Life, family, and music.
(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
On Songwriting: Is Your Song Any Good? Read More »
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
Use Your Jealousy for Good Read More »
Hey Aaron! I hope all is well! I’m finally taking you up on the offer to ask questions. I’m in the process of releasing some music with a friend. I have a ton of confusion around publishing, distribution and ensuring that things are copyrighted and royalties are going to the right place. Any advice on
AMA: “Any advice on publishing, distribution and copyright?” -Darin Read More »
How’s the hand healing? How has physical therapy been? How are you feeling emotionally? (A lot of you have asked versions of this question, thank you!) Physical therapy… I’m getting there! Little by little. I’m basically doing the same activities as two-year olds. My PT station looks like something out of Sesame Street. The goal
AMA: “How’s the hand healing?” Read More »
Everyone says to write what you know. There’s a lot of truth to that advice. You’ll have more confidence and authority, plus you’ll be pulling from a deeper well. But even if you write about what you know, you’re not going to know everything. Yesterday I was trying to write a song about boats. I’ve
On Songwriting: Write What You Don’t Know Read More »