The Yoda: Anastrophe: is the inversion of the usual order of words/clausesExample: Invisible String (gold is the color...red is the color...)Green was the color of the grass where I used to read in centennial parkTeal was the color of your shirt when you were sixteen at the yogurt shop - Invisible String“Long were the night when my days once revolved around you" - Dear JohnJoin the master class May 15th: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-songwriting-of-taylor-swift-master-class-tickets-8...

My guest today s an American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer Will Kimbrough.As a producer, he has produced albums for Rodney Crowell, Todd Snider, Kim Richey, Garrison Star and Matthew Ryan to name a few.His songs have been recorded by Jimmy Buffett, Little Fear, Jack Ingram, and he has collaborated with Rosanne Cash, Guy Clark, Steve Earle, Emmylou Harris, John Prine, and Mavis Staples just to name a few.In 2004 he was recognized as the instrumentalist of the year by th...

The storytelling effects of nouns. 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/ Scarlet's website: https://www.scarletkeys.com Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/ Scarlet's website: https://www.scarletkeys.com Scarlet's instagram:...

In this minisode, I talk about the power of verbs and how they can do more than just their expected work but can help to tell your story, create characters and build metaphors. Mixed by Peter Sykes: https://www.petersykesmusic.com/ Otto Gross: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMnxx19QD-vxD4wnYGTn3Jw Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/ Scarlet's website: https://www.scarletkeys.com Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/ To...

In this episode, Ingrid talk about her influences, meeting her producer and shares three songs from her upcoming album. She talks about writing in opening tuning and writing process. https://www.instagram.com/ingridsaga/?hl=en 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/ Scarlet's website:...

In this Episode I talk with singer/songwriter/producer/actor Aidan Laprete about Voice lessons, finding your sound, and producing. He walks us through writing melody takes - gibberish to find melodies, turning mumbles into words and making it make sense and shares guitar voicings to help you out of sonic ruts. Aidan is from Hawaii and was first known for his ukulele playing at age 8.  He has been in film and tv such as "Hawaii Five-O" and "The Wilds" and performs and dissects several of his...

Stuart Roslyn is a composer, producer and musician specializing in original music for motion pictures and their trailers.  He also creates unique soundscapes for network tv and big brand commercials.  His career spans more than 20 years composing and producing many genres of music for the biggest names in entertainment.  He is either directing a full orchestra or writing and mixing in his studio. Today, Stuart is here to talk about his approach to work and to life.  This episode is packed...

In this episode, I share a little peak into the craft and poetry of Taylor Swift's songwriting. We look at her choice of chord progressions and  one way in to one of her epic bridge sections as well as her use of metaphor. You will walk away with a few tools from the woman currently ruling the world that you can try in your own songs no matter what the genre. Upcoming workshop signup:...

David Wilcox is an award winning and highly acclaimed American singer songwriter from Asheville North Carolina. His storytelling cuts deep into the soul and observes the human condition from both the nerve center and the outside looking in.  He’s released more than 20 records and is famous for his thoughtful insights, humor and open tunings on guitar. In this episode, David talks about process and prompts and writes a song on the spot. https://www.davidwilcox.com To pre-order...

David Wilcox is an award winning and highly acclaimed American singer songwriter from Asheville North Carolina. His storytelling cuts deep into the soul and observes the human condition from both the nerve center and the outside looking in.  He’s released more than 20 records and is famous for his thoughtful insights, humor and open tunings on guitar. In this episode, David takes a deep dive into his writing process and will leave you totally...

In this episode, we break down co-writing and talk about reflecting back on process and what can be learned from taking pause and observing what went well and what you wish had gone differently making you a better writer and co-writer going forward. To purchase Mark's books: https://www.amazon.com/Songwriting-Strategies-360-Degree-Approach-Music/dp/087639151X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2P5EAKVUEMJCD&keywords=mark+simos&qid=1691706851&sprefix=mark+simo%2Caps%2C184&sr=8-1 Mixed by...

In this episode of a two part series, Berklee Professor and Grammy winning writer Mark Simos and I try out his unique approach to writing using different chord configurations in a writing exercise he calls Hank Williams in hell.  This is a live co-write so if you are curious about how people write songs collaboratively or want to explore new ways to use the classic three chords, this episode is for you.  The final song is shared at the end of this episode. To purchase Mark's books:...

