1. Write in the moment. So many times I've had song ideas that sort of crept up. My best successes have been when I stopped what I was doing and wrote the ideas down. At best, grab your mic and get to work, but at least jot it down. I've even sung lines into my phone so I can remember melodies for later. Keeping a notebook nearby is definitely a necessity for songwriters.

2. Don't be afraid to view songwriting as storytelling and role playing. Use songs to explore things you might not have exp...
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Some people are into money. Some aren’t.

Some people are inspired by helping the needy. Some aren’t.

Some are into fame, power, and prestige. Others are into anonymity and freedom from responsibility.

It gets more interesting when you realize people have different preferences in the different parts of their life. Famous online, but anonymous in their local community. Generous with time, stingy with money. Introvert when working, extrovert when not.

You have to know your preferences well, beca...
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Taylor is a killer vocalist. He’s always been a natural and never had to practice much. He doesn’t need to warm up, just shows up, belts, then goes partying with his friends. He’s done shows buzzed or hungover more than once.

Dan’s dream is to be a recording artist. He practices every day. He’s not particularly musical, and he’s rather shy, but he works hard and doesn’t leave the house much.

Luke is a likeable guy and a decent drummer, though not the best. He practi...

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