Dear Songwriter...

Dear Songwriter, 

This week, I'm hoping to help you navigate the whirlwind of chaos that comes from transforming a song idea to a release-ready hit. We've all been there, feeling overwhelmed and stuck as we wrestle with where to start, how to start, and what comes next. In this installment, I'm going to bring some clarity to your process. Together, we'll traverse the intimidating terrains of writing, production, and marketing. We'll also simplify the daunting music creation stages and the roles involved in each step.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Understanding the different stages of creating a release-ready song
• Roles that you and other professionals play in the music creation process
• Identifying the parts of the process you can manage on your own and where you might need some help
• The 5 areas you need clarity on for a peaceful and productive songwriting process.

Listen to today's episode to help bust through the overwhelm you've been experiencing!

Join our Songwriter's Vault group for exclusive trainings and a chance to connect with like-minded songwriters: https://connorfrost.com/vaultpodcast

Mentions and Links:

Bands/People:

• Oceans in the Sky

Dear Songwriter, 

Today I'm sharing my experience on why it's crucial to "write through the suck". We often hinder our own growth by stopping at the first sign of a bad idea, but in reality, there could be gems hidden within that initial thought. I've struggled and stumbled like everyone else, but this episode tells you why sometimes, you need to let yourself write out the "bad". By doing so, you not only stumble upon potential good ideas, but you also learn from your pitfalls. Take this as your invitation to embrace the messiness of the creative process. You owe it to yourself to explore the depths of your imagination, and there's no better time to start than right now.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• The importance of persevering through your initial rough drafts. 
• Revealing the hidden potential of your "bad" ideas. 
• How a free-writing approach can often lead you to unexpected places in your songwriting. 
• A step-by-step self-assessment guide to pinpointing the strongest and weakest parts of your songs.

Tune in now to get started on a new, fearless path in your songwriting journey!

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:

Podcast Episodes:

• 88. How and Why I’m Shaking Up My Songwriting Process

Software/Tools:

• Logic Pro
• Studio One
• Pro Tools
• GarageBand

Dear Songwriter,

In this episode, I'm tackling a question that many budding music artists wrestle with - "Am I Ready to Go on Tour?" Drawing from my touring experience having played hundreds of shows around the country and even internationally, I'll be doing a deep-dive into factors that every songwriter needs to consider before setting foot on the touring path. Through dispelling common myths, outlining pros and cons, and sharing steps to take, we can lock down if you are, indeed, ready to hit the road. This serves as a touring reality-check infused with highlights my own journey - from thinking that touring was impossible to playing for audiences across the globe.

Get ready to pack your bags and tune in to this episode as we walk the line between the urgency of expressing your creativity live on stage and the realities of the road untraveled. Get inspired, get informed, and be one step closer to living the tour-dream!

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Reflections on whether you, as an artist, are ready to go on tour
• Debunking common myths about touring
• Understanding the importance of connecting with super fans and diverse audiences in person
• The value of performing live in enhancing your skills and confidence
• An insider’s glimpse into the realities, challenges, and rewards of touring

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:

Socials:

• @connorlfrost Instagram

Tools/Resources:

• Bandcamp
• Indie on the Move
• DoDIY
• Google Sheets

Communities:

• DIY Tour Postings Facebook Group

Dear Songwriter,

You've asked, and now it's time for answers. In this episode, I'm delving into the questions that have been echoing through the minds of songwriters just like you. Recently, during the exclusive "How to Write Memorable Melodies" live training in our Facebook group, "Songwriter’s Vault," we opened the floor for a Q+A session. Your inquiries about songwriting and the music industry flooded in, and I'm here with answers based on my own experience.

In this episode, I'm making those answers public, addressing the queries that matter most to you and your craft. Whether you're a seasoned songwriter or just starting to explore the depths of melody creation, this episode may shed some light on questions you have had about the world of songwriting.

Tune in as we unravel questions that are top-of-mind for songwriters in our second Mailbag episode!

If YOU want to be a part of the "Songwriter's Vault" group, join us at: https://www.connorfrost.com/vaultpodcast

Mentions and Links:

Book Your FREE Just Start Call: https://www.connorfrost.com/call

Somebody That I Used To Know - Gotye

Ben Gibbard

Death Cab for Cutie

The Postal Service

Perfect Situation - Weezer

Dear Songwriter,

Is your songwriting process starting to feel a little bit stale?

Like you’re starting the same way, continuing the same way, and finishing the same way?

I was feeling this recently, and it brought me to recording this episode on: why shaking things up can be so powerful and how YOU can apply it to your own songwriting.

