4 Strategies to Keep Your Lyrics Focused

Podcast Show Notes:

Dear Songwriter,

In this week's episode, I'm  breaking down the struggle many songwriters face: losing sight of the central theme and meaning of their songs. As both a songwriting student and coach, I've learned valuable strategies to keep my lyrics, as well as my students’ lyrics, focused and on track.

1. Titling your song first. By choosing a title early on, you can establish a clear direction for songwriting and maintain a sense of purpose throughout the creative process.

2. Mapping out your verses. Creating a roadmap for your song allows you to structure your ideas and ensure that each verse builds upon the previous one, contributing to the overall narrative or message.

3. Decide on a character's point of view and use of pronouns. These choices shape the perspective through which your story is told, adding depth and coherence to your lyrics.

4. The power of metaphors in songwriting. Metaphors provide a creative way to convey emotions and ideas, allowing listeners to connect with your song on a deeper level.

Join me in this episode as we explore these strategies and learn how to maintain focus and clarity in our songwriting! Whether you're a seasoned songwriter or just starting out, these techniques will help you craft compelling and meaningful lyrics that resonate with your audience.

Let's get into it!

Mentions and Links:

How to Use Song Structure to Strengthen Your Songs Training
Pat Pattison
Cigarettes - Noah Gundersen
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What We Can Learn from Lizzo’s “About Damn Time”

Podcast Show Notes:

Dear Songwriter,

I am thrilled to dig into the incredible anthem that is Lizzo's "About Damn Time" from her album "Special," released in 2022. This song is a masterclass in memorable melodies, captivating lyrics, and irresistible hooks. What's even more intriguing are the slightly unconventional decisions Lizzo made throughout the composition, proving that there are no hard and fast rules in songwriting – and even if there are, they can definitely be broken. Join me as I break down 5 valuable lessons we can learn from Lizzo's "About Damn Time", from song structure to creative use of melody.

Let's get into it!

Mentions and Links:

About Damn Time - Lizzo
Special - Lizzo
Unstoppable - Sia
Dear Songwriter: What We Can Learn about Songwriting from Sia’s “Unstoppable”
Book a Call with Me!

6 Thoughts That Are Keeping You Stuck

Podcast Show Notes:

Dear Songwriter,

In this episode, I want to offer you some tough love. If you're struggling with Writer's Block, it may not be because you lack talent or the ability to learn. The more likely suggestion is: you're giving into thoughts that could be holding you back from reaching your goal! Join me as I break down 6 common thoughts that may be keeping you stuck. I've gathered these limiting beliefs from my own experience, songwriters I've worked with, and even close friends, so there is no shame if any of these apply to you! Together, we'll explore how these thoughts can be reframed and challenge their validity.

Let's get into it!

Mentions and Links:

Mastering Melody Writing - Clay Mills and Bill O'Hanlon
Camara
William Faulkner "I only write when inspiration strikes. Fortunately it strikes at nine every morning.”
Ed Sheeran Copyright Case
Charlie Parker
Free Video Training:  how to confidently turn your chord progressions into finished songs

What We Can Learn about Songwriting from Sia’s “Unstoppable”

Podcast Show Notes:

Dear Songwriter! In this episode, we're analyzing Sia's empowering song "Unstoppable" from her album "This is Acting," released in 2016. This mid-tempo track showcases intriguing songwriting choices that align with contemporary pop music trends. Join me as I explore three key insights from this song, including the concept of an "elevated prechorus," the incorporation of a "postchorus," and the effective use of vivid metaphors in the chorus.

Discover how Sia's songwriting techniques contribute to the overall impact of "Unstoppable" and see if this can apply to your own musical creations!

Mentions and Links:

Sia - Unstoppable
Sia - This is Acting
Green Day - Redundant
Dear Songwriter: 3 Things We Can Learn from Green Day’s “Redundant”
Dear Songwriter: What We Can Learn about Songwriting from Pearl Jam’s “Jeremy”
Pearl Jam - Jeremy

How to Write Lyrics that Tell a Story

Podcast Show Notes:

Dear Songwriter! In this episode, we're doing a deep dive into the art of storytelling through song lyrics. Many songwriters face the challenge of finding the right story to tell, and how to bringing it to life in their music. Our guest this week is, Julie Lavery, a Nashville-based artist, who shares her expertise as a professional songwriter and Berklee College of Music graduate. With her impressive accomplishments, including song placements on Fox's TV show "Monarch" and a substantial 170k+ YouTube following, Julie guides us on how to craft impactful lyrics that tell a story.

