Songwriting for Everyone
221 episodes - English - Latest episode: 4 months ago - ★★★★ - 13 ratingsThis podcast is for all songwriters, whether just starting or advanced - no musical background necessary! Composer and teacher Joseph Lilore covers the techniques of modern hit songwriters ("Circles" by Post Malone, "Bad Guy" by Billie Eilish), along with in-depth analysis of popular songs through time ("Something" by The Beatles, "Smells Like Teen Spirit" by Nirvana). The first series of lessons is an interactive course, where Joe plays chord progressions on the guitar as you sing along, turning your words into melodies. By the end of that series you will have written your first song, and you will be able to compose as many songs as you wish, in any style - pop, jazz, rock, country & more! Over 45 episodes so far, with new episodes released regularly.
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Episodes
Episode #136 Duet for Violin & Guitar
December 18, 2023 23:00 - 2 minutes - 1.78 MBHi everyone, this next work in the series for guitar and various instruments features a dialogue between Violin & Guitar. I hope you enjoy these compositions, all my best wishes -Joe
Episode #135 Soundscape - Verona Park
December 11, 2023 19:00 - 3 minutes - 2.66 MBHi everyone, this next work is a soundscape of a beautiful park in New Jersey. A depiction in sound of following a path around the lake, in the center of the park. Hope you enjoy - Take care Joe
Episode #134 Dialogue #1 - Flute & Guitar
December 04, 2023 20:00 - 4 minutes - 2.94 MBHi everyone, this next work in the series for guitar and various instruments features a dialogue between Flute. & Guitar. I hope you enjoy these dialogues, all my best wishes -Joe
Episode #133 Dialogue #1 - Two Guitars
November 27, 2023 19:00 - 4 minutes - 2.82 MBHi everyone, this next work in the series for guitar and various instruments features a dialogue between 2 Guitars. In this composition I feature what I believe is the most important compositional technique in all genres of music - "Repetition and repetition with variation". In addition the use of petal tones and drones , notes sustained or repeated under the middle or above the music. The third technique highlighted is the Ostinato - A phrase motive riff repeated over and over creating a...
Episode #132. Dialogue #4 - Flute & Guitar
November 20, 2023 18:00 - 1 minute - 1.26 MBHi everyone, this next work in the series for guitar and various instruments features a dialogue between flute and classical guitar. Hope you enjoy, all my best wishes Joe.
Episode #131. "Nuages" Duet for Violin & Guitar
November 12, 2023 23:00 - 3 minutes - 2.77 MBHi everyone, for the next series of episodes I would like feature some of my works for guitar, along with various instruments and ensembles . All my best wishes Joe
Episode #130 - Hidden Signatures - Women Composers -Sister Rosetta Tharpe
January 05, 2023 00:00 - 16 minutes - 11.4 MBSister Rosetta Tharpe - In this episode and the series that follow, Joe highlights the lives and music of women composers through the centuries, whose compositions were discouraged, suppressed and even forbidden. Known as "the Godmother of Rock and Roll", the following are links to Sister Rosetta's Music : https://youtube.com/watch?v=Y9a49oFalZE&feature=shares, https://youtube.com/watch?v=gELe5Rj_tXU&feature=shares
Episode #129 - Hidden Signatures - Women Composers - Clara Schumann
December 19, 2022 18:00 - 7 minutes - 5.1 MBClara Schumann - In this episode and the series that follow, Joe highlights the lives and music of women composers through the centuries, whose compositions were discouraged, suppressed and even forbidden. The following are links to some of Clara's composition: https://youtube.com/watch?v=xhDFHqOLgeQ&feature=shares. https://youtube.com/watch?v=O4k7ioNBp7o&feature=shares
Episode #128 - Hidden Signatures - Women Composers - Fanny Mendelssohn
October 26, 2022 17:00 - 5 minutes - 3.52 MBFanny Mendelssohn - In this episode and the series that follow, Joe highlights the lives and music of women composers through the centuries, whose compositions were discouraged, suppressed and even forbidden. The following are links to some of her compositions. https://youtu.be/ti1eZ2B63Ro , https://youtu.be/MxlMuaO5hng
Episode #127 - Hidden Signatures - Women Composers - Hildegard of Bingen
October 12, 2022 17:00 - 6 minutes - 4.76 MBHildegard of Bingen - In this episode and the series that follow, Joe highlights the lives and music of women composers through the centuries, whose compositions were discouraged, suppressed and even forbidden, starting with "Ordo Virtutum" by Hildegard von Bingen. You can hear the piece here: https://youtu.be/zUMlhtoGTzY
