What's in a Song

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Support this podcast: Venmo @scarlet-keys

Or https://buymeacoffee.com/scarlet.keys

Today's guest is Liz Longley:

Best known for her stop-you-in-your-tracks voice, Liz Longley is an accomplished singer-songwriter based out of Nashville, TN. With her deeply emotional music, Longley has earned accolades from some of the most prestigious songwriting competitions in the country, including the BMI John Lennon Songwriting Scholarship Competition.

Her self-titled debut album received critical acclaim, being described as “something more; a cleverness, a wit and a mix of musical styles” (Dallas Morning News) and “stunning” (HuffPost). Her follow up album Weightless, released in 2016, was praised as “a thing of beauty” (Pop Dose) and “packed with instantly memorable pop rock songs…” (Popmatters).

The Berklee College of Music grad worked alongside 5-time Grammy-nominated producer, Paul Moak, on her much awaited sixth album, Funeral For my Past. The journey of her self-release made music industry headlines when her devoted fanbase raised over $150,000 to help her purchase the rights to and independently release the album. Longley became the #4 most funded solo female musician in Kickstarter history - a story covered by Billboard Magazine. 

Embraced by the press and music fans alike, Funeral For My Past was described as a “…stunning new album!” (Forbes), “…from Americana to gospel-flavored soul to shimmering pop anthems” (Billboard), and included in “100 Albums Released in 2020 to Put on Your Radar” (Newsweek). The Nashville-based musician has found a loving give-and-take with listeners: Longley shares her music with the world, enriching fans’ lives, and in return, they provide her with the means necessary for her to make music on her own terms.

To preserve Liz Longley's upcoming Christmas album:

https://sl.cmdshft.com/theholidayfuss

Workshop Nov 13: Writing Better Songs:  With Scarlet Keys

In this 2 1/2 hour workshop you will walk away with 12 tools to make you a better writer: 

• 3 prompts
• 3 chord progressions
• 3 ways to write better melodies
• 3 lyric writing techniques 

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/songwriting-workshop-writing-better-songs-tickets-2003921323623?fbclid=IwY2xjawVMfJ5leHRuA2FlbQIxMABwZG9mBWJyaWQRMWMzZmUxWTZDbDlyUW1pdThzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEe8uNlFbkwXmMv5YWoQi4NcIFh48Vqe5F1qIoqVsv3VMjP70Ctnb1HNSjr884_aem_HBw3yIMTHOwFtHrYGvJHPA&aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true

Join the “What’s in a Song” community: 

https://buymeacoffee.com/scarlet.keys

Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/

To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "What if it All Goes Right: Practicing Hope in the Hardest Times" featured on NPR and the Wall Street Journal:

https://www.amazon.com/What-All-Goes-Right-Practicing/dp/B0CTYVQ9Q8

Joe Bennett:

To learn more about forensic musicology and professor Joe Bennett: https://joebennett.net/

Mailing list:

https://www.scarletkeys.com/

Mixed by Peter Sykes: https://www.petersykesmusic.com/

Scarlet's website:

https://www.scarletkeys.com

Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/

To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songwriting:

https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Songwriting-Music-Meaning-Emotion/dp/0876391927/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2PP55NU6E9ST6&keywords=the+craft+of+songwriting&qid=1659573139&sprefix=the+craft+of+songwritin%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1

Scarlet's website:

https://www.scarletkeys.com

Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/

To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songwriting:

https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Songwriting-Music-Meaning-Emotion/dp/0876391927/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2PP55NU6E9ST6&keywords=the+craft+of+songwriting&qid=1659573139&sprefix=the+craft+of+songwritin%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1

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Today's guest is the owner of Glow Music Group, Kari Kimmel

In this episode,  Kari talks about her journey as an artist and how she became to own one of the most successful licensing companies, how she champions real artists and what music supervisors are most often looking for.

