Podd: What's in a Song

Singer/songwriter Jesse Terry - Writing great melodies and crowd funding

1 november 2024 | 61 min

To sign up for the November 23rd virtual LYRIC WRITING WORKSHOP:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1070697919299?aff=oddtdtcreatorhttps://www.eventbrite.com/e/1080037885389?aff=oddtdtcreator

My guest today is New England based singer/songwriter Jesse Terry.

Before I introduce him I wanted to let you know that on Saturday Nov. 16th I am offering a virtual 3 hour songwriting workshop. There are a few spaces left and you can sign up through the show notes or on my website at scarletvkeys.com

This workshop will be very process oriented focused on lyric writing.

You will be doing a lot of small writing exercises to sharpen your lyric writing skills. We will work on metaphor, avoiding cliche’s and literary devices used by some of the best writers.

Today we will talk about his writing process, crowd funding an album with your super fans and some of the reasons he writes such beautiful melodies. He’s going to play a few song off of his new record Arcadia, released Oct. 4. And this might just be his best record yet.

It’s rooted in rhythmic rock & roll and sharp songwriting, Arcadia marks a turning point in Jesse Terry's career. It's the seventh original album from an award-winning musician who's spent much of the past decade on the move, playing 150 shows annually, bouncing between solo performances and full-band gigs. Arcadia captures both sides of that musical personality, finding room for amplified anthems one moment and intimate moments the next, showcasing just how wide Terry's reach can be. Arcadia is layered with dueling electric guitars, stacked vocal harmonies, and heartland hooks, all supplied by instrumentalists like Ethan Ballinger (Miranda Lambert, Lee Ann Womack), Ross McReynolds (Katie Pruitt, Becca Mancari), Sam Howard (Molly Tuttle, Joy Williams), Juan Solorzano (Ruston Kelly, Parker Millsap), and Danny Mitchell (Rodney Crowell, Anderson East). It's a big, bold sound — the sort of record that begs to be played in the car, windows rolled down, driving down the fast lane toward some new horizon. At the center of that sound is the craft Terry has been sharpening since his years in Nashville, back when he composed songs for others as a staff writer on Music Row. A grand-prize winner of the John Lennon Songwriting Contest, Terry established himself as a top-shelf.

Jesse's new record: https://open.spotify.com/album/5lpXAMZDC4hqAU0t2AV29Z?si=SpFXPTHsSL-BidKeOtVbgg

https://www.jesseterrymusic.com/

Become a podcast member:
Join the "What's in a Song" membership community:
https://buymeacoffee.com/scarlet.keys

Mixed by Peter Sykes: https://www.petersykesmusic.com/

Otto Gross: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMnxx19QD-vxD4wnYGTn3Jw

Scarlet's website:

https://www.scarletkeys.com

Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/

To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songwriting:

https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Songwri

Scarlet's website:

https://www.scarletkeys.com

Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/

To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songwriting:

https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Songwriting-Music-Meaning-Emotion/dp/0876391927/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2PP55NU6E9ST6&keywords=the+craft+of+songwriting&qid=1659573139&sprefix=the+craft+of+songwritin%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1

Kylie Rothfield on writing process, craft, what she learned from Alicia Keys about singing and stage fright

23 september 2024 | 68 min

Send us a text

In this episode, I talk with singer/songwriter Kylie Rothfield.

She shares what she learned about singing and stage fright from Alicia Keys. We talk about what she learned from writing with some of the best writers in Nashville, song craft, process and so much more. This was a good one!

Pre save Kylie's single coming out Sept. 27th here:

https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/kylierothfield/never-loved-somebody?utm_campaign=website&utm_medium=Email+&utm_source=SendGrid

https://www.instagram.com/kylierothfield/

When one hears Kylie Rothfield‘s voice, there is no denying the timeless, raw sense of emotion in her delivery. Crafting songs that combine elements of soul, blues and pop, Kylie’s music is unique, honest, and expressive. Although her vocal ability is undeniable, she is also an accomplished self-taught guitarist, sponsored by Epiphone guitars and fully capable of supporting her captivating live show as a solo acoustic performer or with a full band. It’s no wonder she caught the ears of Alicia Keys, who described her as “a blossoming, powerful flower with so much heart, so much talent, so much emotion and vocal power”.

In July of 2015, Kylie signed a publishing deal with Terrorbird Media and Elephant Lady Records/Kyle Andrews. Together, they had 5 placements on national television in their first year together (NBC, E!, ABC, MTV).

In September of 2016, Kylie was selected to be on The Voice (NBC). She was chosen by Alicia Keys, who coached her throughout the season, and carried her through to the Top 20 Live Shows in November. Her performance of "Hound Dog" in the knockout rounds garnered attention by many media outlets and was called the "dark-horse breakout performance of the season". Guest advisor Faith Hill said “Kylie absolutely blew me away. She interprets songs like a true artist and she could sing ANYTHING”

She has over 1 million combined streams on Spotify & Apple Music from recent independent releases and was recently featured on NBC's Songland S2 (06/08/2020), working with Ester Dean, Ryan Tedder, and Shane McAnally to pitch a song she wrote to Tony and Grammy-winning artist Ben Platt.

Most recently, in 2024 Kylie signed a management deal with Arianna Soto and a record deal with new label, DVG Records. She is currently in the process of recording a full-length album that is set to be released in spring 2025.

