Songwriter's Toolbox
Want to learn what makes great songs great? In each podcast of the Songwriter's Toolbox we highlight a professional songwriting tool. But you don't have to know music theory - the show is meant to be accessible to everyone. Music lovers love it because they can hear more of what's going on in songs. Songwriters love it because they learn practical tools to improve their own songwriting. The Songwriter's Toolbox is where I keep that tools that I use in my role as the Song Analyst on national weekly radio program Art of the Song - Creativity Radio (www.artofthesong.org). It's also the title of my forthcoming book! FYI: In my daily life I'm Creative Director for Chocolate Strawberry Studios (www.ChocolateStrawberryStudios.com).
- Update frequency
- every 121 days
- Episodes
- 13
- Years Active
- 2007 - 2011
Songwriter's Toolbox - Multiple Meanings (Bruce Springsteen)
How does a great writer layer meanings in their lyrics? In "Into the Fire", Bruce Springsteen gives us a fantastic example. Also, today is the tenth anniversary of the terrorist attacks in New York…
Sun 11 Sep 2011
Songwriter's Toolbox - What are Modes?
The concept of "modes" perplexes many folks who love writing or listening to music. But the concept is actually very accessible. By examining a Persian mode used by Iranian-American songwriter Ali Es…
Sun 26 Dec 2010
Songwriter's Toolbox - Chord Power Progressions (Ryan Tedder, Kelly Clarkson "Already Gone")
Who wants an easy way to get new ideas for their songs? Who wants a good way to add power to their songs? Every songwriter I know, including me! Today we're going to talk about a tool called Chord Po…
Sat 13 Nov 2010
Songwriter's Toolbox - Are Titles Massively Important? (Roseanne Cash)
I always knew that a song title was important. I just didn't realize how massively important! In this podcast, I share one of the most astonishing things I've learned about songwriting ever. If you'r…
Mon 26 Jul 2010
Songwriter's Toolbox - A Chorus Tool (Bruce Springsteen)
Here's a great tool to streamline the process of writing a powerful chorus. Bruce Springsteen uses it and so can you.
Mon 05 Jul 2010
Songwriter's Toolbox - Universal Human Experience (Dolly Parton)
What makes a song emotionally powerful? Most often, the impact comes from a special combination of melody, chords, groove and lyrics. With Dolly Parton's song "Coat of Many Colors", one element seems…
Fri 05 Mar 2010
Songwriter's Toolbox - Lyric Writing - Character and Journey (Gillian Welch)
What makes a compelling song? Sometimes, it's the same thing that makes a compelling story: clearly defined characters who face obstacles that block their goals and the journey to overcome that oppos…
Thu 23 Jul 2009
Songwriter's Toolbox - Creating Contrast using Short Notes and Long Notes (Eagles)
One of the most effective ways to make your songs stay fresh, keep listeners interested and really build drama is contrast. One of my favorite songwriting teachers, Jai Josefs, makes this point all t…
Thu 23 Jul 2009
Songwriter's Toolbox - The Power of Everyday Language (Janis Ian)
Where do songwriters find things to write songs about? For Janis Ian, a great source was the newspaper. You can check out Janis Ian's music and more at www.janisian.com. Janis is a legendary and extr…
Fri 09 Jan 2009
Songwriter's Toolbox - The Water and The Conduit (Don Richmond)
Ever get discouraged in your songwriting? Today's tool helps me get inspired again. It comes from singer-songwriter-instrumentalist-teacher-philosopher Don Richmond. It's called "The Water and The Co…
Tue 16 Dec 2008
Songwriter's Toolbox - Weaving a Story (Amy Correia)
Today's tool from my Songwriter's Toolbox is called "Weaving a Story". We'll learn about this tool by checking out the song "The Bike" by a master storyteller: singer-songwriter Amy Correia. Wait til…
Fri 17 Oct 2008
Songwriter's Toolbox - Being Ready for Inspiration (Don Conoscenti)
Today's tool from my Songwriter's Toolbox is "Being ready for inspiration." We'll learn about this tool by checking out the song "The Other Side" by folk singer-songwriter extraordinaire Don Conoscen…
Thu 12 Jun 2008
Songwriter's Toolbox - Phrasing (Jackson Browne)
Today we learn about phrasing in Jackson Browne's song "The Pretender." It's my first post of a podcast. Let's see how it works! By the way, The Songwriter's Toolbox is where I keep that tools that I…
Thu 13 Sep 2007
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