What's in a Song

In this episode, I am talking to Prince Charles Alexander about the evolution of hip hop music, production and rap.Prince Charles is a sought-after recording and mixing engineer whose clients include Mary J. Blige, Destiny's Child, Faith Evans, P. Diddy, the Notorious B.I.G., Usher, Boyz II Men, Brandy, Babyface, Sting, Aretha Franklin, Usher, Brian McKnight, and others. Alexander has garnered more than 40 Platinum and Gold certifications from the RIAA and has multiple Grammy Awards and nominations. He holds an adjunct instructor position at New York University's Clive Davis Department of Recorded Music, has taught audio technology at the Institute of Audio Research, and is a frequent lecturer at the City College of New York in Manhattan.He teaches advanced production and mixing at Berklee. From the early to mid 80s, he produced, wrote, and recorded on Virgin Records with his group, Prince Charles and the City Beat Band. Alexander was an early innovator of wind synthesis and a part of the "punk-funk" generation that incorporated many of the devices that would propel rap music to the forefront of the American music scene. https://www.amazon.com/Hip-Hop-Production-Alexander-Downloadable-Practice/dp/0876392117/ref=sr_1_1?crid=5ABA4ITYJ05P&keywords=prince+charles+alexander&qid=1679496194&sprefix=prince+charles+alexander%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-1Scarlet's website: https://www.scarletkeys.comScarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songwriting:https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Songwriting-Music-Meaning-Emotion/dp/0876391927/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2PP55NU6E9ST6&keywords=the+craft+of+songwriting&qid=1659573139&sprefix=the+craft+of+songwritin%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1Podcast engineer Peter Sykes music:https://open.spotify.com/artist/41llpsdBBIDlQixP0VHVA8?si=LhMf9SylS_6k6rjfWf2DawThis is Apple Musichttps://music.apple.com/us/artist/peter-j-sykes/1599264277For info on Otto Gross:The show's theme song "What's in a Song" was co-written with Otto GrossRecorded and performed by Otto Gross: @OttoGrossProduction (instagram)@OttoGrossMusic (Youtube, facebook, TikTok)https://biglink.to/ottogrossmusic Scarlet's website: https://www.scarletkeys.comScarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songwriting:https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Songwriting-Music-Meaning-Emotion/dp/0876391927/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2PP55NU6E9ST6&keywords=the+craft+of+songwriting&qid=1659573139&sprefix=the+craft+of+songwritin%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1

In this episode, I talk with Grammy nominated composer and award winning pianist, educator and author of the best selling book “Effortless Mastery” and  “Becoming the Instrument”.Here are some episode takeaways:You don’t move forward unless you practice Let your arms defy gravitySate of presence of mindThe body is the instrument that plays the instrumentBE the instrumentGet your mind out of the way so the body can commit to muscle memory and motor skillThe need to sound good obscures the way the body would play itDon’t hold your breathThe spaceGoing into the spacePractice hacks: 5 min at a timeThe problem isn’t practicing, it’s starting.https://kennywerner.comScarlet's website: https://www.scarletkeys.comScarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songwriting:https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Songwriting-Music-Meaning-Emotion/dp/0876391927/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2PP55NU6E9ST6&keywords=the+craft+of+songwriting&qid=1659573139&sprefix=the+craft+of+songwritin%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1Podcast engineer Peter Sykes music:https://open.spotify.com/artist/41llpsdBBIDlQixP0VHVA8?si=LhMf9SylS_6k6rjfWf2DawThis is Apple Musichttps://music.apple.com/us/artist/peter-j-sykes/1599264277For info on Otto Gross:The show's theme song "What's in a Song" was co-written with Otto GrossRecorded and performed by Otto Gross: @OttoGrossProduction (instagram)@OttoGrossMusic (Youtube, facebook, TikTok)https://biglink.to/ottogrossmusic Scarlet's website: https://www.scarletkeys.comScarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songwriting:https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Songwriting-Music-Meaning-Emotion/dp/0876391927/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2PP55NU6E9ST6&keywords=the+craft+of+songwriting&qid=1659573139&sprefix=the+craft+of+songwritin%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1

