Graham English
Songwriter, Recording Artist, and Blogging Musician
Songwriter, Recording Artist, and Blogging Musician
It was really hard to keep it under wraps for so long, but it is finally the right time. You are now invited to the Private Beta of Samurai Songwriting.
Click here for details: Samurai Songwriting Private Beta
Recording The Beatles is a 540-page book that details all of The Beatles recordings. It’s been reviewed by Wired and looks awesome.
It’s not cheap at $100 but it looks worth it just to learn the mics, mixers, effects, and instruments they used to get those classic sounds. I’m definitely buying a copy!
I’m not surprised the Dixie Chicks dominated the 49th Annual Grammys. Just take a look at the lyrics to their hit, Not Ready To Make Nice, vivified by a climbing melody and chord progression:
And how in the world can the words that I said
Send somebody so over the edge
That they’d write me a letter
Sayin’ that [...]
To be a Samurai Songwriter, you must first dedicate yourself to The Song.
As a symbolic gesture, say it out loud. “I dedicate my life to serving The Song.”
The Song is a powerful force. It changes people. It makes people laugh and cry. It opens closed hearts. It heals the broken. It calms the angry. And [...]
A Samurai Songwriter is one who is a servant of The Song.
The Samurai Songwriter understands the vertical and horizontal nature of his or her path. One travels horizontally on a linear path one step at a time. There is no quick and easy way to move from point A to point B. It takes as [...]
First of all, we have to agree on the definition of a song. For our purposes in Samurai Songwriting, a song is an art-form and a form of communication made up of melody, harmony, rhythm, lyrics, and form — the form of which includes a title, chorus, verse, and potentially a prechorus and/or bridge.
We can [...]
You’ve got to check out this slow and sexy rendition of The Star Spangled Banner by Marvin Gaye. Then read a related story over at Thomas Dolby’s blog. Marvin had it goin’ on!
Announce yourself. Tell the world who you are.
My name is Graham English and I’ll be one of the moderators here at Samurai Songwriting. I’ll be striving to live up to the Samurai Songwriter’s Code just like you.
About the Samurai Songwriting Code
One of the major principles to being a Samurai Songwriter is respect. Respect for yourself [...]
Now that you have your musical strengths and weaknesses written down in a place that you will see everyday, it’s time to plan what to do with these lists.
Two Frames
For the best results in doing any kind of goal setting or personal change work, remember the following:
Problem Frame questions are less effective. This is when [...]
In this series, I’ll do my best to help you understand what it takes to be an excellent musician and give you as many techniques as I can to take you to the top.
You’re about to see two sides of me. One side is called tough love. That side of me is here to challenge [...]
Here’s the final entry to my 2006 Celebrations and Reflections series. According to my stats, these are the top 20 most popular posts of 2006. Have a happy New Year!
How To Be An Expert
Your Goals As Waveform
What is RSS and Why Do I Care?
The World’s Most Important 6-Sec Drum Loop
Absolute Pitch Power Blogathon
Can Hit Songs [...]
I use the term “music hack” to refer to slick solutions to common musicianship problems. Some of them relate to making music and some of them relate to performing. But they all deal with how you think. So here’s the top Music Hack of 2006.
There Is Nothing Boring In Life. Only Boring People.
It’s Not Just [...]
Looking back over 2006 I can say that I learned a lot. And it seems that I taught a lot too! These music theory articles should keep you busy over the holiday break.
The Rules and Principles of Counterpoint
Deceptive Cadences
Advice To Beginning Musicians
How To Master Musical Textures
Internalize And Eternalize The Music By Transcribing Solos
Learn Orchestration Free [...]
I’m celebrating quite a few good songs written in the past year. And I’m reflecting on how I can make 2007 an even better year for songwriting. Look for some fresh songwriting ideas in the new year and enjoy the best songwriting articles of 2006.
The Perfect Song Title – 5 Things To Remember
4 Things That [...]
I hope your ear improved in 2006. I know mine did. Just in case you haven’t been reading my blog all year, here’s my favorite ear training articles for 2006.
Is Your Ear Suspect?
Why Singing What You Hear Is Important To Your Ear Training
Understanding The Art And Craft Of Absolute Pitch Hearing
Shaolin Ear Training
Hearing and Consciousness
Absolute [...]
It’s pretty funny actually. I’ll be watching TV or a movie and whenever I hear the note B in the soundtrack, I reach for my phone. All because I have Miles Davis’ All Blues as my ringtone.
In case you missed it, I’ve talked about ear training with your cell phone ringtone before.
Topics covered:
The art of sound, aural distinctions, absolute sound, loudness, location, and more.
[Audio clip: view full post to listen]
Subscribe with iTunes here:
Subscribe with Odeo here:
Subscribe with Podnova here:
Subscribe by RSS here:
Subscribe by email here:
This video is a magnificent example of musical peak performance. It’s possible that Glenn Gould had Asperger syndrome, a disorder related to autism. He really makes Johann Sebastian Bach come alive!
Place Your Song Title At Key Points In The Chorus
Your song title is more likely to be remembered if it is placed in the first or last line of the chorus.
Place Emphasis On Your Song Title In The Chorus
Support your song title by giving it a rhythm, melody, and harmony that sounds natural and intuitive. [...]
This music discovery website is amazing! You can find music by mood, genre, and by the decade it was created. Best of all, Musicovery is as a killer songwriting inspiration tool.
You don’t even have to hit play to find ideas for your next song. Just take a look at the moods or genres to give [...]
about grahamI'm a songwriter and recording artist who sings, plays keyboards, and explores the vast world of sound hoping to find some magical moments along the way. I'm also a Mac geek.
If Heroes needed a new superhero, it would be Montage Man. He can speed things up and add a catchy tune. 8 hrs ago
WP Cumulus Flash tag cloud by Roy Tanck and Luke Morton requires Flash Player 9 or better.
Loading ...
