Dear Songwriter...

Dear songwriter,

In this episode, 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.

Tune in and discover why we believe songwriting retreats are a must for any passionate songwriter!

Mentions and Links:
Third Eye Blind
Hogwarts
Colgate University
Julie Lavery Website
Book a Just Start Call with Us! https://www.connorfrost.com/call

In this interview of "Dear Songwriter...", we go back to an interview I did with Paul Neil of the "Don't Quit Your Dayjob" podcast, where we both discuss being half-asian in a predominantly white scene, touring the world, and my views on how to go about being a musician these days.

In this episode of "Dear Songwriter...", I go into my strategies and philosphies that have helped my students get unstuck when it comes to their songwriting.

Apply for a "free" unfinished song consult at http://www.connorfrost.com/freesongconsult

Dear Songwriter,

I answer the following questions in this episode:

1. As a recording artist, how do you go about finding and collaborating with a songwriter to be able to record their songs? 
   
   
2. did you write these lyrics prior to having a melody or a series of chords accompaniment? how do you start?
   
   
3. How long is the program? And what’s the structure like?
   
   
4.  How do you get past writing with fear of people hearing/reading your work instead of writing from a space of expression and freedom?
   
   
5. How can we learn to be vulnerable and trust the people in the songwriting groups not to steal our lyrics/art?
   
   
6. How did you find or build authentic community as an artist?
   
   
7. How do you get over the fear of disappointing yourself like being too scared to write because you're afraid of making something bad?
   
   
8. What if you have the words, but suck at putting music to it because you can only play 4 chords?

And invite you to join the Songwriter's Bat Cave, a free Facebook group community of fellow songwriters and musicians. 

Dear Songwriter!

"Energy flow" is important. In general, of course, and also with songwriting. But how we manage and harness that energy throughout a song, can make or break your listener’s sonic experience. 

So in this episode, I’m going to be discussing why it’s important to, and how we can implement energy flow into our songs.

For some reference, I’ll be using Goo-goo Dolls’ timeless hit “Iris” as an example. 

Enjoy!

Share Your Music for Feedback

• Submit your unfinished songs to Connor for a free song consultation. Visit connorfrost.com/freesongconsult to kickstart your musical journey.

Dear Songwriter,

Have you ever been eating something salty and then later had a craving for something sweet? Our ears are the same way. We're drawn to contrast, and including this in your songwriting could be the extra spice that your song needs.

Today, I'm joined again by my colleague, Julie Lavery, a seasoned Nashville-based Artist and professional songwriter. Julie's impressive accomplishments include song placements in Fox's TV show "Monarch," a substantial YouTube following, national tours with Sarah Darling, and viral success with her new song "Stars and Stripes."

Julie and I are exploring three critical areas to use contrast: Melody, Lyrics, and Chord Progressions. By dissecting each element and providing practical examples, we're hoping to show how contrast can breathe life into your songs, making them a truly memorable experience for your listeners.

If you're finding yourself stuck and feeling like your songs need something more, listen in on this episode!

Mentions and Links:
Monarch (Show)
Julie Lavery Website
Julie's YouTube Channel
Stars and Stripes - Julie Lavery
Sarah Darling
Slow Burn - Kasey Musgraves
Book a Call with Us! https://www.connorfrost.com/call

Dear Songwriter,

Have you ever considered guiding others on their musical and creative journey?

Well,  in this transparent episode, I'm opening up my day-to-day and week-to-week routine as a songwriting coach! I'm shedding some light onto its commitments, rewards, and challenges along the way. Whether you're curious about the role or simply find the topic intriguing, this episode has something to offer.

Here are the 9 sections I'll be covering today:

1. Client Engagement: This is the heart of a songwriting coach's role, from one-on-one Zoom calls to dynamic group workshops. Communication and feedback through platforms like Slack and video messaging keeps this running smoothly.
2. Generating Leads: Lead generation is an important necessity of my life, corresponding through email, Instagram, Facebook, and other platforms to help more creatives. 
3. Team and Consult Meetings: This is where I interface with our coaching team, business consultants, and creative coaches to learn and collaborate.
4. Crafting Content: Creating of valuable content for aspiring songwriters, with a focus on the podcast and Instagram.
5. Shaping Curriculum: Developing client resources, including PDFs, slides, and videos for a comprehensive video portal.
6. Administrative Essentials: Staying organized and managing communications within the community. The nitty gritty details that keep this business running.
7. My Own Songwriting: Pursuing my own songwriting to keep learning along the way.
8. Challenges: Juggling personal songwriting endeavors with the demands of coaching. Compartmentalizing time and energy presents both obstacles and growth opportunities.
9. Rewards and Beyond: Finally, exploring the fulfilling rewards of becoming a songwriting coach. The full immersion in the 24/7 world of music and creativity while guiding others. Learning how this role transforms lives and enables the pursuit of artistic expression.

Whether you're considering stepping into the role of a songwriting coach or are fascinated by the intersection of music and mentorship, this episode provides valuable insights into the journey ahead!

