This happens to me time and time again. I want to say something clever and original. I certainly don’t want to sound cliche. So I go around in circles on a particular line in a song looking for a fresh way to say something. I have to remind myself that cleverness and originality are not […]
On Songwriting: It’s Usually the Simplest Way Read More »
Hi Aaron, Mine is somewhat of a loaded question, but I have always wondered how great independent artists like yourself balance your musical adventures with family life or as some people say “being a grown up” and paying bills etc. while trying to persue a dream. Thanks,Alex Alex, I love loaded questions! 🙂 This is
AMA: “How do you balance your musical adventures with home life?” -Alex Read More »
Every so often I get an iPhone update. I hate updates at first because I don’t like change. Why did they have to do another update? The look is only slightly different; there’s a few new features, but was it worth the bother? After a few days the answer is almost always yes. The changes
On Songwriting: Update Your Brain’s Operating System Read More »
(Photo by Laura Johnson from 1999 Roseau High School Yearbook.) 1 I am 11 or 12. Josh Broten is a year younger. His family moves down the street from me. It’s a small town, so we of course already know of each other. But this is when we become friends. 2 Josh mows Dr. VandeWege’s
RIP, Josh, and Thank You Read More »
Cowriting is a strange activity if you’ve never done it before. Especially with someone new. But here’s something that helps me ease into the write without it feeling too awkward. As you’re getting to know each other, keep track of words and phrases that stick out. Keep track of interesting topics. You don’t have to
Avoiding The Awkward Cowrite Start Read More »
Hi Aaron! What does your family think of your music and career? Rochelle Hi Rochelle – I’m assuming you mean my wife and kids, and maybe my parents and siblings? Ok, here goes… My wife Heidi is the one who believes in me most. Whenever I’m doubting myself, she helps bring me back. I wouldn’t
AMA: “What does your family think of your music and career?” -Rochelle Read More »
Songwriting is mostly shushing. You gotta shush people in your head for a good hour or two. “Dumb idea,” says one.“Shush!” you say.“Stupid,” says another.“Shush.” There are about fifteen or so people badmouthing you and they look like your mom and dad. They look like the kid who sat behind you in math class and
On Songwriting: Shushing Read More »
Is this song any good? That’s a question songwriters ask themselves a lot. But “good” is subjective. What’s less subjective is knowing whether your song is remarkable. Remarkable is the thing you’re after as a songwriter. What do I mean by “remarkable”? I mean someone, of their own volition, remarking about your song. This can’t
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Hi Aaron, When you have nothing to write about, where do you look for inspiration? Do you read true stories that have happened to other people and write about their story? Do you read books, watch movies, or cowrite with someone who actually has something to write about, etc.? Nathanael Such a good question, Nathanael.
From Aaron’s Book On Songwriting: Practical Tips and Insights from a Decade in Music City Jealousy. It’s bound to happen as a songwriter. Someone has written something you wish you had. Someone is getting the praise you think you deserve. Then you feel bad about feeling this way, which leads to feeling worse until you
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