tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61362350970896353142024-03-05T18:57:17.439-08:00Soul of the SongwriterEncouragement and ideas for the Christian Songwriter. <p>Presented by Creative Soul, Nashville, TN, in association with Word Entertainment.</p>Eric Copelandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17455115047714981740noreply@blogger.comBlogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6136235097089635314.post-18465521368221027412021-02-16T05:33:00.004-08:002021-02-16T05:47:53.547-08:00Your Big Break<p>Ever since I was a teenager I dreamed of getting a music publishing “deal”. This was my goal! And I knew exactly how it would happen.</p><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvrcvORThYGfIRbZv5Q6Ge4H3LHgwaH3KVRxhk5_kldesJSoE2qo0I4_mL4YLY24Z61EDFzNme4jL5D2cvyA3KoGlaAl5Db0kTurwe4J2JVNquY1X6g29nfbNxkIPnUmMbXwYpqATAY_cO/s1000/bigbreak.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvrcvORThYGfIRbZv5Q6Ge4H3LHgwaH3KVRxhk5_kldesJSoE2qo0I4_mL4YLY24Z61EDFzNme4jL5D2cvyA3KoGlaAl5Db0kTurwe4J2JVNquY1X6g29nfbNxkIPnUmMbXwYpqATAY_cO/w400-h266/bigbreak.jpg" width="400" /></a>I would come to Nashville and meet with a music publisher in his office. He would listen to three songs and instantly realize my genius. Then he would sign me up to write and deliver the songs I wrote for artists everywhere to sing. </div><div><br /></div><div>I would write the songs for the whole world to sing!</div><div><br /></div><div>So far, as you can read, this has been pretty much about “me” and what “I” wanted. Here’s what’s funny, being a successful songwriter and composer isn’t really about you (or me), it’s about who has need and use for the music we write.</div><div><br /></div><div>On one of the many drives back from Nashville to my hometown with no deal and my tail between my legs, I had a thought. What if I just made my own music business? What if I took my songs, produced them, and found uses for them myself?</div><div><br /></div><div>I didn’t know it at the time, but I was really hitting upon true music publishing with that idea. Over the years, this idea turned into a consulting, recording, and marketing business for myself and other songwriters and artists, but in reality, that’s what music publishing is.</div><div><br /></div><div>Music publishing is like a record deal but for the music. You are working with a company to write songs and then the company is finding uses for them. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Songs for Artists</b></div><div>Sure, this still is something that’s needed. Artists need songs. But the problem is that most artists are also songwriters, so they aren’t just looking for your song, they are looking to get their own songs out. </div><div><br /></div><div>This was always my mistake with publishing. I wrote songs that I liked hoping they would magically be paired up with some artist somewhere what would go make money with the song so I didn’t have to. The problem with that is I was writing for my own pleasure and didn’t know that finding an artist or label that would work with MY style for that artist’s music was like finding a needle in a needle stack!</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Songs for Use</b></div><div>The better way to think about music publishing is how your music will be used and useful to someone else. Now, we all think we have the perfect song that will make the whole world sing. The perfect love song for a movie. The perfect worship song for a church. The perfect pop song for the radio. The problem is we don’t connect the song with the audience that needs it. Instead we are hoping, like me, that someone will just come along and recognize your genius and hook you up.</div><div><br /></div><div>The truth is WE as songwriters and composers have to do that work ourselves. We have to get the songs produced well, and then do the legwork to find the right use for that song be it via a music publisher, a music library, a music supervisor, or whatever. </div><div><br /></div><div>The truth is hard. The truth is work. And likely, we can’t handle the truth.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>My Big Break</b></div><div><br /></div><div>For me it was about deciding to just make my own music business, and along the way I had a few people come into my life that altered how I did that.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Your Big Break</b></div><div><br /></div><div>You need to make that decision to make your own music business too. Then perhaps I can be that person can alters how you do that and your roads to success.</div><div><br /></div><div>Through my publishing side, From the Moment Music, I work on my own songs, as well as other songwriters and composers like you, to partner towards getting songs produced and finding opportunities for those songs. Opportunity and income from your music takes a village, it takes a strategy, and it takes sustained focus on your goals.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now, when you start looking, there are a million ways that people will take our money in this space. Nashville, LA, and NY have people looking to “help you” by having you pay exorbitant prices to be part of their club sometimes without even hearing a note or even working with you personally. Just like the music business, the song business has been monetized for the masses.</div><div><br /></div><div>But From the Moment Music is focused a little differently. I am focused on working personally with songwriters and composers who are focused on quality songs and compositions, as well as finding success for that music. It doesn’t matter, and likely is better, if you have a day job or another career that provides income, or are retired and finally focusing on music. Or you could be brand new to music and focusing on writing success from a young age. </div><div><br /></div><div>Currently I am looking for a limited number of serious partners on building their music brand from the songwriting and composing side. We are living in the real world of making recordings in order to find income from real use like the exploding world of TV, film, the high paying world of advertising, the growing world of video gaming, and many more sources.