Spotlight: Brandy Clark
Don’t hate me. I have never been a huge fan of traditional country music. I can hear a twang or smell a hat within seconds of a song start.
Tune Me Up!
There was a soulfulness to those imperfect vocals…just like the humans who sang them. Full of sharps and flats. Nobody’s life is perfectly on pitch.
Dear Bob Lefsetz, Please R.S.V.P.
I have found that my adversaries are more motivating than my allies.
Shelly, What The Heck is Happening With Your Book?
Out of respect for those of you who have been inquiring, this question warrants more than a cute Facebook post.
Calling All Angels
All who inhabit the music landscape - from creators to consumers, and all those in between - must adopt simple, ethical practices that ensure all parties in the music value chain, including songwriters, composers and artists are fairly compensated for the use of their work.
Testing-Testing 1-2-3
Although I can’t deny I am delighted when I’ve written a potential single that tests well, I have to ask myself if all this data-mining undermines creativity?
To College or Not To College
College isn't for everyone. But if you're someone who's on the edge because you're in a hurry to get in the room with Rihanna, I suggest thinking twice.
How To Write A Better Song
She frames things in ways that are tangible and saucy and fun. Eighteen years later I am still learning…
All About That...Grammy
We're all running around trying to get in the right room. And sometimes we don't even realize that the right room is right there in front of us...the one we are in with one trusted ally. Or two.
Help Me!
I downloaded two new albums last week from iTunes. I was interested in the first one because I heard a song from it that I loved on KCRW. I bought the second on a friend’s recommendation. I was stoked. Went to the gym, excited that I had some new music to listen. Got on the treadmill and...
And The Winner Is......
Television talent shows offer great opportunities for songwriters. But, I have to admit I have conflicting feelings about them. To me, it seems like an unlikely environment in which to birth a star.....
Taylor: Swift Boat or Love Boat
Maybe what us non-superstars need are more Big Machines like Taylor spreading the word that music has (or should have) value. Hail to the messenger...
Ch-CH-CH-Changes
I'm going where the love is. And there is love. So it's not a big ol' cake with buttercream and filling. It's a cookie. Nothing wrong with cookies. I'll keep munching but I'm keeping my heart open for the future.
Pendulums Swing
Some of us are asking…”Why can’t my publisher get me more song placements?” It wasn’t too long ago I was asking myself the same thing. But then I got to thinking: If circumstances make it harder right now for us to pitch our own material it’s got to be harder for them too....
Songwriter's Pie (Repost from Huffington Post 6-19-14)
I can't believe I'm actually going to say this. I many never work in this town again. But here goes.
Standing On The Edge
There I was on the massage table face down. A place where thoughts and facts have no gravity… where ideas float in and out of consideration... Unable to be fully grasped.
