Singer/Songwriter Daniel Powter has done extremely well for breaking inas a new artist. The Canadian star is enjoying success at a relativelylate age (at 35) but clearly showcasing that age is irrelevant when thesongs are top notch.
Here, he talks about his success, his new single and himself as a songwriter.
It’s been an amazing year for Canadian singer/songwriter/pianist Daniel Powter. His song “Bad Day” has become one of the biggest hits in recent years, receiving worldwide radio and TV play for a full year now, and is still going strong. His debut album Daniel Powter was released in April on Warner Bros. Records, and was quickly certified gold in the U.S. and is platinum in several other countries. In addition, Powter has just launched his first U.S. tour, and has released his follow-up single, “Jimmy Gets High.”
Click here to finish reading the article.
[source http://www.songwriteruniverse.com/danielpowter123.htm]
[songwriteruniverse.com / Dale Kawashima]
Related Tags: learn songwriting, songwriting tips, songwriting news, daniel powter
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Daniel Powter: Songwriting at a Late Age...
Struggling with Lyrics....
It's not uncommon for musicians to struggle with writing lyrics. In fact, I meet people on a weekly basis who find it hard to bang out a few words.
The thing is, most musicians are under the impression that you have to be 'poetic' when creating lyrics. Well, that's simply not true. Not only do you not have to be poetic, but you don't always need to rhyme either.
There are only a few 'key elements' that you need in order to maximise your chances of lyrical success. These are: The topic of the song, the structure & arrangement, the rhyming patterns and using metaphor and simile.
If you can learn to master these, then you're well on your way.
Calvin
Monday, July 17, 2006
Franz Ferdinand Shares Their Songwriting Tips
Now this is what I love to see.
UK based band Franz Ferdinand are to hold a songwriting 'clinic' in an upcoming writers workshop in Scotland.
They will make their appearance at Edinburgh's International Book Festival on August the 22nd and will be sharing their songwriting strategies to a crowd that is expected to be mostly children.
"Franz Ferdinand's Alex Kapranos and Nick McCarthy will be talking about their songs and how they write lyrics in a special family event at this year's Edinburgh International Book Festival. In this exclusive event, you can hear about the inspirations and stories behind this massively successful band. Alex & Nick will be in conversation with music journalist Craig McLean......"
To finish the article, click here.
[Source http://www.edbookfest.co.uk/franz_ferdinand.php / www.edbookfest.co.uk]
technorati tags:learn, songwriting, online, tips
Pop Princess Writes Abouts Her Cancer
Pop star Kylie Minogue has shared that she has written songs about her cancer battle for her new 'self penned' album.
"Kylie Minogue has revealed she has written songs about her cancer battle for her new album.
The singer is still undergoing treatment after being diagnosed with breast cancer last year - but says the ordeal has changed her outlook on life and has inspired her songwriting....."
You can read about the full story here.
[source http://musicnews.virgin.net/Virgin
/Lifestyle/Music/virginMusicNewsDetail/
0,13556,1335280_music,00.html / Virgin.net]
technorati tags:learn, songwriting, tips, online, news
Sunday, July 16, 2006
Not in the Mood to Write a Song?
We've all been there. In fact, I'm there today - which caused me to make this post.
Must you always be writing? No. not really. Today, I'm going to fool around on the piano. Just mess around with some chords. I'm not even gonna think about it. No lyrics, no melodies - no structure. Just improvise. I'm not even going to try to be musically clever. I'm gonna keep it simple.
Calvin
technorati tags:learn, songwriting, tips, onine
Saturday, July 15, 2006
International Songwriting Competition Deadline Approaches
When it comes to songwriting competitions very few would match the sheer size of The International Songwriting Competition. As the deadline approaches, a plethora of participants influx the mail box of this great contest.
The main advantage is that you can save money by entering now (at present the entry fee is $30 for the first song and $20 for additional entries) and save $10 per entry on multiple entires.
You can read the full press release here.
