Songwriter's Toolbox

Episodes

1. 14

   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 City and Washington, DC. I'm sharing this amazing song (and the story behind it) as a remembrance…

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   Sep 11, 2011
2. 13

   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 Eskandarian, I'll give you a quick and, hopefully, very understandable explanation (and…

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   Dec 26, 2010
3. 12

   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 Power Progressions that's used in the Kelly Clarkson Top 20 hit "Already Gone", co-written with Ryan...

   Nov 13, 2010
4. 11

   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're interested in checking out the title categories (and maybe suggesting some of your own), I've...

   Jul 26, 2010
5. 10

   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.

   Jul 5, 2010
6. 9

   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 to stand out most: the lyrics. By the way, thanks so much to all you podcast listeners who've...

   Mar 5, 2010
7. 8

   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 opposition. Invariably, there's some lessons learned, too. It's a classic model for a story and a great...

   Jul 23, 2009
8. 7

   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 the time. Contrast is a fundamental tool great songwriters use. They make sure that the sections of...

   Jul 23, 2009
9. 6

   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 extraordinary songwriter. She's also written a lot of great articles about songwriting and being a...

   Jan 9, 2009
10. 5

    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 Conduit" and I hope you find it as helpful as I do. You can check out Don's music and more on...

    Dec 16, 2008
11. 4

    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 till you hear how she weaves her tale! You can check out Amy's music and more on MySpace at...

    Oct 17, 2008
12. 3

    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 Conoscenti. www.donconoscenti.com Remember: it isn't a rule, it's just a tool to help give birth to great...

    Jun 12, 2008
13. 2

    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 use in my role as the Song Analyst on Art of the Song - Creativity Radio (www.artofthesong.org)....

    Sep 13, 2007