Dear Songwriter...

Dear Songwriter,

Ever wondered why certain songs stick, while others simply fade into the background? It’s all about the interplay of melody and lyrics. In this episode, I'm delving into the nitty-gritty to uncover the secrets behind memorable songwriting.

We begin by breaking down melodies and lyrics to their basic components—notes and syllables. Recognizing the power of these elements, we explore their role in creating songs that feel natural and conversational. We go even further to examine different sections of a song, such as verses, and choruses, illustrating what role melody plays in each. Focusing on syllables, we explain their relation to rhythm and use hymns and popular songs as examples to visualize the process. As we progress through the episode, you'll get practical tips and guidelines, from identifying the more and less prominent notes and aligning words to the strength of your melody, to trimming unnecessary syllables for clearer, catchier verses and choruses.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• The breakdown of melodies and lyrics into their essential parts.
• The role that prominent notes play in crafting melodies.
• How to choose words that match the strength of your melody.
• The importance of using syllables strategically to maintain the rhythm and enhance the impact of your melody.
• Techniques for cutting out unnecessary words and syllables to write clearer, catchier lyrics.
• Practical tips for infusing your lyrics and melody with a natural, conversational cadence.

Let's dive deep into the craft of songwriting and hep you create songs that truly resonate!

Mentions and Links:

Social Media:

• Follow My Journey on Instagram!

Podcast Episodes:

• 101. How to Say More with Fewer Words in Your Lyrics

Songs/Artists:

• Miley Cyrus - Wrecking Ball

People/Public Figures:

• Mike Meyers

Movies:

• View from the Top

Dear Songwriter,

Ever feel like your songs have too many words? In this episode, I'm delving into my own challenges with writing lyrics that were more wordy than necessary. As a songwriter and mentor, I've come across this hurdle multiple times, and today, I share not only my battle with "wordiness", but also the insights I gained on this creative journey.

Through my experience, I've identified two principal reason that led to such verbose lyrics: an overpowering attachment to the melody, and an overwhelming desire to infuse every detail into the song's narrative. We'll address how these tendencies can become obstacles in the process of crafting clear, concise, and efficacious lyrics. I'll guide you through the three transformative steps I undertook to tackle this issue head-on: recognizing the problem, utilizing the "lyric machete" technique to trim needless words, and deciding whether to rewrite lyrics or transition to instrumental sections for greater impact.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• The common causes of over-wordy lyrics in songwriting.
• How attachment to melody and story can interfere with lyric clarity.
• The three-step process to combat lyric wordiness.
• The power of the "lyric machete" technique.
• The impact of creating instrumental spaces in songs for listener understanding and connection.

Bottom Line: Don't miss out on this episode, as it equips you with the tools to combat verbosity in songwriting, helping you create lyrics that are catchy, clear, and captivating.

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

Dear songwriter,

Do you ever feel like your songwriting process seems to drag on forever? Today I'm opening the doors and revealing my own intense songwriting process - the grueling (and rewarding) 18 months I took to complete a deeply personal song. Spun from my struggles of fitting in due to race and upbringing, my journey was just as much about self-discovery as it was about crafting a song.

In this episode, we strip down the truth behind the art, diving deep into the stress, the critics, the unexpected revelations, and the inevitable tweaks that finally take the rough draft to a song ready for the world to hear. This is for every artist who's ever felt the weight of their story and the struggle of finalizing their work.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• The power of taking breaks and gaining perspective in the creative process.
• The importance and art of seeking constructive feedback.
• The impact of performing an unfinished piece to discover its potential.
• The reflection of cultural identity, race, and upbringing in an artist's work.

Tune in to this episode and unearth the foundational elements that make the songwriting process a cathartic journey while finishing that new song!

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

Dear songwriter,

Ever felt stuck in your songwriting process, unable to break through to a complete song? In this episode, I take you on the rollercoaster ride of my most personal battles with songwriting - the frustrations, the detours, and ultimately, the breakthroughs. The journey from a straying second verse to a moving narrative or from cliché-filled lyrics to emotionally charged phrases, we'll get into it today.

As any songwriter will tell you, our craft is a labor of love that often involves more labor than love! But the thrill of that "aha" moment, of hearing your creation come alive, is indescribable. In this episode, you'll witness—and perhaps relate to—my struggles and triumphs as I grappled with my second verse, wrestled clichés in my lyrics, and finally, embraced the beauty of simplicity in songwriting.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• The importance of aligning each verse with the main theme of the song
• Overcoming cliché lyrics for a deep, emotional connection with your audience
• Harnessing the power of simplicity in songwriting
• How changes can significantly improve the melody, tone, and resonance of a song
• Practical insights into the creative process of songwriting

Listen in to this week’s episode and discover how you, too, can work your way through those frustrating roadblocks in your songwriting process.