Episode #127 - Hidden Signatures - Women Composers - Hildegard of Bingen
October 12, 2022 17:00 - 6 minutes - 4.76 MBHildegard of Bingen - In this episode and the series that follow, Joe highlights the lives and music of women composers through the centuries, whose compositions were discouraged, suppressed and even forbidden, starting with "Ordo Virtutum" by Hildegard von Bingen. You can hear the piece here: https://youtu.be/zUMlhtoGTzY
Episode #126 - Songwriter Interview with McKenna Rowe from Nature Loves Courage
September 06, 2022 21:00 - 31 minutes - 22 MBSongwriter Interview: In this episode, Joe interviews singer, songwriter, keyboardist, arranger and producer McKenna Rowe, discussing her life and career as a professional composer and songwriter. Based in L.A., she has led bands and created music for TV, film and ads under the "Psykick Girl" moniker. Her new band is Nature Loves Courage, an "electronic art-rock" project where live instruments (Rowe on vocals and keys is joined by bassist Jacob Bergman and drummer Garret Smith) meet elect...
Episode #126 - Songwriter Interview with McKenna Rowe from Nature Loves Courage
September 06, 2022 21:00 - 31 minutes - 22 MBSongwriter Interview: In this episode, Joe interviews singer, songwriter, keyboardist, arranger and producer McKenna Rowe, discussing her life and career as a professional composer and songwriter. Based in L.A., she has led bands and created music for TV, film and ads under the "Psykick Girl" moniker. Her new band is Nature Loves Courage, an "electronic art-rock" project where live instruments (Rowe on vocals and keys is joined by bassist Jacob Bergman and drummer Garret Smith) meet elect...
Episode #125 - Songwriter Interview with El Caplan
August 04, 2022 17:00 - 22 minutes - 15.7 MBSongwriter Interview: In this episode, Joe interviews singer, songwriter, arranger and producer El Caplan to discuss his upcoming EP release and the life of a professional songwriter. While working at Dr. Dre's Aftermath studios, El Caplan created and contributed the all-important guitar part to "Not The Same" by Kyle which you can hear here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6d4JVCnOy8 El offers deep insights into a life in music, including the software he uses, his process creating song...
Episode #125 - Songwriter Interview with El Caplan
August 04, 2022 17:00 - 22 minutes - 15.7 MBSongwriter Interview: In this episode, Joe interviews singer, songwriter, arranger and producer El Caplan to discuss his upcoming EP release and the life of a professional songwriter. While working at Dr. Dre's Aftermath studios, El Caplan created and contributed the all-important guitar part to "Not The Same" by Kyle which you can hear here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6d4JVCnOy8 El offers deep insights into a life in music, including the software he uses, his process creating song...
Episode #124 - Songwriting - Compositional Ear Training #5
July 25, 2022 17:00 - 17 minutes - 12.1 MBSongwriting: In this episode Joe continues the combined studies of ear training and composition, turning one's mind into the instrument of creativity. The fifth chord in the major key is added along with ear training exercises and the creation of the verse section of a song.
Episode #124 - Songwriting - Compositional Ear Training #5
July 25, 2022 17:00 - 17 minutes - 12.1 MBSongwriting: In this episode Joe continues the combined studies of ear training and composition, turning one's mind into the instrument of creativity. The fifth chord in the major key is added along with ear training exercises and the creation of the verse section of a song.
Episode #123 - Songwriting - Compositional Ear Training #4
July 18, 2022 17:00 - 13 minutes - 9.35 MBSongwriting: In this episode Joe continues the combined studies of ear training and composition, turning one's mind into an instrument of creativity. The fourth chord in the major key is added along with ear training exercises and the creation of the chorus section of a song.
Episode #123 - Songwriting - Compositional Ear Training #4
July 18, 2022 17:00 - 13 minutes - 9.35 MBSongwriting: In this episode Joe continues the combined studies of ear training and composition, turning one's mind into an instrument of creativity. The fourth chord in the major key is added along with ear training exercises and the creation of the chorus section of a song.
