What's in a Song
73 episodes - English - Latest episode: 14 days ago - ★★★★★ - 90 ratingsThis is a weekly podcast about the craft of songwriting hosted by Berklee College of Music Professor Scarlet Keys. She takes deep dive into the craft, technique and art of songwriting in conversations with eminent songwriters, producers, and other creatives asking questions only a songwriting professor would ask so listeners can walk away inspired and armed with clear and actionable tools and techniques they can apply to their songwriting.
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Episodes
Minisode - The impact and storytelling of NOUNS
April 05, 2024 18:00 - 17 minutes - 12.3 MBThe storytelling effects of nouns. Mixed by Peter Sykes: https://www.petersykesmusic.com/ Otto Gross: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMnxx19QD-vxD4wnYGTn3Jw Scarlet's website: https://www.scarletkeys.com Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/ Scarlet's website: https://www.scarletkeys.com Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/ Scarlet's website: https://www.scarletkeys.com Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/s...
Minisode: The song changing effects of good verbs
March 18, 2024 17:00 - 20 minutes - 14.1 MBIn this minisode, I talk about the power of verbs and how they can do more than just their expected work but can help to tell your story, create characters and build metaphors. Mixed by Peter Sykes: https://www.petersykesmusic.com/ Otto Gross: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMnxx19QD-vxD4wnYGTn3Jw Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/ Scarlet's website: https://www.scarletkeys.com Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/ To pu...
Singer/songwriter Ingrid Saga on jazz, Joni Mitchell's influence, guitar tunings and process
January 17, 2024 21:00 - 56 minutes - 38.5 MBIn this episode, Ingrid talk about her influences, meeting her producer and shares three songs from her upcoming album. She talks about writing in opening tuning and writing process. https://www.instagram.com/ingridsaga/?hl=en Mixed by Peter Sykes: https://www.petersykesmusic.com/ Otto Gross: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMnxx19QD-vxD4wnYGTn3Jw Scarlet's website: https://www.scarletkeys.com Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/ Scarlet's website: h...
Aidan Laprete on finding your sound and gibberish as a lyric writing process
January 02, 2024 05:00 - 1 hour - 44.6 MBIn this Episode I talk with singer/songwriter/producer/actor Aidan Laprete about Voice lessons, finding your sound, and producing. He walks us through writing melody takes - gibberish to find melodies, turning mumbles into words and making it make sense and shares guitar voicings to help you out of sonic ruts. Aidan is from Hawaii and was first known for his ukulele playing at age 8. He has been in film and tv such as "Hawaii Five-O" and "The Wilds" and performs and dissects several of hi...
Writing For T.V. and film and how a little bit of Woo woo can help us with Stuart Roslyn
December 13, 2023 14:00 - 1 hour - 52.2 MBStuart Roslyn is a composer, producer and musician specializing in original music for motion pictures and their trailers. He also creates unique soundscapes for network tv and big brand commercials. His career spans more than 20 years composing and producing many genres of music for the biggest names in entertainment. He is either directing a full orchestra or writing and mixing in his studio. Today, Stuart is here to talk about his approach to work and to life. This episode is packed w...
The songwriting of Taylor Swift - Two things we can learn from the craft of her songwriting
October 24, 2023 15:00 - 15 minutes - 10.9 MBIn this episode, I share a little peak into the craft and poetry of Taylor Swift's songwriting. We look at her choice of chord progressions and one way in to one of her epic bridge sections as well as her use of metaphor. You will walk away with a few tools from the woman currently ruling the world that you can try in your own songs no matter what the genre. Upcoming workshop signup: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-songwriting-of-taylor-weekend-virtual-songwriting-workshop-tickets-747266...
David Wilcox Part 2
September 25, 2023 18:00 - 34 minutes - 23.6 MBDavid Wilcox is an award winning and highly acclaimed American singer songwriter from Asheville North Carolina. His storytelling cuts deep into the soul and observes the human condition from both the nerve center and the outside looking in. He’s released more than 20 records and is famous for his thoughtful insights, humor and open tunings on guitar. In this episode, David talks about process and prompts and writes a song on the spot. https://www.davidwilcox.com To pre-order Scarlet's n...
David Wilcox on inspired writing Part 1
September 18, 2023 17:00 - 1 hour - 43.8 MBDavid Wilcox is an award winning and highly acclaimed American singer songwriter from Asheville North Carolina. His storytelling cuts deep into the soul and observes the human condition from both the nerve center and the outside looking in. He’s released more than 20 records and is famous for his thoughtful insights, humor and open tunings on guitar. In this episode, David takes a deep dive into his writing process and will leave you totally inspired. https://www.davidwilcox.com https:/...
