Songwriting Tips
Happy Accidents: When Mistakes Become Magic in Songwriting and Recording
Not every wrong turn is a mistake. Sometimes, it’s the road you were supposed to take all along. When we write songs or produce music, we put a lot of pressure on ourselves to get everything just right. The right lyric. The perfect chord. The cleanest take. But if you’ve been doing this for a […]
Every Line Must Earn Its Place: Editing Your Song Like a Pro
So, you’ve written a new song. The structure is solid. The melody feels good. The chorus is catchy. But something still doesn’t quite click. Chances are, it’s not the whole song but it’s a few weak lines dragging everything else down. In songwriting, every line matters. Every lyric you keep needs to earn its place. […]
The Power of One Emotion: How to Focus Your Song’s Message
One of the easiest traps a songwriter can fall into is trying to say too much in a single song, too many feelings, too many angles, too many directions. The end result? A confused listener and a forgettable tune. If you want to create songs that connect and feel truly listenable, one of the best […]
The Difference Between Forgettable and Unforgettable Songs In 7 Steps
Every now and then, I stumble across an article that feels like it’s handing you a map just when you thought you’d lost the trail. Cari Cole’s piece, 7 Steps to Writing Hit Songs That Stand Out, Win Awards & Gain Placements, is one of those maps, equal parts practical signposts and creative pep talk. […]
Saying More With Less: The Power of Economy in Songwriting
One of the great paradoxes of songwriting is this: the fewer words you use, the more they often seem to say. This isn’t just a stylistic choice though, it’s a core principle of the art form. Songs, unlike essays or novels, don’t have the luxury of long explanations. They thrive on immediacy, emotion, and connection. […]
How Deconstructing Songs Can Make You a Better Songwriter
Every great songwriter begins as a listener. Long before pen ever hits paper, the seeds of creativity are often planted by hearing a song that strikes a chord—lyrically, melodically, or emotionally. Aspiring songwriters might find themselves wondering, “How did they do that?” or “Why does this chorus hit so hard?” The answer lies in something […]
Analysis Paralysis in Songwriting: What It Is and How to Overcome It
If you’ve ever stared at a half-finished song, questioning every line, melody, or chord progression until you’ve talked yourself out of continuing altogether, you’re not alone. This frustrating creative blockade has a name—analysis paralysis—and for many songwriters, it can be the silent killer of great ideas. It disguises itself as dedication to craft, but in […]
Songwriting Dos and Don’ts
A recent “Play For a Publisher” event featured Stacey Willbur, from Full Circle Music, sharing her feedback about 10 songs selected for the showcase. The article, based on insights from a “Play For a Publisher” event with Stacey Willbur, VP of Publishing and A&R for Full Circle Music, highlights key songwriting tips shared during Episode […]