Back for more in part 2:Ken Yates has gained a reputation as one of his country’s brightest rising singer-songwriters. The winner of two Canadian Folk Music Awards for Songwriter of the Year and New Artist of the Year.  Yates supported Passenger on their tour across North America and in Europe in 2020, and has shared stages with Ryan McMullan, Jenn Grant, and many others.He doesn’t like bar chordsIn this episode, he talked shares his secret sauce open tuning that inspired several songs off of his newest record in an in-depth lesson!https://www.scarletkeys.comhttps://www.instagram.com/skeys2021/https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Songwriting-Music-Meaning-Emotion/dp/0876391927/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2PP55NU6E9ST6&keywords=the+craft+of+songwriting&qid=1659573139&sprefix=the+craft+of+songwritin%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1http://www.kenyates.comEngineer: Peter Sykes https://www.petersykesmusic.comThe show's theme song "What's in a Song" was co-written with Otto GrossRecorded and performed by Otto Gross: @OttoGrossProduction (instagram)@OttoGrossMusic (Youtube, facebook, TikTok)https://biglink.to/ottogrossmusicScarlet's website: https://www.scarletkeys.comScarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songwriting:https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Songwriting-Music-Meaning-Emotion/dp/0876391927/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2PP55NU6E9ST6&keywords=the+craft+of+songwriting&qid=1659573139&sprefix=the+craft+of+songwritin%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1

In this episode, I talk with legendary master songwriter Hugh Prestwood about his craft and break down two of his masterpiece songs "The Song Remembers When" and "Ghost in this House".Show highlights: Writing alone and how for some writers, co-writing causes anxiety and doesn't allow you to do your best work.  He likens cowriting to a painter handing another painter their paint brush in the middle of a painting.How important truth is in a song and how it gives you confidenceSus chords and starting on the V chordHow much people love images in lyricsHow perfect rhyme can offer challenge when it's a boundaryWriting simple but sophisticated melodieshttps://www.scarletkeys.comhttps://hughprestwood.comEngineer: Peter Sykes https://www.petersykesmusic.comThe show's theme song "What's in a Song" was co-written with Otto GrossRecorded and performed by Otto Gross: @OttoGrossProduction (instagram)@OttoGrossMusic (Youtube, facebook, TikTok)https://biglink.to/ottogrossmusicScarlet's website: https://www.scarletkeys.comScarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songwriting:https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Songwriting-Music-Meaning-Emotion/dp/0876391927/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2PP55NU6E9ST6&keywords=the+craft+of+songwriting&qid=1659573139&sprefix=the+craft+of+songwritin%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1

Multi grammy award winning songwriter Lori McKenna.  Lori is an American folk, Americana, and country music singer-songwriter. In 2016, she won a grammy for Best Country Song    "Girl Crush" performed by Little Big Town.  In 2017, she won a grammy for her song “Humble and Kind” recorded by Tim McGraw and most recently was nominated for a grammy for best song “Beautiful Noise” co written with Brandi Carlilie, Alicia keys, Brandy Clark, Linda Perry, Ruby Amanfu, Hailey Whitters, and Hillary Lindsey. Lori She has 11 solo albums as an artist, and cowritten  with other artists such as Tylor Swift, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Sarah Barielles, Lady Gaga and many many more. Lori is one of the nicest and most talented people you could want to meet and  is    a songwriter that other songwriters study to write better songs.  This conversation inspired me and I can’t wait to share it with you.Some show highlights:The power of mumbling to find a lyricLetting the song be a cowriterHow some times a chord will tell you what to sayWhen you start overthinking-take a walkUsing imagery in your song to tell people what the room looks like so they can put themselves in there Anaphora as a lyric writing device First part of the song is the most important Writing on paper and the computerKeeping notesChanging the last chorus even a little bit, so the last chorus doesn’t just pass you byThe grand finale of the last chorus, all the fireworksSing the first verse and chorus to your best friend and sing the second verse and chorus to yourself Last verse and chorus to your someone else A song is a conversation and you don’t have to express it all to just one person, think of it as three different conversations “how to kiss a boy”http://www.lorimckenna.comhttps://www.scarletkeys.comEngineer: Peter Sykes https://www.petersykesmusic.comThe show's theme song "What's in a Song" was co-written with Otto GrossRecorded and performed by Otto Gross: @OttoGrossProduction (instagram)@OttoGrossMusic (Youtube, facebook, TikTok)https://biglink.to/ottogrossmusicScarlet's website: https://www.scarletkeys.comScarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songwriting:https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Songwriting-Music-Meaning-Emotion/dp/0876391927/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2PP55NU6E9ST6&keywords=the+craft+of+songwriting&qid=1659573139&sprefix=the+craft+of+songwritin%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1

