A Songwriting Journey

Mentioned in this episode:Hitting pause on a project. “52 Weeks in 2021: A Songwriting Journey” "The Art of Hit-Making: Ryan Tedder's Proven Songwriting & Production System" This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit asongwritingjourney.substack.com

Today there’s so much emphasis placed on “going viral,” and it may feel discouraging if you feel like your work isn’t making the impact that you had hoped it would make. But sometimes things take time and if you are creating heartfelt, quality work, don’t hesitate to put it out. You never know what kind of impact it may have on someone - or when it will make that impact. - but the world needs more creativity and beauty - and documentation of our lives today so future generations can connect to their past. So please don’t hesitate to share your own work with the world and whether you’re a songwriter or an artist or however you express yourself - document your time here on earth through your work. You never know who may learn from it in the future. In this episode:"The Passenger"  by Ulrich Alexander Boschwitz "The Little Liar" by Mitch Albomasongwritingjourney.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit asongwritingjourney.substack.com

Mentioned in this episode:“The Fourth Grade Project”, an exhibit by artist Judy Gelles at the Chandler Museum. Mingle + Graze cheese shop and restaurant in Chandler, AZ "Living on the Exhale: Finding inspiration, laughter and growth from the messy middle”podcast with Staci BerkovitzYear I Turned 50 project by Staci B.Understanding how Digital & Physical Mechanical Royalties Work with Serona Elton, head of educational partnerships at The MLC (Video) on the The New Music Business Podcast with Ari Herstand"If promoting your music makes you miserable, read this” and “P Diddy proved the industry was always broken” from The Mad Records Monologue.Books mentioned“52 Weeks in 2021: A Songwriting Journey”“The Adventures of the Rabbi Who Became a Flight Attendant” by Rabbi David Pinkwasser This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit asongwritingjourney.substack.com

As we get close to the end-of-the-school-year, I thought it would be a good time to reflect on how fast time flies. This week, my youngest son is graduating eighth grade, which is our third and final graduation at the school our family has been connected to for the past 12 years. I’m grateful for this moment because I realize how precious life is and know that not everybody gets to celebrate these kinds of milestones. I think we all take so many things for granted but the older I get I realize that those moments that seem generic - like middle school graduations - are really precious. So if you are a parent or a relative or a friend of a graduate this year - enjoy this time and celebrate your loved one. This week’s song, which is called “Cheering You On,” is from 2020 and it felt appropriate to share it this week as families are going through this milestone of sending their kids out into the world as their teens graduate high school. It’s about the message that most parents try to transmit to their children - we’re there for you, we want the best for you. Since so much of child rearing is trying to prepare children how to live in the world, there tends to be a lot of what people may call nagging. Many reminders about how one should act or things that one should do. Clean your room, clear the table, say thank you, etc.When children are really young, it’s hard to imagine that there will be a day when you won’t see your kids on a regular basis. That it’s a very real possibility that they will live far away and you only see them once or twice a year, if that. They’ll be busy with their own family, job, life. The time you have with them is a short amount of time in the scheme of things. And while you may feel a little frustrated that you’re not able to find the time to pursue your own interests at this time because there’s a pre-algebra test or essay due in the coming week that you need to assist your child with or you have more camp forms to fill out so your own project is on hold yet another day, be patient with yourself if you don’t accomplish what you wanted to do. It’s all a delicate balance. One reason I’m saying that is because there are a couple songs that I’ve been working on for weeks that I hope to share soon - if I can find the time to work on them. (It’s been a busy time, which is one reason why this post is so short… but I still have a song for you this week!)Here’s “Cheering You On” from 2020. If you are celebrating any graduations this week, enjoy! Cheering You OnI’ve got your back, I’ve got your forwardI’m here for any goal you’re moving towardI’ve seen you grow, want you to knowI’m here rooting for yaOn those nights when you’re drowning in doubtLosing sleep tryin’ to figure it outLet me be clear, I’m here cheering you onNow and beyond, I’ll be cheering you onWhen you head out to find your wayI wish you peace and love and strengthWhen days turn dark, when you lose your sparkI’m here, holding a flameOn those nights when you’re drowning in doubtLosing sleep tryin’ to figure it outLet me be clear, I’m here cheering you onFrom the crack of dawn, I’ll be cheering you onIt’s unconditional, unconditionalNonreciprocal but that’s OKYou’ll understand somedayOn those nights when you’re drowning in doubtLosing sleep tryin’ to figure it outLet me be clear, I’m here cheering you onEven when I’m gone, I’ll be cheering you on.© 2020 Leisah Woldoff This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit asongwritingjourney.substack.com