In this episode of a two part series, Berklee Professor and Grammy winning writer Mark Simos and I try out his unique approach to writing using different chord configurations in a writing exercise he calls Hank Williams in hell.  This is a live co-write so if you are curious about how people write songs collaboratively or want to explore new ways to use the classic three chords, this episode is for you! Sign up for keyboard class email [email protected]  Mixed by Peter Sykes:...

Today’s guest is grammy winning songwriter and producer Rich Jaques.  Rich has had over 1500 songs placed on film and t.v. and is going to share today about his musical journey. Some key points: Follow the point of enthusiasm (follow your  bliss)Finding your own pathNotice what makes you excited Writing more impressionistically as not to impose a lyric on a sceneDon’t ask who you want to be but who are youGetting over your emotional wall in the biz What gets in your way to successFigure out...

On today's show, I have singer/songwriter Will Dailey. In this episode, Will shares some brilliant marketing ideas and talks about: Tools: Try cutting something in half the chorusthe bridgea bara linedo something upsetting to your cadenceGreat advice on writing your best verse 2 Why songwriting is good for you even if it’s not your profession Step outside your comfort genre Finding your instrument Don’t worry about the note you sing Worry about the truth you sing Mumbling as lyrical...

Today I have Susan Rogers who many of you know as Prince’s recording engineer.  Today we talk about her new book “This is what it sounds like” and who we are as listeners, what Prince used to ask her to prepare for his writing sessions and insight into writing songs that appeal to a wider audience. Some takeaways: Ask a non musical person for feedback on your songsActive listeningGetting your best vocal performance in the studioMusic from the neck up vs music from the neck downMaking music is...

Grammy-winning artst Paula Cole has released seven solo albums of original songs. Cole has performed with icons in many genres of music, from Peter Gabriel to Dolly Parton, Herbie Hancock to Emmylou Harris, and Amy Lee of Evanescence to Burt Bacharach. Cole’s emotionally deep performances and her poetic, intelligent writing makes her stand out from the masses of contemporary music. Her compositions have been covered by a diverse range of artists—including Hancock, Annie Lennox, Katherine...

In this short episode, I talk about starting with an idea or emotion and one of my favorite ways to find a good title for your potential song. Sometimes, an  idea just needs a great hook to hang our song on. Announcing my 6 week songwriting course starting June 20th and my weekend workshop on the songwriting of Taylor Swift in July. Click here to sign up and for more information: https://www.scarletkeys.com/ To hear a full version of "Little Big Sky", here is Susan Cattaneo's version:...

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Joe Bennett First, we talk about what constitutes copyright infringement from the point of view of a forensic musicologist. Then, Joe dives into the analysis of "If I were a Fish" (pun intended) leaving everyone with some great new ideas to spark their songwriting. Dr. Bennett has been analysing and transcribing popular music for international publication since 1994. He has written 30 books, including transcription, teaching and reference works (published...

Today I am so happy to have Corook and Olivia Barton on the show. Corook is a multi-instrumentalist based in Nashville, Tennessee. they are signed to Atlantic Records, and thave toured with JP Saxe and Jukebox the Ghost. Today share my conversation with Corook and their partner artist Olivia Barton.  We talk about instant fame and it’s impact on an introvert, Corook talks about their path leading up to their first record deal and then they both talk about writing their magical viral song...

Robert Gillies is a hit songwriter and artist living in Norway. In this conversation we talk about finding the sweet spot of tempo for your song The 2 rules to start every cowrite with Working with Charlie Puth His fav microphone for home recording How our road to success can feel like a guided experience How to be in service of the work Opening for Andy Grammer To Pre-order Robert's next single "You're a Better Friend" https://orcd.co/yabf http://www.robertgillies.com Podcast engineer...

In this episode, I am talking with someone at the start of it all, Berklee student Kieran Rhodes. He shares his favorite songwriting tools that he learned from Billy Joel and Randy Newman, why his friends nick named him the V/V, his experience on being on America's Got Talent and the two chords he won't leave home without. He plays a song he wrote in his songwriting 1 class in the mixolydian mode and I give a mini lesson on how to write in...

In today's episode, I talk with Folk artist Vance Gilbert on How to be a great opening act. Some show takeaways: Be yourself, you can be shy and confident, but be sure about what you’re doingWood shed the music and rehearse so you are comfortable with your performanceWork on your timing and all the things that go into a great performancePracticing your relative pitchWhen singing: drop your jaw with an over emphasis with open vowelHow to be a great opening act: Streamline your set up,Use a...

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...