</div><div><br /></div><div>Yes, we will also be pitching to traditional music publishers, but believe me they are also looking seriously at the things above. In fact, advertising music has been a mainstay of most serious composers and publishers for decades, if not a hundred years. Same with TV and film. This is not new info, it’s just stuff we forget about, as our thinking is we need the next hit on Spotify or YouTube.</div><div><br /></div><div>The truth is that the song is more valuable than the artist, as you see with classic artists these days selling their catalogs for triple digit millions.</div><div><br /></div><div>If any of this resonates with you, I'd like to talk to you about working with From the Moment Music. To be up front, I am working and plan to be working the rest of my life just as hard on my own music and opportunities as my partners. But many times, those opportunities have room for us to partner, so you can be part of my success, and vice versa. This is the very essence of music publishing.</div><div><br /></div><div>To hear all the different styles that we work on, you can check that out at <a href="http://FromtheMomentMusic.com" rev="en_rl_none">FromtheMomentMusic.com</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Then get in touch if you’d like to be part of things and join us.</div><div><br /></div><div>Quit waiting for your big break, and make your own success in songwriting and composing. Let do this together!</div><div><br /></div><div>EC</div><div>—</div><div>Eric Copeland is the president and lead composer at From the Moment Music, his private music publishing company for over 20 years. With different music production companies like Creative Soul Records, Positive Spin Songs, and Masterscore Music, Eric is focusing on placement of songs in music libraries, television, film, advertising, and more. For more information contact Eric at fromthemomentmusic@gmail.com</div><div><br /></div><div>If you are an artist as well, check out <a href="http://CreativeSoulRecords.com">CreativeSoulRecords.com</a> and our offerings there. We'd love to help.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Eric Copelandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17455115047714981740noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6136235097089635314.post-53480410136916623282019-10-22T06:32:00.001-07:002019-10-22T07:47:50.797-07:00The Real Life of a Songwriter<div class="entry-content" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 1.5em 0px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO24zaxBcOxisyUqXX0MdSprcBt0eeerFlcrastjjgqsU9UDQxiL7kZi4dnybcaLExLpTIQgSP-5qHK5HACHyMQ8Inb0QpP4VnHggo-_abJHeCyB0a3FpV6gvoE8v6v_f5_H8uiDAKtifZ/s1600/LOAS4+no+text+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO24zaxBcOxisyUqXX0MdSprcBt0eeerFlcrastjjgqsU9UDQxiL7kZi4dnybcaLExLpTIQgSP-5qHK5HACHyMQ8Inb0QpP4VnHggo-_abJHeCyB0a3FpV6gvoE8v6v_f5_H8uiDAKtifZ/s400/LOAS4+no+text+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit;">If you are or have been a songwriter, especially if you have only written a few songs, or are just beginning, you may wonder what it’s like to live each day as a songwriter.</span><br />
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Well, if you write songs, it’s not much different than how you live now, with the exception that you are actively doing something about your songwriting development or career every day that you can.</div>
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<b>The Compound Effect</b></div>
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I was recently reading the book “The Compound Effect” by Darren Hardy. His book applies to anything you want to do or be, but the point is daily, incremental changes or work can lead to any dividend or result you want.</div>
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Want to be a great songwriter? Want to LIVE as a songwriter? Then you need to do it daily.</div>
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<i>“You will never change your life until you change something you do daily. The secret of your success is found in your daily routine.” </i>― Darren Hardy, The Compound Effect<br />
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If you want to be a songwriter, you need to write, or think about songs, or study songwriting, or read about what other songwriters are doing in the music business especially, or make relationships with other songwriters or artists or publishers...You see where this is going?</div>
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You have to make songwriting part of your every day. Each day, each song, each idea, makes you a better writer and keeps you growing.</div>
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<b>You Have the Power</b></div>
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It may seem like every minute of every day is filled, but it is not. There is always something you can steal time from: the TV, reading the (mostly bad) news, the times when you mindlessly play that video game. And yes, I know you need it. But you also are reading this because you want to be a songwriter.</div>
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<i>“Since your outcomes are all a result of your moment-to-moment choices, you have incredible power to change your life by changing those choices. Step by step, day by day, your choices will shape your actions until they become habits, where practice makes them permanent.”</i> ― Darren Hardy, The Compound Effect<br />
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You can daily do one thing towards your songwriting, Whether if it’s a fix to a chorus, or an email to a publisher or music company. Do something. Every day.</div>
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<b>Be in Motion. Always Move Forward.</b></div>
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Walt Disney has a great quote we use often in our house.</div>
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<i>“We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we're curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.”</i> - Walt Disney<br />