Part 3 Mark Simos: Reflecting on your writing and what you can learn from it
August 17, 2023 18:00 - 1 hour - 42.3 MBIn this episode, we break down co-writing and talk about reflecting back on process and what can be learned from taking pause and observing what went well and what you wish had gone differently making you a better writer and co-writer going forward. To purchase Mark's books: https://www.amazon.com/Songwriting-Strategies-360-Degree-Approach-Music/dp/087639151X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2P5EAKVUEMJCD&keywords=mark+simos&qid=1691706851&sprefix=mark+simo%2Caps%2C184&sr=8-1 Mixed by Peter Sykes: https://...
Part 2 Hank Williams in Hell live co-write with Mark Simos
August 10, 2023 22:00 - 57 minutes - 39.6 MBIn this episode of a two part series, Berklee Professor and Grammy winning writer Mark Simos and I try out his unique approach to writing using different chord configurations in a writing exercise he calls Hank Williams in hell. This is a live co-write so if you are curious about how people write songs collaboratively or want to explore new ways to use the classic three chords, this episode is for you. The final song is shared at the end of this episode. To purchase Mark's books: https://...
Hank Williams in Hell exercise and live cowrite with Grammy winning songwriter Mark Simos
August 03, 2023 19:00 - 1 hour - 48.2 MBIn this episode of a two part series, Berklee Professor and Grammy winning writer Mark Simos and I try out his unique approach to writing using different chord configurations in a writing exercise he calls Hank Williams in hell. This is a live co-write so if you are curious about how people write songs collaboratively or want to explore new ways to use the classic three chords, this episode is for you! Sign up for keyboard class email [email protected] Mixed by Peter Sykes: https:/...
Writing songs for film and t.v. with Grammy winning artist/producer Rich Jaques
July 28, 2023 22:00 - 42 minutes - 29.4 MBToday’s guest is grammy winning songwriter and producer Rich Jaques. Rich has had over 1500 songs placed on film and t.v. and is going to share today about his musical journey. Some key points: Follow the point of enthusiasm (follow your bliss) Finding your own path Notice what makes you excited Writing more impressionistically as not to impose a lyric on a scene Don’t ask who you want to be but who are you Getting over your emotional wall in the biz What gets in your way to succ...
Will Dailey: Genius marketing, the importance of narrative for your art, finding your instrument
July 21, 2023 23:00 - 1 hour - 57.2 MBOn today's show, I have singer/songwriter Will Dailey. In this episode, Will shares some brilliant marketing ideas and talks about: Tools: Try cutting something in half the chorus the bridge a bar a line do something upsetting to your cadence Great advice on writing your best verse 2 Why songwriting is good for you even if it’s not your profession Step outside your comfort genre Finding your instrument Don’t worry about the note you sing Worry about the truth you sing Mumbling ...
Prince's recording engineer Susan Rogers on authenticity, getting your best vocal performance and her new book "This is What it Sounds like"
July 14, 2023 21:00 - 1 hour - 48.4 MBToday I have Susan Rogers who many of you know as Prince’s recording engineer. Today we talk about her new book “This is what it sounds like” and who we are as listeners, what Prince used to ask her to prepare for his writing sessions and insight into writing songs that appeal to a wider audience. Some takeaways: Ask a non musical person for feedback on your songs Active listening Getting your best vocal performance in the studio Music from the neck up vs music from the neck down Maki...
Paula Cole on her writing process, the books that have inspired her and what writing teaches her
June 17, 2023 17:00 - 1 hour - 52.4 MBGrammy-winning artst Paula Cole has released seven solo albums of original songs. Cole has performed with icons in many genres of music, from Peter Gabriel to Dolly Parton, Herbie Hancock to Emmylou Harris, and Amy Lee of Evanescence to Burt Bacharach. Cole’s emotionally deep performances and her poetic, intelligent writing makes her stand out from the masses of contemporary music. Her compositions have been covered by a diverse range of artists—including Hancock, Annie Lennox, Katherine McP...
Finding a title for your song - Minisode
June 09, 2023 20:00 - 6 minutes - 4.26 MBIn this short episode, I talk about starting with an idea or emotion and one of my favorite ways to find a good title for your potential song. Sometimes, an idea just needs a great hook to hang our song on. Announcing my 6 week songwriting course starting June 20th and my weekend workshop on the songwriting of Taylor Swift in July. Click here to sign up and for more information: https://www.scarletkeys.com/ To hear a full version of "Little Big Sky", here is Susan Cattaneo's version: h...