Calvin
[source http://www.emediawire.com/releases/2006/7/emw409917.htm / emediawire.com]
technorati tags:learn, songwriting, online, tips, competition, international, songwriting
Macy Gray Presents $20,000 John Lennon Songwriting Contest Maxell Song of the Year Prize to Winner Zane Williams
The John Lennon Songwriting Competition is an annual contest which is dedicated to providing opportunities to both the aspiring and established songwriter. There are 12 categories and the prizes all total to over $225,000. The selectee's are a array of stars - including Elton John, Wyclef Jean, Carlos Santana and many more.
This year, the song of the year was awarded to Zane Williams and the $20,000 prize was presented to him by award winning singer songwriter Macy Gray.
"NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 14, 2006--Zane Williams of Nashville, Tennessee, was presented with the $20,000 Maxell Song of the Year check for his winning song "Hurry Home," his entry in the Country music category. Multi-award winning recording artist Macy Gray and the Contest's Executive Director Brian Rothschild, as well as Maxell Corporation's Daniel Lee, Marketing VP, and Cheryl Severini, Senior Marketing Manager, were on hand to congratulate the winner at the opening evening's festivities at NAMM (International Music Products Association) Summer Session in Austin, TX. A total of $225,000 in cash and prizes is distributed each year by the JLSC to 96 talented songwriters...."
Click here to finish reading the article
[source Business Wire.com]
technorati tags:learn, songwriting, contest, tips
Friday, July 14, 2006
A Quincy Jones Interview
Quincy Jones is personally one of my favorite music mentors. From writing, conducting, producing, arranging to running his own label - he's certainly an example to follow.
I dug up this interview (with pics) from the man that has had success like very few of his peers.
Check it out here.
technorati tags:learn, songwriting, online, produce, music
Songwriting Legend for Arts Festival
Richard Thompson has been around for FIVE decades and still remains quite the secret. He is (in my opinion) one of England's best kept songwriting treasures.
He performs at the Galway Arts Festival. Here's an article on it...
Calvin
At 17 years old, Thompson became a founding member of seminal British folk band Fairport Convention. The band developed a personal and British based folk style, including stunning arrangements of traditional songs and ballads. The albums 'What We Did On Our Holidays', 'Unhalfbricking' and 'Liege and Lief', which were recorded and released in 1969, are generally regarded as the first coming of British folk-rock..."
Click here to finish reading the article.
[source - http://www.galwayindependent.com/entertainment/7861.html]
[Galway Independent]
technorati tags:learn, songwriting, richard, thompson, online, tips, music, recording, publishing
Singer-Songwriter Van Hunt Take His Time for Commercial Success
Van Hunt released his first self-titled debut album release in 2004 and his latest offering this year 'On The Jungle Floor'. He has had great reviews on his music and critiques seem to love him.
But what about commercial success? Hunt is taking his time.
Calvin
"Van Hunt's guitar-laden rock 'n' soul riffs have earned critical raves and drawn comparisons to greats like Prince.
But for all the laurels he's received for his self-titled 2004 debut and this year's follow-up, "On The Jungle Floor," what the 29-year-old singer-songwriter hasn't achieved is commercial success....."
Click here to finish reading the article.
[source - http://www.rctimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/
20060710/ENTERTAINMENT01/607100310/1005/MTCN0303
[By Nekesha Mumbi Moody/ rctimes.com]
technorati tags:songwriting, tips, online, learn, van, hunt, success
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Songstress Pushes Her Career
Singer-songwriter Chistine Evans believes "in order to effect change, we have to push for what we believe in". I couldn't have said it better myself.Enjoy the read...
"A reflection of this belief is Evans's second CD release, Push, for which she wrote all the songs. She alsoco-produced Push with producer Tom Hall in Seattle."I strongly believe in writing my own music. Artists have this powerful position. You should always write about what you believe and what you have to say," the singer/songwriter said from Seattle, while enjoying a family vacation prior to her upcoming Canadian tour....
"To finish reading the aricle, click here.
