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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

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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

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About this weeks guest:

Roger Brown is an American businessman, philanthropist, and academic administrator and former president of Berklee College of Music. Brown is also the co-founder of Bright Horizons and founder and chairman of the Salt Lick Incubator.  He is most recently a grammy nominated songwriter!!!

In this episode, Roger talks about becoming a songwriter later in life, writing the truth and retiring from Berklee and creating a company for emerging artists called The Salt Lick Incubator:

https://www.saltlickincubator.org/saltlicksessions

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

https://buymeacoffee.com/scarlet.keys

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

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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Today, Ariel Hyatt introduces the concept of the Three Communities every artist must understand: 
- **Ambient Fans** who are aware of you 
- **Engaged Fans** who pay attention and interact 
- **Superfans** who support, advocate, and stick with you over the long term.

She talks about the power of the mailing list, gaining true fans and if you only have 10 min a day to market, how should you spend your time.

To sign up for Scarlet's virtual Metaphor class:

Monday Aug. 25th at 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. click here:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1579585736459?aff=oddtdtcreator

About this week's guest:

Since the dawn of the digital music age, Ariel has helped thousands of artists across all

genres and career stages navigate the confusing and ever-changing music business with

greater ease and efficiency. Her passion, expertise, and intuitive guidance make her a

transformative force for musicians looking to accelerate their careers. Ariel’s greatest

strengths lie in making what feels overwhelming and complicated seem easy and digestible,

teaching, creating artist systems, and her relentless quest for learning.

Ariel’s firsthand experience with creative struggles shapes her mission to support artists.

Through her work as an author, podcaster, and course creator, she provides tools to help

musicians thrive. “Growing a music career has a science to it, but no one-size-fits-all map—

each artist’s path is their own.”

Her commitment to educating artists has taken her to over 70 conferences in 13 countries,

including SXSW, MONDO, Vivid Sydney, Hubspot Ignite, and Social Media Week New

York. She has also toured Canada and Australia, teaching marketing masterclasses to artists

and created multiple courses for top music industry colleges and universities.

She has written six books on PR, crowdfunding, and new media, including Music Success in

9 Weeks, Cyber PR for Musicians, Social Media Tuneup, Crowdstart, and The Ultimate Guide

to Music Publicity.

To purchase Ariel's latest book "From Buzz to Bond":

https://www.amazon.com/Buzz-Bond-Chasing-Lasting-Career/dp/0989521028/ref=sr_1_1?crid=22NAE6QT3T1O9&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.VFTjNuRgPLUT7N3qJGCJ0A.1BV3jiuiWdEXB0NWY2LobhOEdGy27dS1qRu9Xdg1ZtE&dib_tag=se&keywords=from+buzz+to+bond+ariel+hyatt&qid=1754959570&sprefix=from+buzz+to+bond%2Caps%2C126&sr=8-1On today's show I have PR expert Ariel Hyatt:

• The monthly membership:

https://buymeacoffee.com/scarlet.keys

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/Cra

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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To sign up for the online songwriting in process class:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1376858744569?aff=oddtdtcreator

On today's show I have Psychologist Dr. Jill Stoddard 

So much of what goes into a song is the psychology of the songwriter.  Mindset is so important to the creative.  Today, Dr. Stoddard talks about how to work with our inner critic, why we have it, how to focus on meaning even when your critique is loud.  She talks about how important self compassion is to the creative and the wise mind.  How persona can help an artist and so much more!

More about Jill:

https://jillstoddard.com/

To find Jill's book:

https://www.amazon.com/Imposter-More-Self-Doubt-Imposterism-Successful/dp/1538724790/ref=sr_1_1?crid=QBJQVVVTQCWA&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.t0gJrRrxlr7fbTqpBlq1PA6UmSg3LRmFwVPsRRiQkPNkS5rCe9HIM2zzvrZrw0gcbalD0-zlisuqEpcOscgx8cyeW7zeGdwiSJJtTO6m8AmGoKnflb9bqT2mOyuNBXxzFC2IszG9pjxX0gbcncLqaEH0J_Wz-5PlUeW7AMlW-NqbSUB7cTAngYXrv51YQ936.iml6zLsvasbi9q-BxQCaDOaeAWoajBYcHnKmTlFp71E&dib_tag=se&keywords=imposter+no+more&qid=1748007040&sprefix=imposter+no+mor%2Caps%2C121&sr=8-1

To join the weekly writing class: 

https://buymeacoffee.com/scarlet.keys

The monthly membership:

https://buymeacoffee.com/scarlet.keys

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

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 a text

In this episode, Mark Simos takes us through writing songs for social change, political protest, songs for that evoke empathy and songs of conscience.

We talk metaphor, point of view and the most effective way to handle this delicate topic.

We give you a song prompt and this episode is woven with songwriting crafts gems.

