Musical Musings in a Digital Age
If we had a crush on a boy (or girl) and were able to kiss him whenever we wanted to for however long we wanted, would we want to kiss him as much?
"Confessions of a Serial Songwriter" is Signed Sealed Delivered
When I entered my name and the book's title on the Amazon search bar and it popped up with an ISBN I couldn’t stop staring at the screen. Much the same way I felt the first time I had a song released and I couldn’t stop staring at the label copy.
Jealous of "Jealous"
No matter what we bring to a party, we are attracted to collaborators who we believe will up our game.
Why Don't We Do It in the Road?
It’s good to participate in activities outside of our comfort zone. When we stop trying new things, we get jaded.
Songwriter Therapy
I guess I’m just enjoying taking stock and remembering what matters to me—brushing up on and what I once knew so well. Because as soon as you think u know it all, you know nothing.
Spotlight: Brandy Clark
Don’t hate me. I have never been a huge fan of traditional country music. I can hear a twang or smell a hat within seconds of a song start.
Writer's Block...Work It Out!!
If you still don’t have any ideas at the end of a workout I would seriously consider a new career.
Writing by Committee
If all songs are written in a factory-like environment, what happens to the songsmith who enjoys a more intimate creative experience?
Dear Daughter....
When I woke up on the first morning after delivering you to college it was quiet.Really quiet. Just as I thought, nobody was in your bed. I knew you weren't at a sleepover. Or on a school trip. This was for real.
Ghost in My Car
I noticed the song that was playing had a familiar ring to it: it was a demo of something I had written a few years back.
Leaving On A Jet Plane
Songs usher us through life. They are soundtracks and segues. The most fitting ones seem to locate us at pivotal moments and aim right for the heart.
Tune Me Up!
There was a soulfulness to those imperfect vocals…just like the humans who sang them. Full of sharps and flats. Nobody’s life is perfectly on pitch.
Dear Bob Lefsetz, Please R.S.V.P.
I have found that my adversaries are more motivating than my allies.
Shelly, What The Heck is Happening With Your Book?
Out of respect for those of you who have been inquiring, this question warrants more than a cute Facebook post.
Disney's "Descendants": The Journey of a Song
It's pretty much a guarantee that every song that makes it all the way to someone's ear buds has a story to tell...
Calling All Angels
All who inhabit the music landscape - from creators to consumers, and all those in between - must adopt simple, ethical practices that ensure all parties in the music value chain, including songwriters, composers and artists are fairly compensated for the use of their work.
Bon Voyage
I hadn’t gone on an international writing trip in a long time. Motherhood had kept me close to home by choice. When my daughter was out of elementary school you’d think I would have jumped at the chance. Au contraire…even more reason to stay close. Teenagers are volatile.
Play Me
I've been thinking about the innovation of interactive streaming--how versatile, convenient and instantly gratifying it is. Interactive, however, means that before I take off for a drive to the mall or a run on the beach I have a decision to make: what do I want to listen to? There is much pre-thought involved in all the interaction.
To Taylor, Love Shelly
In the spirit of the precarious state of the business of writing songs we nominate you, Taylor Swift, as our official spokesperson—our poster child in chief—to continue leading the way.