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You have to keep motion going. Dieting? Every day there must be a change to your eating and/or exercise. Money issues? Every day there should be a plan to spend less and save more. Want to write songs? Every day you should moving forward with something related to your writing.<br />
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<i>“Newton’s First Law, also known as the Law of Inertia: Objects at rest tend to stay at rest unless acted on by an outside force. Objects in motion tend to stay in motion, unless something stops their momentum. Put another way, couch potatoes tend to stay couch potatoes. Achievers—people who get into a successful rhythm—continue busting their butts and end up achieving more and more.”</i> ― Darren Hardy, The Compound Effect<br />
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><b>The Real Secret</b></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">Okay, so here is the real secret to living as a songwriter. Write songs. Then find outlets for your songs. The end. See that wasn’t so hard was it?</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">Seriously, living as a songwriter means finding a way to involve songwriting in the way you live, make a living, or go about your day. Be a songwriter, even if it brings you NO money, NO fame, NO attention whatsoever. If you can’t be a songwriter under those conditions, then it was never about writing anyway. It was about money, fame, or attention.</span></div>
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Living as a songwriter means working it, getting better at it, and dreaming new ways to do it and find success. Just like you would with anything else.</div>
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Sure, Nashville, recording, web sites, social media, mentors, blah, blah, blah. They all may figure in. But the reality is you will be alone back at your home, and have to know how to live daily as a songwriter. And the only one who will do it, and make sure you do it...is you.</div>
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Have a great week!</div>
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EC</div>
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John Eric Copeland is a composer and songwriter (they are kind of different) who when he isn’t composing, helps songwriters, artists, and all creatives be more successful at what they want to do. Find out more at <a href="http://cre8iv.com/">cre8iv.com</a></div>
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Want to take a bold step towards being a songwriter? Check out our new opportunity “Life of a Songwriter IV” at <a href="http://www.creativesoulonline.com/">http://www.CreativeSoulOnline.com</a></div>
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Eric Copelandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17455115047714981740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6136235097089635314.post-72860707442351779832016-11-15T00:21:00.000-08:002016-11-15T20:35:49.414-08:00Give Em’ What They Want<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuTCx2zsEyvWnRReBSPhDgEOrE6FDehCdbLKQR6RLZqOX0eKw-c11CA17-Nj7UYwa7Iene4KblWkWIhp0doKoA-d6Ga_nW0jFAORgxAv4MY60_GOsXyXKBrDWGqMmfRbeFiUvz_Wj3eVw7/s1600/music-publisher.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuTCx2zsEyvWnRReBSPhDgEOrE6FDehCdbLKQR6RLZqOX0eKw-c11CA17-Nj7UYwa7Iene4KblWkWIhp0doKoA-d6Ga_nW0jFAORgxAv4MY60_GOsXyXKBrDWGqMmfRbeFiUvz_Wj3eVw7/s1600/music-publisher.jpg" /></a>Once we put out a call for songs. We were looking for an uptempo pop country song, and gave VERY SPECIFIC examples, as well as the EXACT Carrie Underwood and Kellie Pickler songs that the songs should sound like.<br />
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Of course, only about half of the 50 or more songs were even close to what we were looking for. People sent us ballads, they sent us backwoods country, they sent folks, they sent country gospel!<br />
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Attention songwriters: Yes, I know you love your babies, your songs that God gave you. But if a publisher or artist or producer puts out a call for a fast song, DO NOT send a slow song because it’s great and would be perfect for them.<br />
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If they ask for a ballad, that sounds like Celine Dion, don’t send a rock tune that you just wrote and tell them they can slow it down.<br />
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Give them what they ask for.<br />
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Like any relationship, first impressions are crucial.<br />
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If a songwriter send three songs, and the first one is not even close and it seems like the songwriter ignored what I wanted, do you think I am excited to hear the other two?<br />
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Also, when you respond to a song call, send an MP3 and paste the words into the email response. Or you can attach the Word Doc (DOC, RTF, or PDF files only, NO Publisher or other files). Anything other than an MP3 requires a special player. Anything other than DOC, RTF, or PDF risk the publisher or producer not having that format. That’s why it’s just better to paste your lyrics into an email.<br />
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I tell this from recent experience. So take my word for it, there are some submissions I just don’t listen to if the song starts slow, and I requested a fast song. Or of the lyrics are racy and I requested something a young Christian artist would sing.<br />
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So next time you submit a song to a song call or pitch list, remember these things and you’ll have a much better chance at success.<br />
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EC<br />
