To Your Brand New Song
Stuck? Lacking inspiration? Here’s a great way into a new song. The recipe: 1) Pick…
You Can’t Trust Your Memory When You’re Writing a Song
There are times when I treat every beginning-of-a-song idea for what it is – the…
At What Point Does It Become A Co-Write?
When I work with songwriters as a producer or musician, in a workshop or class, or…
How To Surprise Your Listener
Working on a new song recently I was faced with a typical songwriting problem. One…
The Evolution Of Rhyme
When I heard Taylor Swift’s single ‘Gorgeous’ (video below) the first thing I noticed was…
Why Your Musicians Don’t Know Your Lyrics… And Why It May Not Matter
A big part of my preparation and education, if you want to call it that,…
The Greatness Of Becker & Fagen (Steely Dan)
I join the world of popular music and beyond in mourning the death this week…
Who Says You Can’t Rhyme ‘Orange’?
Rhymes are perfect, or ‘true’, when they have the exact same sound at the end…
When I Stopped Using My Song’s 1st Verse To Clear My Throat
When beginning a conversation, especially with someone you don’t know well, it’s normal to spend…
What Happens When You Discover Your Title? Focus Happens.
Irving Berlin’s classic songwriting advice to “repeat the Title as often as possible so people…
Developing Songwriting Mindfulness
What does it mean to be a Songwriter? Well… if you write songs, you’re a…
Where To Place Your Title
If you’re writing a Title-based song – where the Title is the most important lyric…
Songwriting Tools Are Not Rules
There are a lot of truisms in songwriting – old school rules of thumb that…
Don’t Let The SOUND Put You Off Current Pop Songs
Some people born in 1990 listen to certain current pop recordings and can’t relate to…
Great Songs With Titles That Are Questions?
There have been many great songs whose Titles are a Question. Why does this work…
5 Ways To Evaluate Your Songwriting
Why evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of your songwriting, an exercise that can be somewhat…
The World’s Best Songwriting Tool
There are many elements that make up a good or great song. Music: melody, harmony,…
Who Should Win The Argument In Your Song?
When you have a team working together, especially a talented one, not everyone’s going to…
Staying Open To Last Minute Changes In A Song
Once I get a new song rolling I usually have some idea of where it’s…
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