Become a podcast member:
Join the "What's in a Song" membership community:
https://buymeacoffee.com/scarlet.keys

Mixed by Peter Sykes: https://www.petersykesmusic.com/

Otto Gross: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMnxx19QD-vxD4wnYGTn3Jw

Scarlet's website:

https://www.scarletkeys.com

Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/

To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songwriting:

https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Songwriting-Music-Meaning-Emotion/dp/0876391927/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2PP55NU6E9ST6&keywords=the+craft+of+songwriting&qid=1659573139&sprefix=the+craft+of+songwritin%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1

Songs with a message, writing from your life with Michael McDermott

8 september 2024 | 63 min

What does AI mean for songwriters with award winning songwriter and Berklee Professor Ben Camp

26 augusti 2024 | 72 min

Creating metaphors with Pat Pattison

5 augusti 2024 | 54 min

Madi Diaz on writing process, and the magic of co-writing

25 juli 2024 | 73 min

What we can learn from Billy Eilish and Bonnie Raitt about great melodies

9 juli 2024 | 22 min

Minisode: Making time for your art and the myth of inspiration

12 juni 2024 | 17 min

Robert Ellis Orrall on writing with Taylor Swift, and writing process

26 maj 2024 | 69 min

Will Kimbrough: Writing techniques, guitar voicings and so much wisdom

4 maj 2024 | 74 min

Minisode - The impact and storytelling of NOUNS

5 april 2024 | 18 min

Minisode: The song changing effects of good verbs

18 mars 2024 | 21 min

Singer/songwriter Ingrid Saga on jazz, Joni Mitchell's influence, guitar tunings and process

17 januari 2024 | 56 min

Aidan Laprete on finding your sound and gibberish as a lyric writing process

2 januari 2024 | 65 min

Writing For T.V. and film and how a little bit of Woo woo can help us with Stuart Roslyn

13 december 2023 | 76 min

The songwriting of Taylor Swift - Two things we can learn from the craft of her songwriting

24 oktober 2023 | 16 min

David Wilcox Part 2

25 september 2023 | 34 min

David Wilcox on inspired writing Part 1

18 september 2023 | 64 min

Part 3 Mark Simos: Reflecting on your writing and what you can learn from it

17 augusti 2023 | 62 min

Part 2 Hank Williams in Hell live co-write with Mark Simos

10 augusti 2023 | 58 min

Hank Williams in Hell exercise and live cowrite with Grammy winning songwriter Mark Simos

3 augusti 2023 | 70 min

Writing songs for film and t.v. with Grammy winning artist/producer Rich Jaques

28 juli 2023 | 43 min

Will Dailey: Genius marketing, the importance of narrative for your art, finding your instrument

21 juli 2023 | 83 min

Prince's recording engineer Susan Rogers on authenticity, getting your best vocal performance and her new book "This is What it Sounds like"

14 juli 2023 | 70 min

Paula Cole on her writing process, the books that have inspired her and what writing teaches her

17 juni 2023 | 76 min

Finding a title for your song - Minisode

9 juni 2023 | 6 min

Forensic musicologist Joe Bennett breaks down "If I were a fish" and talks about what constitutes copyright infringement

28 maj 2023 | 62 min

Corook and Olivia Barton: Fame and the introvert and breaking down "If I were a fish"

19 maj 2023 | 55 min

Robert Gillies on writing hit songs, 2 rules for every co-write, finding the best tempo for your song, his fav home recording mic,

20 april 2023 | 76 min

Kieran Rhodes on being on America's Got Talent, the two chords he won't leave home without and what he learned from Randy Newman

14 april 2023 | 66 min

Vance Gilbert on how to be a great opening act, two great chords and his favorite vocal hack

30 mars 2023 | 80 min

Prince Charles Alexander: The Evolution of Hip hop

22 mars 2023 | 64 min

Send us a text

In this episode, I am talking to Prince Charles Alexander about the evolution of hip hop music, production and rap.

Prince Charles is a sought-after recording and mixing engineer whose clients include Mary J. Blige, Destiny's Child, Faith Evans, P. Diddy, the Notorious B.I.G., Usher, Boyz II Men, Brandy, Babyface, Sting, Aretha Franklin, Usher, Brian McKnight, and others. Alexander has garnered more than 40 Platinum and Gold certifications from the RIAA and has multiple Grammy Awards and nominations. He holds an adjunct instructor position at New York University's Clive Davis Department of Recorded Music, has taught audio technology at the Institute of Audio Research, and is a frequent lecturer at the City College of New York in Manhattan.

He teaches advanced production and mixing at Berklee. From the early to mid 80s, he produced, wrote, and recorded on Virgin Records with his group, Prince Charles and the City Beat Band. Alexander was an early innovator of wind synthesis and a part of the "punk-funk" generation that incorporated many of the devices that would propel rap music to the forefront of the American music scene.

https://www.amazon.com/Hip-Hop-Production-Alexander-Downloadable-Practice/dp/0876392117/ref=sr_1_1?crid=5ABA4ITYJ05P&keywords=prince+charles+alexander&qid=1679496194&sprefix=prince+charles+alexander%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-1

Scarlet's website:

https://www.scarletkeys.com

Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/

To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songwriting:

https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Songwriting-Music-Meaning-Emotion/dp/0876391927/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2PP55NU6E9ST6&keywords=the+craft+of+songwriting&qid=1659573139&sprefix=the+craft+of+songwritin%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1

Podcast engineer Peter Sykes music:
https://open.spotify.com/artist/41llpsdBBIDlQixP0VHVA8?si=LhMf9SylS_6k6rjfWf2Daw
This is Apple Music
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/peter-j-sykes/1599264277

For info on Otto Gross:
The show's theme song "What's in a Song" was co-written with Otto Gross
Recorded and performed by Otto Gross:
@OttoGrossProduction (instagram)
@OttoGrossMusic (Youtube, facebook, TikTok)
https://biglink.to/ottogrossmusic

Scarlet's website:

https://www.scarletkeys.com

Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/

To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songwriting:

https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Songwriting-Music-Meaning-Emotion/dp/0876391927/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2PP55NU6E9ST6&keywords=the+craft+of+songwriting&qid=1659573139&sprefix=the+craft+of+songwritin%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1

Singer Songwriter and Berklee Prof George Woods: ADHD as a songwriting super power and the emotion of music

1 februari 2023 | 69 min

Kenny Werner Part 2: A meditation, more great insight and a live performance

25 januari 2023 | 49 min

Kenny Werner on Effortless mastery and being the instrument

20 januari 2023 | 46 min

Eric Roberson: Finding ideas all around you, Saying no to doubt

6 januari 2023 | 77 min

Grammy winning Writer and producer Cliff Goldmacher: The purpose of the chorus, saying less with more and bringing everything you can to the table

31 december 2022 | 71 min

Send us a text

Today I have Grammy winner and producer Cliff Goldmacher. Cliff has a catalog of over 1,000 songs and writes with and for artists across multiple genres. He has written a #1 single on the jazz charts, a song on a GRAMMY-winning album and multiple songs featured in major movie releases and national advertising campaigns. Some of his songs have been recorded by Kesha, Keb Mo, and Lisa Loeb to name a few.