Mentions and Links:
Zoom
Slack
Garageband
Book a Call with Us! connorfrost.com/call

Dear Songwriter,

Today we're launching into the topic of finding "your sound".

Whether you're an experienced composer stuck in a creative loop or just starting out, I'm going to cover an exercise that might help you push through! With these 4 key points, we're going to explore the world of music analysis and how you can use your favorite albums to shape and refine your artistry:

1. Why an Album Analysis Over a Song Analysis? This approach unveils recurring musical nuances that define an artist's essence as a whole. If you're solely listening to different songs you like, they may be missing that signature "sound" and consistency you can find in an album.
2. A Step-by-Step on How to do an Album Analysis:
   • Listen to the album on repeat in a casual, non-active fashion.
   • Listen to the album again in a more analytical frame of mind. 
   • Take notes on melody, lyrics, instruments, and arrangements in the songs.
   • Pay attention to repeating themes or sounds. What is staying the same throughout the whole record?
3. Apply Your Findings to Your Own Songwriting! Learn how to leverage the most prominent themes and tools uncovered during your analysis. Use these newfound elements to revitalize your creative process and enhance your songs!
4. How I Did This Process with Postal Service's "Give Up" Album: Some of my personal experience with The Postal Service's iconic 2003 album, "Give Up." Analyzing the themes and instrumentation of this album really helped give me a new twist to my songwriting process, and I hope it will do the same for you!

If you haven't found that "sound" that you're looking for yet, let's get into this episode for some tips on how to do it!

Mentions and Links:
Postal Service - Give Up
Logic Pro
SparkNotes
FREE Song Consult: https://www.connorfrost.com/freesongconsult

Dear Songwriter,

In this episode, I'm hashing out the intricacies of powerful song endings. As a songwriter, you understand the pivotal role endings play in how your audience remembers and connects with your music. Just like in movies and books, the final moments of a song are what linger in people's minds. Here are some techniques we'll cover today to help conclude your songs with confidence and impact:

1. Ending with a Chorus
Discover the potency of wrapping up your song with a chorus. We explore options like the double chorus, key changes, and accentuation. Through the lens of Blink-182's "Going Away to College," learn how these techniques can elevate your song's closing moments.

2. Concluding with a Verse
Explore how concluding with a verse keeps your narrative alive. Whether it's revisiting an earlier verse, introducing a fresh perspective, or crafting a half-verse, this approach adds depth. I'm using the iconic Eagles' "Hotel California" to illustrate how verse endings leave your listeners wanting more.

3. Add an "Actual" Outro
Sometimes, the best ending is one that feels like a new beginning. I'm calling this concept of the "actual" outro because it's a completely new section of your song, unique from your verse, chorus, or bridge. Red Hot Chili Peppers' "Under the Bridge" shows how this approach injects new life into your composition.

4. Instrumental Outros
This technique allows instruments take center stage in your finale. Guitar solos, fading melodies, and unique chord progressions all contribute to an impactful instrumental outro. With Eric Clapton's "Layla" as our guide, we'll explore how instrumental endings offer a different kind of musical resonance.

Dive into this episode to strengthen your songwriting and craft endings that linger, resonate, and etch themselves into your listeners' memories!

Mentions and Links:
Game of Thrones
Going Away to College - Blink-182
Anti-hero - Taylor Swift
What's My Age Again? - Blink-182
Hotel California - Eagles
Under the Bridge - Red Hot Chili Peppers
Layla - Eric Clapton
Free Song Structure Training!

Dear Songwriter,

I'm thrilled to have my talented colleague, Julie Lavery, join me in this week's episode as we dive into: "3 Ways to Make Money from Songwriting." Julie, a seasoned professional songwriter based in the heart of Nashville, brings a wealth of experience and insights to the table.

In our conversation, Julie and I explore the magic of co-writing, sharing stories of how collaboration can not only enhance your creativity but also lead to financial gains in the future. Julie paints a vivid picture of the co-writing process, from finding the perfect creative partners to navigating the world of agreements and splits. We then venture into the realm of crafting songs for sync opportunities, unraveling the secrets behind tailoring your music for placements in films, TV shows, commercials, and more. Julie sheds light on the strategies she employs to make her songs sync-friendly and the potential rewards that come from getting your music featured in various media projects. We also uncover the fulfilling path of songwriting coaching, exploring the art of nurturing aspiring songwriters.

Throughout our conversation, we emphasize the importance of persistence, adaptability, and continuous learning in the ever-evolving music industry. So, whether you're seeking collaborative partnerships, eyeing sync opportunities, or considering coaching, Julie and I invite you to join us on this episode as we unravel the secrets to making money from your songwriting passion!

Mentions and Links:
Miranda Lampert
Carrie Underwood
NSAI - Nashville Songwriters Association International
Publisher's Luncheon
Monarch (Show)
Yellowstone (Show)
Submithub
Connor's Story Episode
Dizzy Bats
Book a Call With Us! https://www.connorfrost.com/call
Julie Lavery Website
Julie's Music