Wendy Moten Is known affectionately in various industry circles as “The Voice,” the multi-talented Memphis born performer launched her career with a self-titled  album that included the ballad “Come In Out Of The Rain,” which reached the Top 5 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart and later hit the Top Ten on the UK singles chart. Wendy opened for Michael Bolton and then recorded well received albums (including one produced by Foster).Wendy diversified and launched a new phase of her career recording guest duets with Michael McDonald (“No Love To Be Found”), Kirk Whalum (“All I Do”), Peabo Bryson (“My Gift Is You”), Larry Carlton (“I Still Believe”) and Julio Iglesias (“Just Walk Away”), the latter whom she toured with for over 15 years. She was most recently a finalist on The Voice on Blake Shelton’s team and on today’s show, she’s going to talk about:On today's show, Wendy talks about what she’s learned from the masters including Michael Jordan about singingThe Dynamic arch as a singerHow she plans the architecture as a vocalistBe a vocal techniqnitionEmotional composition as a singerSome tips on being a professional on tourAnd her favorite warm up exercisesDavid Santos is a world class musician, primarily known as a touring and recording bassist, but also known as a guitarist and pianist. He has toured and recorded with Billy Joel/Elton John, John Fogerty, Crosby Stills and Nash, The Neville Brothers, Tommy James  Toby Keith, Faith Hill, Tim Mcgraw and many others. David is also a respected educator and songwriter/producer. Today, he talks about:Being a master musicianContinuing to study and learn and play The importance of learning to read music as a musicianBeing true stylistically to the genre you are playingAccessing the moment as you playDon’t be the guy that’s happening elsewhereBe in the moment 100% Handling criticism like a proStaying openBeing a touring working musician on the road with Billy Joel, Elton John, Melissa Etheridge and Crosby Stills and Nashhttps://www.scarletkeys.comhttps://wendymoten.comhttps://davidsantos.comThis episode was mixed by Peter Sykes:https://www.petersykesmusic.com"The Craft of Songwriting: Music, Meaning and Emotion: https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Songwriting-Music-Meaning-Emotion/dp/0876391927/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=the+craft+of+songwriting&qid=1638411380&sr=8-2"What's in a Song" co-written with Otto GrossRecorded and performed by Otto Gross: @OttoGrossProduction (instagram)@OttoGrossMusic (Youtube, facebook, TikTok)https://biglink.to/ottogrossmusicScarlet's website: https://www.scarletkeys.comScarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songwriting:https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Songwriting-Music-Meaning-Emotion/dp/0876391927/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2PP55NU6E9ST6&keywords=the+craft+of+songwriting&qid=1659573139&sprefix=the+craft+of+songwritin%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1

In this episode, VP and A&R of Warner Bros. Nashville B.J. Hill, shared music biz gold! He talked about what he looks for in a writer he signs to a publishing deal, what he looks for in a song and nuances in lyric writing that he feels takes a song over the edge and onto the radio.He  plays two of his favorite songs and talks about why he loves them.  He shares a number 1 song and plays the original work tape before it was recorded by Kenny Chesney.   He talked about how there's still big money to be made if your song is a top 10 hit and insight into what he thinks it takes to make it as a songwriter.https://www.scarletkeys.comhttps://www.instagram.com/skeys2021/https://www.petersykesmusic.comThe show's theme song "What's in a Song" was co-written with Otto GrossRecorded and performed by Otto Gross: @OttoGrossProduction (instagram)@OttoGrossMusic (Youtube, facebook, TikTok)https://biglink.to/ottogrossmusicScarlet's website: https://www.scarletkeys.comScarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songwriting:https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Songwriting-Music-Meaning-Emotion/dp/0876391927/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2PP55NU6E9ST6&keywords=the+craft+of+songwriting&qid=1659573139&sprefix=the+craft+of+songwritin%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1

Rob Giles is a singer-songwriter known for his solo work, along with working with Andy Summers of the Police and the band The Rescues. He pivoted to film and television writing in 2015 when he sold two spec scripts to Warner Bros. Warner Bros also developed two shows with the CW in 2016 and 2017.This was such an inspiring and honest conversation touching on sobriety, therapy and working on yourself as well as your craft.   We talked about lyric structure and the freedom in the boundaries of craft and how the number of lines in a song section can support the emotion of your song and How changing a chord changes the feeling We talked about rethinking and reframing success as Rob takes us through his journey of writing songs in New York, Nashville and L.A., making a record with Andy Summers from the Police, his own artistic journey and his work as a member of the Rescues to writing screen plays for television. Focussing on the process, doing what you love and knowing when to quit a dream to dream a better dream.Rob Giles "You're Not Listening"https://music.apple.com/us/album/youre-not-listening/500690568?i=500690696https://www.scarletkeys.comThe show's theme song "What's in a Song" was co-written with Otto GrossRecorded and performed by Otto Gross: @OttoGrossProduction (instagram)@OttoGrossMusic (Youtube, facebook, TikTok)https://biglink.to/ottogrossmusicScarlet's website: https://www.scarletkeys.comScarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songwriting:https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Songwriting-Music-Meaning-Emotion/dp/0876391927/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2PP55NU6E9ST6&keywords=the+craft+of+songwriting&qid=1659573139&sprefix=the+craft+of+songwritin%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1