On today’s show, Cliff shares some writing tips from his book “The Reason for the Rhymes” and breaks down his songwriting process and career advice. The function of a chorus, metaphor, simplicity and being a good cowriter.

Show takeaways:

When trying to find a metaphor, ask the question "What is my concept like?"
If you are using one metaphor, stay with that metaphor. Stay in the ocean for example, keeping all of your imagery connected to your original metaphor
When in doubt say less
Try to have the maximum impact with the fewest words
The importance of staying organized
The chorus is the moment in the song when you stop and explain to your listener why you’ve been saying what you’ve been saying in the verse
The chorus should have the same lyric each time
Productivity supports creativity and creativity supports productivity
What assets are you bringing to a cowriter? production? great vocals? great instrumentalist?
The art of collaboration
The importance of listening to an artist and helping them translate what’s important to them
Be macro-patient and micro-impatient: Be impatient enough to get up every day and do the work

Today's guest Cliff Goldmacher:
https://www.cliffgoldmacher.com

Cliff's book "The Reason for the Rhymes":
https://www.amazon.com/Reason-Rhymes-Mastering-Essential-Innovation-ebook/dp/B089RSCLCV/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1B1FNTKHS2MF1&keywords=cliff+goldmacer&qid=1672445129&sprefix=cliff+goldmacer%2Caps%2C80&sr=8-1

Podcast engineer Peter Sykes music:
https://open.spotify.com/artist/41llpsdBBIDlQixP0VHVA8?si=LhMf9SylS_6k6rjfWf2Daw
This is Apple Music
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/peter-j-sykes/1599264277

For info on Otto Gross:
The show's theme song "What's in a Song" was co-written with Otto Gross
Recorded and performed by Otto Gross:
@OttoGrossProduction (instagram)
@OttoGrossMusic (Youtube, facebook, TikTok)
https://biglink.to/ottogrossmusic

Scarlet's website:

https://www.scarletkeys.com

Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/

To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songwriting:

https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Songwriting-Music-Meaning-Emotion/dp/0876391927/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2PP55NU6E9ST6&keywords=the+craft+of+songwriting&qid=1659573139&sprefix=the+craft+of+songwritin%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1

Alliteration, internal rhyme and a deep dive into craft with Hit writers Monty Powell and Anna Wilson

21 december 2022 | 65 min

Award winning artist and Berklee Professor Susan Cattaneo on the power of Metaphor

8 december 2022 | 85 min

Send us a text

In this episode Berklee Professor and artist Susan Cattaneo shares the magic of songwriting and breaks it down offering some wonderful ideas on how to use metaphor.

With her powerful voice, captivating melodies and finely-crafted lyrics, Susan Cattaneo is one of Boston’s most respected singer/songwriters and educators.

Susan won the CT Folk Festival and is nominated for Singer Songwriter of the Year at this year’s Boston Music Awards. She has been a finalist or winner in the country’s most prestigious songwriting and music contests. An in-demand collaborator for a wide range of local and national artists, she is a three-time Kerrville New Folk finalist. Her double album The Hammer and The Heartcharted #1 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart and yielded a folk radio #1 single and top 10 album. Her latest work, All is Quiet has been featured as a top 10 folk radio album since its release in April.

In her 20 plus years teaching Songwriting at Berklee, Susan has helped students work on over 15,000 songs in all musical genres and styles and mentored over 2,000 artists.

https://susancattaneo.com

https://www.scarletkeys.com
https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/
https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Songwriting-Music-Meaning-Emotion/dp/0876391927/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2PP55NU6E9ST6&keywords=the+craft+of+songwriting&qid=1659573139&sprefix=the+craft+of+songwritin%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1

Engineer: Peter Sykes https://www.petersykesmusic.com

The show's theme song "What's in a Song" was co-written with Otto Gross
Recorded and performed by Otto Gross:
@OttoGrossProduction (instagram)
@OttoGrossMusic (Youtube, facebook, TikTok)
https://biglink.to/ottogrossmusic

Scarlet's website:

https://www.scarletkeys.com

Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/

To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songwriting:

https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Songwriting-Music-Meaning-Emotion/dp/0876391927/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2PP55NU6E9ST6&keywords=the+craft+of+songwriting&qid=1659573139&sprefix=the+craft+of+songwritin%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1

Grammy winning writer, drummer and producer Tom Hambridge on avoiding cliches and the power of rhythm in your writing

1 december 2022 | 57 min

Matt Rollings: Grammy winning producer, arranger and piano player extraordinaire on being a master player

23 november 2022 | 97 min

Send us a text

Master piano player Matt Rollings

Matt has played on countless records for artists such as:

Wynonna Judd, Lyle Lovett, Shania Twain, Trisha Yearwood, Leonard Cohen, Mark Knofler, Dixie Chicks, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Billy Joel, Steve Martin, Bruce springsteen, Toy Story 4 Randy Newman and Christ Stapleton.

Matt has produced many artists such as: Keith Urban and Mellissa Manchester

He won a Grammy for Producing, arranging and playing on Willie Nelson’s record: Willie Nelson Singers Gershwin and Willie Nelson’s record Willie Nelson Sings Sinatra

Matt has toured extensively with Lyle Lovett and Allison Kraus and is here today to talk about songwriting and the elements of being a master player in service of the song or the singer.