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Eric Copeland is a music producer, and president of Creative Soul, a music ministry support company focusing on consulting, production, and marketing for Christian artists and songwriters. Find out more at <a href="http://www.creativesoulonline.com/" target="_blank">http://www.CreativeSoulOnline.com</a>Eric Copelandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17455115047714981740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6136235097089635314.post-12615296949115245572016-10-09T23:30:00.000-07:002016-10-09T23:37:39.846-07:00The Reason For Your Life Story<i>"I’ll pray a hedge of protection around you because I’m pretty sure you’re on a slippery slope. I might go as far as loving on you through this season. Just sayin’."</i> - Jon Acuff<br />
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So many times, especially as songwriters that write for church or other religious reasons, we tend to write <i>Christiany</i> things. Yes, it’s a word. Ok, no it’s not, but you know what I mean.<br />
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<i>Christianese.</i> Words that sounds good to Christians because they know them and are comfy with them with our church friends or driving in the car praise-driving. But are these the only things to write about? Does writing more <i>Christianish </i>songs really get the true job out of reaching people for Christ?<br />
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Is this why God made you? To write more of what is already written? Another nice ditty that sounds like every other hymn, worship tune, or Christian song you’ve ever heard before?<br />
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<i>"Why do we turn to empty, tired out phrases instead? Why do we have to have an answer or a formula? As followers of Christ, if we truly want to connect with people, we must be genuine and express ourselves with authenticity."</i> - Mary Fairchild<br />
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<b>Speak from Experience</b><br />
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I think the thing writers miss most at first, is writing from the powerful pages of their personal life story.<br />
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I tell all the beginning songwriters I meet (and artists too) that there is a reason for the life they have had. God has a Plan that cannot be seen by our puny minds. We can’t know why we endured all the heartache, pain, humiliation, anger, sadness, and yes, also love and happiness in our lives.<br />
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But as songwriters, we have a unique chance to mine that sometimes painful, sometimes thorny past, and turn it into some great songs.<br />
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Dealt with major awful things like abuse, divorce, or death? Use it. Write about it. Tell your story and let others know you have been there.<br />
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<i>"The most effective way to let other people know about the great things that God can do in their lives is to tell them the story of what God has done in your life. That is what makes a difference."</i> - Rick Warren<br />
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Is it hard? Well yes, of course! Deciding to turn your private life into a ministry is not easy for everyone.<br />
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Even if you have had it fairly easy compared to most, there are still situations you’ve been through where you’ve seen God work. Or more importantly, there are things that you have learned the somewhat hard way (probably because of stupidity) in life. These are the things that you can speak about in your lyrics. The reason God designed you, because He knew that you would have to go through them and come out the other side with unique insight.<br />
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We’re all unique. He made us that way so we would have unique things to say, and a unique way to say them.<br />
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So look into your life. Think about the things you struggle with. Think about the painful or watershed moments of your life. You know, those things you can’t believe happened to you, and wonder why God allowed them to happen?<br />
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Ahem. Here’s why. You have to share that experience and that is what separates you, your music, and your ministry from everyone else.<br />
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There’s a reason for your life story. Write from it!<br />
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<i>“Come and listen … and I will tell you what [God] has done for me” </i>(Psalm 66:16 TEV).<br />
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Have a great week!<br />
<br />
EC<br />
---<br />
Eric Copeland is a songwriter and producer for Creative Soul, a consulting, music production, and development company for Christian songwriters and artists. For more info, check out <a href="http://www.creativesoulonline.com/">http://www.CreativeSoulOnline.com</a><br />
<br />
More on this...<br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.relevantmagazine.com/god/church/20-christianese-phrases-we-really-need-stop-saying#AMIMIRsPZhmdb4gq.99" target="_blank">20 Christianese Phrases We Really Need to Stop Saying</a><br /><br /><a href="http://christianity.about.com/od/faithinaction/qt/Christian-Phrases.htm" target="_blank">Clichés Christians Say</a></b><br />
What Empty Christian Phrases Really Say<br />
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<a href="http://pastorrick.com/devotional/english/tell-others-your-great-god-story" target="_blank"><b>Tell Others Your Great God Story</b></a>Eric Copelandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17455115047714981740noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6136235097089635314.post-74135691117354371062016-09-11T21:50:00.001-07:002016-10-09T23:40:18.424-07:00Songwriting Essentials: Rhyme Time<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arimo-1, arimo-2, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.714em;">
