Songwriter (Sadly) For Hire
“Topliners” have been doing it for years…without any guilt or second thought. I held my ears. I didn’t want to admit it was something we have to consider: Charging for sessions. It makes me sad. But not sadder than how I feel when I’m the only one in the room not getting paid.
This Valentines Day
I swore I’d never post about the passing of someone in my family — it’s too personal — too raw for the likes of Facebook, at least for me. But it feels like it would be ignoring the kitty that isn’t in the room any more. On this Valentines Day I give my heart to anyone who’s lost a furry friend…may they rest peacefully after having giving us the sweetest gift there is — emotional support and pure unconditional love.
It Takes A Village To Make A Record
Everyone has a village. Take a deep breath and think about who yours is. Hopefully you have a bit of savings to pay for what you can’t do yourself. Or you can offer a service you’re expert at in exchange for something about which you’re clueless. But reach out. Ask for help. You may be pleasantly surprised at who steps up.
Song Critique. Do You Really Want One?
Constructive feedback is invaluable when trying to measure the strengths and weaknesses of our work. But be careful what you wish for because if you’re looking for reinforcement and accolades only, you may be disappointed.
Small Fish
It’s a whole new world out there with algorithms, analytics, gamification and secret weapons like Spotify Release Radar! I’m as novice as any H.S. sophomore uploading her first precious song to SoundCloud. In making my first album I am indeed a Small Fish.
Her Name Was Xtina
January 1, 2020 marked the 20th anniversary of “What A Girl Wants” becoming the first No.1 song of the century. Quite a thrill for a songwriter. I thought this would be an opportune time to share with you the story of how the song came to be. Ready?
Beware the Buyout!
I’m sure you’ve all heard rumblings of an uptick in something called “direct licensing” or “buyouts” where a composer is paid a one-time (upfront) fee by a television streaming service or production company for all rights to their work.
Holiday Parties: Tips for Surviving The Season🎄🎅
If you’re anything like me after about 5 celebrations I start experiencing “holiday-party-fatigue.” And then I start considering skipping one — staying home and binging on Mrs. Maisel. But people…Mrs. Maisel can wait. I’m going to share with you some secrets to maintaining stamina while enjoying yourself so you can make it over to the other side: 2020. Ready?
Tapestry: Let's Discuss
My daughter Layla knows the words to every song on Tapestry and says things like “Carole King seems so free when she sings.” Layla’s friend Holly, upon seeing a recent picture of Carole and I on Facebook, texted me this:
This Thanksgiving
In yoga class when we lay in Shavasana (final resting pose), the instructor will often suggest we thank ourselves for “coming to our mat” that day. Thanking myself for coming to my mat used to confuse me but it doesn’t any more. It’s called self-care.
The B Word
Massachusetts Democrat Daniel Hunt has introduced legislation that would outlaw the word “Bitch.” If passed it would be illegal to directly annoy, degrade or demean another person by calling them one. My first thought is, Are you kidding me? Doesn’t he know we have bigger things to worry about: LA burning, the world-is-flat movement, flavored vaping?
Dear Brandy
When “Almost Doesn’t Count” was climbing the charts in 1998, I was at Burke Williams treating myself to some pampering on my birthday. I walked out of the shower, wrapped myself in a towel, and there you were — emerging from the shower next to mine. Of course, you may not remember this, but I do!
Truth Hurts
"Truth Hurts" came under fire recently when a British singer claimed that Lizzo lifted the first attention grabbing line from one of her tweets. But times have changed. It’s a bold new viral world out there. So is a tweet copyrightable?
Sample Me
Generally when a song of mine is sampled (or licensed for advertising) I want to make sure it doesn’t taint the integrity of the copyright by incorporating (or associating it with) something vulgar or offensive. Other than that I’m pretty open to giving it the thumbs up. In fact a while back my co-writer’s publisher turned down a use for “What a Girl Wants” in a Tampon ad. Truth be told I wouldn’t have had a problem with that. After all, what more could a girl want than a tampon when she needs one? It’s only natural. 🙂
Queen For A Day
There’s nothing not to like about Billie Eilish’s album. It’s tasty. Sonically pleasing. Interesting. But while recognition is deserved for breaking records, high sales, sold our shows and crying blood I can’t help but wonder if an artist’s accomplishments are more outstanding — judged more favorably just because the artist is…young.
Weekend With My Wifey
My husband Adam annointed Suzan Koc “my Wife” a number of years ago when I had asked him to choose between this dress or that one or something like that. Actually I think I wanted to know if my butt looked flat in a pair of jeans. He told me his opinion. And then I questioned it. So he said…”Why don’t you ask your wife.” I knew exactly who he meant.
Songwriters: Where Are You?
Nobody stays on top forever. That’s why they call it “15 Minutes.” And when your shelf-life has diminished you might wish you did something about the future of your bank account back when you had the chance to change the system. So when the younger gens have taken over you’ll have savings. And you can stay in your house. Perhaps even buy another.
