I know you don’t want to be put in a box. It feels limiting. And if you let people put you in a box with a certain label, they won’t understand the breadth of what you offer, right? You’re not just the catchy pop lyricist; you also write heartfelt ballads. You’re not just a jazz […]
On Songwriting: Let People Put You in a Box Read More »
Want a glimpse of what Espe life was like in March? Watch my wife Heidi’s latest “One Second Every Day” video collage. As I mentioned last month, she started taking little snapshots of life that help her notice the beauty in the ordinary.
One Second Every Day (March) Read More »
What’s the best way for an independent songwriter to go about meeting industry people who will help get their demos in front of ‘major artists’ to be cut? Nathanael Hi Nathanael – I can definitely empathize because I had this exact same question before I moved to Nashville more than ten years ago. Now, to
Who is a musician with whom you’d love to collaborate? – Hojo Hi Hojo – I’ll admit, it’s not something I’ve thought much about. But immediately Randy Newman and Paul Simon come to mind. I’m certainly influenced by both, but it would be amazing to be in a room with them to learn as much
AMA: “Who is a musician with whom you’d love to collaborate?” Read More »
Sometimes you think you have to reinvent the wheel in your song’s rhyming scheme. But often the most basic form will work. It’s at least a great starting point. Think of your favorite nursery rhyme. It will likely be four lines rhyming in aabb. For example, as you know (or your parents have failed), “Humpty
On Songwriting: Try Nursery Rhyme Form Read More »
I’ve started selling my watercolor paintings on Bandcamp to help raise money for “Up North,” a concept album about northern Minnesota. If you’d like an original painting, plus a handwritten thank-you, go check them out on the merch page. View/Buy Paintings >>
My Paintings Are for Sale Read More »
Do you get upset when you or your song gets compared to another artist or their work? John Hi John – Yes. Well, at least initially. It’s my lizard brain signaling fight, flight, or freeze. Like someone’s about to eat me. It’s been found out that I’m an imposter, I’ve been faking this whole music
“Up North.” It refers to the northen part of a region. It’s a phrase commonly said by locals or former locals of the upper Midwest. Probably other parts of the world as well. The Helgesons have a lake cabin up north. Or He’s headed up north for deer season. Isn’t it a bit redundant? Up
And the Name of the Concept Album Is… Read More »
You probably remember your high school English teacher talking about how you should show more than you tell. Still, let’s cover it here. It’s easy to gloss over and think you’re doing it. But if you really comb through your song and try to hear it from the listener’s perspective, you’ll probably find that you’re
On Songwriting: Showing vs. Telling Read More »
Great lyrics and a bad melody. I once sent this combination to my publisher. They sent it right back to me and basically said, “Don’t waste good lyrics on a bad melody.” It hurt my feelings, but then I realized they were right. I scrapped the entire melody and rewrote it, improving the song immensely.
On Songwriting: Why Rewrite Finished Songs Read More »