In this episode, Jeff walks us through one of his songs and how he makes melodic decisions.Show take aways:How to evolve your  melodyFocus to the relationship between chords and melodySecondary Dominant can be great chords for the bridgeCreate hooks both in the melody and piano partFocus on the song, not the businesshttp://jefffranzel.comhttps://www.scarletkeys.comThe show's theme song "What's in a Song" was co-written with Otto GrossRecorded and performed by Otto Gross: @OttoGrossProduction (instagram)@OttoGrossMusic (Youtube, facebook, TikTok)https://biglink.to/ottogrossmusicScarlet's website: https://www.scarletkeys.comScarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songwriting:https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Songwriting-Music-Meaning-Emotion/dp/0876391927/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2PP55NU6E9ST6&keywords=the+craft+of+songwriting&qid=1659573139&sprefix=the+craft+of+songwritin%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1

This week, I talk with Neuroscientist and best selling author of the book "This is your Brain on Music".  Why we feel better when we hear sad songs, how certain compositional decisions affect the brain of the listener and so much more.https://www.scarletkeys.comhttp://daniellevitin.comThis episode was mixed by Peter Sykes:https://www.petersykesmusic.com"The Craft of Songwriting: Music, Meaning and Emotion: https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Songwriting-Music-Meaning-Emotion/dp/0876391927/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=the+craft+of+songwriting&qid=1638411380&sr=8-2"What's in a Song" co-written with Otto GrossRecorded and performed by Otto Gross: @OttoGrossProduction (instagram)@OttoGrossMusic (Youtube, facebook, TikTok)https://biglink.to/ottogrossmusicScarlet's website: https://www.scarletkeys.comScarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songwriting:https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Songwriting-Music-Meaning-Emotion/dp/0876391927/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2PP55NU6E9ST6&keywords=the+craft+of+songwriting&qid=1659573139&sprefix=the+craft+of+songwritin%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1

This week, I talk with Norwegian born L.A. based  hit songwriter and producer about how he found his unique voice as a writer and a producer.  Creative Bravery and being yourself in a wold that wants you to follow the trend and writing with and producing artist Salem Ilese.https://www.scarletkeys.comhttp://www.bendikmoller.comThis episode was mixed by Peter Sykes:https://www.petersykesmusic.com"The Craft of Songwriting: Music, Meaning and Emotion: https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Songwriting-Music-Meaning-Emotion/dp/0876391927/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=the+craft+of+songwriting&qid=1638411380&sr=8-2"What's in a Song" co-written with Otto GrossRecorded and performed by Otto Gross: @OttoGrossProduction (instagram)@OttoGrossMusic (Youtube, facebook, TikTok)https://biglink.to/ottogrossmusichttps://www.scarletkeys.comScarlet's website: https://www.scarletkeys.comScarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songwriting:https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Songwriting-Music-Meaning-Emotion/dp/0876391927/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2PP55NU6E9ST6&keywords=the+craft+of+songwriting&qid=1659573139&sprefix=the+craft+of+songwritin%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1

In this episode, Pat walks us through several songs demonstrating the powerful effect of melodic phrasing and how it can transform your songwriting.  He also breaks down one of his original songs to demonstrate the before and after  he changes the phrasing.https://www.patpattison.comhttps://www.scarletkeys.comThe final version of "Pieces" was arranged by: David Bawiec https://www.davidbawiec.com/?fbclid=IwAR0I9P7K-1IROgJBNQptzoVZKMWapVTv5-QNJzMiY_aQriaCXAuhPvZyUbMThis episode was mixed by Peter Sykes:https://www.petersykesmusic.com"The Craft of Songwriting: Music, Meaning and Emotion: https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Songwriting-Music-Meaning-Emotion/dp/0876391927/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=the+craft+of+songwriting&qid=1638411380&sr=8-2"What's in a Song" co-written with Otto GrossRecorded and performed by Otto Gross: @OttoGrossProduction (instagram)@OttoGrossMusic (Youtube, facebook, TikTok)https://biglink.to/ottogrossmusichttps://www.scarletkeys.comScarlet's website: https://www.scarletkeys.comScarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songwriting:https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Songwriting-Music-Meaning-Emotion/dp/0876391927/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2PP55NU6E9ST6&keywords=the+craft+of+songwriting&qid=1659573139&sprefix=the+craft+of+songwritin%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1

