Dear Songwriter...

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

Dear Songwriter,

Are you ready to dive into the songwriting secrets belonging to The Beatles' quiet genius, George Harrison? Today, we'll be breaking down the timeless tracks "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" and "Something" to see what makes them so great. We'll uncover the mystery of why these songs chose to forego the comforts of a traditional chorus, and instead, follow a jazz-like structure.

With George Harrison's deep understanding of musical storytelling, we'll delineate the characteristics that set his creations apart from the typical pop song. You will also unearth the underlying similarities that are subtly woven into these two distinct songs. Ultimately, the goal of this episode is not just to marvel at Harrison's extraordinary talent, but to extract and introduce his unique techniques into your songwriting universe.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• The distinct role of the guitar in Harrison's songs
• The transition between minor and major keys
• The power of subtle lyrical repetitions
• Understanding the absence of a traditional chorus.
• The unique, jazz-like structure of these compositions

Are you ready to resonate your own songs with some of this Beatles magic? Let's get into it with today's episode!

Ever wanted to connect with like-minded songwriters, embarking on the same journey as you? Join our free group, Songwriter's Vault, for exclusive trainings and a chance to connect: https://connorfrost.com/vaultpodcast

Mentions and Links:

Songs/Artists:

• While My Guitar Gently Weeps - The Beatles
• Something - The Beatles

Musicians/Songwriters:

• Paul McCartney 
• John Lennon
• George Harrison

Movies/Books:

• Star Wars
• Harry Potter

Dear Songwriter,

This week I'm diving into the ripple effect a simple social media post about song structure sparked and why it got people divided and talking. The post I made on Threads amassed 106,000 views and 71 total comments, many of which were in clear opposition to what I was saying.

Challenging traditional norms of songwriting, I'm going to dissect varying viewpoints, breaking down the reasons behind such strong sentiments. Tune in to know more, test your beliefs, and perhaps even switch up your songwriting techniques.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Why learning song structure became a heavy debate among musicians and songwriters
• The role of repetition in crafting compelling songs
• How to analyze and improve existing song structures
• The benefits of experimentation and open-mindedness in songwriting
• A practical songwriting exercise to enhance your understanding of song structure

Ready to jump into the discussion? Hit the play button now and let's get into some of these comments!

Ever wanted to connect with like-minded songwriters, embarking on the same journey as you? Join our free group, Songwriter's Vault, for exclusive trainings and a chance to connect: https://connorfrost.com/vaultpodcast

Mentions and Links:

Socials:

• Follow My Journey on Threads!
• Threads Post About Song Structure

Dear songwriter,

In this episode from the vault, initially aired on October 10th, 2023, my colleague Julie and I take you on a journey into the heart of songwriting creativity. Join us as we delve into our recent songwriting retreat held in picturesque Vermont, where songwriters from all walks of life came together to experience an immersive 72-96 hour songwriting adventure. Today, we are going to cover:

Five Reasons to Attend a Songwriting Retreat

1. Giving yourself the chance to focus solely on songwriting.
2. The opportunity to join a supportive community of like-minded individuals.
3. The transformative power of collaboration and peer feedback.
4. The thrill of stepping outside your comfort zone or doing something scary.
5. Leaving with more than just songs—a richer, more profound experience with other musicians.

Join us in this episode as we share the magic of songwriting retreats and the countless reasons why you should consider embarking on your own creative journey. Whether you're a seasoned songwriter or just starting, there's something incredible waiting for you at the intersection of inspiration and community.

And if you're interested in applying to this year's 2024 Green Mountain Songwriting Retreat, please head to http://www.connorfrost.com/retreat2024

Mentions and Links:
Third Eye Blind
Hogwarts
Colgate University
Julie Lavery Website

Dear songwriter,

It’s a quarter into 2024! How’ve things been? In this episode, I open up about my journey in the first quarter of 2024, sharing my personal reflections, struggles, and growth experiences in the songwriting world. It's heart-to-heart talk as we delve into how I overcame the negativity and further heightened my creativity and persistence.

Amidst preparations for my two-week tour in May and the summer songwriting retreat come August, I’ve been having a lot of feelings of self-doubt and imposter syndrome. I’m guessing I’m not alone in this feeling. From defeating the dread of negative comments to fostering real connections with listeners, and from experiencing numerous drafts to the enthralling satisfaction of a completed song, I hope this episode offers some insight into the songwriting process.

My 10 Takeaways from Quarter 1:

1. Why taking negative comments, especially from unrecognizable sources, to heart can hinder your songwriting journey.
2. The importance of serving the song rather than feeding your ego.
3. The realization that true listeners aren't simply handed over, they must be earned.
4. Understanding that not all song ideas will work out - sometimes, you just need to test it out to confirm that it's not worth pursuing.
5. The essence of the creative process - the first draft is about transformation from thoughts to ideas. Subsequent drafts help transition these ideas into a complete song.
6. The usefulness of an instrumental section, giving the listener time to absorb the song's narrative.
7. Viewing writer's block as an opportunity rather than a roadblock.
8. If the alternative to failure is staying where you are, then which is the lesser of two evils?
9. Acknowledging that often a song idea or draft may evolve into something entirely different - persevere through even the difficult songwriting moments.
10. People tend to dream endlessly, rather than taking actual steps towards achieving their dreams.

Hit play to kickstart your own journey of resilience and creativity in the songwriting world.

Ever wanted to connect with like-minded songwriters, embarking on the same journey as you? Join our free group, Songwriter's Vault, for exclusive trainings and a chance to connect: https://connorfrost.com/vaultpodcast

Mentions and Links:

Digital Audio Workstations(DAWs):

• Logic Pro

Socials:

• Follow My Journey on Threads!