Show takeaways:

The importance of feel and timing
Lean into the nervousness
Lead with your weakness
The importance of vulnerability
When playing: 80% attention on the singer who is performing and 20% read the chart, play the fills, adjust, play in time, remember the song and create the part
Voicing an F Major chord: CFA: F chord in second position. Take the F out of the middle and drop it an octave
When you play close voicing, all of the overtones bash into each other
When you don’t, it doesn’t ring the same way and you give the overtones room
The Three things: Time, Feel and Function

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattrollings88/

https://www.scarletkeys.com
https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/
https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Songwriting-Music-Meaning-Emotion/dp/0876391927/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2PP55NU6E9ST6&keywords=the+craft+of+songwriting&qid=1659573139&sprefix=the+craft+of+songwritin%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1

Engineer: Peter Sykes https://www.petersykesmusic.com

The show's theme song "What's in a Song" was co-written with Otto Gross
Recorded and performed by Otto Gross:
@OttoGrossProduction (instagram)
@OttoGrossMusic (Youtube, facebook, TikTok)
https://biglink.to/ottogrossmusic

Scarlet's website:

https://www.scarletkeys.com

Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/

To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songwriting:

https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Songwriting-Music-Meaning-Emotion/dp/0876391927/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2PP55NU6E9ST6&keywords=the+craft+of+songwriting&qid=1659573139&sprefix=the+craft+of+songwritin%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1

Hit Maker Justin Tranter - on writing with and for Imagine Dragons, Dua Lipa, Kelly Clarkson, Justing Bieber, and Lady Gaga, shares writing tips, technique and all the things!!

17 november 2022 | 82 min

Send us a text

Justin Tranter is one of the most successful pop songwriters of our time.

Tranter has co-written with Julia Michaels, and written songs for artists such as Britney Spears, Gwen Stefani, Linkin Park, Kelly Clarkson, Selena Gomez, Justin Bieber, DNCE, Kesha, Imagine Dragons, Fifth Harmony, 5 Seconds of Summer, Ariana Grande, Lady Gaga, Bea Miller, Demi Lovato, Dua Lipa, Måneskin, and Fall Out Boy. From 2004 to 2014, Tranter was the lead singer of Semi Precious Weapons, a rock band based in New York. Since February 2017, they have been a board member of GLAAD, an organization that promotes LGBT acceptance in the entertainment and news industries and they also have their own jewlry line.

Here are some takeaways form todays show:

The bullies are wrong
Start each section of your song in a different part of the phrase
Make sure you’re using new notes for the chorus
Use the highest note in the chorus or now, use new notes, doesn’t have to be the highest note in the song
Learn 10 different songs rom 110 different genre and feel what makes them great songs
Lyricist looking for strong melody writer
What you’re most passionate about you’re the best at because you pay more attention to it
Lyric structure
Enhancing your skills through technical thinking
Change your rhyme schemes up in each song section

https://www.instagram.com/tranterjustin/?hl=en

https://www.scarletkeys.com
https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/
https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Songwriting-Music-Meaning-Emotion/dp/0876391927/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2PP55NU6E9ST6&keywords=the+craft+of+songwriting&qid=1659573139&sprefix=the+craft+of+songwritin%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1

Engineer: Peter Sykes https://www.petersykesmusic.com

Scarlet's website:

https://www.scarletkeys.com

Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/

To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songwriting:

https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Songwriting-Music-Meaning-Emotion/dp/0876391927/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2PP55NU6E9ST6&keywords=the+craft+of+songwriting&qid=1659573139&sprefix=the+craft+of+songwritin%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1

Guitar teacher to the stars Ellen Britton on How not to suck

11 november 2022 | 61 min

Chris DuBois: Hit songwriter and publisher shares writing strategies, Song outlines, inspiration and music biz

3 november 2022 | 86 min

Send us a text

Chris DuBois is a songwriter and music publisher based out of Nashville. He is co-owner of Sea Gayle Music with business partners Brad Paisley and Frank Rogers.

Sea Gayle is one of the most successful independent publishing companies in all of music. In 2010 and 2011, Sea Gayle was named ASCAP Country Publisher of the Year. It was the first time since 1982 that an independent publishing company had won that award. In 2009, Sea Gayle Music launched Sea Gayle Records as an imprint of Sony Music Nashville.

They have some of Nashville’s most successful roster of staff writer’s one of which was Chris Stapleton.

As a songwriter, DuBois has had more than 30 Top 20 singles including 17 songs that have reached No. 1. DuBois has been the recipient of over 30 ASCAP awards and in 2004 was named ASCAP Country Songwriter of the Year.[3] DuBois was also named NSAI Songwriter of the Year for 2010 and 2011.[4]

A few of these songs include:

Mud on the Tires: Brad Paisley

Your Man: Josh Turner

Buy me a Boat: Chris Jansen

You should probably leave: Chris Stapleton

He has had songs recorded by artists such as:

Darius Rucker, George strait, Tim McGraw, Luke Bryan, Blake Shelton, Keith Urban, Chris Stapleton, Kenny Chesney, Adele, and Sheryl Crow to name a few.

In this episode Chris shares how he finds titles, inspiration, what he looks for in a writer to sign, we talk about revenue for writers, writing techniques, story songs, copywriting your songs and so much more!

Take aways:

Identify the songs that give you chills
Identify the moments in the songs that give you chills
Then study what’s going on there melodically or lyrically
Try to emulate what you’re hearing
Try to write a song that sounds like a song you love
Try the title game
Write from a piece of art with a 500 word narrative
Have an outline for your song
Think of a third layer

An exercise on finding song titles

Pick a piece of art

Write a written narrative on that pieces of art

500 word written narrative

Scarlet's website:

https://www.scarletkeys.com

Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/

To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songwriting:

https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Songwriting-Music-Meaning-Emotion/dp/0876391927/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2PP55NU6E9ST6&keywords=the+craft+of+songwriting&qid=1659573139&sprefix=the+craft+of+songwritin%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1

Charlie Worsham: Writing great lyrics, playing your best guitar and being vulnerable and saying yes!!

