I often tell my songwriting students that I teach tools—not rules. There are no rules in songwriting. Similarly, there is no road map that points the way to guaranteed success. But there are three things I consistently see in those who achieve their songwriting goals. Let’s look at the “3… Read more...
I recently forwarded three songs to a list of publishers who have agreed to listen to songs that I screen. One of the publishers responded, “This song is very well written and commercial. But I’ve already got this kind of stuff by the dozens. Seems that most writers are all… Read more...
The Guild of Music Supervisors has again this year recognized outstanding achievement in the craft of music supervision in film, television, documentaries, games, advertising and trailers. The awards ceremony, held virtually Sunday, also included several music creators honored with Best Song written for film and TV. For film, BMI songwriter… Read more...
BMI composer Atticus Ross added yet another award to his impressive resume with his Golden Globe win last night for Best Original Score to Soul. The Oscar, GRAMMY and Emmy-winning Ross notably received two Globe nominations this year, the other for his score to the blockbuster film Mank. Soul also… Read more...
Most of the writers who attend my songwriting workshops already know how to write perfectly crafted songs. My job is to help them write the kinds of songs that a music publisher, record label executive, record producer, or recording artist will feel compelled to choose over the competition. One of… Read more...
At my songwriting workshops I stress the importance of including lyric and melodic elements in our songs that will compel listeners and decision-makers to choose our material over the tough competition. Let’s look at some ways to write lyrics that command attention. 1. Find a Fresh Angle It’s unlikely that… Read more...
Warning: Listening to the songs referenced in this article is likely to result in an inability to get them out of your brain. It is an incredible accomplishment for a song to reach the top of one of the Billboard charts. Occasionally, songs connect with listeners sufficiently to… Read more...
Sometimes, playing it safe is the most dangerous thing we can do. This is especially applicable when our goal is to write songs that rise above the competition; songs that become artists’ signature songs; and songs that impact audiences and propel artists to a next level. We need to find… Read more...
Tree Adams’ musical roots run deep. A seasoned composer, songwriter, musician and storyteller whose work has filled many a smoky roadhouse as well as several films, some of television’s most popular series and even the occasional video game, Adams thrills to playing both sides of the divide. His diverse string… Read more...
Broadcast Music, Inc. recently hosted the panel, “The Blurred Line Between Film and Television,” at the 2014 Billboard + The Hollywood Reporter Film and TV Music Conference on Wednesday, November 5, at The Globe Theatre, Universal Studios, Universal City, Calif. Moderated by BMI Vice President Film/TV Relations, Doreen Ringer-Ross, the… Read more...
