Dear Songwriter...

TRANSCRIPT (there may be some errors): Dear songwriter, if you are someone who is starting to produce  your songs from your own home, from your bedroom,  and you're struggling to finish your projects,  it's because, probably because you aren't asking this one question.  And I know this because I didn't know the answer to this question or the question itself  for a long time, which led to feeling confused, frustrated, and having no idea where to go with the song.

But then I realized that knowing the question and knowing the answer to that question  was important,  and it came down to having one clear system.  And the question is, what role does this sound, I'm about to add play in the development of this song  and the clear system is what I call the production palette.

So with the production palette, essentially there are five main categories  and each sound you add can occupy one of.  Those categories.  So I'll give you an example for my song Real Friends, which I released back in December of 2024.  I'll kind of break down the category and then the sound. So the category  is main melody,  the sound  is vocals.

The second category is what I call melody support.  The sound for that might be a vocal harmony. Um, for this song, I had like a little bells synth  that  helped the melody.  Violin was also another one, right? So it was more  melodic rather than harmonic, and it was more in line with the main melody.  The third category is what I call accompaniment support.

So for this song, it was the sound was, the sounds were guitar, violin, and cello.  Basically providing that extra layer of accompaniment. Now the main accompaniment,  that is the fourth category.  That was organ and synthesizer.  So that kind of provided the, the chord progression, the bed for everything else to sit upon.

And then the fifth category is rhythm slash bass. So for this song, the sounds were synth bass, electric bass, and electronic drums.  So let me give you those five categories going from the bottom up now. So category one from the bottom up, rhythm slash base, category two, main accompaniment,  category three, accompaniment support,  category four, melody support,  category five, main melody.

So this way. There's a clear role and understanding for each new sound that you add, and you can decide how and when you want to introduce each of those sounds over the course of a song  rather than your song sounding like a big wall of sound, like minded before I started using this.  Cool. Hopefully you found this to be helpful.

Um, if you are a songwriter who's starting to produce from your bedroom and you feel like your songs are taking forever to complete, I want to send you an invitation.  And that invitation is to  my online community of songwriters and producers called the Songwriter's Vault.  And inside the vault, you will get access to even more in-depth resources and you'll be connected.

Most importantly, with the community of fellow songwriters, I'm making it completely free for the first 50 members, so depending on when you listen to this, it may not be free, but it is worth checking.  Okay. That is it for today. Thank you so much. Happy writing.

Episode Summary:
In this episode, I share one thought, one tough question, one tip, and one story to help you on your songwriting and self-production journey. Plus, a quick shameless plug—my new single Valentina is out today! Check it out in the show notes.

What You’ll Learn:
🎵 One Thought: Consistency without sustainability leads to burnout.
❓ One Question: Are you being patient, or just putting something off?
💡 One Tip: Struggling to finish your songs? Try the Just One policy—complete one key task in a single sitting.
📖 One Story: The lesson I learned when I struggled to program drums and how collaboration helped me overcome that roadblock.

Links & Resources:
🎶 Listen to Valentina on Spotify 

Thanks for tuning in—until next time, happy writing! 🎙️

Show Notes: How I Got My Song Featured with Just Two Emails (made with ChatGPT)

Episode Summary:
In this episode, I break down how I got my new song, Valentina, featured on the music publication V13 with just two quick emails. I’ll walk you through the exact emails I sent, the importance of follow-ups, and the value of building long-term relationships in the music industry. If you’re a songwriter or artist looking for media coverage, this episode is packed with actionable insights!

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The exact email I sent to request a song feature
• The importance of a follow-up email and what it should say
• Why relationships matter in securing media features
• How persistence and professionalism can lead to press opportunities
• Why you should overcome the fear of rejection and just send that email

Email Breakdown:

1. Initial Email:
   • Quick introduction & reminder of past collaborations
   • Pitching the new song and why it fits their audience
   • Outlining how the blog/publication benefits from featuring the song
   • Closing with gratitude and a call to action
2. Follow-Up Email (Sent a Few Days Later):
   • A short, polite reminder
   • Giving the recipient an easy way to decline
   • Encouraging a response without being pushy
   • The result? A confirmed feature!