(Guest post by the inimitable Robert Sterling. <a href="http://robertsterlingmusic.com/home/" style="color: #266dc3; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Find out more about Robert here.</a>)</div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1423463390/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1423463390&linkCode=as2&tag=creativesoulo-20&linkId=6217d723806b4f3b363b3aef61bb1352" style="color: #266dc3; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="robertbook" class="alignright wp-image-3147 size-full" src="https://creativesoulonline.files.wordpress.com/2016/08/robertbook.jpg?w=550" style="border: 0px; display: inline; float: right; height: auto; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 24px; margin-top: 4px; max-width: 97.5%; width: auto;" /></a>The single most common Poetic Device used in songwriting is without a doubt – rhyme. Unfortunately rhyme is seemingly so simple, the beginner songwriter may assume it to be easy. (<em>Simple</em> is very different than <em>easy.</em>) Really great rhyme is a well-practiced craft.</div>
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For those of you songwriters that haven’t read my book <em>(Shame on you, by the way.)</em>here are some quick tips that might help you better master a part of the craft we all too often take for granted.<br />
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<strong>Rhyme the important stuff.</strong> Rhyme draws attention to itself, so try to land your rhymes on words that reinforce the song’s message or atmosphere. If you rhyme unimportant words, you’re telling the listener you’ve written an unimportant song.</div>
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<strong>Save the stronger, more creative rhyme line for the second half of the rhyme.</strong> Make your listeners wait for that great rhyming line.</div>
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<strong>Avoid predictable rhymes. </strong>Predictable rhymes telegraph to the listener what’s coming, spoiling the surprise. Because double and triple rhymes have fewer obvious rhyme choices, they have a greater tendency to create predictability than do single rhymes. This is a tough thing to do, but it’s worth the effort.</div>
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<strong>Vary the color of rhymes within a song.</strong> Using only one kind of rhyme is boring. Mix up the use of single, double, and triple rhymes. Try slipping an internal rhyme in occasionally. Avoid the overuse of the same rhyme vowel.</div>
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<strong>Rhyme naturally.</strong> A classic problem of novice writers is inverting words in a phrase to force a rhyme. I call this “Yoda speak.” Better to write the words the way people actually speak, and look for a new rhyme.</div>
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<strong>When you’re stuck for a rhyme, try rephrasing the line.</strong> Sometimes you can say the same thing another way and open up new rhyming possibilities. For example, the line “Love always ends that way” can be rephrased to “That’s how love always ends,” and suddenly you have a new rhyming word without changing the meaning or the message of the lyrics.</div>
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<strong>Don’t settle for sloppy rhyme.</strong> Even imperfect rhymes shouldn’t be weak. Rather than settle, dig a little deeper. You may find something terrific.</div>
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<strong>Get a good rhyming dictionary.</strong> Not even the most brilliant wordsmith can think of every possible rhyme for a line. A rhyming dictionary, whether an actual book or in software form, is a great tool for finding an elusive rhyme or for jump-starting the rhyming process.</div>
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<strong>Every now and then, don’t use rhyme.</strong> Sometimes little or no rhyme can be very effective if it is done purposefully and with solid craftsmanship. Michael McDonald and Kenny Loggins used almost no rhyme at all in their song “What a Fool Believes.” But the lack of rhyme suits the unusual musical phrasing of the song.</div>
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That’s it for today. Now go read my book.</div>
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(Excepted and edited from <em>The Craft of Christian Songwriting</em> by me, the author.)</div>
Eric Copelandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17455115047714981740noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6136235097089635314.post-62273387099937204642016-07-31T18:00:00.000-07:002016-10-09T23:40:08.077-07:00How to Get Better as a Songwriter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjComW_gFfq30jL3Ug6RRe_2_dY12UvL2cL8lgfcMOUbmO9SD7VhhUkx5LxmNbvB80dUFwEIjUNqOmphPPZZoEjs7M4MOkAkXfqxUGVYyzzlldAPcebU57zrZtRSkcHAtV4SRNd35yNSHN2/s1600/anvil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjComW_gFfq30jL3Ug6RRe_2_dY12UvL2cL8lgfcMOUbmO9SD7VhhUkx5LxmNbvB80dUFwEIjUNqOmphPPZZoEjs7M4MOkAkXfqxUGVYyzzlldAPcebU57zrZtRSkcHAtV4SRNd35yNSHN2/s400/anvil.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
I've been right where you are.<br />
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At some point in your life, it became apparent that you could put words and music together and make a song.</div>
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People <i>know</i> you as a songwriter.</div>
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But for some reason, no one has realized your genius (or least no one that MATTERS!) There has been no publishing contract with Word. There has been no calls from Toby Mac because he heard your music on Soundcloud. There has been no word from Hollywood, Nashville, or New York, even though you've sent a few demos that way.</div>
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So what is the deal?<br />
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You're not a novice. You've been doing this for a while. You're most likely one of the best, if not the best songwriter in your whole town.</div>
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Why would God give you this talent if it never goes farther than a few miles from your house?</div>
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Well, folks, I have been there. I know exactly how you feel.</div>
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You have a job most likely that has little to do with music making, and it's fine. But you long to know <i>some</i> success with your writing. Maybe just an artist who records one of your songs, or a publisher that shows some interest.</div>
