Audience at a rock concert

Why Playing Live Music is an Important Part of Improving Songwriting Skills

You are likely aware of the term “confirmation bias”. It describes this feeling we have to accept the facts that support or confirm a position we might take on an issue, and we reject facts that seem to challenge that position. We experience confirmation bias in practically every aspect of our normal lives, whether we’re […]

Studio microphone

What Music Does to the Power of Your Words

It never ceases to amaze me how music can add so much depth and meaning to the words you use. Or sometimes even without words the music itself can strike deep into the emotional core of the listener. A good example of that can be seen in this video… it shows the opening scene of […]

Musical inspiration

How to Write Songs When you Don’t Feel Inspired

The whole notion of songwriting without being inspired to write — it begs the question, “Why”? Why write if you’re not particularly inspired to do so? One reason you might write when not “feeling the muse” is that you’ve got a looming deadline. Perhaps you’re recording, and you need one more song. Maybe you’re taking […]

guitar and candle

Developing a Song’s Message When the Lyrics are Complex

If you look at a lyric from a typical pop song, you’re not usually looking at something that’s deep or complex. Usually that’s by design: the purpose of most pop songs is to create emotions within the listener, and it’s hard to create emotions when the words and their contextual meanings are intricate or convoluted. […]

Guitar, Pencil & Paper

When Songs Are Hard to Finish – Reasons and Solutions

Is there anything more frustrating for songwriters than when a song starts easily, but the whole process grinds to a halt before even half the song is finished? There are several potential causes for this sort of thing — and to be honest, you’ll likely encounter each and every one of them at some point. […]

Irving Berlin

What You Can Learn About Songwriting From the Great Irving Berlin

I mentioned a few weeks back that I was enjoying a book I had received as a gift, called “Let’s Do It – The Birth of Pop”, by Bob Stanley. I’m most of the way through, and am still hugely enjoying it. I highly recommend it — you won’t be disappointed. If you’re stuck working […]