Spotify songs for social justice:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0PigbEAOxbwXOwvHFsq1vZ?si=cc729ee146d54003

To join the weekly writing class:

https://buymeacoffee.com/scarlet.keys

The monthly membership:

https://buymeacoffee.com/scarlet.keys

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

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 a text

Upcoming classes:

To sign up for the April 5th workshop: "The songwriting of Taylor Swift":
 
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1252499231919?aff=oddtdtcreator

To support this podcast and membership:

https://buymeacoffee.com/scarlet.keys

Show take aways:

• Try writing a song using the words and rhythm of a nursery rhyme to try audio doodling in your melody.
• Write your chorus first
• Start a song with the chorus
• You need input for output: Go hear live music, new music, travel, try new things, read...

ABOUT TODAY'S GUEST:

Rodney Alejandro

Grammy nominated artist/songwriter/producer Rodney Alejandro stands as a formidable polymath whose talents span an impressive array of roles both on stage and in the studio. 

Renowned for his dynamic passion for music, Alejandro has excelled as a
musician, arranger, songwriter, producer, music director, executive, and educator,
establishing himself as a linchpin in the entertainment world.
In one of his eras, Alejandro dazzled audiences worldwide as the keyboardist and music director for the international pop band, The Script. 

His innovative arrangements transformed the band’s hits into captivating live experiences, weaving emotional
narratives that swung from exhilarating highs to poignant lows, leaving concert-goers spellbound.

Alejandro’s illustrious career as a live performer includes collaborations with an array of music legends. From the Latin rhythms of Mañá, and Chucho Valdez y Irakere to the soulful strains of Stevie Wonder and Labrinth, to the rock prowess of Roger Daltry and Bunburry, his diverse collaborations have cemented his reputation as a versatile and sought-after talent.
Before joining The Script, he had already made a name for himself behind the scenes.

His songwriting and production prowess has earned him accolades across multiple genres, including English, Latin, and Asian music markets. He has contributed to multiple Grammy and Latin Grammy nominated projects and earned a Billboard Latin Pop Album of the Year, along with numerous gold and platinum certifications.

In the studio, Alejandro's versatility shines through, with his fingerprints on projects ranging from R&B giants like Ray Charles and The Tempatations, to Latin superstars like Kumbia Kings and Olga Tañon, Zydeco royalty Sean Ardoin, and rock legend Sammy Hagar. 

His contributions have spanned various projects showcasing his ability to adapt
and excel in diverse musical settings.
Alejandro’s talents extend to television and film as well, where he has composed and produced music for acclaimed shows such as "The Shield" (Golden Globe winner for Best Drama Series), “Thief,” and “The Ellen DeGeneres Show”(Latin Theme). 

His work has also enriched the soundtracks of programs like CBS’s “The Unit”, HBO’s “Pee-Wee Herman's Broadway Special” and “Smallville.”

His current era has been thirty plus years in the making. Although he initially deferred college to pursue a major record deal, he later attended San Jacinto Junior College, followed by Berklee College of Music, where he graduated summa cum laude with dual majors in Contemporary Writing and Product

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, I speak with Neuroscientist, author and musician Dr. Daniel Levitin on how music affects our health.  From reducing cortisol to lessening the effects of Parkinsons and how we can use music as medicine!  We talk science and his new book "I Heard there was a Secret Chord: Music as Medicine": 

Daniel Levitin's music:
https://open.spotify.com/artist/7iRoKs96ka4AJPOA39VJj5?si=su7HYKBPT5y1LKw1ws5YfQ

https://www.daniellevitin.com/contact

https://www.amazon.com/Heard-There-Was-Secret-Chord/dp/1324036184/ref=sr_1_1?crid=274VRU3KC3Q2Y&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.5IaZHwLTgwh8-AzCAHt3kPDTjEUUDj8oH7KYdhuKtZU8XWjEBPwfWA2yUYORIZ_itvi4tir_1TPCxuwyfK5XhOgIuWi6s06iC9NL3rlr-0S7HxC5Dhb2zElgfXUKl9fq5hukodT71mwY0kfSQfodgZvyabALJAoj0-7dbUmqsXQpzu5Vcq8ecsXDWAOC9uUgfRz9X35zmy3J08juQ3Qua_O5xLXVEks31MwO7kqidw0.izSDOoW9LvNCZ-lOnOMvJqL_cNZZlqR5IfpZ0pimcqM&dib_tag=se&keywords=music+as+medicine&qid=1733872553&sprefix=music+as+medicine%2Caps%2C200&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-Songwrihttps://www.amazon.com/Craft-Songwriting-Music-Meaning-Emotion/dp/0876391927/ref=sr_1_1?crid=119TH6YQTH349&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.GwjMoShoQQ4LkwVcPHTP5IsFQanO1VPyx1zz3Bb4-7Ffl9gB95Og0_jt8TG-PMDAg4o3Q2vuEwWCma8wUo-DHpR6mFM_eZ6d07zqSbtlMiP1zBKXa2KP6P0g3jksVGTLOkWjxCsHAiNyGUQGHdxttbW_gEag07lREzcDa6Gvc2aN6DYqIurxcLK-xNKq52dS8bK9mDf-I3NHkS_Eu9WuhM7i1cIed4EMOhKHAgQpccs.KkFHodeEgcHLFavSPdmBuI0yXDQ5mWY3pbRLlxJi5lk&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+craft+of+songwriting&qid=1733872594&sprefix=the+craft+of+songwritin%2Caps%2C148&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