I like that you talk about the CRAFT of songwriting. I get so tired of the view that you can only write what you know, or waiting for inspiration. I've never been an unwed pregnant teenager, but I can imagine it. I don't have a problem with alcohol but I can imagine it. If you can imagine something, you can write about it.
Clay and Marty, y'all have given me so much great songwriting advise over the years that I don't think you even know what a treasure you are. Thank You ! Cheers
I'm in Nashville today picking my work van up from the shop.. always such a special feel to this town. Always appreciate your advice. Make sic figures from song writing? I'd like to make enough to do it full time and maybe move to the Smokies but riches and fame don't really appeal to me.. lol.. making music, camping and hiking appeal to me. Merry Christmas guys.
"Two by Five" is my first song with sections, key change and a story that ( I think) is clearly on task. It's a 2 /5 /4 /1 progression that serves as a return to the Key of D after changing to the key of A , it's a turn around and an ear cleanser helping to return to the key of D. I know i still have a ways to go in order to simplify and craft a song about one thing. But I feel like I'm on the right road in this journey. I love this challenge and I love using colorful chords to break away from the norms. Obviously I'm no Steve Earle, who I love. He has a way of telling a story that is so edgey and compelling.
Great video and advice. I’m a newbie to your channel and enjoy listening to you guys. TBH, I’d never heard of you, but I’m now catching up on your back catalogue of videos and music too. I’m loving it. Thank you! 👍
It’s Saturday. I’m listening to you guys. But I’m also editing a video for a Christmas song I wrote. I’m also writing 3 more songs and recording. The secret is “work hard at it”. And you still may only see marginal success.
I'm not so sure about that last one. Even if writing songs like some specific famous person isn't your end goal, it could still be a worthwhile learning exercise.
Absolutely, but it can definitely depend on what stage of your journey you are in. I personally feel it never hurts to study other writers. I just wouldn't stop there.. To reach your own potential, it requires moving past that and developing your own style. Write on! CM
Saw Ashley speak im LA for ASCAP Convention. I remember him saying he wrote 1 song every day for 7 years straight. Then he started getting songs picked up. But it took that 7 years to get him where he is today. He also pointed out that no one will ever hear those songs that he wrote for that 7 years. Great advice on what it's takes to craft you skills 😉
Have you guys covered "Songwriters on Songwriting" (vol. I and 2) by Paul Zollo ??? I can't say how practical it's been for improving my songwriting, but it's been immensely helpful for my perspective on songwriting and helping to keep me going anytime I need a little inspiration or context or whatever in the face of current music industry situations. IMO, the world needs some really good 100% human songwriting now more than ever.
Great list, thanks for sharing. #3 (there aren't 6 steps to making it, you were writing for 7-8 years before you had a hit) also relates so many other creative endeavours. Script writers, for example, usually write 6-7 scripts before one hits... if ever! Unfortunately, since the dawn of home recording and the TH-cam star, the how-to music sector (guitar as well, since there's never been more DIY learning material out there for free) is filled with quick-fix charlatans. One would think people are too smart for this BS, but the "lose 10 lbs in a week" shtick seems to be going stronger than ever.
Whew! I've been told I should write a song every day using a 30-minute timer. Ain't gonna happen . . . the fastest I've ever written a song is in one hour.
Do you guys find yourselves writing a song "for" someone or just writing the song on its own basis and then when its done, the artist(s) it's right for will be apparent? Based on what I've heard, I'd guess the latter, but happy to hear any insights.
Both happen. If you know a certain artist is recording soon you can write a song with that goal in mind. But personally I don’t write a song so tailored to one single artist. Because if they don’t record it, no one else will. My goal has always been to write a song that is so strong that multiple artists can record it. If you do it well, even artists in multiple genres can record it. It’s served me well. But different people will have different approaches. I can only speak about mine :) CM
I'm in Nashville today picking my work van up from the shop.. always such a special feel to this town. Always appreciate your advice. Make sic figures from song writing? I'd like to make enough to do it full time and maybe move to the Smokies but riches and fame don't really appeal to me.. lol.. making music, camping and hiking appeal to me. Merry Christmas guys.
![Bust That Songwriting Rut! [Pro Tips To Try Now!]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/q9VAo_Hp7Ts/mqdefault.jpg)
![Bust That Songwriting Rut! [Pro Tips To Try Now!]](/img/tr.png)
I like that you talk about the CRAFT of songwriting. I get so tired of the view that you can only write what you know, or waiting for inspiration. I've never been an unwed pregnant teenager, but I can imagine it. I don't have a problem with alcohol but I can imagine it. If you can imagine something, you can write about it.
Clay and Marty, y'all have given me so much great songwriting advise over the years that I don't think you even know what a treasure you are. Thank You !
Cheers
Aww thank you buddy ❤ -CM
I'm in Nashville today picking my work van up from the shop.. always such a special feel to this town. Always appreciate your advice. Make sic figures from song writing? I'd like to make enough to do it full time and maybe move to the Smokies but riches and fame don't really appeal to me.. lol.. making music, camping and hiking appeal to me. Merry Christmas guys.