Workshop Nov 13: Writing Better Songs:  With Scarlet Keys

In this 2 1/2 hour workshop you will walk away with 12 tools to make you a better writer: 

• 3 prompts
• 3 chord progressions
• 3 ways to write better melodies
• 3 lyric writing techniques 

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/songwriting-workshop-writing-better-songs-tickets-2003921323623?fbclid=IwY2xjawVMfJ5leHRuA2FlbQIxMABwZG9mBWJyaWQRMWMzZmUxWTZDbDlyUW1pdThzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEe8uNlFbkwXmMv5YWoQi4NcIFh48Vqe5F1qIoqVsv3VMjP70Ctnb1HNSjr884_aem_HBw3yIMTHOwFtHrYGvJHPA&aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true

Join the “What’s in a Song” community: 

https://buymeacoffee.com/scarlet.keys

Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/

To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "What if it All Goes Right: Practicing Hope in the Hardest Times" featured on NPR and the Wall Street Journal:

https://www.amazon.com/What-All-Goes-Right-Practicing/dp/B0CTYVQ9Q8

Joe Bennett:

To learn more about forensic musicology and professor Joe Bennett: https://joebennett.net/

Mailing list:

https://www.scarletkeys.com/

Mixed by Peter Sykes: https://www.petersykesmusic.com/

Scarlet's website:

https://www.scarletkeys.com

Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/

To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songwriting:

https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Songwriting-Music-Meaning-Emotion/dp/0876391927/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2PP55NU6E9ST6&keywords=the+craft+of+songwriting&qid=1659573139&sprefix=the+craft+of+songwritin%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1

Scarlet's website:

https://www.scarletkeys.com

Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/

To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songwriting:

https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Songwriting-Music-Meaning-Emotion/dp/0876391927/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2PP55NU6E9ST6&keywords=the+craft+of+songwriting&qid=1659573139&sprefix=the+craft+of+songwritin%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1

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In this episode Scarlet Keys is joined with Forensic Musicologist Dr. Joe Bennett.  Joe breaks down the chords in this song and shares Nashville tunings for the guitar.

Joe gets granular in this discussion as he compares Lenny Kravit's "It Ain't over 'til it's over" with "Ruin the friendship" and clarify's what constitutes copyright infringement. 

He talks about copyrighting your songs and how to protect your original work while still finding inspiration from songs you love.

Chord progression in "Ruin the Friendship:

D  GMaj7/B  Csus2  G5

Nashville tunings:

Need two sets of guitar strings

Take off the 4 thickest strings and replace with much lighter strings replace bass strings with much lighter strings.

Bass to treble change tuning to: BE are the same but others are an octave higher 

How to copyright your songs and protect your work

copyright.gov 

work.Support this podcast:

https://buymeacoffee.com/scarlet.keys

 Venmo: @scarlet-keys

Songwriting retreats:

• Star Island In person songwriting retreat: https://starisland.org/program/songwriting-intensive-the-art-of-the-song/Support this podcast:

Join the “What’s in a Song” community: 

https://buymeacoffee.com/scarlet.keys

Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/
 
To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "What if it All Goes Right: Practicing Hope in the Hardest Times" featured on NPR and the Wall Street Journal:

https://www.amazon.com/What-All-Goes-Right-Practicing/dp/B0CTYVQ9Q8

Joe Bennett:

To learn more about forensic musicology and professor Joe Bennett: https://joebennett.net/

Mailing list:

https://www.scarletkeys.com/

Mixed by Peter Sykes: https://www.petersykesmusic.com/

Scarlet's website:

https://www.scarletkeys.com

Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/

To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songwriting:

https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Songwriting-Music-Meaning-Emotion/dp/0876391927/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2PP55NU6E9ST6&keywords=the+craft+of+songwriting&qid=1659573139&sprefix=the+craft+of+songwritin%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1

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In this episode, we talk about Taylor Swift's narrative and lyric techniques.  We break down the bridge in the song "Ruin the Friendship"  with a focus on lyrical techniques and a touch on melody.  We talk about the power of a bridge and the alchemy this bridge has on the rest of the narrative.

