Month: June 2016
A Songwriter’s Most Important Tool
- Audio recordings. If there is a melody in your head, just sing it aloud or play it on an instrument of your choice, and use the recording feature on your computer or phone to get it out of your head and onto paper… figuratively speaking.
- Sheet Music. Alternatively, if you know how to read and write sheet music, having a few blank pages handy is never a bad idea. No matter how many times you forget what you came up with, you can always refer back to what you wrote down. Being able to transcribe music from sounds in your head to notes on a staff is a valuable skill to have.
- Chord Names/Tablature. The guitar and piano are probably the most commonly used instruments in conventional songwriting. Recall chord progressions by writing down the names of the chords or using chord diagrams or guitar tablature.
- Lyric Books. Many
songwriters , myself included, have at least one notebook dedicated to lyrics and lyrical ideas. This is especially useful if you’re on the go. Even the smallest ideas are worth remembering, because a few words or a single line can become an entire song. This can be done digitally too, of course. Manysongwriters prefer physical notebooks simply because they like to be able to look back at where they made changes to an original set of lyrics.
When I have an idea for a song, I have found that the most effective way for me to remember is to record it. I play the basic chords on the guitar and hum the melody at the same time so that I can remember how the two parts of the song fit together later on. I always have a notebook handy to jot down ideas for lyrics, or sometimes I just use my phone. But no two
Ring Back Tones in Songwriter Agreements
A songwriting agreement often provides for a share of royalties that may vary depending on the category of use. These categories include foreign rights, movie rights, mechanical licenses, public performances, synchronization licenses, print rights, and other categories. Most agreements between a publisher and a songwriter contain a catch-all paragraph for a miscellaneous category in which the publisher and the songwriter share in the royalties on a 50:50 basis. Take care to understand that a royalty amount and a royalty share may depend on how the use of the music is categorized.
New Orleans Blues Piano and Songwriting Technique with Jon Cleary
In this clip from www.artistshousemusic.org – Blues pianist and songwriter Jon Cleary delivers a seminar in the history and tradition of the New Orleans blues piano style to an audience at Loyola University, New Orleans. He discusses major figures like James Booker, Professor Longhair and Jelly Roll Morton, and places their work in the larger context of the musical traditions of the Caribbean rim. He also shares his thoughts on songwriting technique, on managing your copyrights, and on collaborating in the studio with “name” artists.
source
Crosley CR248 Songwriter CD Recorder
For a long time now, my friend has been looking for an easy way to transfer his record collection on to CD. The reason for his wait is simply because the method of transfer has to be idiot proof, that’s right, he’s not what you would call tech savvy. The Crosley CR248 Songwriter CD Recorder could be the answer to his problem. But he has also been looking for something that was a bit retro looking, so the Crosley ticks that box as well.
Biographical Dictionary of Afro-American and African Musicians (The Greenwood Encyclopedia of Black Music) Reviews
Biographical Dictionary of Afro-American and African Musicians (The Greenwood Encyclopedia of Black Music)
“The stimulus this handsomely produced volume will provide to research and teaching may well surpass that offered by Dr. Southern’s earlier studies. This major accomplishment belongs in the libraries of all individuals and institutions interested in any aspect of American music.” Ethnomusiciology
Alison Krauss: Bluegrass County Singer, Musician, Songwriter, Producer, Lifetime Grammy’s and More
Alison Krauss’ destiny with music started at an early age. She began studying classical violin at the age five but soon switched to bluegrass. At the age of eight she started entering local talent contests and at 13 years of age she won the Walnut Valley Festival Fiddle Championship. The Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass in America named her the Most Promising Fiddler in the Midwest.
MY WEEK: Songwriting & bass guitar!
I’m making a music video! If you would like to support me and get access to exclusive merch go to: http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/hannah-trigwell
A week in the life haha! Filmed everyday this week and mashed it all together in this vlog – hope you enjoy! 🙂
Rap Music Songwriters
Sometimes, you need rap music
How to Become a Songwriter
Learning how to become a