Forensic musicologist Joe Bennett breaks down "If I were a fish" and talks about what constitutes copyright infringement
May 28, 2023 13:00 - 1 hour - 42.6 MBIn this episode, I talk with Dr. Joe Bennett First, we talk about what constitutes copyright infringement from the point of view of a forensic musicologist. Then, Joe dives into the analysis of "If I were a Fish" (pun intended) leaving everyone with some great new ideas to spark their songwriting. Dr. Bennett has been analysing and transcribing popular music for international publication since 1994. He has written 30 books, including transcription, teaching and reference works (published ...
Corook and Olivia Barton: Fame and the introvert and breaking down "If I were a fish"
May 19, 2023 19:00 - 54 minutes - 37.4 MBToday I am so happy to have Corook and Olivia Barton on the show. Corook is a multi-instrumentalist based in Nashville, Tennessee. they are signed to Atlantic Records, and thave toured with JP Saxe and Jukebox the Ghost. Today share my conversation with Corook and their partner artist Olivia Barton. We talk about instant fame and it’s impact on an introvert, Corook talks about their path leading up to their first record deal and then they both talk about writing their magical viral song “...
Robert Gillies on writing hit songs, 2 rules for every co-write, finding the best tempo for your song, his fav home recording mic,
April 20, 2023 12:00 - 1 hour - 52.5 MBRobert Gillies is a hit songwriter and artist living in Norway. In this conversation we talk about finding the sweet spot of tempo for your song The 2 rules to start every cowrite with Working with Charlie Puth His fav microphone for home recording How our road to success can feel like a guided experience How to be in service of the work Opening for Andy Grammer To Pre-order Robert's next single "You're a Better Friend" https://orcd.co/yabf http://www.robertgillies.com Podcast engineer P...
Kieran Rhodes on being on America's Got Talent, the two chords he won't leave home without and what he learned from Randy Newman
April 14, 2023 17:00 - 1 hour - 45.4 MBIn this episode, I am talking with someone at the start of it all, Berklee student Kieran Rhodes. He shares his favorite songwriting tools that he learned from Billy Joel and Randy Newman, why his friends nick named him the V/V, his experience on being on America's Got Talent and the two chords he won't leave home without. He plays a song he wrote in his songwriting 1 class in the mixolydian mode and I give a mini lesson on how to write in mixolydian. https://kieranrhodes.com/ https://ww...
Vance Gilbert on how to be a great opening act, two great chords and his favorite vocal hack
March 30, 2023 20:00 - 1 hour - 55.2 MBIn today's episode, I talk with Folk artist Vance Gilbert on How to be a great opening act. Some show takeaways: Be yourself, you can be shy and confident, but be sure about what you’re doing Wood shed the music and rehearse so you are comfortable with your performance Work on your timing and all the things that go into a great performance Practicing your relative pitch When singing: drop your jaw with an over emphasis with open vowel How to be a great opening act: Streamline your s...
Prince Charles Alexander: The Evolution of Hip hop
March 22, 2023 14:00 - 1 hour - 44.3 MBIn 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 no...
Prince Charles Alexander: Hip hop production, evolution and rap
March 22, 2023 14:00 - 1 hour - 44.3 MBIn 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 no...
Singer Songwriter and Berklee Prof George Woods: ADHD as a songwriting super power and the emotion of music
February 01, 2023 18:00 - 1 hour - 47.7 MBGeorge Woods is an amazing guitarist, singer and songwriter and Berklee Professor. In this episode George shares how ADHD is a superpower for songwriters, what chords and melody bring emotionally. He writes a song on the spot and talks about what theory really is and plays his new single. http://www.georgewoodsmusic.com Scarlet's website: https://www.scarletkeys.com Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/ To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songw...
Kenny Werner Part 2: A meditation, more great insight and a live performance
January 25, 2023 18:00 - 49 minutes - 33.9 MBIn 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” in part two of a great conversation. Find a place to sit and listen towards the end of the podcast for the meditation and then enjoy a live performance from Kenny. https://kennywerner.com Scarlet's website: https://www.scarletkeys.com Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/ To purc...
Kenny Werner on Effortless mastery and being the instrument
January 20, 2023 20:00 - 46 minutes - 31.8 MBIn 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 gravity Sate of presence of mind The body is the instrument that plays the instrument BE the instrument Get your mind out of the way so the body can commit to muscle memory and motor skill The need to sound good ...
