Reading a newspaper, I saw a picture of birds on the electric wires. I cut out the photo and decided to make a song, using the exact location of the birds as notes (no Photoshop edit). I knew it wasn't the most original idea in the universe. I was … [Read more...]
Handwritten Notes By Thelonious Monk
I'm not sure of the original source, but I just found these handwritten notes by Thelonious Monk in the Delicious popular feed posted by thescotter. Awesome stuff! … [Read more...]
On Legacy
This is the true joy in life, the being recognized by yourself as a mighty one; the being thoroughly worn out before you are thrown on the scrap heap; the being a force of nature instead of a feverish selfish little clod of ailments and grievances … [Read more...]
1,000-Hour/5,000-Hour Model For Songwriting Success
The concept is this: To be a good, competent songwriter, it will take 1,000 hours of practice. If you want to be a great songwriter, it will take 5,000 hours. Winners are made, not born. So forget about talent. Talent is a gift for … [Read more...]
Most Inspiring 30 Minutes I’ve Invested In A Long Time
With subtle accompaniment by longtime friend Herbie Hancock, and a slide show that has opened the minds (and pocketbooks) of CEOs across the country, artist and youth activist Bill Strickland tells a quiet and astonishing tale of redemption through … [Read more...]
Rewriting Song Titles For Practice And Inspiration
Here's an exercise I love to do when I need inspiration for song titles. If nothing's coming naturally, this trick can really get the creative juices flowing. Even if I end up using nothing that I come up with, I find that within a day or two, one of … [Read more...]
Brian Eno’s Oblique Strategies For Your iPhone
In an attempt to hack their creativity and artistic output, Brian Eno and Peter Schmidt created a deck of cards they called the Oblique Strategies. Whenever they came up against a creative dilemma--and especially while under a moment of pressure or … [Read more...]
Find New Music With Musicovery – And Songwriting Ideas Too
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. … [Read more...]
Hit Songwriting Tips Podcast 09-29-06
Topics covered: Songwriting for busy people, capturing song ideas, GTD (Getting Things Done), organization, productivity, iTunes, GarageBand, Logic Pro, inspiration, motivation, tagging, mood markings, songwriting techniques, review, Hit Song Cheat … [Read more...]
Why I Write For The Garbage Can
Do you know of an author that has written a book in one sitting? Or how about a composer who created a masterpiece in an afternoon? You haven't? Me neither. And that's why I write for the garbage can. Johnny Mercer, the songwriter, said he used … [Read more...]