27 oktober 2022 | 75 min

Hit songwriter Jason Blume on Writing unforgettable melodies, techniques from the hits and creating your own luck

12 oktober 2022 | 112 min

Send us a text

My guest today is hit songwriter Jason Blume. He was Brittany Spear's first co-writer and has gone on to have more than 50 million album sales with singles on Billboard’s pop , country and R&B charts with songs recorded by Britney Spears, the backstreet boys, the oak ridge boys, K-pop and J-pop artists and many more. His songs have appeared on Emmy winning shows and you can hear Jason’s songs all over film and television. Jason is a writer with the heart of a teacher and I can’t wait for you to hear him talk about writing unforgettable melodies and the techniques fond in hit songs. Jason shares his story on his road to becoming a successful writer and how to create your own luck, cowriter splits, copyrighting your song and writing for a large audience, how he has only had two hit songs that weren't rewritten and so much more!

Show take aways:

The most important tool in writing a melody is repetition.
Write singable, memorable melodies
The rhythm of your melody is a power tool
Creating a surprise
Pay your dues
Make your own luck
Be flexible
Rewrite!!!!!!!!

http://www.jasonblume.com

https://www.scarletkeys.com
https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/
https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Songwriting-Music-Meaning-Emotion/dp/0876391927/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2PP55NU6E9ST6&keywords=the+craft+of+songwriting&qid=1659573139&sprefix=the+craft+of+songwritin%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1

Engineer: Peter Sykes https://www.petersykesmusic.com

The show's theme song "What's in a Song" was co-written with Otto Gross
Recorded and performed by Otto Gross:
@OttoGrossProduction (instagram)
@OttoGrossMusic (Youtube, facebook, TikTok)
https://biglink.to/ottogrossmusic

Scarlet's website:

https://www.scarletkeys.com

Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/

To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songwriting:

https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Songwriting-Music-Meaning-Emotion/dp/0876391927/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2PP55NU6E9ST6&keywords=the+craft+of+songwriting&qid=1659573139&sprefix=the+craft+of+songwritin%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1

Ruby Rose Fox: Performance anxiety, how to handle it and how to connect with your audience

6 oktober 2022 | 71 min

Send us a text

Multi award winning singer/songwriter Ruby Rose Fox shares her new app for musicians called Muscle music . Ruby has taught at Yale and Emerson and shares her techniques to help you understand the mechanisms that drive anxiety so you can learn to live in a dynamic body that unconsciously dysregulates for our safety and survival. Instead of pushing away anxiety we accept it, understand what its asking for, and use techniques to find connection and emotional regulation for better performances!

Some take aways from today's episode:

How to tell which state you are in and how to regulate your feelings: Freeze or flight or fight

Fight or Flight

Notice and name your state

symptoms are:

Fidgiting

Forgetting lyrics

Face will go flat

Nothing will sound quite right due to inner ear attunement

Wanting to move

Just breathing doesn’t work because you are stewing on hormones, you can’t breathe them away

They have to be metabolized

Solutions:

planking
squats
get the energy out
Pressing against chest
pushing
plank/child’s pose/plank/child’s pose

Freeze State:

Symptoms are:

Can’t fight or flee
Imobilization
Feeling tired
Feeling out of it
Face is still flat
Disassociated

Methods to unfreezing are:

Noticing and naming your state
Including a safe co-regulator if possible.
Light shaking
Light movements (qi gong, tai chi, light yoga)
Scary movies, sad music——> any safe method to restore blood flow to the prefrontal cortex

*Once a person unfreezes, they move up the ladder and should employ the fight/flight method

*These are broad approximations and it’s important to learn polyvagal theory and practice co-regulation BEFORE attempting any of these suggestions.

https://www.muscle-music.com
https://www.rubyrosefox.com

https://www.scarletkeys.com
https://www.instagram.com/skeys2021/
https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Songwriting-Music-Meaning-Emotion/dp/0876391927/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2PP55NU6E9ST6&keywords=the+craft+of+songwriting&qid=1659573139&sprefix=the+craft+of+songwritin%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1

Engineer: Peter Sykes https://www.petersykesmusic.com

The show's theme song "What's in a Song" was co-written with Otto Gross
Recorded and performed by Otto Gross:
@OttoGrossProduction (instagram)
@OttoGrossMusic (Youtube, facebook, TikTok)
https://biglink.to/ottogrossmusic

Scarlet's website:

https://www.scarletkeys.com

Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/

To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songwriting:

https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Songwriting-Music-Meaning-Emotion/dp/0876391927/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2PP55NU6E9ST6&keywords=the+craft+of+songwriting&qid=1659573139&sprefix=the+craft+of+songwritin%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1

Sam Robbins: Finding your unique sound as a singer, how to hit that high note, making a great living as a singer/songwriter

28 september 2022 | 79 min

The Healing power of songwriting and the power of vulnerability with music therapists Suzanne Hanser and Heather Woods

22 september 2022 | 63 min

Singer Songwriter Jesse Ruben: Performance technique, his favorite chords and Creative PR

15 september 2022 | 113 min

Swedish artist Matilda Gratte (Elma) on touring with Ed Sheeran and Zara Larson, writing great songs with common chords and being true to yourself

7 september 2022 | 64 min

N.Y.U. Professor and artist Mike Errico on his new book, writers block, the power of "we" in a song, being yourself and so much more

1 september 2022 | 82 min

Send us a text

In this episode, I talk with singer songwriter and Tisch Professor Mike Errico on:

Writers block
The power of “We” for songwriters and how it makes your listen feel seen
Mission songs
Songwriting prompts
The importance of journaling
Daily writing practice
Rewriting
Finding the sweet spot for the best key for your song
Being yourself

Mike Errico is a New York-based recording artist, writer, and lecturing professor Mike Errico has built his name on the strength of critically acclaimed releases and extensive composition for film and TV. He teaches songwriting at universities including Yale, Wesleyan, the New School, and NYU’s Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music. He was nominated for 2019’s David Payne-Carter Award for Excellence in Teaching, and taught the 2022 GRAMMY® Museum’s inaugural Summer Sessions in New York City.