Source - http://www.vicnews.com/portals-code/
list.cgi?paper=36&cat=44&id=687582&more=
[Victoria News]
technorati tags:learn, songwriting, tips, online, christine, evans, how, to
Songwriter & Producer Sean Garrett Set for Singing
BMI Award-winning songwriter Sean Garrett has had many hits on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for artists such as Nelly, Beyonce and Chris Brown - to name a few. The Urban song-star has now set his sights on his own singing and recording his own tracks.
"Songwriter/producer SEAN GARRETT plans to return to his singing routes and hit the studio to record his own tracks. Garrett, who is nicknamed the PENN by music mogul JAY-Z, has co-written songs with CIARA and USHER and is also producing BEYONCE KNOWLES' second solo offering B'DAY. The music star is looking forward to taking centre...."
To finish reading the article click here.
Source - http://www.contactmusic.com/news.nsf/
article/garrett%20plans%20to%20sing_1002353
[contact music.com]
technorati tags:learn, songwriting, news, sean, garrett, tips
No Matter How Stupid it Sounds - it Could Still Be a Good Song
Many of us cringe at the thought of something that we've written. There is nothing more important then listening from another persons ears.
But we always assume that we should be critical of ourselves and scrutinize every piece of lyrics, melody of chord - especially when we listen from others peoples ears. But I say this - don't be too hard on yourself. Listen again. Ask yourself:
A) Does my song have good structure? A verse, chorus, verse, chorus? Perhaps a mid section or a bridge? Good structure is important from a listener's point of view.
B) Does my song get across the point of what I'm trying to say? No matter how poetic or direct - does it resolve an issue? Does it complicate an issue? Whatever it's intention is. Does it justify with your end result?
C) Does you song 'sing well'? No Matter what level of a vocalist you are, does the syncopation of the words suite the way your melody flows?
Remember, no matter what your song 'sounds like', YOU must feel that it conveys what you're trying to say - through song & lyrics. Because if you don't, it's likely that not many others will.
Believe in the song, and others will believe you.
Calvin
technorati tags:learn, songwriting, online, tips
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
Starting with the Lyrics...
If you're going to start writing lyrics first, then write the lyrics in it's entire section before you attempt to write a tune or perhaps a chord sequence. And if you produce drum beats on your words, try and refrain from arranging anything until you've finished what you've started out.
This has help me immensely when songwriting.
It's the old principle of keeping things simple. There isn't any point worrying about what the melody for the chorus will sound like if the lyrics for it are only half written. Finish the chorus 'lyrically', then worry about the tune.
This doesn't mean you shouldn't create the melody while writing you're lyrics. That's NOT what I'm saying. I'm talking about 'section-by-section'.
Another example, there's no point starting to write a middle eight - leaving it unfinished, - and then starting a melody for it. You will probably, more often then so, end up back at the drawing board.
Calvin
technorati tags:how, to, write, a, song, learn, songwriting, online, tips
Super Songwriter & Producer Timbaland Stays with Warner Music
If there's anyone who's known for having a fleet of top 10 hits singles with global artists it's R&B and Hip-Hop veteran songwriter Timbaland. He has had a plethora of hits with artists such as Aaliyah, Justin Timberlake, Destiny's Child, Mariah Carey, Ginuwine amongst many others.
He has one of the most extensive catalogues in the world today.
Needless to say, Warner music has retained this songwriting talent. You can read the full article here.
[Source NewYorkBusiness.com / Samantha Marshall]
"Warner/Chappell Music, the publishing arm of Warner Music Group, has just extended its publishing agreement with Timbaland, a songwriter and producer whose catalogue includes nearly 400 copyrights, including more than 40 Top 10 songs...."
http://www.newyorkbusiness.com/news.cms?id=14116
technorati tags:learn, songwriting, publishing, online, tips, timbaland
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Songwriter uses eBay to get noticed
Now this is something completely new and refreshing. At least it is to me. Songwriter Katherine Schell is selling the rights to her song "The Gravity Situation" on eBay. The successfully bidder will reserve the exclusive right to use the song in a commercial format for one year.
This is certainly one of the most innovative ways of marketing a song. A step up from 'My Space'.
I urge all to read the article here written in The Washington Times.