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:

Social Media:

• Follow My Journey on Instagram!

Dear Songwriter,

Ever found yourself questioning how it might be possible to strike the perfect harmony between pursuing your passion, while simultaneously running an entrepreneurial venture? In this candid chat, I sat down with my own coach, Evan from Artist Collective, a seasoned professional who's made it his mission to aid creatives in building lives and businesses rooted in their passions. Together, Evan and I dive into the practical strategies that can help attain a balanced life as a creative entrepreneur, and we discuss the unique challenges and opportunities faced by those in the industry.

In this episode, I also take you on a personal journey through my life as a professional songwriting mentor. I reveal the significance I place on documenting my journey for the benefit of those learning from me, as well as for my own reflective practice. I share with you my belief that true fulfillment comes from creating art and guiding others in their artistic pursuits. Our mission is to fuel your confidence through this episode, empowering you to transform your artistic aspirations into reality, without ever feeling that your entrepreneurial ambition has to take a back seat!

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Practical strategies for achieving balance as a creative entrepreneur.
• Insights on coping with unique challenges faced by those in the music industry.
• The benefits of having a business coach to guide your entrepreneurial journey.
• The importance of documentation for personal reflection and effective teaching.
• How to derive fulfillment not just from creating art, but also from mentoring others.
• Ways to confidently transform artistic aspirations into reality without compromising entrepreneurial goals.

Armed with this arsenal of knowledge, I hope this episode guides you towards your musical dreams while learning the business skills that will make them last!

You Can Connect with Evan Here:

Website: https://theartistpreneur.com
Group Join: https://www.artistcollect.com/artistpreneurs

Dear Songwriter,

Can you relate to the frustration of struggling with your song lyrics, feeling like you're digging deeper and deeper without pulling up anything of interest? Then today's episode is precisely the creative boost you've been looking for. Today I'm focusing on the genius lyrical power of the lead vocalist of the Death Cab for Cutie - Ben Gibbard, and how his vision and approach can guide upcoming songwriters to explore new territories in their creative journeys.

From my assessment, Gibbard's magic lies in his deep and thought-provoking lyricism, using effective imagery and metaphors. For the budding songwriter, studying his approach could very well be the lighthouse in the storm, illuminating the path to expressive, meaningful lyrics. Using examples from two of Gibbard's classic hits with Death Cab for Cutie, "I Will Follow You Into the Dark" and "Title and Registration", we delve into the essential tools and techniques of his craft.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• How to make use of vivid, storytelling language to progress your second verse beyond the clichés
• The power of "showing" rather than "telling" in your lyrics to draw your listeners in
• Crafting a descriptive, wordy chorus that opens up new layers to your song's story
• The use of clear metaphors based on specific objects to make your lyrics stand out and evoke emotions

Ready to grab a pen and pour out your thoughts onto paper? Let's get inspired together on today's episode!

Have you been wondering what it'd be like to work with us? Book a FREE call today, and let's set some  personalized songwriting goals together: https://www.connorfrost.com/call

Mentions and Links:

Songs:

• Death Cab for Cutie - Title and Registration
• Death Cab for Cutie - I Will Follow You Into The Dark

Bands:

• Deathcab for Cutie

People/Public Figures

• Ben Gibbard
• Pat Pattison

Books:

• Writing Better Lyrics

Communities:

• Songwriter's Vault

Dear songwriter,

Ever wondered if small changes in 2024 could amp up your songwriting? That's the question we're tackling in this episode. As a fellow songwriter, I'm right there with you at the start of 2024, trying to create new habits that could really make a difference to my work. It's only January, but I'm finding these changes are taking root and adding joy to my creative journey.

In this episode, we're talking about why getting up early could mean your best lyrics yet. We'll discuss how reading novels and memoirs can spill into your songs, changing the way you think about lyrics. I'll take you with me to the library, my go-to space for quiet inspiration. And I'll share why I've started documenting my songwriting journey on social media, and how it's helping me connect with other songwriters like you.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• The benefits of writing earlier in the day and actionable steps to integrate this into your routine
• How reading novels and memoirs can act as a muse for your songwriting, and strategies to make reading a habit
• Ways to utilize public spaces like libraries to ignite your lyric-writing process
• The value in documenting your songwriting process on social media for reflection, growth, and community building

Hit that play button and let's start 2024 off the right way!