Episode #122 - Songwriting - Compositional Ear Training #3
July 12, 2022 17:00 - 16 minutes - 11.3 MBSongwriting: In this episode Joe continues the combined studies of ear training and composition, turning one's mind into an instrument of creativity. The 3rd chord in the major key based is introduced along with ear training exercises and the creation of melodies based on the major scale.
Episode #122 - Songwriting - Compositional Ear Training #3
July 12, 2022 17:00 - 16 minutes - 11.3 MBSongwriting: In this episode Joe continues the combined studies of ear training and composition, turning one's mind into an instrument of creativity. The 3rd chord in the major key based is introduced along with ear training exercises and the creation of melodies based on the major scale.
Episode #121 - Songwriting - Compositional Ear Training #2
July 04, 2022 17:00 - 16 minutes - 11 MBSongwriting: In this episode Joe continues the combined studies of ear training and composition, turning one's mind into the instrument of creativity.
Episode #121 - Songwriting - Compositional Ear Training #2
July 04, 2022 17:00 - 16 minutes - 11 MBSongwriting: In this episode Joe continues the combined studies of ear training and composition, turning one's mind into the instrument of creativity.
Episode #120 - Songwriting - Compositional Ear Training
June 25, 2022 17:00 - 19 minutes - 13.4 MBSongwriting: In this episode Joe combines the studies of ear training and composition, turning one's mind into the instrument of creativity. The resulting music will be truly your own - evolving from within.
Episode #119 Dialogue #3 "FLUTE & GUITAR"
April 25, 2022 17:00 - 4 minutes - 2.91 MBHi Everyone, as I am working on the next episode, for now I have included one of my compositions which I hope you will enjoy - This is one of the 21 Dialogues for guitar and various instruments . All my best wishes Joe
Episode #118 - Songwriting - Song Analysis - "IT'LL BE OKAY" Shawn Mendes
April 10, 2022 17:00 - 23 minutes - 15.9 MBSongwriting: In this episode Joe analyzes the song "It'll Be Okay" by Shawn Mendes, Eddie Benjamin, Scott Harris and Michael Sabath. Through detailed analysis, we see techniques that will elevate any composition, in any genre of music, to a higher level. For example: forecasting future events, dovetailing sections, hooks at every level - melody, harmony and rhythm, along with fusing the old with the new etc.. This song is a textbook lesson for any songwriter or composer in any style or...
Episode #117 - Songwriting - Song Analysis - "Beat It" Michael Jackson
February 22, 2022 18:00 - 13 minutes - 9.23 MBSongwriting: In this episode Joe analyzes the song "Beat It" by Michael Jackson . This song was chosen in order to highlight the importance of rhythmic layering in the arranging and recording of any musical composition no matter what style or genre. This is especially important as in today's environment we know of countless examples of artists successfully recording and publishing their music, becoming famous on their own without record companies or unwanted influences.
Episode #116 - Songwriting - Song Analysis - "Don't Stop Believin"
January 17, 2022 18:00 - 16 minutes - 11.2 MBSongwriting: In this episode Joe analyzes the song "Don't Stop Believin" by Jonathan Cain, Neal Schon and Steve Perry of Journey. It is one of only two songs to reach one billion streams on Spotify - the other being "Bohemian Rhapsody".
Episode #115 - Songwriting - Song Analysis - "Shivers" Ed Sheeran
December 31, 2021 18:00 - 21 minutes - 15.1 MBSongwriting: In this episode Joe analyzes the song "Shivers" by Ed Sheeran, Johnny McDaid, Steve Mac and Kai Lavelle. Through detailed analysis, we see techniques that will elevate any composition, in any genre of music, to a higher level. For example: forecasting future events, dovetailing sections, hooks at every level - melody, harmony and rhythm along with fusing the old with the new etc.. This song is a textbook lesson for any songwriter or composer in any style or genre of music.
Episode #114 - Songwriting - Alternative Keys
December 02, 2021 18:00 - 17 minutes - 12.2 MBSongwriting: In this episode Joe introduces the concept of creating your own keys based on synthetic and exotic scales, opening a vast reservoir of material to create music uniquely your own . These original keys will lead to chord progressions, melodies and musical compositions unlike anyone else.