Support this podcast:

https://buymeacoffee.com/scarlet.keys

 Venmo: @scarlet-keys

What members are saying:

"I've been in Scarlet's songwriting group since it began. I've learned so much from Scarlet, her guests, and from the other members. It's been an important part of my songwriting journey." - Neale Eckstein

 I really have grown through your community. Here is a quote that captures my feelings ..... "Through lyric-writing practice, craft-focused feedback, and a supportive community of songwriters, I've become a stronger storyteller in song and gained confidence to share those stories with a wider audience." ... Joe Howell

"Scarlet was my first songwriting professor when I was a student at Berklee College of Music. I had never written a song before and left her class with a catalogue of finished songs and an immense love for the craft of writing. 10 years later, I'm now a professional musician, songwriter, and songwriting coach. Through the years, I have been encouraged by the wisdom and insight Scarlet has to offer. I'm not a morning person, but I look forward to the Friday morning sessions where I log on with my bed head, notebook, and cup of tea. The group offers a sense of community with other kind writers working on their art and finding joy in this world through music. The meetings are a positive start to my weekend and keep me inspired as I work on my various music projects. I am so fortunate enough to learn from Scarlet with her positive spirit and love for songwriting."

 - Stephanie James

Songwriting retreats:

• Star Island In person songwriting retreat: https://starisland.org/program/songwriting-intensive-the-art-of-the-song/Support this podcast:

Join the “What’s in a Song” community: 

https://buymeacoffee.com/scarlet.keys

Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/

To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "What if it All Goes Right: Practicing Hope in the Hardest Times" featured on NPR and the Wall Street Journal:

https://www.amazon.com/What-All-Goes-Right-Practicing/dp/B0CTYVQ9Q8

Joe Bennett:

To learn more about forensic musicology and professor Joe Bennett: https://joebennett.net/

Mailing list:

https://www.scarletkeys.com/

Mixed by Peter Sykes: https://www.petersykesmusic.com/

Scarlet's website:

https://www.scarletkeys.com

Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/

To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songwriting:

https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Songwriting-Music-Meaning-Emotion/dp/0876391927/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2PP55NU6E9ST6&keywords=the+craft+of+songwriting&qid=1659573139&sprefix=the+craft+of+songwritin%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1

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In this episode we talk about the critical thinking skills of a songwriter and the puzzle of the song.  

When your song feels like it's missing something or you might feel bored by your own song but don't know what to do to change it.  After the song is written, it's important to know what to look for on how to make the song as effective as possible.  I hope you will join me for my next online class to learn what to look for and the solutions that can make your song as impactful as possible.

Master class: "Diagnosing a song"

May 1st 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. E.T.

Cost: $45.00 

Eventbrite sign up: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1988234179954?aff=oddtdtcreator

Submit song to be chosen for critique:

Send sharable google file of lyric or lyric doc to:

[email protected] 

To sign up Venmo: @scarlet-keys

Songwriting retreats:

• Star Island In person songwriting retreat: https://starisland.org/program/songwriting-intensive-the-art-of-the-song/

Support this podcast:

https://buymeacoffee.com/scarlet.keys

Join the “What’s in a Song” community: 

https://buymeacoffee.com/scarlet.keys

Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/

To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "What if it All Goes Right: Practicing Hope in the Hardest Times" featured on NPR and the Wall Street Journal:

https://www.amazon.com/What-All-Goes-Right-Practicing/dp/B0CTYVQ9Q8

Joe Bennett:

To learn more about forensic musicology and professor Joe Bennett: https://joebennett.net/

Mailing list:

https://www.scarletkeys.com/

Mixed by Peter Sykes: https://www.petersykesmusic.com/

Scarlet's website:

https://www.scarletkeys.com

Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/

To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songwriting:

https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Songwriting-Music-Meaning-Emotion/dp/0876391927/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2PP55NU6E9ST6&keywords=the+craft+of+songwriting&qid=1659573139&sprefix=the+craft+of+songwritin%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1

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Welcome back to a new season!

We are continuing on with the Life of a Show Girl interpreted with new up coming episodes.