Eric Roberson: Finding ideas all around you, Saying no to doubt
January 06, 2023 22:00 - 1 hour - 52.9 MBOn today's show, Eric Roberson is back!! Eric is a 2x Grammy Nominated Singer/Songwriter/Producer/Artist/Entrepreneur. Winner of the 2012 Soul Train Music Award For Independent Artist Of The Year. Widely regarded as the "King Of Independent Soul/R&B". He was on Jimmy Fallon's show "That's my Jam" and has a new book out "Lessons". Here are some show takeaways: Perception is a golden gift Ideas are everywhere Say no to doubt When to say no How to say no When to say yes When reco...
Grammy winning Writer and producer Cliff Goldmacher: The purpose of the chorus, saying less with more and bringing everything you can to the table
December 31, 2022 00:00 - 1 hour - 49 MBToday I have Grammy winner and producer Cliff Goldmacher. Cliff has a catalog of over 1,000 songs and writes with and for artists across multiple genres. He has written a #1 single on the jazz charts, a song on a GRAMMY-winning album and multiple songs featured in major movie releases and national advertising campaigns. Some of his songs have been recorded by Kesha, Keb Mo, and Lisa Loeb to name a few. On today’s show, Cliff shares some writing tips from his book “The Reason for the Rh...
Alliteration, internal rhyme and a deep dive into craft with Hit writers Monty Powell and Anna Wilson
December 21, 2022 23:00 - 1 hour - 44.9 MBIn this episode, I talk with award winning singer/songwriter Anna Wilson and Golden Globe and Country Music Hall of Fame nominee, hit songwriter and producer Monty Powell. This power duo have written songs for Keith Urban, Lady A., Reba McEntire, Rascal Flatts and too many more to mention. This is a master class in lyric technique! Take aways from today's episode: Song maps Lyrical flow Alliteration to grab the listener’s ear Internal rhyme Technical writing Image ladder Creating...
Award winning artist and Berklee Professor Susan Cattaneo on the power of Metaphor
December 08, 2022 01:00 - 1 hour - 58.3 MBIn this episode Berklee Professor and artist Susan Cattaneo shares the magic of songwriting and breaks it down offering some wonderful ideas on how to use metaphor. With her powerful voice, captivating melodies and finely-crafted lyrics, Susan Cattaneo is one of Boston’s most respected singer/songwriters and educators. Susan won the CT Folk Festival and is nominated for Singer Songwriter of the Year at this year’s Boston Music Awards. She has been a finalist or winner in the country’s mos...
Award winning singer/songwriter Susan Cattaneo on the power of Metaphor
December 07, 2022 20:00 - 1 hour - 51.5 MBIn this episode Berklee Professor and artist Susan Cattaneo shares the magic of songwriting and breaks it down offering some wonderful ideas on how to use metaphor. With her powerful voice, captivating melodies and finely-crafted lyrics, Susan Cattaneo is one of Boston’s most respected singer/songwriters and educators. Susan won the CT Folk Festival and is nominated for Singer Songwriter of the Year at this year’s Boston Music Awards. She has been a finalist or winner in the country’s mos...
Grammy winning writer, drummer and producer Tom Hambridge on avoiding cliches and the power of rhythm in your writing
December 01, 2022 20:00 - 57 minutes - 39.4 MBTom Hambridge is an American rock, country, and blues, producer, songwriter, musician and vocalist. Hambridge has received two Grammy Awards, an ASCAP award, seven Grammy nominations, seven Boston Music Awards, and has been inducted into the Buffalo Hall of Fame. In this episode, Tom talks about his influences, how being a drummer informs his writing, working with vocalists, what he learned from Chuck Berry, avoiding cliches and navigating a cowrite. https://www.instagram.com/tomhambridge/...
Matt Rollings: Grammy winning producer, arranger and piano player extraordinaire on being a master player
November 23, 2022 22:00 - 1 hour - 66.8 MBMaster piano player Matt Rollings Matt has played on countless records for artists such as: Wynonna Judd, Lyle Lovett, Shania Twain, Trisha Yearwood, Leonard Cohen, Mark Knofler, Dixie Chicks, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Billy Joel, Steve Martin, Bruce springsteen, Toy Story 4 Randy Newman and Christ Stapleton. Matt has produced many artists such as: Keith Urban and Mellissa Manchester He won a Grammy for Producing, arranging and playing on Willie Nelson’s record: Willie Nelson Singers Ge...