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Just...something.</div>
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Well, let's talk about the "why". Why has your music not reached that next level yet?</div>
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In my experience or writing, producing, and promoting music, I have found there is only one way to get to a new level, and that is, to work with better people.</div>
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I was in the place where I felt, "Okay, people know who I am locally, and even a bit on the net, but I personally feel like I can't get better than this". Well that was incorrect. I just had to go out and sharpen my tools with other writers, musicians, and engineers.</div>
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So I started looking around town for studios and folks to hang with and work with. I eventually started a studio of my own, and I improved.</div>
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When I hit another ceiling, I moved to Nashville and started to meet Grammy-winning engineers and musicians that helped my projects get to a point now where I feel like they are where I want them.</div>
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Now, I don't always think moving to Nashville is necessary or even needed. For me it was since my business was music production for artists and Nashville was a no-brainer for my clients. For you folks who are writers only and not making your living at it, moving here can have mixed results.</div>
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The important thing is to get out and get working with folks who are better than you. Whether it's someone in Nashville, or someone locally.</div>
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Iron sharpens iron. We can't just buy a new piece of software or microphone or join a new online service. We have to work with other people who do what we do, and maybe at a slightly higher level, to grow our own talents.</div>
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I think it's very biblical actually. The story of the talents is very clear with what you should do with them (even though talents meant something different in the verse). But for our use, we have to go out and make those talents grow. That is what the Master wants to see.</div>
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We can't just sit on our talents and only have what He gives. We must grow.</div>
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So, if you have questions, give me a shout, I'm glad to help.</div>
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Otherwise, keep writing!</div>
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EC</div>
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Eric Copeland is a songwriter, producer, and consultant and heads Creative Soul in Nashville, TN. He is lucky enough to be able to sharpen his iron with artists and writers around the world. Find out more at <a href="http://www.creativesoulonline.com/" target="_blank">http://www.CreativeSoulOnline.com</a></div>
Eric Copelandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17455115047714981740noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6136235097089635314.post-20921802440298194402016-04-17T23:16:00.000-07:002016-10-09T23:40:28.419-07:005 Steps to Songwriting Success<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7_q4e2fuX36_51T-YDVWshPW1ViZYHxFxJI-EqGXZo_zI-FChMh9zba8J_rJav5QNnkOmDDMd7LQpY0dqzAR3RFGU9Y5lWWmHJRgjky_m-qFEdDYUfdNkjPUCk76Rz4tlIEog-tG__BwP/s1600/5steps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7_q4e2fuX36_51T-YDVWshPW1ViZYHxFxJI-EqGXZo_zI-FChMh9zba8J_rJav5QNnkOmDDMd7LQpY0dqzAR3RFGU9Y5lWWmHJRgjky_m-qFEdDYUfdNkjPUCk76Rz4tlIEog-tG__BwP/s400/5steps.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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As you can imagine, we hear a lot of songs on a week to
week basis. People ask us daily for our thoughts on their songs and we work
with artists trying to help them move to the next level with their songwriting.
In all this work we see a lot of the same things happening in songs. So I
thought it might be good just to lay out a few things that might help beginning
songwriters as well as songwriters who have been at this for a while find more
success.<br />
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<b>1. Subject<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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This may seem obvious right? We are Christians, so we write
songs about God, or worship, many things that relate to Christian life. But
many times we see a real lack of coherency. The songs are usually copied from
other Christian songs that writers may have heard at some point, or written for
a use they had on an occasion.<br />
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In truth, it's very hard to hear songs that have some
kind of originality. This is very hard in these times where we want to worship
so we sing something that sounds like another worship tune, but slightly different
because we are trying to write “in the genre”.<o:p></o:p></div>
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My main hope when someone shows me their song, is that I
hear something different. Something that gets me because I've never heard it
said that way before.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>“You've gotta be
original, because if you're like someone else, what do they need you for?”</i>
- Bernadette Peters<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>2. Chords<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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This is another casualty of the modern pop song. Have you
ever heard or seen the video of the guys doing medley of songs that all have
the exact same chords? <o:p></o:p></div>
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Sometimes we get so in love with 1-4-5 that we don't
notice every song we are writing is some or same combination of these chords.