Today, I am joined with Dr. Joe Bennett as we break down "Eldest Daughter" by Taylor Swift.

Songwriting retreats:

• Star Island In person songwriting retreat: https://starisland.org/program/songwriting-intensive-the-art-of-the-song/

Support this podcast:

https://buymeacoffee.com/scarlet.keys

Join the “What’s in a Song” community: 

https://buymeacoffee.com/scarlet.keys

Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/

To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "What if it All Goes Right: Practicing Hope in the Hardest Times" featured on NPR and the Wall Street Journal:

https://www.amazon.com/What-All-Goes-Right-Practicing/dp/B0CTYVQ9Q8

Joe Bennett:

To learn more about forensic musicology and professor Joe Bennett: https://joebennett.net/

Mailing list:

https://www.scarletkeys.com/

Mixed by Peter Sykes: https://www.petersykesmusic.com/

Scarlet's website:

https://www.scarletkeys.com

Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/

To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songwriting:

https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Songwriting-Music-Meaning-Emotion/dp/0876391927/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2PP55NU6E9ST6&keywords=the+craft+of+songwriting&qid=1659573139&sprefix=the+craft+of+songwritin%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, we break down Father Figure from Taylor Swift's record "The Life of a Showgirl".

In this episode we look at:

• The chord progression
• Melodic hooks
• Rhetorical devices
• Guitar voicings
• The stunning bridge and what the back ground harmonies are bringing to this section to make it so spectacular
• Phrasing
• Prosody
• Sign up for the Master class:

The songwriting secrets of Taylor Swift Nov 18th:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1811786424969?aff=oddtdtcreator

Support this podcast:

https://buymeacoffee.com/scarlet.keys

Join the “What’s in a Song” community: 

https://buymeacoffee.com/scarlet.keys

Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/

To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "What if it All Goes Right: Practicing Hope in the Hardest Times" featured on NPR and the Wall Street Journal:

https://www.amazon.com/What-All-Goes-Right-Practicing/dp/B0CTYVQ9Q8

Joe Bennett:

To learn more about forensic musicology and professor Joe Bennett: https://joebennett.net/

Mailing list:

https://www.scarletkeys.com/

Mixed by Peter Sykes: https://www.petersykesmusic.com/

Otto Gross: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMnxx19QD-vxD4wnYGTn3Jw

Scarlet's website:

https://www.scarletkeys.com

Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/

To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songwriting:

https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Songwriting-Music-Meaning-Emotion/dp/0876391927/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2PP55NU6E9ST6&keywords=the+craft+of+songwriting&qid=1659573139&sprefix=the+craft+of+songwritin%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1

Send us Fan Mail

Track32 on "The Life of a Showgirl" - Opalite

I'm back with Forensic Musicologist Dr. Joe Bennett

In this episode we look at:

• The chord progression
• Chord tensions
• Harmonic rhythm
• Borrowed chord
• Rhetorical device
• Production
• Direct modulation

To sign up with the virtual live master class "The Songwriting of Taylor Swift" with Scarlet Keys: 

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1811786424969?aff=oddtdtcreator

Joe Bennett:

To learn more about forensic musicology and professor Joe Bennett: https://joebennett.net/

Mailing list:

https://www.scarletkeys.com/

Instagram: @scarletkeysofficial

Become a member of the What's in a song songwriting community or become a supporter:

https://buymeacoffee.com/scarlet.keys

Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/

To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "What if it All Goes Right: Practicing Hope in the Hardest Times" featured on NPR and the Wall Street Journal:

https://www.amazon.com/What-All-Goes-Right-Practicing/dp/B0CTYVQ9Q8

To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songwriting:

https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Songwriting-Music-Meaning-Emotion/dp/0876391927/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2PP55NU6E9ST6&keywords=the+craft+of+songwriting&qid=1659573139&sprefix=the+craft+of+songwritin%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1

Mixed by Peter Sykes: https://www.petersykesmusic.com/

Otto Gross: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMnxx19QD-vxD4wnYGTn3Jw