Why Shake Things Up:

1. Grow as a Songwriter and Musician:
   • Breaking free from creative constraints
   • Embracing evolution in musical style and expression
2. Break Habits:
   • Identifying and challenging repetitive chord progressions
   • Overcoming the comfort of routine for fresh inspiration
3. Force Yourself Out of Your Comfort Zone:
   • The importance of discomfort in fostering creativity
   • Encouraging exploration in songwriting
4. Try New Styles or Genres:
   • Experimenting with diverse musical landscapes
   • Broadening your artistic horizons

How You Can Shake Things Up:

1. Set Your Own Limitations:
   • Imposing rules to challenge your creative process
   • Experimenting with limitations to unlock innovative ideas
2. Pick a New Starting Point:
   • Breaking away from your usual instrument at first
   • Exploring alternative sections to kick off the writing process
3. Complete Melody and Lyrics Sooner:
   • Locking into the fundamental elements
   • Avoiding getting bogged down by the many pathways in the songwriting process

Let's dive into the episode to break down these points and expand your songwriting palette!

Mentions and Links:

Book Your FREE Just Start Call: https://www.connorfrost.com/call

83. Four Ways to Start Your Song

Ben Gibbard

Death Cab for Cutie

The Postal Service

Logic Pro

BeatStars

Dear Songwriter,

Have you ever felt stuck, like your songs are all about the same thing? Well, I've felt that exact same way. But don't worry, in today's episode I'm aiming to broaden your horizons with three tips that I've learned through my experience that will help you expand your songwriting repertoire:

1. Choosing a Clear Topic, Main Character, and Point of View:

• Identifying a fresh subject that excites your creativity.
• Creating a compelling main character to anchor your song.
• Selecting a unique point of view to offer a fresh perspective.

2. Using Verses to Dive into the World and Struggles of Your Main Character:

• Crafting verses that draw listeners into your character's story.
• Delving into the emotions, challenges, and experiences of your main character.
• The power of storytelling in your lyrics.

3. Using Melodies to Reflect the Mood and Vibe of the Song and Story:

• How melodies can be a powerful tool to convey emotions.
• Matching the mood of the music to the content of the song.
• Balancing the melodic elements with the lyrical message.

Song Dissection:
As always, I'll be dissecting a song that exemplifies these principles. In this episode, we'll explore Blink-182's 2000 single, "Stay Together for the Kids," and analyze how they successfully incorporated these concepts to create a compelling narrative.

If you're looking to break free from writing about the same old topics and infuse fresh life into your songwriting, join us on this episode!

Mentions and Links:

Join Our FREE Community of Like-Minded Songwriters! https://www.connorfrost.com/vaultpodcast
Blink-182 - Stay Together for the Kids
Blink-182 - Take Off Your Pants and Jacket

Dear Songwriter,

In this episode, I'm diving into the common songwriter's dilemma: The Second Verse Curse. I understand the frustration of not knowing how to progress the story and feeling like I've poured everything into Verse 1. But here's the truth: Verse 2 struggles often stem from not fully grasping what we've created in Verse 1.

To help you break through this creative block, I'll present a seven-step exercise that will provide the clarity you need to never get stuck on Verse 2 again:

Step 1: Answer the following question - What’s happening in Verse 1?

Example: I’m introducing the main character by describing their personality and some physical traits, and make it known that they have entered a new relationship.

Step 2: Answer the following question - What do I want to say in the Chorus?

Example: That a toxic person may not reveal themselves until much later on

Step 3: List out all of the possibilities of where the story could go (include bad ideas, just write everything down):

Example:

• Highlight the "good things" about this relationship
• Highlight the ugly things about this relationship
• Introduce the second character
• Detail the breakup

Step 4: Choose the item from your list that most resonates with you/feels most natural to write about...

...and then free-write journal to expand on the concept. (it’s OK if It sounds "stupid".)

Example:

• Highlight the "good things" about this relationship
• At first we would often go out to eat on the weekends and always seemed to agree on what restaurant we wanted to go to. We would then spend hours at night just talking with each other.

Step 5: Take that free-write journaled excerpt, and draft 4-8 lines for your verse.

Example:

• (journaled) At first we would often go out to eat on the weekends and always seemed to agree on what restaurant we wanted to go to. We would then spend hours at night just talking with each other.
  • (draft) Saturday came with food for two // grabbed the same menu each time // the clock turned to one, our mouths on the run // and didn’t catch them until the sun’s rise

Step 6: Reflect on the things you like, and the things you need to work on.

Example:

• (draft) Saturday came with food for two // grabbed the same menu each time // then the clock turned to one, our mouths on the run // and couldn’t catch them until the sun’s rise
  • (reflection) I like the imagery and metaphor of the last two lines, but there lacks some connection between going from lines two to three, specifically going from describing eating food together, to talking all night together

Step 7: Redraft Verse 2 based on those notes.

Let's walk through it together in today's episode!