To check out her auction click this link www.katherineschell.com/ebay
To check out her website, click this link www.katherineschell.com
technorati tags:learn, songwriting, online, Katherine, Schell
Songwriter & Producer Dallas Austin Gets Help From Famous Friends
Recently, veteran Songwriter and Dallas Austin ( who has had hits with everybody from Michael Jackson to TLC) was charged with possession of cocaine. He could have faced 4 years in prison, but the drugs he was carrying was a small amount intented for personal use.
His songwriting peers Quincy Jones and Lionel Richie along with Utah republican senator Orrin Hatch and various other business and lawyers all vouch for Austins good character.
"A conservative Republican senator/songwriter, an '80s R&B singer whois inexplicably massive in the Middle East, a real-estate mogul,several ambassadors from around the globe and a Grammy-winning producer who is best known for moving musical - not political ones...."
To finish reading the article, click the source below...
http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1535959/20060710
/austin_dallas.jhtml?headlines=true
[MTV News]
technorati tags:learn, songwriting, dallas, austin, online, publishing
Monday, July 10, 2006
Songwriter coposed instrumental to Win Competition
If you had a chance to enter a song in every category, would you do it? Would you want to spread you're little golden nuggets through-out the show? Well, Wyn Drabble would. Here's a good read...
Calvin
"A Havelock North song writer is busy recording his next musical composition after winning the instrumental section of this year's Pacific Songwriting Competition.
The international competition is now in its second year and attracts musical artists from all over the world.
This year Wyn Drabble, a Hawke's Bay Today columnist and high school teacher, won first place in the instrumental section with his guitar solo Judith, named after his wife.
Mr Drabble said initially he didn't intend to write an instrumental song about his wife but on completion decided it had a beauty which captured Judith."
To finish reading the article, click the source...
http://www.hbtoday.co.nz/localnews/storydisplay.cfm?storyid=3691707&thesection=localnews&thesubsection
=&thesecondsubsection=
[by Lawrence Gullery]
technorati tags:learn, songwriting, how, to, write, a, song, competition
Songstar Trent Tomlinson Finally Makes It
Country singer-songwriter has had a HARD 12 years before seeing any kind o success. Now, he pushes on though to the 'big time'
I always like to see success stories like these. It's truly inspiring.
Calvin
"For so many years, I had it tough as a songwriter," Tomlinson said. "I couldn't face my demons and insecurities. Once I finally started being honest with myself, the whole world opened up."
Tomlinson's songwriting themes are as rugged and real as a red dirt road. His songs are 100 percent autobiographical, he said, and they deal often with insecurities of the heart, the struggle to......."
To read full article click the source...
http://www.herald-dispatch.com/apps/pbcs.dll
article?AID=/20060709/LIFE/607090316/1004
[Herald-Dispatch.com]
technorati tags:learn, songwriting, practice, songwriter, publishing, online
Sunday, July 09, 2006
Songwriting: Chorus Construction
You gotta read it.
Calvin
--------------------------------
By John Braheny
The majority of choruses adhere to certain guidelines. I say 'majority' because there are songs that ignore some of the guidelines and still win by the strength of their performance, arrangement and/or production.
1. The title should appear in the chorus, in a way that, by virtue of its placement in the chorus and/or its degree of repetition, we know it's the title. If words or phrases other than the title repeat in the chorus, or in strong positions, the listener won't know which is the title when they call the radio station to request it or ask for it at the record store, which is why you sometimes see songs with two titles, like "Untitled (How Does It Feel)," "Blue (Ba Da Dee)" or "C'mon and Ride It (The Train)" – that usually means that someone felt the song's title was not its strongest hook, or even that the song has two hooks and they're covering their bets by putting both in the title. Since you can't buy or request a song if you can't remember its name, these are very important commercial considerations.
2. Keep the information simple enough for people to remember easily. If you're a literary genius, you may tend to think most choruses are too simple. Don't worry about it. They need to be simple! ....
Click here to finish reading the article.
Source http://www.taxi.com/faq/songwriting/song-chorus.html#btm
technorati tags:learn, songwriting, online, tips, chorus, secrets