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:

Social Media:

• Follow My Journey on Instagram!
• Follow My Journey on Threads!

Tools/Resources:

• Audible

Songs/Artists:

• Japanese Breakfast

Books/Publications:

• Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail
• Crying in H Mart: A Memoir

Dear Songwriter,

Have you ever found yourself stuck while navigating the leap from your soaring chorus to the calm landscape of your verse? I certainly have, and that's what drove me to delve deep into the songwriting strategy of true pop icon - Sia. In this week's episode of Dear Songwriter, I'm drawing back the curtain on the often overlooked yet potent magic of a post-chorus.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• The complex beauty of a post-chorus: its significant role in wrapping up the chorus and smoothly segueing into the next verse.
• The reasons a post-chorus could enhance your song: if you're looking to magnify the mood or repeat a poignant line.
• An in-depth dissection of how Sia leverages the post-chorus in “Unstoppable” and "Chandelier", giving a real-world context to the concept.
• Identifying the distinctive signature of a Sia post-chorus: the instrumental break, the fresh motif, and its seamless role in transitioning between song sections.
• Keys to integrate a post-chorus in your own songs: practical steps to evaluate if a post-chorus could be your secret songwriting weapon.

If you've hit a songwriting roadblock or just want to take your songwriting skills to the next level, I can't wait for you to join me as we unfold Sia's post-chorus mastery!

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:

• Sia - Unstoppable
• Sia - Chandelier

Dear Songwriter,

How was your 2023? If you're like me, 2023 brought you many successes, many wins, and also many challenges. So in today's episode, I want to do a little bit of reflection. I'm delving into the brutal truths that every songwriter must face in their career. With an in-depth review of 12 tough lessons that I've re-learned over the year 2023, each of them ranging from understanding the audience's perspective, self-reliance, embracing rejection, to realizing the competitive nature of the music landscape. I hope this episode serves as a thoughtful introspection of your musical journey and a fresh perspective on your craft.

What You'll Learn in This Episode: 

1. Why it's okay if not everyone likes your music. 
2. The importance of self-reliance and investing in professional guidance. 
3. The non-obligatory aspect of rhyming in songwriting. 
4. How to stay impersonal when facing criticism. 
5. The inevitability of tough times in songwriting. 
6. Why your musical passion is your personal journey, not someone else's. 
7. The place of rejection in your journey to success. 
8. The subtle competitiveness amongst friends in the music field. 
9. Why you should be your first investor. 
10. Why songs being "your babies," may not be serving you well. 
11. Striking the balance between patience and complacency. 
12. The necessity of continually seeking growth and challenge in your songwriting.

Listen in now to hear the difficult lessons that could change how you approach your songwriting career, and gain the knowledge you need to excel in your musical path.

Have you been wondering what it'd be like to work with us? Book a FREE call today, and let's set some  personalized songwriting goals together: https://www.connorfrost.com/call

Mentions and Links:

Bands:

• Taking Back Sunday
• Say Anything
• The Color Fred
• Pine Grove

People/Public Figures

• Fred Mascherino

Brands:

• Run For Cover Records
• Heading East Records

Dear Songwriter,

I recently found myself thinking a lot about lyricism and how it all comes together in a song. I know how challenging it can be to strike the perfect balance between personal and relatable, clear and mystifying, nonsense and poetry. We've all been in that space, lost in doubts and insecurities when it comes to articulating our feelings through words. I've been there too. So tune in today as I take a trip down memory lane, retracing the steps I've taken with mentors, coaches, and teachers to conquer these songwriting mountains. I'll be dishing out three essential tips to help navigate the tricky terrain of lyric writing.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• The power of clear lyrics and consistency. Consistent point of view, consistent tense, and consistent message all play important roles in songwriting.
• How you have a limited amount of lines to tell your story. And how to not get bogged down in what happened, but instead why the story is worth telling.
• How repeating the most important lines of the song is crucial.

Lyrics are an important part to connecting with your listeners, so hit that play button and let's break down the 3 most prominent thoughts I've had about writing over the years!

2023 is coming to a close, and I want to give you the opportunity to connect with me personally for a free one on one! Let's discuss songwriting struggles you might be having and set some clear goals for the new year. Book a FREE just start call here: https://www.connorfrost.com/call

(Our mentorship pricing is going up in 2024, so be sure to to sign up soon!)

Mentions and Links:

Bands:

• Taking Back Sunday
• Oceans in the Sky