In addition to his performing and teaching careers, Errico’s opinions and insights have appeared in publications including The New York Times, CNN, the Wall Street Journal, Fast Company, and many others.

Music, Lyrics, and Life (Backbeat) is his first book.

http://errico.com

https://www.scarletkeys.com
https://www.instagram.com/skeys2021/
https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Songwriting-Music-Meaning-Emotion/dp/0876391927/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2PP55NU6E9ST6&keywords=the+craft+of+songwriting&qid=1659573139&sprefix=the+craft+of+songwritin%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1

Engineer: Peter Sykes https://www.petersykesmusic.com

The show's theme song "What's in a Song" was co-written with Otto Gross
Recorded and performed by Otto Gross:
@OttoGrossProduction (instagram)
@OttoGrossMusic (Youtube, facebook, TikTok)
https://biglink.to/ottogrossmusic

Scarlet's website:

https://www.scarletkeys.com

Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/

To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songwriting:

https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Songwriting-Music-Meaning-Emotion/dp/0876391927/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2PP55NU6E9ST6&keywords=the+craft+of+songwriting&qid=1659573139&sprefix=the+craft+of+songwritin%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1

Ken Yates Part 2: Breaking down his guitar secrets

24 augusti 2022 | 19 min

Lewberger member and Emmy winning songwriter Hughie Stonefish on how Improv can help your songwriting

17 augusti 2022 | 55 min

Award winning folk artist Ken Yates shares the song he wrote that John Mayer wished he had written and writing great guitar parts

4 augusti 2022 | 59 min

Send us a text

Ken Yates has gained a reputation as one of his country’s brightest rising singer-songwriters. The winner of two Canadian Folk Music Awards for Songwriter of the Year and New Artist of the Year. Yates supported Passenger on their tour across North America and in Europe in 2020, and has shared stages with Ryan McMullan, Jenn Grant, and many others.He doesn’t like bar chords

In this episode, he talked shares his secret sauce open tuning that inspired several songs off of his newest record.
How a three chord progressions sound interesting using different chord voicings
How a repetitive chord progression allows room for the lyric: iv V vi
Low Cadd9 tuning: C GDGG B tuned down to the G then high D string
Writing the guitar part and chords first, living with the track for weeks then finding the lyrics in response to the feel of the chords
Making a big living with a small audience the in-between famous and not famous While having an emerging career
Opening for other artists and what you can learn
Playing Living rooms/backyards/ selling c.d.’s building you’re fanbase
Then getting on bigger shows as supporting acts to grow your audience and bigger crowds
Persistance and patience
How it won’t be the one big thing that sends you over the edge, but many small things

https://www.scarletkeys.com
https://www.instagram.com/skeys2021/
https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Songwriting-Music-Meaning-Emotion/dp/0876391927/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2PP55NU6E9ST6&keywords=the+craft+of+songwriting&qid=1659573139&sprefix=the+craft+of+songwritin%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1

http://www.kenyates.com

Engineer: Peter Sykes https://www.petersykesmusic.com

The show's theme song "What's in a Song" was co-written with Otto Gross
Recorded and performed by Otto Gross:
@OttoGrossProduction (instagram)
@OttoGrossMusic (Youtube, facebook, TikTok)
https://biglink.to/ottogrossmusic

Scarlet's website:

https://www.scarletkeys.com

Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/

To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songwriting:

https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Songwriting-Music-Meaning-Emotion/dp/0876391927/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2PP55NU6E9ST6&keywords=the+craft+of+songwriting&qid=1659573139&sprefix=the+craft+of+songwritin%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1

Hugh Prestwood - Three time Grammy nominated hit writer on not cowriting, the power of the truth, perfect rhymes and so much more

20 juli 2022 | 83 min

Lori McKenna: Grammy winning songwriter and Americana folk artist on the power of mumbling as lyric process and making your last chorus the firework finale of your song!

8 april 2022 | 72 min

Send us a text

Multi grammy award winning songwriter Lori McKenna.

Lori is an American folk, Americana, and country music singer-songwriter. In 2016, she won a grammy for Best Country Song "Girl Crush" performed by Little Big Town. In 2017, she won a grammy for her song “Humble and Kind” recorded by Tim McGraw and most recently was nominated for a grammy for best song “Beautiful Noise” co written with Brandi Carlilie, Alicia keys, Brandy Clark, Linda Perry, Ruby Amanfu, Hailey Whitters, and Hillary Lindsey.

Lori She has 11 solo albums as an artist, and cowritten with other artists such as Tylor Swift, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Sarah Barielles, Lady Gaga and many many more.

Lori is one of the nicest and most talented people you could want to meet and is a songwriter that other songwriters study to write better songs. This conversation inspired me and I can’t wait to share it with you.