Don't get me wrong, there are a lot of combinations and things you can write to
three chords or maybe a combination of four chords that you play a lot. But
eventually this can make your writing sound the same from song to song. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Try something different. Anything. Insert a chord into
every song that you haven't used before, or a chord that isn't in any other
part of the song. Change things up. This is key to growing as a writer.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>3. </b><b><span lang="DA">Melody<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<i>“The only thing
that I miss lately in all music is somebody that will put out a melody that you
can whistle. It doesn't seem like there's anything happening like that.”</i> -
Merle Haggard<o:p></o:p></div>
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This won't be a clinic on melody but I do want to say
something here on intervals. Good melodies have intervals between each note. By
this I mean it's not just the same note sung one after the other. Sure, as a
gimmick it can be done from time to time. But in good songwriting great
melodies soar. They are singable and hooky because they have meat to them, and
aren't just monotone or follow the chords up or down. <o:p></o:p></div>
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By interval I mean that there are leaps up and down to a
melody, and those leaps are what make the melody memorable, and…whistleable.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>4. </b><b><span lang="FR">Lyrics</span><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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We usually come up with lyrics and leave them alone, glad
they are done and wanting to just sing the song. But good lyrics are often
written and rewritten. Make sure people understand what you mean. Play it for
someone and make sure they get it and that it is saying what you want it to
say.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This goes along with the subject, and how do you say
something in a way that it hasn't been said before. An original way of
poetically saying something so that people hear it in way that really affects
them. It also has to be something you believe in, and really helps if it’s personal
to you.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>“Lyrics are kind of
the whole thing; it's the message. Something might have a beautiful melody but
if it's not the truth coming out of your mouth, it's not appealing.”</i> - Alison
Krauss<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>5. Demo<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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This is something near and dear to my heart. We help
people make a lot of what we used to call demos. Nowadays we called them
masters because it is so easy to make a recording sound very good. But even if
you just have your phone, you can record a nice easy demo with just your guitar
and voice. Or maybe piano and voice.<o:p></o:p></div>
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For showing songs to people, it doesn't necessarily take
lots of money or equipment to make a decent scratch demo. I usually tell folks
to just play and sing into their phone so I can get a sense of the song. Don't
feel you need to spend money at a studio so you can show a producer…and then
spend money at a studio. It doesn't make sense.<o:p></o:p></div>
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There’s a lot you can do to become a better songwriter,
and the best thing is to write about 100 songs. Work with others, get feedback,
write different kinds of songs, and get recordings of your songs made so you
can keep getting better. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>“By giving the
public a rich and full melody, distinctly arranged and well played, all the
time creating new tone colors and patterns, I feel we have a better chance of
being successful. I want a kick to my band, but I don't want the rhythm to hog
the spotlight.” </i>- Glenn Miller<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Have a great week!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
EC<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
--<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Eric Copeland is a music producer, but thinks of himself
most as a songwriter. So he takes all these points seriously with every artist
he works with, and with his own songs! For more on what his company Creative
Soul does, check out http://www.CreativeSoulOnline.com<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>More Quotes<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i>“Creativity is the
process of having original ideas that have value. It is a process; it's not
random.”</i> - Ken Robinson<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i>“In order to be
irreplaceable one must always be different.”</i> - Coco Chanel<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i>“Melody is the
single most important thing to any song, period. I don't care what anybody
says, it trumps everything. Not because that's my opinion but because I think
it's actually indisputable fact. The human brain retains melody easier than it
retains words. It's that simple.”</i> - Ryan Tedder<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i>“Melody is king,
and don't you ever forget it. Lyrics appear to be out front, but they're not;
they're just an accompanying factor. If they're good, you're really in good
shape. Lyrics are written to be rewritten.”</i> - Quincy Jones<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i>“What makes a great
song - you don't put it into words. You feel it. The perfect lyric. The perfect
melody. It makes you feel something.”</i> - Diane Warren</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i>“There's a melody
in everything. And once you find the melody, then you connect immediately with
the heart. Because sometimes English or Spanish, Swahili or any language gets
in the way. But nothing penetrates the heart faster than the melody.”</i> -
Carlos Santana<o:p></o:p></div>