Mentions and Links:

Book Your FREE Just Start Call: https://www.connorfrost.com/call

Dear Songwriter,

In honor of recently turning 35, I'll be sharing the 35 of the most important lessons I learned throughout my career, which have paved the way for touring, international recognition, features in major publications, music video production in iconic cities, and the establishment of my dream songwriting mentoring business.

This is a 2-parter, finishing out on 19-35, so be sure to listen to last week's episode to catch the rest!

19 - If someone is doing something for you, for free, don’t be surprised if it takes longer than if you were to pay someone to do the same thing

20 - Guitar Center and Walmart have very flexible Return policies

21 - Don’t be afraid to ask your friends for help. They may actually be stoked to get involved

22 - You can absolutely write an entire song on just four chords

23 - It may be neccessary for songwriting to feel like work if you’re trying to consistently write and release your music. And that’s OK

24 - If you don’t make mistakes publicly, you may never learn from them

25 - No one else needs to understand why you want to do this, except for you

26 - A Chorus will only feel like a Chorus if it contrasts with the verse

27 - Bring your best to every show on tour, regardless of crowd size. It’s someone’s first time seeing you play

28 - If your lyrics are good, people will listen to them

29 - You have as much of a right as anyone to express yourself through your songs

30 - Songs are meant to be shared. Art is meant to be shared

31 - Iced Coffee is a year-round beverage

32 - Quality over quantity, always, but you may need quantity to get to quality

33 - It’s never too early to press "record"

34 - Be OK with your first draft sounding terrible. Otherwise you’d have no reason for a second draft

35 - Life is f***ing short. Might as well make music.

Mentions and Links:

Dizzy Bats

Dizzy Bats - Please Stall (Music Video)

Dizzy Bats - Girls (Music Video)

Semisonic - Closing Time

Beyoncé

Taylor Swift

Bob Dylan

TED Talks

GarageBand

Book Your FREE Just Start Call: https://www.connorfrost.com/call

Dear Songwriter,

In honor of recently turning 35, I'll be sharing the 35 of the most important lessons I learned throughout my career, which have paved the way for touring, international recognition, features in major publications, music video production in iconic cities, and the establishment of my dream songwriting mentoring business.

This will be a 2-parter, starting with 1-18, so be sure to stick around until next week to hear the rest!

1 - A show is a live rehearsal

2 - Melody is King

3 - Car dealerships often have free coffee

4 - Write before you edit

5 - The ability to not give a f*** about what other people think may be the X factor

6 - Instead of trying to figure out how your songs can reach more people, focus on learning how to use your songs to connect with people

7 - You are not above any menial task

8 - Your rebellion against, and refusal to use any aspect of song structure may be rooted in ego

9 - No one owes you anything

10 - Focus > time

11 - Understanding the differences between the songwriting and production processes, as well as where they can overlap, could make your journey with songwriting a lot more fun

12 - If a motel provides a continental breakfast, get to that breakfast

13 - Don’t let someone else’s definition of "success" in the music industry keep you from writing songs

14 - DIY does not mean "do it (all by) yourself"

15 - It’s much harder for a melody to be memorable if it doesn’t repeat

16 - Your 9-5 job can be an asset to your music career, if you use it, and frame it that way

17 - A PB&J sandwich is a snack, NOT a meal. And that’s OK

18 - Your vocals should blend with the mix, not sit on top of it

Mentions and Links:

Dizzy Bats

Bruno Mars

Miles Davis - Bitches Brew

The Voice

The Bandhive Podcast

Book Your FREE Just Start Call: https://www.connorfrost.com/call

Dear Songwriter,

Do you ever find yourself trapped in the same songwriting patterns, unable to break free from familiar melodies and chords? In this episode, I'm diving into the art of starting your songs differently. Join us as we explore four distinct ways to kick off your next musical masterpiece:

1. Verse with Stripped-Down Production

• Learn how a minimalistic approach in the opening verse can set the mood and captivate your listeners.

2. Chorus with Stripped-Down Production

• Discover the power of a chorus-driven introduction and its ability to hook your audience from the get-go.

3. Clear Instrumental Hook that Resurfaces

• Craft a memorable instrumental hook that reappears throughout your song, leaving a lasting impression.

4. A cappella Vocals

• Bring in a vocal a cappella section right from the start to develop a catchy melody before the main song starts.

Plus, I'll share real-life examples of these creative song beginnings, allowing you to listen and dissect the techniques used by successful songwriters.

Let's break free from the ordinary and start your next song in an unforgettable way!

Mentions and Links:

Against Me! - Thrash Unreal

Lord Jane Grace

Say My Name - Destiny’s Child

Alkaline Trio - Mercy Me

Alkaline Trio - Radio

The Black Eyed Peas - Lets Get It Started

FREE Song Consult: https://www.connorfrost.com/freesongconsult