Some show highlights:

The power of mumbling to find a lyric
Letting the song be a cowriter
How some times a chord will tell you what to say
When you start overthinking-take a walk
Using imagery in your song to tell people what the room looks like so they can put themselves in there
Anaphora as a lyric writing device
First part of the song is the most important
Writing on paper and the computer
Keeping notes
Changing the last chorus even a little bit, so the last chorus doesn’t just pass you by
The grand finale of the last chorus, all the fireworks
Sing the first verse and chorus to your best friend and sing the second verse and chorus to yourself
Last verse and chorus to your someone else
A song is a conversation and you don’t have to express it all to just one person, think of it as three different conversations “how to kiss a boy”

http://www.lorimckenna.com

https://www.scarletkeys.com

Engineer: Peter Sykes https://www.petersykesmusic.com

The show's theme song "What's in a Song" was co-written with Otto Gross
Recorded and performed by Otto Gross:
@OttoGrossProduction (instagram)
@OttoGrossMusic (Youtube, facebook, TikTok)
https://biglink.to/ottogrossmusic

Scarlet's website:

https://www.scarletkeys.com

Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/

To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songwriting:

https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Songwriting-Music-Meaning-Emotion/dp/0876391927/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2PP55NU6E9ST6&keywords=the+craft+of+songwriting&qid=1659573139&sprefix=the+craft+of+songwritin%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1

Wendy Moten and David Santos: Vocal technique and being a master musician

25 mars 2022 | 96 min

Send us a text

Wendy Moten

Is known affectionately in various industry circles as “The Voice,” the multi-talented Memphis born performer launched her career with a self-titled album that included the ballad “Come In Out Of The Rain,” which reached the Top 5 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart and later hit the Top Ten on the UK singles chart. Wendy opened for Michael Bolton and then recorded well received albums (including one produced by Foster).
Wendy diversified and launched a new phase of her career recording guest duets with Michael McDonald (“No Love To Be Found”), Kirk Whalum (“All I Do”), Peabo Bryson (“My Gift Is You”), Larry Carlton (“I Still Believe”) and Julio Iglesias (“Just Walk Away”), the latter whom she toured with for over 15 years.

She was most recently a finalist on The Voice on Blake Shelton’s team and on today’s show, she’s going to talk about:

On today's show, Wendy talks about what she’s learned from the masters including Michael Jordan about singing

The Dynamic arch as a singer

How she plans the architecture as a vocalist

Be a vocal techniqnition

Emotional composition as a singer

Some tips on being a professional on tour

And her favorite warm up exercises

David Santos is a world class musician, primarily known as a touring and recording bassist, but also known as a guitarist and pianist. He has toured and recorded with Billy Joel/Elton John, John Fogerty, Crosby Stills and Nash, The Neville Brothers, Tommy James Toby Keith, Faith Hill, Tim Mcgraw and many others. David is also a respected educator and songwriter/producer.

Today, he talks about:

Being a master musician

Continuing to study and learn and play

The importance of learning to read music as a musician

Being true stylistically to the genre you are playing

Accessing the moment as you play

Don’t be the guy that’s happening elsewhere

Be in the moment 100%

Handling criticism like a pro

Staying open

Being a touring working musician on the road with Billy Joel, Elton John, Melissa Etheridge and Crosby Stills and Nash

https://www.scarletkeys.com

https://wendymoten.com

https://davidsantos.com

This episode was mixed by Peter Sykes:
https://www.petersykesmusic.com

"The Craft of Songwriting: Music, Meaning and Emotion: https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Songwriting-Music-Meaning-Emotion/dp/0876391927/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=the+craft+of+songwriting&qid=1638411380&sr=8-2

"What's in a Song" co-written with Otto Gross

Recorded and performed by Otto Gross:

@OttoGrossProduction (instagram)
@OttoGrossMusic (Youtube, facebook, TikTok)

https://biglink.to/ottogrossmusic

Scarlet's website:

https://www.scarletkeys.com

Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/

To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songwriting:

https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Songwriting-Music-Meaning-Emotion/dp/0876391927/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2PP55NU6E9ST6&keywords=the+craft+of+songwriting&qid=1659573139&sprefix=the+craft+of+songwritin%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1

VP and A&R of Warner Nashville B.J. Hill on getting a publishing deal, what he looks for in a writer and a hit song

10 mars 2022 | 62 min

Artist Rob Giles: Playing with Andy Summers,The freedom of the boundaries of craft, dreaming the right dream....

17 februari 2022 | 81 min

Jeff Franzel: Sinatra's piano player turned hit writer on Making your melody empathize with your lyrics, new chords for bridges

11 februari 2022 | 54 min

Singer Songwriter Liz Longley on how to build super fans, your mailing list, book yourself in venues and the prosody of vocal dynamics and how she writes a song.

3 februari 2022 | 42 min

This is your brain on songwriting with Neuroscientist and author Dr. Daniel Levitin

26 januari 2022 | 58 min

Songwriter/producer Bendik Møller: Finding your sound, working with Salem Ilese, and Creative Bravery

18 januari 2022 | 61 min

Professor Pat Pattison: The power of phrasing

13 januari 2022 | 66 min

Sally Taylor: Growing up in a house with James Taylor and Carly Simon and the power of Metaphor and collaborating with the muse

5 januari 2022 | 41 min

Author Natalie Goldberg on the zen of writing and being wiling to write terrible things

29 december 2021 | 29 min

Hit songwriter Greg Becker "Process over Outcome"

23 december 2021 | 54 min

Hit songwriter Gary Burr on Melody, and finding the money notes

7 december 2021 | 68 min

Steve Seskin on Writing a great story song

2 december 2021 | 73 min

Julia Cameron on The life changing power of "The Artist's Way"

24 november 2021 | 27 min

Eric Roberson: "Read 'til you're full, write 'til you're empty"

18 november 2021 | 67 min

Mark Erelli "Critical thinking for the Songwriter"

10 november 2021 | 54 min

Steve Leslie "The difference one chord can make"

4 november 2021 | 61 min

What's in a song Introduction

31 oktober 2021 | 2 min

What’s in a Song

This is a weekly podcast about the craft of songwriting hosted by Berklee College of Music Professor Scarlet Keys.

Om podden

Avsnitt

Singer/songwriter Jesse Terry - Writing great melodies and crowd funding

Kylie Rothfield on writing process, craft, what she learned from Alicia Keys about singing and stage fright

Songs with a message, writing from your life with Michael McDermott

What does AI mean for songwriters with award winning songwriter and Berklee Professor Ben Camp

Creating metaphors with Pat Pattison

Madi Diaz on writing process, and the magic of co-writing

What we can learn from Billy Eilish and Bonnie Raitt about great melodies

Minisode: Making time for your art and the myth of inspiration

"Just begin and the mind grows heated; continue, and the task will be completed!”

