Tips from Industry Professionals on a Career in Songwriting

Every once in a while, it feels great for me to remember that at this point in my career I’ve managed to surround myself with some of the most intelligent, thoughtful and accomplished industry friends a person could possibly hope for. Not only that, but they’re generous, too. I reached out and asked some of
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How to Handle a Songwriting Critique from a Group of Your Peers

If you live in one of the major music cities – Nashville, New York or Los Angeles – you’ll be surrounded by a large group of your songwriting peers. This can be a huge help as it’s always easier not to go it alone as you develop your songwriting skills. One of the many benefits
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Why Songwriters Should Diversify

Looking back on twenty-five years as a songwriter, I’ve come to realize that a big part of the reason I’ve been able to do it for so long has as much to do with my ability to diversify my musical pursuits as it does with my songwriting ability. Another way to put this is that
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Three Situations Where Songwriters Should Think Twice

The blessing – and curse – of pursuing success as a songwriter is that songwriting success often represents the equivalent of a dream come true. While it’s wonderful that as songwriter’s we’re pursuing our dreams, the danger is that we’re often susceptible to less-than-well-intentioned people hoping to take advantage of our somewhat blind enthusiasm and
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Four Ways Courage Can Make A Songwriter Successful

While the life of a successful songwriter can appear glamorous, building that career step by grueling step is not for the faint of heart. Creating art is equal parts passion, inspiration and discipline and figuring out how to monetize that art requires a special kind of courage. Bravery as a songwriter takes many forms, I’ve
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Three Reasons Gratitude Makes Your Songwriting Career Better

Gratitude. It’s a seemingly simple concept. Be grateful for the things you have or are given. It almost seems like it would be difficult not to be grateful when something good happens or someone shows you a kindness and, yet, sometimes we get so wrapped up in our pursuit of songwriting success that we forget
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Three Things All Songwriters Should Be Doing Right Now

In a songwriter’s life, delayed gratification is the norm. Songwriting success, when it comes, comes after years of effort. That being said, there are a few essential things that songwriters have to do consistently – and starting right away – if the hope is to make a living at their craft. To that end, here
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The Right Ways Songwriters Can Ask For Help

Sooner or later we all need help in our songwriting careers. Generally, the earlier you are in your journey, the more help you’ll need but I’m twenty-five years in and still need a hand from time to time. The key is not in avoiding help but, rather, in knowing how to ask for help and
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The Value of Songwriting Organizations

In almost all instances, we begin songwriting as a solitary pursuit fueled by some mystical combination of inspiration and necessity. And while important, the solitary nature of the work can also leave us hungry for a connection for both ourselves and our songs. It’s these relationships that help us grow and mature as writers and
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Five Ways to Find Songwriting Collaborators

So let’s say you’re a lyricist  who has lots of great song ideas but no melodies to hang them on. Or, let’s say, you’re an experienced musician and vocalist but can’t imagine putting words to any of your melodies. Songwriting collaboration in these – and many other – instances can be the ideal solution. The
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