In this episode I talk with singer/songwriter Sally Taylor about writing the music first, what she learned about writing from growing up with two of the most popular artists of our time and the power of metaphor.  She shares her unbelievably inspiring brain child Consenses and how it can be so helpful to songwriters.Find Sally Taylor:https://consenses.orgScarlet's book on songwriting:"The Craft of Songwriting: Music, Meaning and Emotion: https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Songwriting-Music-Meaning-Emotion/dp/0876391927/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=the+craft+of+songwriting&qid=1638411380&sr=8-2"What's in a Song" co-written with Otto GrossRecorded and performed by Otto Gross: @OttoGrossProduction (instagram)@OttoGrossMusic (Youtube, facebook, TikTok)https://biglink.to/ottogrossmusichttps://www.scarletkeys.comScarlet's website: https://www.scarletkeys.comScarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songwriting:https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Songwriting-Music-Meaning-Emotion/dp/0876391927/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2PP55NU6E9ST6&keywords=the+craft+of+songwriting&qid=1659573139&sprefix=the+craft+of+songwritin%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1

In this episode, I talk with best selling author of "Writing Down the Bones" on having a writing  practice and trusting the mind.  How writing topics can help songwriters, the zen of writing, haiku  and being willing to write terrible things.https://nataliegoldberg.comhttps://www.scarletkeys.com"The Craft of Songwriting: Music, Meaning and Emotion: https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Songwriting-Music-Meaning-Emotion/dp/0876391927/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=the+craft+of+songwriting&qid=1638411380&sr=8-2"What's in a Song" co-written with Otto GrossRecorded and performed by Otto Gross: @OttoGrossProduction (instagram)@OttoGrossMusic (Youtube, facebook, TikTok)https://biglink.to/ottogrossmusicScarlet's website: https://www.scarletkeys.comScarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songwriting:https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Songwriting-Music-Meaning-Emotion/dp/0876391927/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2PP55NU6E9ST6&keywords=the+craft+of+songwriting&qid=1659573139&sprefix=the+craft+of+songwritin%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1

In this episode, I talk with hit songwriter Greg Becker about his writing process, what inspires him, what keeps him grounded as a writer.  He shares his journey as a songwriter, how he cowrites and collaborates and the importance of rhythm in your melody.PersistanceProcess over outcomeCollaborateRelationship first, cowriter 2ndSay things you believeLeave your ego at the doorScarlet's website: https://www.scarletkeys.comScarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songwriting:https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Songwriting-Music-Meaning-Emotion/dp/0876391927/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2PP55NU6E9ST6&keywords=the+craft+of+songwriting&qid=1659573139&sprefix=the+craft+of+songwritin%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1

This episode is literally a master class on songwriting.  Gary talks about his process, how he writes a song like it's a screen play and shows you how he writes a great melody and the notes that matter.Show take aways:·      Start with a title·      Decide what style the song should be in·      Decide where to place the title to determine the song form·      Is it the first line of the song? Does it occur at the end of every verse or at the end of the chorus?·      Try writing the chorus first·      Show don’t tell·      Write the song like it’s a screen play·      Focus on the North Star or the elevator pitch for the main idea·      The verse is the setting, the characters, the where, the who and when·      The Chorus is the why·      Audition your melodies and find the money notes·      The money notes in a major key are the unstable notes in the scale: 2, 4 6 and 7thhttp://middlemanburr.com"The Craft of Songwriting: Music, Meaning and Emotion: https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Songwriting-Music-Meaning-Emotion/dp/0876391927/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=the+craft+of+songwriting&qid=1638411380&sr=8-2"What's in a Song" co-written with Otto GrossRecorded and performed by Otto Gross: @OttoGrossProduction (instagram)@OttoGrossMusic (Youtube, facebook, TikTok)https://biglink.to/ottogrossmusichttps://www.scarletkeys.comScarlet's website: https://www.scarletkeys.comScarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songwriting:https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Songwriting-Music-Meaning-Emotion/dp/0876391927/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2PP55NU6E9ST6&keywords=the+craft+of+songwriting&qid=1659573139&sprefix=the+craft+of+songwritin%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1