Hello! Today’s the day! My book “52 Weeks in 2021: A Songwriting Journey” is now available on Amazon! This episode features an excerpt from the book and the song "Take a Step" from 2020."52 Weeks in 2021: A Songwriting Journey" explores one mom's songwriting journey in a blog format, sharing 52 songs over 52 weeks during the year she turned 52. The project was partly a distraction - as she was approaching the age her mom died from pancreatic cancer - and partly a way to get her songs out into the world. Each chapter represents a different week in 2021 and features an original song. Many of the songs are relevant to that particular week, whether it be a holiday or a significant world event. Topics include the COVID-19 pandemic, relationships, motherhood and billionaires traveling into space. The book includes lyrics and access to the song recordings."52 Weeks in 2021: A Songwriting Journey" is available here. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit asongwritingjourney.substack.com

A post for Mother's DayAlso in this episode: A new book announcement!Atticus (book publishing)asongwritingjourney.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit asongwritingjourney.substack.com

After a rough week of more disturbing headlines, I just wanted to provide a reminder that it’s OK to take a break from the news and spend time working on things that make you happy. A Songwriting Journey playlistContact: Instagram at A Songwriting JourneyThis week's song: "Bang Your Gavel Down" Lyrics at asongwritingjourney.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit asongwritingjourney.substack.com

In this week's episode:Taylor Swift's “The Tortured Poets Department” and her amazing career.A song for Earth DayA lesson for working with a producer - get your vocals right before sendinginstagram.com/asongwritingjourney/https://asongwritingjourney.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit asongwritingjourney.substack.com

Mentioned in this episode:Spotify's New Music Friday PlaylistA Songwiting Journey Playlist on SpotifyNew Music Business podcast: How Spotify's Algorithm Works (From Its Creator)Release Music Like a ProThis week's song: "Our Home" This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit asongwritingjourney.substack.com

This week's episode is about the "The Greatest Night in Pop," a new documentary about the making of the 1985 "We are the World" song that raised funds for humanitarian aid in Africa - and the power of music to raise awareness about world events in order to help others.This week's original song is "What's Gonna Be:" about the massacre at the Supernova Music Festival.Links about the some of content in this week's episode:Hooktheory.com"We are the World""The Greatest Night in Pop"What's Gonna Be?OneFamily This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit asongwritingjourney.substack.com

Reflections on Beyonce's "Cowboy Carter," organizing your music files and the need for reliable news sources. This week's song: "Tell Me What is Real." This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit asongwritingjourney.substack.com

Does it feel like life is speeding by? Sometimes it's a good idea to take a breath and slow down. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit asongwritingjourney.substack.com

Reflections - and a song - about my oldest son learning how to drive. Does anyone else have an invisible brake in their car? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit asongwritingjourney.substack.com

I know you all remember experiencing the pandemic, but do you remember those first few days when there was a sense of solidarity in collective humanity? I remember feeling a sense of “We’re all in this together” as humans on this planet and we are going to get through this. It was short-lived, for a number of reasons - or perhaps it was even imaginary. This week’s song was written at the very beginning of the pandemic, in collaboration with Arizona songwriter Lisa Hart. Although the “We’re All in This Together” spirit is no longer dominating our culture and everyday seems to bring more bad news of despair and hatred, the underlying message of this song is still true - we’re neighbors on this planet and we all live here and need to take care of it and each other. For the next few minutes, let’s remember the possibility that even though times are difficult, we can still have hope that things will get better and we can each take action, kindly, to do what we can to help others and help improve our world.As always, the lyrics are on the podcast Substack page, and this week's there's a lyric video, too! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit asongwritingjourney.substack.com

In this episode: A house concert, performance anxiety, a heavenly birthday wish, a mom's legacy and how do you spend your time? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit asongwritingjourney.substack.com

This week's episode talks about a new songwriting show on YouTube that offers a close-up look at the songwriting process by pro-songwriters as they create a song in one day and the 20th anniversary re-release of an album by my favorite rock star. This week's song shares both the voice memo and the finished production, in honor of this re-release, which also includes the demos. Although you may not have years of experience in music or production, don’t let that stop you from sharing your creations, even if you don’t have “the credentials.” There may be someone out there who needs to hear what you’re creating! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit asongwritingjourney.substack.com