In this replay episode, my client, Zach, AKA Capella Daydream, shares how he wrote, produced, and released his debut album in just six months.

Listen to Capella Daydream here: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3XfbOnwDsfqwvZBka6uuky?si=Mz-YXB2XRReYSwdvRbASGQ

If you'd like to connect with me and my team for a FREE "JUST START" call, head to http://www.connorfrost.com/call.

You’ve got some lyrics written out on paper or in the notes app of your phone, maybe you even have a chord progression in place, but there’s just one major problem - you can’t figure out a melody to fit it all together, and a lot of times you’re not even sure where to start. 

In this episode I’m going to be walking you through, step-by-step, on how to start writing melodies, so that you can write catchy songs that you can be proud of, and get over that hump of simply STARTING. Because starting can be the hardest part. 

To schedule a free call with me/my team, go ahead and apply by heading to http://www.connorfrost.com/call . 

Dear songwriter,

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the sheer cost of pushing your art forward? You're not alone. Many talented artists are stuck in a perpetual struggle to put their art out into the world due to financial constraints. But hang on, what if there's a way to share this financial burden with those who believe in your talent and want to be part of your journey? This is where our guest, Jess, a successful coach helping artists crowdfund their projects, steps in. Jess not only shares her story but also demystifies the whole idea of crowdfunding, explaining how she thrived in the crowdfunding arena and how she helps artists germinate their dreams into reality using the power of crowdfunding.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Understanding the concept of crowdfunding and its potential
• The story behind Jess's success in the crowdfunding space
• Tips and tricks to succeed in your crowdfunding journey
• How artists can leverage crowdfunding to accomplish their dreams
• The emotional and financial challenges in crowdfunding and how to overcome them
• The role of support and perseverance in achieving crowdfunding goals

Tap into the inspiration and practical advice you need to kickstart artist journey in this episode!

You Can Reach Out to Jess Here:

Email: [email protected]
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jesslivingtothefullest/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jesslivingtothefullest

Ever wanted to connect with like-minded songwriters, embarking on the same journey as you? Join our free group, Songwriter's Vault, for exclusive trainings and a chance to connect: https://connorfrost.com/vaultpodcast

Mentions and Links:

Digital Audio Workstations(DAWs):

• GarageBand
• Pro Tools
• Logic Pro

TV Shows:

• The Voice
• American Idol

Brands:

• Netflix

Dear Songwriter,

Ever delved into the architecture of your favorite songs and wondered how the magic happens? I sure have. Today, I'm peeling back the layers of one of Oasis' most universally beloved anthems - "Don’t Look Back in Anger." In this episode, we'll navigate the fascinating landscape of the song's sophisticated construction, bringing you valuable points to enhance your own songwriting craft.

Our guided journey through the song's composition focuses on two instrumental tools from the song; a layered and complex two-part pre-chorus and a skillful alignment between production elements and lyrics. At the heart of "Don’t Look Back in Anger" is an unconventional pre-chorus that layers emotional tones to create a deeply moving bridge to the chorus. Additionally, we'll explore how Oasis heightens the song's emotional resonance by harmonizing instrumental elements with lyrics, making for a composition that continues to inspire.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• The unconventional structure of Oasis's "Don't Look Back in Anger" and how it enhances the song's emotional arc.
• The art of layering in songwriting and its effectiveness in building emotional depth and drama.
• How Oasis uses a two-part pre-chorus and how you can apply this technique in your own songs.
• The role of instrumental elements in enhancing lyrics and how Oasis maximized this connection.
• Ways to make your song's production and lyrics complement each other to deepen its impact.

Let's uncover the songwriting secrets behind this timeless Oasis classic and get ready to elevate your own songs to new heights!

Want to spend four days immersed in writing songs, meeting friends along the way, co-writers for life, and leveling up your songwriting? The Green Mountain Songwriting Retreat is happening again, and you won't want to miss it! Start your application here before early bird pricing ends: https://www.connorfrost.com/retreat2024

Mentions and Links:

Arists/Songs:

• Wonder Wall - Oasis
• Don’t Look Back in Anger - Oasis

Dear Songwriter,

Have you ever found yourself on the edge of a new, somewhat terrifying, adventure? This episode is all about the journey of diving into the unfamiliar as I discuss the challenges and triumphs of writing a song for sync consideration for the very first time. I'll unmask the process, the initial fears, and the ultimate decision to grab the opportunity by the horns.

Join me as I walk through this exciting progression, from the moment Yago, a team member with experience in producing music for sync, presented this opportunity, to the sweat-and-blood process of crafting the perfect song. I go through the four-step process that moved from picking a narrative to recording the rough takes, and the final steps to sending this song out for consideration. It's a tale of creative courage, meticulous craftsmanship, and significant insights gained during this rollercoaster ride.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• How opportunities can appear from the most unexpected places
• The importance of overcoming initial fears and uncertainties to grab hold of new experiences
• The step-by-step approach to writing a song for sync
• How detaching oneself from the 'character' can afford creative liberty
• The importance of being decisive in the creative process, and treating songwriting as a craft

Want to take a deeper dive into sync? Tune into this episode and let's unlock the mystery together!

Want to spend four days immersed in writing songs, meeting friends along the way, co-writers for life, and leveling up your songwriting? The Green Mountain Songwriting Retreat is happening again, and you won't want to miss it! Start your application here before early bird pricing ends: https://www.connorfrost.com/retreat2024

Mentions and Links:

Audio Gear:

• Shure Sm58

People/Public Figures:

• Yago

TV:

• Judge Judy

Digital Audio Workstations:

• GarageBand
• Ableton
• Logic Pro

Get More Involved:

• Leave a Review on Apple Podcasts!