Steve Seskin is a hit songwriter and artist.  He plays one of his hit songs and walks us through how the song came to be step by step, sharing his thought process and craft.  He shares his insights on what it takes to write a great story song.Show take aways:Try writing your chorus first asking "What is the big pictures idea".  Try to write so that your choruses grow in meaning each time you hear them.Try writing to the following chord progression:I     VImin   IV   V  =  C  Amin  F  GRewrite, Songwriting isn't a race, take as long as each song needs whether it's 3 hours or 75 hours, serve the song.Write what you care about, it doesn't have to have happened to you.There are songs that entertain and there are songs that make you think and sometimes we get lucky and we get both at the same time: "Believe" by John Mayer.https://www.steveseskin.com"The Craft of Songwriting: Music, Meaning and Emotion: https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Songwriting-Music-Meaning-Emotion/dp/0876391927/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=the+craft+of+songwriting&qid=1638411380&sr=8-2"What's in a Song" co-written with Otto GrossRecorded and performed by Otto Gross: @OttoGrossProduction (instagram)@OttoGrossMusic (Youtube, facebook, TikTok)https://biglink.to/ottogrossmusichttps://www.scarletkeys.comScarlet's website: https://www.scarletkeys.comScarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songwriting:https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Songwriting-Music-Meaning-Emotion/dp/0876391927/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2PP55NU6E9ST6&keywords=the+craft+of+songwriting&qid=1659573139&sprefix=the+craft+of+songwritin%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1

In this episode, I talk with the author of "The Artist's Way", Julia Cameron and she shares some of her life changing tools for unblocking, creating flow, and handling the inner and outer critique.Show take aways:Take long walks, walking primes the pumpHave a weekly artist's dateUse humor to diffuse the mean critique voiceDue your morning writingWrite by handWhen we are vulnerable we are rewarded with the flow of creativityMiniaturize you're sensor and give it a cartoon wee small voicehttps://juliacameronlive.comhttps://www.scarletkeys.comThe show's theme song "What's in a Song" was co-written with Otto GrossRecorded and performed by Otto Gross: @OttoGrossProduction (instagram)@OttoGrossMusic (Youtube, facebook, TikTok)https://biglink.to/ottogrossmusicScarlet's website: https://www.scarletkeys.comScarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songwriting:https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Songwriting-Music-Meaning-Emotion/dp/0876391927/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2PP55NU6E9ST6&keywords=the+craft+of+songwriting&qid=1659573139&sprefix=the+craft+of+songwritin%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1

Eric Roberson is a two time Grammy nominated singer/songwriter and producer and a professor at the Berklee College of Music.Some take aways from today's show:Be willing to crash and burn for the chance that we might find artPrioritize what's important and be willing to say noBe fully present and embody  each and every momentTry different instruments to find new ideas in your writingWhat is your relationship with creativity?Write without responsibilityChew slowBe purpose drivenhttps://ericrobersonmusic.comhttps://www.scarletkeys.com"What's in a Song" co-written with Otto GrossRecorded and performed by Otto Gross: @OttoGrossProduction (instagram)@OttoGrossMusic (Youtube, facebook, TikTok)https://biglink.to/ottogrossmusicScarlet's website: https://www.scarletkeys.comScarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songwriting:https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Songwriting-Music-Meaning-Emotion/dp/0876391927/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2PP55NU6E9ST6&keywords=the+craft+of+songwriting&qid=1659573139&sprefix=the+craft+of+songwritin%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1

My guest today is award winning singer songwriter and producer Mark Erelli.  Mark has produced albums for Lori McKenna, toured with Josh Ritter, Paula Cole, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill.  He has released over 11 albums as a solo artist.On this episode, Mark dives into the writing process from one of the songs off his new record Blindsided and the crucial art of critical thinking for the songwriter.  He shares his favorite ways to rhyme, how to write to the biggest idea and a few of his favorite chords and much more.  https://www.scarletkeys.com https://www.markerelli.com. Scarlet's website: https://www.scarletkeys.comScarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songwriting:https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Songwriting-Music-Meaning-Emotion/dp/0876391927/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2PP55NU6E9ST6&keywords=the+craft+of+songwriting&qid=1659573139&sprefix=the+craft+of+songwritin%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1