Episode #113 - Songwriting - Improvising Unlimited Melodies #12
November 22, 2021 05:00 - 13 minutes - 9.06 MBSongwriting: In this episode Joe continues this ongoing study, creating an unlimited amount of melodies through various musical techniques . This episode deals with improvising melodies for songs or solos through the use of " A Suspension" combined with chord tones, passing tones, non-chord tones, auxiliary tones and the appoggiatura against the chord progression C, G, Am and F.
Episode #112 - Songwriting - Improvising Unlimited Melodies #11
November 16, 2021 18:00 - 9 minutes - 6.39 MBSongwriting: In this episode Joe continues this ongoing study, creating an unlimited amount of melodies through various musical techniques . This episode deals with improvising melodies for songs or solos through the use of "the anticipation" combined with chord tones, passing tones, non-chord tones, auxiliary tones and the appoggiatura against the chord progression C, G, Am and F.
Episode #111 - Songwriting - Improvising Unlimited Melodies #10
November 09, 2021 18:00 - 10 minutes - 7.09 MBSongwriting: In this episode Joe continues this ongoing study, creating an unlimited amount of melodies through various musical techniques . This episode deals with improvising melodies through the use of AUXILIARY NEIGHBOR TONES combined with escape tones against the chord progression C, G, Am and F.
Episode #110 - Songwriting - Song Analysis - "Easy On Me"- Adele
November 02, 2021 17:00 - 25 minutes - 17.3 MBSongwriting: In this episode Joe analyzes the song "Easy On Me" by Adele Adkins and Greg Kurstin. In this episode, through analysis, we see techniques that will elevate any composition, in any genre of music, to a higher level. For example: forecasting future events, dovetailing sections, overlapping elements, fusing the old with the new etc... This is a textbook lesson for any songwriter or composer in any style or genre of music.
Episode #109 - Songwriting - Improvising Unlimited Melodies #9
October 22, 2021 17:00 - 7 minutes - 5.47 MBSongwriting: In this episode Joe continues this ongoing study, creating an unlimited amount of melodies through various musical techniques . This episode deals with improvising melodies through the use of DIATONIC and CHROMATIC passing tones combined with ESCAPE TONES against the chord progression C, G, Am and F.
Episode #108 - Songwriting - Improvising Unlimited Melodies #8
October 19, 2021 17:00 - 19 minutes - 13.6 MBSongwriting: In this episode Joe continues this ongoing study, creating an unlimited amount of melodies through various musical techniques . This episode deals with improvising melodies through the introduction of the VI chord and the addition of modal techniques, along with the previously studied chromatic scale, chord tones, non-chord tones, passing and auxiliary tones, along with the appoggiatura.
Episode #107 - Songwriting - Unlimited Melodies #7
October 12, 2021 17:00 - 8 minutes - 6.15 MBSongwriting: In this episode Joe continues the study of the creation of an unlimited amount of melodies through various musical techniques . These techniques have been used by all composers, in all genres of music, throughout history. This episode deals with improvising melodies through the introduction and use of the Chromatic scale, now combined with the previously studied chord tones, non-chord tones, passing and auxiliary tones along with the appoggiatura.
Episode #107 - Songwriting - Improvising Unlimited Melodies #7
October 12, 2021 17:00 - 8 minutes - 6.15 MBSongwriting: In this episode Joe continues the study of the creation of an unlimited amount of melodies through various musical techniques . These techniques have been used by all composers, in all genres of music, throughout history. This episode deals with improvising melodies through the introduction and use of the CHROMATIC SCALE, now combined with the previously studied chord tones, non-chord tones, passing and auxiliary tones along with the appoggiatura.
Episode #106 - Songwriting - Unlimited Melodies #6
October 04, 2021 17:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBSongwriting: In this episode Joe continues the study of the creation of an unlimited amount of melodies through various musical techniques . These techniques have been used by all composers, in all genres of music, throughout history. In this episode we add in the V chord (G Major ) . In addition, you will see the technique of connecting chords with 2 bar phrases, using chord , non-chord, passing, auxiliary tones along with the appoggiatura. The Blues progression and scale is also cov...
Episode #106 - Songwriting - Improvising Unlimited Melodies #6
October 04, 2021 17:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBSongwriting: In this episode Joe continues the study of the creation of an unlimited amount of melodies through various musical techniques . These techniques have been used by all composers, in all genres of music, throughout history. In this episode we add in the V chord (G Major ) . In addition, you will see the technique of connecting chords with 2 bar phrases, using chord , non-chord, passing, auxiliary tones along with the appoggiatura. The Blues progression and scale is also cov...