Key Takeaways:

• Follow up! If you don’t hear back, don’t assume it’s a no.
• Relationships matter. Start conversations with publications early and stay in touch.
• Rejection is part of the process. Keep reaching out to different outlets.
• Be clear and professional in your emails. Make it easy for publications to say yes.
• Just send the email! Don’t let fear hold you back from potential opportunities.

Links & Resources:

• Read the full feature on V13: https://v13.net/2025/04/connor-lin-frost-valentina-single-premiere/

Thanks for tuning in! If you found this helpful, don’t forget to subscribe and share with your fellow songwriters. See you next time!

Write something...

Transcript (there may be some errors): 

Dear songwriter, in today's episode, I wanna give you one thought, one question, one tip, and one story,  hopefully, as a way to encourage you, to help you to make it so you can break through writer's block, whatever it might be. So  let's dig in.  My one thought is that loving the process and enjoying the process are two different things.

I.  You can love working on that song, that ep, that full length album, whatever it is you're working on, but not enjoy every second of it, and that's okay.  My one question is, would you rather spend your whole life making and sharing your music without ever earning money from it or never make music at all?

One tip.  Switch up your songwriting approach this week. Try starting with melody if you usually begin with lyrics or vice versa. If you usually start with lyrics,  try starting with melody.  Mix it up  my one story.  Okay, so I was taking a walk the other day,  this place near my home in Vermont.  I go when it's nice out.

I try to go, I try to go almost every day. It is, it is my happy place. But anyways, I was taking this walk and I was listening to a recent mix of a new song that I'm working on that I'll be releasing later this year  in 2025. And all of a sudden  I was like rounding the corner and I felt this sinking feeling in my stomach.

And that feeling  was that I no longer liked the song.  So want to be clear. The mix itself sounded great,  truly,  but it wasn't about the mix. I, I just felt very  kind of just over the tomb  and  immediately  in that feeling, I started second guessing whether or not I even thought the song was good, whether or not the song was even good, whether or not people would even like it.

Fortunately, in that moment, I  reminded myself of something. I remembered something, it, it, it just came to me, came back to me,  and that's that  your journey with a song is a complicated one. It's like a complicated relationship.  You find yourself wrestling with  emotions, feelings, and these stories from your past, you know, sometimes present situation, of course.

And there are times where you know, you're, you're gonna feel disconnected from that initial exciting, a moment that you had when you first wrote the song.  But here's the thing,  it's okay.  To not like your song  by the time you're about to release it,  because by that point, it's going to be someone else's turn  to.

Love it.  Hope this was helpful for you today. I wanna give you one bonus action. Join my free online community. It's free right now  in the, by the, at the time of recording. It's, it's free.  Um, it's called the songwriter's vault. You're gonna get access to a community of songwriters and producers get even more in depth resources, get a little bit more access to me and my coaching.

So yeah, would love to see you there. connorfrost.com/vault, V-A-U-L-T. See you inside. Gonna try to do more of these types of podcasts. Hopefully you like them. If you do, I would love to hear from you. Just kind of these, like one thought, one question, one tip, one story. Just really just, just bitesize break it down for you.

So if you like that, let me know. We'd be super helpful feedback. All right, later.

Dear Songwriter,

A student told me the other day, "I don't want to release my music if hardly anyone will listen to it. I think that would destroy me."

My initial reaction?

I've been there. I'm STILL there. And I get it.

So now that I've expressed my empathy...

And since you might share these feelings...

Let me offer you, with the most care and compassion in my heart, a reframe:

You're being selfish.

You're more concerned with avoiding potential disappointment and being labeled a "failure" than sharing your gift with the world. You'd rather keep your music hidden forever than risk those uncomfortable feelings.

You're not considering that the song or EP you've created might be exactly what someone needs to hear—the piece of music that helps that struggling individiual feel less alone, even if just for a brief moment in their day.

