Lennon… or McCartney…?
It’s happened to me before. I fall into the trap of comparing the relative value…
Get Some Words In There!
Having written the main pieces of a song (say the words and music for a…
‘The Paragraph On The Wall’ Can Focus Your Song
Robert Caro is one of the greatest non-fiction writers of our time, or any time.…
Two Ways To Make Your Melodies Better
I doubt that anyone could define what makes a melody great. But in considering what…
When There’s No Easy Way To Finish Your Song
Recently I was reminded of a sobering truth about songwriting. A truth I forget on…
Does Your Song Need A Bridge?
As beautiful as they can sometimes be, and as much as they can add to…
One Way To Make Sure Your Songwriting Sucks
Writing is a habit, a routine. Like all habits and routines, it’s much easier to…
Don’t Be Afraid To Change Your Phrasing
Before I commit myself to a musical phrase, especially when it contains a Title, it’s…
Having Confidence in Your Imagination
There’s imagination… then there’s believing in one’s imagination, having a certain confidence that you can…
“I like Big Buts and I Cannot Lie”
I’ve often said that the most dangerous word in songwriting is ‘IT’. As with any…
Finding The Best Key For Your Song
You don’t have to play your song in the key in which it was written.…
The Bee Gees and the Power of Repetition
I was listening to Rick Rubin’s podcast, Broken Record. He was interviewing Barry Gibb of…
The Lyric Is Not What Your Song Is ‘About’
It’s not uncommon for songwriters to be asked, “What’s this song about?” The question is…
The Greatness of Songs That Make No Sense
Writing songs with hooks that are just sounds, without literal meaning, is a special talent,…
Alfred Hitchcock’s Advice To Songwriters
‘An audience wondering is not an audience emoting.’ – Alfred Hitchcock The British master director…
The Benefits Of A Songwriting Practice
Songwriters, all writers, get their work done in many ways. But it’s hard to get…
Kendrick Lamar’s ‘How Much A Dollar Cost’
Kendrick Lamar’s ‘How Much A Dollar Cost’ is a harrowing story of an encounter in…
5 Essential Elements Of A Good Song
Some aspects of a song have a higher value than others. We try to get…
An Easy Way To Improve A Song
As a bassist, producer, and songwriting coach and teacher I’ve listened closely to thousands of…
It’s Not Too Late To Write Your Songs
I just had a birthday. I’ve been making music professionally for around four decades. I’ve…
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