Scarlet's website:

https://www.scarletkeys.com

Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/

To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songwriting:

https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Songwriting-Music-Meaning-Emotion/dp/0876391927/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2PP55NU6E9ST6&keywords=the+craft+of+songwriting&qid=1659573139&sprefix=the+craft+of+songwritin%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1

Scarlet's website:

https://www.scarletkeys.com

Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/

To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songwriting:

https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Songwriting-Music-Meaning-Emotion/dp/0876391927/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2PP55NU6E9ST6&keywords=the+craft+of+songwriting&qid=1659573139&sprefix=the+craft+of+songwritin%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1

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Track 2 on "The Life of a Showgirl" - Elizabeth Taylor

I'm back with Forensic Musicologist Dr. Joe Bennett

In this episode we look at:

• The chord progression
• Chord inversions
• Tensions
• Harmonic rhythm
• Phrase lengths
• Melisma
• Writing from a title
• Melodic hooks

To sign up with the virtual live master class "The Songwriting of Taylor Swift" with Scarlet Keys: 

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1811786424969?aff=oddtdtcreator

Mailing list:

https://www.scarletkeys.com/

Instagram: @scarletkeysofficial

Become a member of the What's in a song songwriting community or become a supporter:

https://buymeacoffee.com/scarlet.keys

Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/

To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "What if it All Goes Right: Practicing Hope in the Hardest Times" featured on NPR and the Wall Street Journal:

https://www.amazon.com/What-All-Goes-Right-Practicing/dp/B0CTYVQ9Q8

To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songwriting:

https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Songwriting-Music-Meaning-Emotion/dp/0876391927/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2PP55NU6E9ST6&keywords=the+craft+of+songwriting&qid=1659573139&sprefix=the+craft+of+songwritin%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1

To learn more about forensic musicology and professor Joe Bennett: https://joebennett.net/

Mixed by Peter Sykes: https://www.petersykesmusic.com/

Otto Gross: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMnxx19QD-vxD4wnYGTn3Jw

Scarlet's website:

https://www.scarletkeys.com

Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/

To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songwriting:

https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Songwriting-Music-Meaning-Emotion/dp/0876391927/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2PP55NU6E9ST6&keywords=the+craft+of+songwriting&qid=1659573139&sprefix=the+craft+of+songwritin%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1

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This is the first of a 12 episode series where Berklee College of music professor Scarlet Keys talks about each song off of the new Taylor Swift album "The Life of a Showgirl" searching for clues and signature moves that Swift uses as a writer to write songs that resonate with millions of listeners and pack stadiums.  

They are listening for literary devices, chord progression, ear worm, melodic hooks and theme.

Scarlet wrote the course "The songwriting of Taylor Swift" for Berklee College and Berklee online.

Today she is joined by Forensic musicologist Joe Bennett.

Each episode ends with a song prompt based on each song that you can try in your own writing.

https://www.scarletkeys.com/

Instagram: @scarletkeysofficial

Become a member of the What's in a song songwriting community or become a supporter:

https://buymeacoffee.com/scarlet.keys

Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/

To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "What if it All Goes Right: Practicing Hope in the Hardest Times" featured on NPR and the Wall Street Journal:

https://www.amazon.com/What-All-Goes-Right-Practicing/dp/B0CTYVQ9Q8

To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songwriting:

https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Songwriting-Music-Meaning-Emotion/dp/0876391927/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2PP55NU6E9ST6&keywords=the+craft+of+songwriting&qid=1659573139&sprefix=the+craft+of+songwritin%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1

To learn more about forensic musicology and professor Joe Bennett: https://joebennett.net/

Mixed by Peter Sykes: https://www.petersykesmusic.com/

Otto Gross: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMnxx19QD-vxD4wnYGTn3Jw

Scarlet's website:

https://www.scarletkeys.com

Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/

To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songwriting:

https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Songwriting-Music-Meaning-Emotion/dp/0876391927/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2PP55NU6E9ST6&keywords=the+craft+of+songwriting&qid=1659573139&sprefix=the+craft+of+songwritin%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1