What's the Difference Between a Hook and a Motif?

Written by Gary Ewer, Senior Instructor, Dalhousie University, from “The Essential Secrets of Songwriting” website. • Follow Gary on Twitter • “The Essential Secrets of Songwriting” 6 e-book bundle is available now at a 50% savings! ________________________________ A motif is a musical idea that keeps recurring throughout a song. This may be a rhythmic fragment, it might […]

The Creative Power of Improvisation in the Songwriting Process

Written by Gary Ewer, from “The Essential Secrets of Songwriting” website. FOLLOW GARY ON TWITTER Make songwriting enjoyable again. Purchase “The Essential Secrets of Songwriting” bundle and get a free e-book. ______________________________________________ It’s not easy to keep churning out songwriting ideas, especially if writing songs is something you’re trying to do on a daily basis. […]

Displace the Downbeat to Give Your Music a Rhythmic Kick

by Gary Ewer, from “The Essential Secrets of Songwriting” website. If you’re looking for a fresh new perspective on songwriting – something to get your songs working again, Gary Ewer’s songwriting e-books will clear your mind and get you writing successful songs. They explain why good songs work, and how to get bad songs working! […]

The Difference Between Verse 1 and Verse 2

“Simply making Verse 2 louder than Verse 1 isn’t the answer. Simply making things louder doesn’t give you the natural energy build you’re looking for.” Written by Gary Ewer, from “The Essential Secrets of Songwriting” website Follow Gary on Twitter I’ve mentioned recently in several postings that the basic energy level of your song should rise […]

Five Questions You Must Answer Before Writing Your Next Song

Written by Gary Ewer, from “The Essential Secrets of Songwriting” website Follow Gary on Twitter Many of you know that I often compare writing a song with going for a walk. Songs are like journeys, and we take listeners on that journey with us. But without a plan, that journey can leave the listener feeling confused and […]

Your Song May Be Great, But Are You Missing Your Target Audience?

Written by Gary Ewer, from “The Essential Secrets of Songwriting” website Follow Gary on Twitter In the pop music world, your song may be great, but if your instrumentation, rhythmic treatment, and other basic components are from a generation ago, you’re probably missing that all-important audience you’re looking for. For pop songs, the target is […]