Inspiration can come from many places - stories on the news, interactions between people, things you observe as you’re out and about. I once wrote a whole song based on a box of single-serving cake mix I saw in a supermarket aisle. This week's episode of A Songwriting Journey covers inspiration, a Marshall Crenshaw performance, the Grammys and a time traveler. What inspires you to write a song? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit asongwritingjourney.substack.com

Happy Valentine’s Day week! Do you have a valentine? If not, maybe you can write a song about that!This week, in honor of Valentine’s Day, I thought I’d go back into the archive and share one of my songs from my dating days. I guess it kind of makes this an Anti-Valentine’s Day episode since it’s not really a love song, but perhaps you can relate.  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit asongwritingjourney.substack.com

Sometimes you have to step out of your comfort zone to share your songs, but don't let that stop you. And don't depend on your future self to take care of it for you. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit asongwritingjourney.substack.com

This episode is for all those dreamers out there...Reflections from the 27th Annual Arizona Songwriters Gathering hosted by the Arizona Songwriters Association at the Glendale Public Library, including some wisdom shared during presentations by Shelly Peiken, Pat Pattison and Robin Frederick. Topics covered: Tips to communicate what you're feeling in a song, acoustic songs in TV and film, prosody and the joy of a songwriting community. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit asongwritingjourney.substack.com

If you are a songwriter in the Phoenix area - or driving distance from the Phoenix area - you will want to know about an event this weekend at the Glendale Public Library. This Saturday, Jan. 27, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., the Arizona Songwriters Association (ASA) will host its 27th annual Arizona Songwriters Gathering.This week’s episode covers some of the featured guests and topics of the event, which is a day of workshops, networking, door prizes and live performances by over 100 songwriters.The event is free and open to all, no registration is necessary. For a full schedule and full bios of these incredible guests, visit the Arizona Songwriters Association website at azsongwriters.org.  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit asongwritingjourney.substack.com

There are so many devastating things going on in the world right now and so many people are going through difficult times. It feels kind of insensitive to talk about songwriting and worrying about recording quality when there are so many more important things that people are dealing with.However, songwriting is something that gets me through difficult times and I know others want to share their creations with the world, too, so maybe it can be beneficial for us to share things that bring us joy? By sharing things we enjoy, maybe we can brighten other people’s days, too. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit asongwritingjourney.substack.com

What do you do when you want to learn something new? Do you sign up for online courses, attend in-person classes? Watch YouTube videos? Hire a personal coach? These days, when you want to learn how to do something, there are many options. There’s always going to be more you need to learn, people who know more than you and opportunities to improve your craft. I thought I’d devote this episode to share some of the resources that I’ve found helpful. Although they are specific to songwriting, they may give you some ideas in whatever craft you are interested in exploring.I’m grateful for all those who have created and taught the courses and I’m hoping at some point to have them as guests on this podcast to share their insight and knowledge with you.Here are a list of resources listed in this episode. For links, please visit the podcast website.Arizona Songwriters Association (ASA)Arizona Songwriters Association 27th annual Songwriting Gathering (Jan. 27, 2024) Produce Like a BossThe Female Musician CommunityRelease Music Like a ProSongtownCathy HellerThe Art of Hit-Making: Ryan Tedder's Proven Songwriting & Production System This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit asongwritingjourney.substack.com

As we welcome 2024, what do we want to do with it?It feels like we are starting this new year during a dark time. There are so many troubling things happening around the world and we need those feelings of hope and possibility more than ever because we need to bring some light into this world. We need positivity and creativity right now. Imagine this ripple of creativity and positivity creating little streaks of light out there in the darkness. It might not change the world, but maybe it will brighten someone’s day. This week's episode features two songs: "Ready for the New Year" and "365 Days." This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit asongwritingjourney.substack.com

Welcome to the first episode of A Songwriting Journey, a weekly dose of songwriting inspiration for those who are pursuing a creative journey. Each week's episode also includes an original song and a little background about the song. This episode addresses that pull some people feel to follow their dreams - despite being discouraged by others or self-doubt. What's inside of you trying to break through? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit asongwritingjourney.substack.com