Robert Ellis Orrall on writing with Taylor Swift, and writing process

Will Kimbrough: Writing techniques, guitar voicings and so much wisdom

Minisode - The impact and storytelling of NOUNS

Minisode: The song changing effects of good verbs

Singer/songwriter Ingrid Saga on jazz, Joni Mitchell's influence, guitar tunings and process

Aidan Laprete on finding your sound and gibberish as a lyric writing process

Writing For T.V. and film and how a little bit of Woo woo can help us with Stuart Roslyn

The songwriting of Taylor Swift - Two things we can learn from the craft of her songwriting

David Wilcox Part 2

David Wilcox on inspired writing Part 1

Part 3 Mark Simos: Reflecting on your writing and what you can learn from it

Part 2 Hank Williams in Hell live co-write with Mark Simos

Hank Williams in Hell exercise and live cowrite with Grammy winning songwriter Mark Simos

Writing songs for film and t.v. with Grammy winning artist/producer Rich Jaques

Will Dailey: Genius marketing, the importance of narrative for your art, finding your instrument

Prince's recording engineer Susan Rogers on authenticity, getting your best vocal performance and her new book "This is What it Sounds like"

Paula Cole on her writing process, the books that have inspired her and what writing teaches her

Finding a title for your song - Minisode

Forensic musicologist Joe Bennett breaks down "If I were a fish" and talks about what constitutes copyright infringement

Corook and Olivia Barton: Fame and the introvert and breaking down "If I were a fish"

Robert Gillies on writing hit songs, 2 rules for every co-write, finding the best tempo for your song, his fav home recording mic,

Kieran Rhodes on being on America's Got Talent, the two chords he won't leave home without and what he learned from Randy Newman

Vance Gilbert on how to be a great opening act, two great chords and his favorite vocal hack

Prince Charles Alexander: The Evolution of Hip hop

Singer Songwriter and Berklee Prof George Woods: ADHD as a songwriting super power and the emotion of music

Kenny Werner Part 2: A meditation, more great insight and a live performance

Kenny Werner on Effortless mastery and being the instrument

Eric Roberson: Finding ideas all around you, Saying no to doubt

Grammy winning Writer and producer Cliff Goldmacher: The purpose of the chorus, saying less with more and bringing everything you can to the table

Alliteration, internal rhyme and a deep dive into craft with Hit writers Monty Powell and Anna Wilson

Award winning artist and Berklee Professor Susan Cattaneo on the power of Metaphor

Grammy winning writer, drummer and producer Tom Hambridge on avoiding cliches and the power of rhythm in your writing

Matt Rollings: Grammy winning producer, arranger and piano player extraordinaire on being a master player

Hit Maker Justin Tranter - on writing with and for Imagine Dragons, Dua Lipa, Kelly Clarkson, Justing Bieber, and Lady Gaga, shares writing tips, technique and all the things!!

Guitar teacher to the stars Ellen Britton on How not to suck

Chris DuBois: Hit songwriter and publisher shares writing strategies, Song outlines, inspiration and music biz

Charlie Worsham: Writing great lyrics, playing your best guitar and being vulnerable and saying yes!!

Hit songwriter Jason Blume on Writing unforgettable melodies, techniques from the hits and creating your own luck

Ruby Rose Fox: Performance anxiety, how to handle it and how to connect with your audience

Sam Robbins: Finding your unique sound as a singer, how to hit that high note, making a great living as a singer/songwriter

The Healing power of songwriting and the power of vulnerability with music therapists Suzanne Hanser and Heather Woods

Singer Songwriter Jesse Ruben: Performance technique, his favorite chords and Creative PR

Swedish artist Matilda Gratte (Elma) on touring with Ed Sheeran and Zara Larson, writing great songs with common chords and being true to yourself

N.Y.U. Professor and artist Mike Errico on his new book, writers block, the power of "we" in a song, being yourself and so much more

Ken Yates Part 2: Breaking down his guitar secrets

Lewberger member and Emmy winning songwriter Hughie Stonefish on how Improv can help your songwriting

Award winning folk artist Ken Yates shares the song he wrote that John Mayer wished he had written and writing great guitar parts

Hugh Prestwood - Three time Grammy nominated hit writer on not cowriting, the power of the truth, perfect rhymes and so much more

Lori McKenna: Grammy winning songwriter and Americana folk artist on the power of mumbling as lyric process and making your last chorus the firework finale of your song!

Wendy Moten and David Santos: Vocal technique and being a master musician

VP and A&R of Warner Nashville B.J. Hill on getting a publishing deal, what he looks for in a writer and a hit song

Artist Rob Giles: Playing with Andy Summers,The freedom of the boundaries of craft, dreaming the right dream....

Jeff Franzel: Sinatra's piano player turned hit writer on Making your melody empathize with your lyrics, new chords for bridges

Singer Songwriter Liz Longley on how to build super fans, your mailing list, book yourself in venues and the prosody of vocal dynamics and how she writes a song.

This is your brain on songwriting with Neuroscientist and author Dr. Daniel Levitin

Songwriter/producer Bendik Møller: Finding your sound, working with Salem Ilese, and Creative Bravery

Professor Pat Pattison: The power of phrasing

Sally Taylor: Growing up in a house with James Taylor and Carly Simon and the power of Metaphor and collaborating with the muse

Author Natalie Goldberg on the zen of writing and being wiling to write terrible things

Hit songwriter Greg Becker "Process over Outcome"

Hit songwriter Gary Burr on Melody, and finding the money notes

Steve Seskin on Writing a great story song

Julia Cameron on The life changing power of "The Artist's Way"

Eric Roberson: "Read 'til you're full, write 'til you're empty"

Mark Erelli "Critical thinking for the Songwriter"

Steve Leslie "The difference one chord can make"

What's in a song Introduction