This episode of Rock Camp features Grammy Award-winning songwriter and vocal coach Autumn Rowe, who shares her approach to songwriting by focusing on crafting songs that are specific to an artist’s identity and story. She discusses the importance of getting to know artists deeply, the challenges of working with new or directionless talent, and the process of knowing when a song is truly finished, sometimes requiring rewrites or fresh perspective. Autumn highlights her musical influences, including Stevie Wonder, Mariah Carey, and her formative experience in the New York City Housing Authority Choir. She addresses the difficulties of writing across genres, the need to work with artists she genuinely believes in, and the unique challenges women face in the music industry. Autumn also recounts her experiences as a vocal coach on X Factor and America’s Got Talent, describing the emotional intensity and pressure of preparing contestants for live TV. Her advice to aspiring songwriters is to pursue music only if it is a true passion, as the industry demands immense dedication, persistence, and sacrifice, but offers the reward of making music for a living.

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