If you are a songwriter in the Phoenix area - or driving distance from the Phoenix area - you will want to know about an event this weekend at the Glendale Public Library. This Saturday, Jan. 27, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., the Arizona Songwriters Association (ASA) will host its 27th annual Arizona Songwriters Gathering.

This week’s episode covers some of the featured guests and topics of the event, which is a day of workshops, networking, door prizes and live performances by over 100 songwriters.

The event is free and open to all, no registration is necessary. 

For a full schedule and full bios of these incredible guests, visit the Arizona Songwriters Association website at azsongwriters.org. 

There are so many devastating things going on in the world right now and so many people are going through difficult times. It feels kind of insensitive to talk about songwriting and worrying about recording quality when there are so many more important things that people are dealing with.

However, songwriting is something that gets me through difficult times and I know others want to share their creations with the world, too, so maybe it can be beneficial for us to share things that bring us joy? By sharing things we enjoy, maybe we can brighten other people’s days, too.

What do you do when you want to learn something new? Do you sign up for online courses, attend in-person classes? Watch YouTube videos? Hire a personal coach? These days, when you want to learn how to do something, there are many options. There’s always going to be more you need to learn, people who know more than you and opportunities to improve your craft. I thought I’d devote this episode to share some of the resources that I’ve found helpful. Although they are specific to songwriting, they may give you some ideas in whatever craft you are interested in exploring.

I’m grateful for all those who have created and taught the courses and I’m hoping at some point to have them as guests on this podcast to share their insight and knowledge with you.

Here are a list of resources listed in this episode. For links, please visit the podcast website.

Arizona Songwriters Association (ASA)

Arizona Songwriters Association 27th annual Songwriting Gathering (Jan. 27, 2024) 

Produce Like a Boss

The Female Musician Community

Release Music Like a Pro

Songtown

Cathy Heller

The Art of Hit-Making: Ryan Tedder's Proven Songwriting & Production System

As we welcome 2024, what do we want to do with it?

It feels like we are starting this new year during a dark time. There are so many troubling things happening around the world and we need those feelings of hope and possibility more than ever because we need to bring some light into this world. We need positivity and creativity right now. Imagine this ripple of creativity and positivity creating little streaks of light out there in the darkness. It might not change the world, but maybe it will brighten someone’s day. This week's episode features two songs: "Ready for the New Year" and "365 Days."

Welcome to the first episode of A Songwriting Journey, a weekly dose of songwriting inspiration for those who are pursuing a creative journey. Each week's episode also includes an original song and a little background about the song. This episode addresses that pull some people feel to follow their dreams - despite being discouraged by others or self-doubt. What's inside of you trying to break through?