I appreciate you mentioning step 2! Thank you for all your encouraging & helpful videos 🤗
Write on! Glad it was helpful :) CM
"Two by Five" is my first song with sections, key change and a story that ( I think) is clearly on task. It's a 2 /5 /4 /1 progression that serves as a return to the Key of D after changing to the key of A , it's a turn around and an ear cleanser helping to return to the key of D. I know i still have a ways to go in order to simplify and craft a song about one thing. But I feel like I'm on the right road in this journey. I love this challenge and I love using colorful chords to break away from the norms. Obviously I'm no Steve Earle, who I love. He has a way of telling a story that is so edgey and compelling.
Really Great! fun watch today. :)
I've just discovered you. You have a lot of amazing content that helps a lot. Thank you so much that you share your knowledge!
Welcome! Write on! CM
Great video and advice. I’m a newbie to your channel and enjoy listening to you guys. TBH, I’d never heard of you, but I’m now catching up on your back catalogue of videos and music too. I’m loving it. Thank you! 👍
Glad you found us! Write on! CM
Happy to see “SURRENDER” on the table!
It’s Saturday. I’m listening to you guys. But I’m also editing a video for a Christmas song I wrote. I’m also writing 3 more songs and recording. The secret is “work hard at it”. And you still may only see marginal success.
Yes, Do it cuz you love it! :)
Thanks for the great video!
Glad you enjoyed it! Write on! CM
People don’t listen when I speak. However they do when I sing so I use that to tell my story. They listen to me then. Lol
Write on!
They should listen when you speak too
"if it was easy, it would be boring"... sooo true!
Which is why so much modern music is BORING !!!!
I'm not so sure about that last one. Even if writing songs like some specific famous person isn't your end goal, it could still be a worthwhile learning exercise.
Absolutely, but it can definitely depend on what stage of your journey you are in. I personally feel it never hurts to study other writers. I just wouldn't stop there.. To reach your own potential, it requires moving past that and developing your own style. Write on! CM
Thanks guys!
Write on! CM
Saw Ashley speak im LA for ASCAP Convention. I remember him saying he wrote 1 song every day for 7 years straight. Then he started getting songs picked up. But it took that 7 years to get him where he is today. He also pointed out that no one will ever hear those songs that he wrote for that 7 years. Great advice on what it's takes to craft you skills 😉
Yes, pretty much the same story for most pro writers. I wrote of few of those songs with Ashley back before either of us had any cuts. Fun times! CM
Just subscribed, enjoy your channel, agree song writing is fun.
Thanks for joining the community! Write on! CM
"Can I borrow your capo?"
#1 😂
Have you guys covered "Songwriters on Songwriting" (vol. I and 2) by Paul Zollo ??? I can't say how practical it's been for improving my songwriting, but it's been immensely helpful for my perspective on songwriting and helping to keep me going anytime I need a little inspiration or context or whatever in the face of current music industry situations. IMO, the world needs some really good 100% human songwriting now more than ever.
Good books! Write on! CM
#06. Don’t give up on a song. Maybe it hits a dead end or seems flat. There’s probably a good line or two that could be used for another song.
Great list, thanks for sharing. #3 (there aren't 6 steps to making it, you were writing for 7-8 years before you had a hit) also relates so many other creative endeavours. Script writers, for example, usually write 6-7 scripts before one hits... if ever! Unfortunately, since the dawn of home recording and the TH-cam star, the how-to music sector (guitar as well, since there's never been more DIY learning material out there for free) is filled with quick-fix charlatans. One would think people are too smart for this BS, but the "lose 10 lbs in a week" shtick seems to be going stronger than ever.
Thank you.
You're welcome!
Thank you ❤
You're welcome 😊
Whew! I've been told I should write a song every day using a 30-minute timer. Ain't gonna happen . . . the fastest I've ever written a song is in one hour.
Do you guys find yourselves writing a song "for" someone or just writing the song on its own basis and then when its done, the artist(s) it's right for will be apparent? Based on what I've heard, I'd guess the latter, but happy to hear any insights.
Both happen. If you know a certain artist is recording soon you can write a song with that goal in mind. But personally I don’t write a song so tailored to one single artist. Because if they don’t record it, no one else will. My goal has always been to write a song that is so strong that multiple artists can record it. If you do it well, even artists in multiple genres can record it. It’s served me well. But different people will have different approaches. I can only speak about mine :) CM
@@SongTownUSA Thanks, Clay, I appreciate your insight.
@@Scott__C Write on! CM
I apreciate more and more to listen to you guys. Hm ... Wonder how much songs bring in. To bring in six figures I guess it must be kinda huge.
You guys love a “5 things” or “1 things” video 😂😂
Maybe we will make it our New Year’s resolution to not use numbers anymore 🤣
@ letters, maybe? 😆
Or symbols? @?!’
So does the algorithm
@@SongTownUSA 😂😂
seems like max martin has found the magic formula😁
😂😂😂😂😂
When u call yourself a songwriter, are you writing the music? Or the lyrics, melody and structure?
I know hall of fame songwriters that do all of those aspects and some that just do one. It’s all part of songwriting 👍
❤
Thank you. Most of content like yours is too basic. I appreciate 'pro" advice.
There is a song writing formula. It's called PROMOTION!
I'm in Nashville today picking my work van up from the shop.. always such a special feel to this town. Always appreciate your advice. Make sic figures from song writing? I'd like to make enough to do it full time and maybe move to the Smokies but riches and fame don't really appeal to me.. lol.. making music, camping and hiking appeal to me. Merry Christmas guys.
Merry Xmas to you too! Write on! CM