Hit Maker Justin Tranter - on writing with and for Imagine Dragons, Dua Lipa, Kelly Clarkson, Justing Bieber, and Lady Gaga, shares writing tips, technique and all the things!!
November 17, 2022 20:00 - 1 hour - 56.5 MBJustin Tranter is one of the most successful pop songwriters of our time. Tranter has co-written with Julia Michaels, and written songs for artists such as Britney Spears, Gwen Stefani, Linkin Park, Kelly Clarkson, Selena Gomez, Justin Bieber, DNCE, Kesha, Imagine Dragons, Fifth Harmony, 5 Seconds of Summer, Ariana Grande, Lady Gaga, Bea Miller, Demi Lovato, Dua Lipa, Måneskin, and Fall Out Boy. From 2004 to 2014, Tranter was the lead singer of Semi Precious Weapons, a rock band based in Ne...
Guitar teacher to the stars Ellen Britton on How not to suck
November 11, 2022 19:00 - 1 hour - 42.2 MBEllen Britton is an amazing guitarist and songwriter who has toured with many huge acts and appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Late Night with Conan O’Brien, The View, The Rosie O’Donnell Show, and The Today Show. As a teacher, she has worked with Brandi Clark, Pam Tillis, Mickey Guyton, Carly Pearce, Little Big Town and so many more. On this episode, Ellen talks about the importance of dynamics as a performer and guitar player and shares some voices, strumming patterns and power...
Chris DuBois: Hit songwriter and publisher shares writing strategies, Song outlines, inspiration and music biz
November 03, 2022 21:00 - 1 hour - 59.1 MBChris DuBois is a songwriter and music publisher based out of Nashville. He is co-owner of Sea Gayle Music with business partners Brad Paisley and Frank Rogers. Sea Gayle is one of the most successful independent publishing companies in all of music. In 2010 and 2011, Sea Gayle was named ASCAP Country Publisher of the Year. It was the first time since 1982 that an independent publishing company had won that award. In 2009, Sea Gayle Music launched Sea Gayle Records as an imprint of Sony...
Charlie Worsham: Writing great lyrics, playing your best guitar and being vulnerable and saying yes!!
October 27, 2022 04:00 - 1 hour - 51.5 MBCharlie Worsham won the ACM award for best acoustic guitar payer in 2022, is signed to Warner Bros. and is a master session player, multi instrumentalist, songwriter and tours with Dierks Bently. In this episode, Charlie shares his journey of moving to Nashville, getting a record deal, and being a side man for major acts. He shares the power of asking for help, and following the next thing. We dive into two of his songs off of his new EP "Sugarcane" and he shares his take on writing great...
Hit songwriter Jason Blume on Writing unforgettable melodies, techniques from the hits and creating your own luck
October 12, 2022 23:00 - 1 hour - 77.1 MBMy guest today is hit songwriter Jason Blume. He was Brittany Spear's first co-writer and has gone on to have more than 50 million album sales with singles on Billboard’s pop , country and R&B charts with songs recorded by Britney Spears, the backstreet boys, the oak ridge boys, K-pop and J-pop artists and many more. His songs have appeared on Emmy winning shows and you can hear Jason’s songs all over film and television. Jason is a writer with the heart of a teacher and I can’t wait for...
Ruby Rose Fox: Performance anxiety, how to handle it and how to connect with your audience
October 06, 2022 20:00 - 1 hour - 48.8 MBMulti award winning singer/songwriter Ruby Rose Fox shares her new app for musicians called Muscle music . Ruby has taught at Yale and Emerson and shares her techniques to help you understand the mechanisms that drive anxiety so you can learn to live in a dynamic body that unconsciously dysregulates for our safety and survival. Instead of pushing away anxiety we accept it, understand what its asking for, and use techniques to find connection and emotional regulation for better performances...
Sam Robbins: Finding your unique sound as a singer, how to hit that high note, making a great living as a singer/songwriter
September 28, 2022 05:00 - 1 hour - 54.1 MBSam Robbins is an award winning singer/songwriter who recently won the Kerville Folk festival and appeared on "The Voice". Today, Sam plays three of his original songs and breaks down the process. Episode take aways: Great advice on finding your unique sounds as a singer: sing like you talk How to hit that high note: Yell the note, then blend it with your singing voice Chord voicing, Guitar tunings Chords outside the key How to make a great living as a singer/songriter https://...
