Shelly Peiken 10/12/15 Shelly Peiken 10/12/15

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.

Shelly Peiken 10/5/15 Shelly Peiken 10/5/15

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.

Shelly Peiken 9/30/15 Shelly Peiken 9/30/15

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.

Shelly Peiken 9/23/15 Shelly Peiken 9/23/15

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?

Shelly Peiken 9/10/15 Shelly Peiken 9/10/15

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.

Shelly Peiken 8/25/15 Shelly Peiken 8/25/15

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.

Shelly Peiken 8/19/15 Shelly Peiken 8/19/15

Dear Bob Lefsetz, Please R.S.V.P.

I have found that my adversaries are more motivating than my allies.

Shelly Peiken 8/7/15 Shelly Peiken 8/7/15

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.

Shelly Peiken 7/24/15 Shelly Peiken 7/24/15

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.

Shelly Peiken 7/15/15 Shelly Peiken 7/15/15

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.

Shelly Peiken 6/3/15 Shelly Peiken 6/3/15

Does "Last" have to be a Four Letter Word?

When I restock the beverage fridge, count the money, leave and lock the door, I will realize just how "last" this is. And I will be a little sad. But I’ll be happy too.

Shelly Peiken 5/26/15 Shelly Peiken 5/26/15

Testing-Testing 1-2-3

Although I can’t deny I am delighted when I’ve written a potential single that tests well, I have to ask myself if all this data-mining undermines creativity?

Shelly Peiken 5/3/15 Shelly Peiken 5/3/15

(Not So) Gently Down the Stream

Anyone making a contribution to the music the world enjoys deserves to be paid for it. Because music has value. Or has that idea been forgotten in the fog of digital?

Shelly Peiken 4/23/15 Shelly Peiken 4/23/15

To College or Not To College

College isn't for everyone. But if you're someone who's on the edge because you're in a hurry to get in the room with Rihanna, I suggest thinking twice.

Shelly Peiken 4/17/15 Shelly Peiken 4/17/15

Songland

"Songland" could give songwriters visibility and a platform from which to bring to light the issues we are facing today, but will it?

Shelly Peiken 4/4/15 Shelly Peiken 4/4/15

On Broadway

During curtain call I felt warm tears well up behind my glasses. I wanted to stand up and shout, "Everybody wait! Don't go yet! I need to tell you something....."

Shelly Peiken 3/25/15 Shelly Peiken 3/25/15

Do Changing Hormones Affect Creativity?

We have to grow up. In body and mind. How redundant life would be if we didn't evolve--change the way we feel--how we think--who we are. How scary to look in the mirror ever day, year after year, and see the same exact face.