If you knew your song would touch that person’s life—even if they were your only listener—would you hesitate to share it?

While it’s no guarantee that your song will reach a lot of people…

If you never release it, you guarantee it never will.

Your move.

This episode was originally aired on June 15th, 2023.

Dear Songwriter! In this episode, we're diving into the timeless hit "Redundant" by Green Day, unraveling the three valuable lessons it holds for aspiring songwriters.

For this week's song analysis, I'm dissecting the song's structure, lyrical content, and melodic choices, shedding light on how these elements contribute to its enduring appeal. Whether you're a fan of Green Day or simply seeking inspiration for your own musical journey, this episode will provide invaluable insights into the creative process and leave you eager to apply these lessons to your own compositions.

Tune in and discover my Top 3 things to take away from Green Day's "Redundant," and learn how this could apply to your own compositions!

Other Mentions and Links:

Nimrod - Green Day
Redundant - Green Day
Weezer

**these notes were created using ChatGPT**

Episode Summary:
In this episode, songwriter and teacher Connor Frost dives into two key songwriting decisions he made for his single Sit and Wait. Reflecting on post-release insights, Connor discusses the techniques that shaped the song and how you can apply them to your own songwriting.

Key Takeaways:
🎵 Melody Replacement: Connor removed a vocal melody in the second post-chorus and replaced it with a violin to give the instrument its moment and allow the listener to process the song’s storyline.
🎶 Harmony to Melody Transformation: He transformed a background harmony into a main melody later in the song, using a technique of musical foreshadowing to build anticipation and enhance the emotional impact.

Episode Breakdown:

• Introduction to the episode and Connor’s approach to songwriting
• Decision #1: Melody Replacement – Why and how he swapped vocals for violin
• Decision #2: Harmony to Melody – The concept of musical foreshadowing
• Song preview: Full playthrough of Sit and Wait
• How you can use these techniques in your own songwriting
• Invitation to book a free ‘Just Start’ call to discuss your songwriting goals

Listen to the Full Song:
Stay tuned until the end of the episode for a full playthrough of Sit and Wait.

Want to Take Your Songwriting to the Next Level?
Book a free ‘Just Start’ call with Connor Frost! Let’s talk about your songwriting goals and challenges to see if we’re a good fit to work together.
📅 Schedule your call here: connorfrost.com/startcall

🎧 Listen, learn, and keep writing!
Until next time—happy songwriting!

**these notes were generated using ChatGPT**

Podcast Summary:

Episode Title: How to Book Your First Live Show
In this episode, Connor Frost shares a live Q&A session from his Songwriter Accelerator Program. This conversation focuses on helping musicians like Lauren, a Chicago-based artist, navigate the journey of booking their first live show. Key topics covered include:

• Starting Out: The importance of performing at open mics to gain experience and network with other local musicians.
• Booking Shows: Three main approaches for securing a live performance:
  1. Contacting venues or promoters directly and discussing your potential audience draw.
  2. Organizing a night of music by coordinating with other local acts.
  3. Connecting with local bands to collaborate on shows and cross-promote.
• Merchandise Strategy: Beginning with low-cost items like stickers and focusing on selling merch in person at shows to maximize sales.
• Hosting a Release Party: Using a live performance as a release event and leveraging it as an opportunity to network with other artists. DIY setups, such as house shows, are also viable options.

Connor encourages artists to be proactive, honest about their audience size, and patient when planning events, suggesting a three to four-month lead time when booking venues.

Show Notes:

Episode Title: How to Book Your First Live Show

Host: Connor Frost
Guest: Lauren Daly (artist, and student in the Songwriter Accelerator Program)

Topics Covered:

1. Getting Started: Why open mics are an essential first step for live performance experience and networking.
2. Booking Strategies:
   • Contacting venues or promoters.
   • Organizing your own event with other local acts.
   • Collaborating with active local musicians.
3. Merchandise Tips: When and how to start selling merch effectively, focusing on in-person events.
4. Release Parties: Tips for planning and executing a release show, whether at a venue or a DIY house setup.