Listen in to learn valuable tools and strategies to kickstart your songwriting journey and finally write that story you've always wanted to tell through music!

Julie is also one of our amazing team members at Connor Frost Mentoring, so if you'd like personalized songwriting help from us, don't hesitate to jump on a limited time FREE call here! https://www.connorfrost.com/call

Links and Mentions:

Pat Pattison
Songfinch
Shawn Colvin - Sunny Came Home
Pearl Jam - Jeremy
Pearl Jam - Last Kiss
Dear Songwriter: What We Can Learn about Songwriting from Pearl Jam’s “Jeremy”
Harry Chapin - Cats in the Cradle
Bob Dylan
Julielavery.com

What We Can Learn about Songwriting from Pearl Jam’s “Jeremy”

Podcast Show Notes:

Dear Songwriter! In this episode, we're diving headfirst into one of my all-time favorite records: Pearl Jam's "Ten"!

We're going straight to the heart of it with their hit song "Jeremy". This devastating track tells a clear, sad story that hits you right in the feels. Love it or hate it, there's so much we can learn from it. Join me as I break down three songwriting takeaways that we can gather from "Jeremy" and use as powerful tools in our own songs.

For a deep dive into the emotions, storytelling, and structure that make this song a timeless masterpiece, let's get into it!

Mentions and Links:

Pearl Jam - Jeremy
Pearl Jam - Ten
Green Day - Redundant
Dear Songwriter... 3 Things We Can Learn from Green Day’s
Eddie Vedder

3 Benefits to Starting Your Songwriting Process with Lyrics

Podcast Show Notes:

Dear Songwriter! Today, we tackle the eternal question: should I start with lyrics in my songwriting?

Now, there may be no right way to write a song... but here's the thing—I've discovered that starting with lyrics can bring three incredible benefits to your songwriting process. And trust me, understanding these benefits will not only inspire you to give it a shot, but could also streamline your entire songwriting process. Join me as I dive deep into these benefits, share personal experiences, and provide insights that will open your mind to the power of words and intention.

Slam that play button to walk through my experience with lyrics first!

Mentions and Links:

Free Video Training:  how to confidently turn your chord progressions into finished songs

3 Things We Can Learn from Green Day’s “Redundant”

Podcast Show Notes:

Dear Songwriter! In this episode, we're diving into the timeless hit "Redundant" by Green Day, unraveling the three valuable lessons it holds for aspiring songwriters.

For this week's song analysis, I'm dissecting the song's structure, lyrical content, and melodic choices, shedding light on how these elements contribute to its enduring appeal. Whether you're a fan of Green Day or simply seeking inspiration for your own musical journey, this episode will provide invaluable insights into the creative process and leave you eager to apply these lessons to your own compositions.

Tune in and discover my Top 3 things to take away from Green Day's "Redundant," and learn how this could apply to your own compositions!

Other Mentions and Links:

Nimrod - Green Day
Redundant - Green Day
Weezer
Book a Call with Me!

What is a “lyrical motif” and how can we use them in our verses?

Podcast Show Notes:

Dear Songwriter! In this episode, we're delving into the fascinating world of lyrical motifs, unraveling their significance, and exploring their creative potential in crafting impactful verses.

What is a lyrical motif you ask?...

Well, join me as I shed some light on the concept of lyrical motifs and unveil the art of incorporating recurring themes into your songs. Discover how these captivating threads can weave together a compelling narrative, evoke emotions, and leave a lasting imprint on your listeners.

If lyrical motifs are still a bit of a mystery to you, listen in on this episode and we'll explore them together!

Other Mentions and Links:

If I Ain't Got You - Alicia Keys
Something - The Beatles
Book a Call with Me!

Rapid-Fire Questions for a Songwriting Coach

Podcast Show Notes:

Have you ever wondered how someone like me, who’s not super famous or even that well-known, can become a songwriting coach? Or what a songwriting coach even does? Or what philosophies they hold?