Episode #105 - Songwriting - Unlimited Melodies #5
September 28, 2021 17:00 - 17 minutes - 12 MBSongwriting: In this episode Joe continues the study of the creation of an unlimited amount of melodies through various musical techniques . These techniques have been used by all composers, in all genres of music, throughout history. This episode deals with improvising melodies through the use of the Appoggiatura.
Episode #105 - Songwriting - Improvising Unlimited Melodies #5
September 28, 2021 17:00 - 17 minutes - 12 MBSongwriting: In this episode Joe continues the study of the creation of an unlimited amount of melodies through various musical techniques . These techniques have been used by all composers, in all genres of music, throughout history. This episode deals with improvising melodies through the use of the APPOGGIATURA.
Episode #104 - Songwriting - Improvising Unlimited Melodies #4
September 21, 2021 17:00 - 14 minutes - 9.95 MBSongwriting: In this episode Joe continues the study of the creation of an unlimited amount of melodies through various musical techniques . These techniques have been used by all composers, in all genres of music, throughout history. This episode deals with improvising melodies through the use of AUXILIARY NEIGHBOR TONES.
Episode #104 - Songwriting - Unlimited Melodies #4
September 21, 2021 17:00 - 14 minutes - 9.95 MBSongwriting: In this episode Joe continues the study of the creation of an unlimited amount of melodies through various musical techniques . These techniques have been used by all composers, in all genres of music, throughout history. This episode deals with improvising melodies through the use of Auxiliary Tones
Episode #103 - Songwriting - Unlimited Melodies #3
September 14, 2021 17:00 - 6 minutes - 4.78 MBSongwriting: In this episode Joe continues the study of the creation of an unlimited amount of melodies through various musical techniques . These techniques have been used by all composers, in all genres of music, throughout history. This episode deals with improvising melodies through the use of auxiliary tones.
Episode #103 - Songwriting - Improvising Unlimited Melodies #3
September 14, 2021 17:00 - 6 minutes - 4.78 MBSongwriting: In this episode Joe continues the study of the creation of an unlimited amount of melodies through various musical techniques . These techniques have been used by all composers, in all genres of music, throughout history. This episode deals with improvising melodies through the use of Passing Tones.
Episode #102 - Songwriting - Improvising Unlimited Melodies #2
September 07, 2021 19:00 - 12 minutes - 8.36 MBSongwriting: In this episode Joe continues the study of the creation of an unlimited amount of melodies through various musical techniques . These techniques have been used by all composers, in all genres of music, throughout history. This episode deals with improvising melodies through the use of chord tones.
Episode #102 - Songwriting - Unlimited Melodies #2
September 07, 2021 19:00 - 12 minutes - 8.36 MBSongwriting: In this episode Joe continues the study of the creation of an unlimited amount of melodies through various musical techniques . These techniques have been used by all composers, in all genres of music, throughout history. This episode deals with improvising melodies through the use of chord tones.
Episode #101 - Songwriting - Song Analysis - "BILLIE BOSSA NOVA" Billie Eilish
August 23, 2021 17:00 - 23 minutes - 16.2 MBSongwriting: In this episode Joe analyzes the song "BILLIE BOSSA NOVA" by Billie (Eilish) O'Connell and Finneas O'Connell. This composition is a model of perfection in how to construct a work of art. The techniques employed offer composers, in all genres of music, a model to emulate in their works. The use of repetition and repetition with variation of melody, harmony and rhythm is textbook, along with the use of dance as inspiration, sectioning through orchestration and vocal range, shi...
Episode #100 - Songwriting - Song Analysis - "Bad Habits" by Ed Sheeran
July 19, 2021 17:00 - 23 minutes - 16.4 MBSongwriting: In this episode Joe analyzes the song "Bad Habits" by Ed Sheeran, Johnny McDaid and Fred Gibson. This composition is a masterpiece of modern song construction. The techniques employed offer composers, in all genres of music, a model to emulate in their works. The use of repetition and repetition with variation of melody, harmony and rhythm is textbook, along with the use of overlapping section and shifting tonal colors.