Resources Mentioned:

• Learn more about Connor’s Songwriter Accelerator Program and book a free call: ConnorFrost.com/startcall.

Actionable Advice:

• Start with open mics to gain confidence and meet other musicians.
• When booking, be honest about your audience size (your “draw”).
• Plan three to four months in advance for events.
• Use release parties as both a performance opportunity and a networking event.

Connect with Connor Frost:
Website: ConnorFrost.com
Instagram: @connorfrost

Listen to Lauren's Music on Spotify and Apple Music:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/6n81YafoFigO1FkNWINKpe?si=iLyD5iDSTMuwC23qrMFTlQ

https://music.apple.com/us/artist/lauren-daly/1632831586

*This episode originally aired on May 7th, 2024*

Dear songwriter,

Are you overwhelmed by the plethora of sounds and instruments you have at your disposal once you open up your Digital Audio Workstation (DAW)? I've been there too, and this episode is designed to be your friendly guide through the seemingly daunting terrain of music production. We're diving into the art of creating purposeful music with insights from my own journey from creating sounds to forging music with intention and precision.

You will be guided through a step-by-step process aimed at helping you make decisions about which instruments to use in your tracks and which ones to boot. Learn how to externalize and implement a mental checklist that brings clarity as you write, arrange, and produce your new songs.

Four Questions I Ask During the Demo Production Process:

1. What is the role of the instrument I’m adding?
2. What is the context for this instrument (AKA why is it even there?)
3. What is its relationship with the other instruments and voices?
4. Do I even need this instrument? 

Take this chance to transform your DAW session from a daunting challenge into a playground of limitless potential!

Like what your hearing in the Dear Songwriter... podcast? Leave us quick review or 5 star rating on Spotify or Apple Podcasts!

Mentions and Links:

Social Media:

• Instagram: @connorlfrost

Songs/Artists:

• While My Guitar Gently Weeps - The Beatles

Digital Audio Workstations(DAWs):

• GarageBand
• Pro Tools
• Logic Pro

Podcasts:

• 108. Analyzing the Songwriting of The Beatles' George Harrison

Episode Summary (this was made w/ ChatGPT):

In this episode, we’re diving deep into the strategies and steps you need to take to get your music featured on music blogs, playlists, and more. I’m sharing a recorded masterclass originally created for my Songwriter Accelerator students—those working to turn their musical ideas into finished songs and take their first steps as artists.

Using examples from my experience with my band Dizzy Bats and my solo project Connor Lin Frost, I outline the actionable steps I took to gain press coverage and why it matters for your music career. From SEO benefits to building legitimacy, I cover the reasons why being featured can be a game-changer for your music journey. Spoiler: it takes more than just waiting for opportunities to come to you—you’ve got to do the grunt work!

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why Getting Featured Matters: The benefits of SEO, building legitimacy, and generating opportunities.
• Types of Features: Interviews, premieres, reviews, round-ups, and playlists.
• Essential Materials: What you’ll need to prepare, including album art, private streaming links, bios, and press kits.
• Crafting the Perfect Pitch: Tips for writing professional and engaging emails to music blogs.
• Real-Life Examples: I share email templates and past press features that worked for me.

Key Takeaways:

1. Optimize Your SEO: Getting featured increases your online visibility and helps potential fans find you.
2. Build Credibility: Press coverage can set you apart from other artists and showcase your professionalism.
3. Preparation is Key: Make sure you have professional photos, a polished bio, and streaming links ready to go.
4. Pitch Like a Pro: Personalize your emails, be concise, and include all requested materials.

Links and Resources Mentioned:

• SoundCloud: Create private streaming links for unreleased music.
• Dropbox/Google Drive: Use these for sharing high-quality images and press materials.
• Hype Machine: A platform to discover and connect with music blogs.
• Example email templates and press kits discussed in the episode.

Who This Episode is For:

Whether you're just starting your music career or prepping for your next release, this episode will give you the tools to build a stronger presence in the music world. Tune in for actionable advice and inspiration to help get your music heard by the right people.

Enjoy the episode and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review!