The Healing power of songwriting and the power of vulnerability with Suzanne Hanser and Heather Woods
September 22, 2022 04:00 - 1 hour - 43.2 MBIn this episode, I talk with Dr. Suzanne Hanse. The Founding Chair Emerita and Professor of Music Therapy at Berklee College of Music. She is President of the International Association for Music & Medicine and Past President of the World Federation for Music Therapy and the American Music Therapy Association. She teaches a course for Berklee Online, Music Therapy Techniques for Wellness: https://online.berklee.edu/courses/music-therapy-techniques-for-wellness You can find her blog: Music ...
The Healing power of songwriting and the power of vulnerability with music therapists Suzanne Hanser and Heather Woods
September 22, 2022 04:00 - 1 hour - 43.2 MBIn this episode, I talk with Dr. Suzanne Hanser. Founding Chair Emerita and Professor of Music Therapy at Berklee College of Music. Suzanne is President of the International Association for Music & Medicine and Past President of the World Federation for Music Therapy and the American Music Therapy Association. She teaches a course for Berklee Online, Music Therapy Techniques for Wellness: https://online.berklee.edu/courses/music-therapy-techniques-for-wellness You can find her blog: Music...
Singer Songwriter Jesse Ruben: Performance technique, his favorite chords and Creative PR
September 15, 2022 03:00 - 1 hour - 77.6 MBJesse Ruben is a Singer songwriter and a master performer. In this episode, he shares performance techniques, how to connect with your audience, his favorite chords and advocating for yourself and finding innovative ways to get your music out there and so much more: Writing songs that people reach for, that effect their lives. What happens when your music is in service of the world. Taking the path you are offered and following it. Writing songs that people need Being a great live per...
Swedish artist Matilda Gratte (Elma) on touring with Ed Sheeran and Zara Larson, writing great songs with common chords and being true to yourself
September 07, 2022 20:00 - 1 hour - 43.9 MBMatilda Gratte is one of my unforgettable former students from Sweden. She tours with Zara Larson and Ed Sheeran as a back ground singer and is an emerging singer/songwriter herself. In this episode, we talk about writing great melodies over common chords, adding tensions to those chords, touring with artists, and being true to yourself as an artist. She is an amazing artist. Matilda goes by the artist name Elma: https://www.instagram.com/thisiselma/ https://www.scarletkeys.com https:/...
N.Y.U. Professor and artist Mike Errico on his new book, writers block, the power of "we" in a song, being yourself and so much more
September 01, 2022 19:00 - 1 hour - 56.4 MBIn this episode, I talk with singer songwriter and Tisch Professor Mike Errico on: Writers block The power of “We” for songwriters and how it makes your listen feel seen Mission songs Songwriting prompts The importance of journaling Daily writing practice Rewriting Finding the sweet spot for the best key for your song Being yourself Mike Errico is a New York-based recording artist, writer, and lecturing professor Mike Errico has built his name on the strength of critically acclaime...
Ken Yates Part 2: Breaking down his guitar secrets
August 24, 2022 14:00 - 19 minutes - 13.4 MBBack 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 chords In this episode, he talked shares his secret sauce open tuning that inspired several songs of...
Lewberger member and Emmy winning songwriter Hughie Stonefish on how Improv can help your songwriting
August 17, 2022 13:00 - 54 minutes - 37.6 MBOn this week’s episode, I have Hughie Stonefish on the show. Hughie is a member of the comedy act Lewberger and won an Emmy for best song written with Jason Alexander from Seinfeld. Hughie talks about how he using music theory, rhyme and improv in his songwriting. Here's the link to join my membership: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/scarlet.keys/membership https://www.scarletkeys.com https://www.instagram.com/skeys2021/ https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Songwriting-Music-Meaning-Emotion/dp/087639...
Award winning folk artist Ken Yates shares the song he wrote that John Mayer wished he had written and writing great guitar parts
August 04, 2022 01:00 - 58 minutes - 40.4 MBKen 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 chords In this episode, he talked shares his secret sauce open tuning that inspired several songs off of his newest record. ...
Hugh Prestwood - Three time Grammy nominated hit writer on not cowriting, the power of the truth, perfect rhymes and so much more
July 20, 2022 21:00 - 1 hour - 57.2 MBIn 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 confidence Sus chord...
Lori McKenna: Grammy winning songwriter and Americana folk artist on the power of mumbling as lyric process and making your last chorus the firework finale of your song!
April 08, 2022 22:00 - 1 hour - 49.5 MBMulti 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...