In this episode, I’m taking you back to an interview I did with Aaron Camp of the Heartland Author podcast who asked me a series of rapid-fire questions about who I am and what I do. 

My name is Connor Frost, I’m a professional songwriting mentor whose helped hundreds of songwriters to write and release their first songs, and this is Dear Songwriter, the podcast to help you confidently write and release your music, so that you can live your most musical and creative life.

To claim your free video training “how to confidently turn your chord progressions into FINISHED songs”, head to http://www.connorfrost.com/videotraining1. 

How do I Start Writing Melodies for My Song?

Podcast Show Notes:

You’ve got some lyrics written out on paper or in the notes app of your phone, maybe you even have a chord progression in place, but there’s just one major problem - you can’t figure out a melody to fit it all together, and a lot of times you’re not even sure where to start. 

In this episode I’m going to be walking you through, step-by-step, on how to start writing melodies, so that you can write catchy songs that you can be proud of, and get over that hump of simply STARTING. Because starting can be the hardest part. 

To schedule a free call with me/my team, go ahead and apply by heading to http://www.connorfrost.com/call . 

How to Prepare for Your First Release

Podcast Show Notes:

So you’ve finished writing your song, and you got it recorded, mixed, and mastered.

Now what? 

In this episode, my client and friend, Jacob Schrater details his experience with his first release, and most importantly, the lessons he learned, and the mistakes he made.

To connect with Jacob, check him out on all his socials, @jacobschrater, and shoot him a DM on Instagram.

To schedule a free call with me/my team, go ahead and watch the following video first. Then we’ll talk! http://www.connorfrost.com/videotraining1

How to Make Your Songs Sound Less “Generic”

Podcast Show Notes:

So you’re writing a song, things are feeling good, but when you listen back to even just a small part of it, you think to yourself…

“This sounds so generic.”

I’ve been there, recently, so I wanted to share some strategies you can implement to help you break through this insecurity and situation. 

To schedule a free call with me/my team, go ahead and watch the following video first. Then we’ll talk! http://www.connorfrost.com/videotraining1

An update, mindset check, and songwriting exercise

Podcast Show Notes:

In this episode I give you an update on what’s going on over at Connor Frost Mentoring, as well as a quick story/mindset check to encourage you, and then a songwriting exercise to help you break through that writer’s block.

To schedule a free call with me/my team, go ahead and watch the following video first. Then we’ll talk! http://www.connorfrost.com/videotraining1

Treating Songwriting Like a Job

Podcast Show Notes:

So you’ve just got off your 9-5 job, you sit down to write, and…nothing.

Since nothing comes to you, you abandon writing that night, completely.

To avoid this situation, you might need to view your songwriting, as a job.

In this episode, I dive into that very topic with my client and friend, Camara Rhodes.

You can connect with Camara on his Instagram, here.

Enjoy!

The Facebook Message That Changed My Music Career

Podcast Show Notes:

This moment changed the course of my music career.

This episode will tell that story, and give you three main takeaways:

  1. Focus on writing a song that will impact one person, and not worry about writing a song that will get the most amount of views or likes

  2. Quality of the song is more important than the quality of the production/recording

  3. You have no idea who could be receiving a positive impact from your songs

Claim your free video training “How to Turn Your Voice Memos into Release-Ready Songs” by heading to http://www.connorfrost.com/videotraining

3 Things I would’ve done differently when I first started getting serious about songwriting

Podcast Show Notes

Do you have any regrets when you look back upon your songwriting journey?

I don’t, but there are definitely some things I would’ve done differently, or at least in a different order…

I lay them out in this episode, so you can avoid these mistakes.

Claim your free video training “How to Confidently Turn Your Chord Progressions into Finished Songs” by heading to https://www.connorfrost.com/videotraining1

Use This Checklist for Verse 1 of your Song

Podcast Show Notes:

Verse 1 may sometimes feel like the easiest part to write. Any idea goes, and you don’t have to worry about stringing it together with other parts.

But it’s important to consider certain aspects, when it comes to writing your Verse 1.

So I’ve come up with a brief checklist to help you out when you write your next Verse 1.

Claim your free video training “How to Confidently Turn Your Chord Progressions into Finished Songs” by heading to https://www.connorfrost.com/videotraining1