Life, family, and music.
The Navy Seals have a saying, “Two is one and one is none.” It’s all about planning and having a backup plan. If you don’t have a backup plan, you don’t have a plan because inevitably things will go wrong. Let’s say you want to wake up tomorrow at 6 AM. For the Seals, setting […]
On Songwriting: Capture Your Ideas Like a Navy Seal Read More »
What music artist is the one that pushes and inspires you? Lori Hi Lori – Harry Nilsson. He was the first to show me that “doing music” didn’t have to look a certain way. For example, I thought I had to put out albums and tour 300 days a year to be an artist. But
AMA: “What music artist is the one that pushes and inspires you?” Read More »
One New Subscriber-Exclusive Song Every Month! Instead of having to wait for my often slow-moving official releases, Bandcamp subscribers will now get one new song on the first Friday of every month, starting in May. I’ll begin by sharing some of the new material off the concept album. Sound like something you’d enjoy? Sign up!
Secret Songs Club Is Back! Read More »
How often do you switch up your medium? Do you always write with pen and paper? iPhone Notes app? Old school typewriter? This might sound obvious, but writing is all about transferring information—thoughts, ideas, concepts—from your brain to someplace outside of your brain. For doing this, each medium has its benefits and detriments. For example,
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How do you play ‘Heidi’ on guitar? It’s one of my favorite songs. K Hi K – Here’s a video that I hope helps. One of the chords is a little tricky (at least for me) but lots of fun once you get the hang of it. Also, here’s a chord sheet you can feel
AMA: “How do you play ‘Heidi’ on guitar?” Read More »
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 »