Eric Copelandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17455115047714981740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6136235097089635314.post-18279561929851519762016-02-07T23:17:00.001-08:002016-10-09T23:40:33.480-07:00Fighting Writer’s Block<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3jIFisw-V6zJRWzedRj_qpUWh-60-sR4RABhVdR0Z24IxFrSPbmRaKf38dp29_DYWm8siMXP7wWym7cLYe2ksR5CwA5ujxDRYPkbp4Xw9Y6p_NUEHh-dyG0Kf_Iun-lKMhBq0ncYnmR6R/s1600/block.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3jIFisw-V6zJRWzedRj_qpUWh-60-sR4RABhVdR0Z24IxFrSPbmRaKf38dp29_DYWm8siMXP7wWym7cLYe2ksR5CwA5ujxDRYPkbp4Xw9Y6p_NUEHh-dyG0Kf_Iun-lKMhBq0ncYnmR6R/s400/block.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You're trying to put
together a new album, or haven't written any music in a while, but every time
you sit down to write, the same thing happens. Either nothing comes to you, or
you feel like everything you come up with is so stale and predictable you can't
stand it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Don't you hate when
THAT happens? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here's a few things
you can do to fight this very common problem.<br />
<a name='more'></a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>1. It's not you,
it's, well...</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Listen, this is
something every songwriter and composer has struggled with, so first of all
give yourself a break. This is one of the things you are just going to have to
deal with from time to time. It actually means you are a little more advanced
than you ever have been. The fact that you are unwilling to put out ideas that
you feel like you've heard before means you are at a level where just anything
won't do. This is a good thing.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>2. Try to not
be...you.</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you are like me,
you have go-to chords, instruments, or sounds you use to write with. If you are
having trouble writing, abandon those. Fight the urge to do what you always do
and pull out some other tools, instruments or sounds. If you're a guitar or
piano player and usually write at that instrument, write the words down and
write music to them without playing anything. This is actually better for melody writing
as it forces you to write a melody that is not informed or influenced by the
chords your hands are playing.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Try writing in a
different genre than you are used to. If you usually write worship, try a rock
song, If you usually write contemporary, try something more traditional in
nature. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>“Breaking through writer's block is
like thinking out of the box: Both require an ability to imagine a world
outside your four walls or rearranging them to get a better view.” </i>― Susan J. McIntire<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Break out of your box
by burning the box! Don't allow yourself to come back to your normal stuff until
you have done something different. Play in a new key. Write about different
subject matter. There are a lot of ways you can write other than the way you
usually have.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>3. Do something
else.</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This sounds extreme,
but maybe this is a time for you to do something else in your music ministry.
Maybe you're blocked because you haven't finished recording or
marketing the songs you have now. I currently have personal projects
backed up and think some of my reluctance to write is my brain MAKING me get
these other projects up and out before it lets me create new things.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Take this time that
you aren't writing and put your focus on the other creative and business things
you need to get out of the way. When the logjam is clear, the ideas will flow
once again.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>4. Just Start Writing<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>“Don’t waste time waiting for
inspiration. Begin, and inspiration will find you.”</i> ― H. Jackson Brown Jr.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are many times
I don’t feel like writing, but know I have to (for a client for instance).
Sometimes just making a conscious effort to sit down and write actually starts me writing. I
have to make time for it, and not just walking by the piano and throwing my
hands down (although, this is in fact another of my favorite methods ;)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Above all don’t panic, don’t fret, and don’t assume it’s all
over and you will never write anything ever again (although it feels like it!)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>“Writer’s block is my
unconscious mind telling me that something I’ve just written is either
unbelievable or unimportant to me, and I solve it by going back and reinventing
some part of what I’ve already written so that when I write it again, it is
believable and interesting to me. Then I can go on.”</i> ― Orson Scott Card<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Have a great week!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
EC<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
--<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Eric Copeland is right there with you, and deals with writer’s
block all the time. There are times he thinks he’ll never write again, and then
a big bunch come. Be patient. If we can help you with your songwriting or any
music needs, check out <a href="http://www.creativesoulonline.com/" target="_blank">http://www.CreativeSoulOnline.com</a><o:p></o:p></div>
Eric Copelandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17455115047714981740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6136235097089635314.post-20635509635683743572015-10-04T23:50:00.000-07:002016-10-09T23:40:41.338-07:00What Are You Writing For?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJujFoBCClD1bjpgXUiUPtWFIHPmFN-8lZTIZxqxS3TLegc5J7F2Jwx3QYhe0fENw3fPQH8KHxm0qFU0Sq1I0RKwtbd9iPYoic5Er4rhz4PIgoMPjQurE6wHXSGPJXcN1BBFbbwLMV_hpa/s1600/what.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJujFoBCClD1bjpgXUiUPtWFIHPmFN-8lZTIZxqxS3TLegc5J7F2Jwx3QYhe0fENw3fPQH8KHxm0qFU0Sq1I0RKwtbd9iPYoic5Er4rhz4PIgoMPjQurE6wHXSGPJXcN1BBFbbwLMV_hpa/s320/what.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In working with Christian songwriters, we sometimes see some
confusion about the kinds of songs they write, and the uses for them. We all
hear about publishing, co-writing, royalties, commercial songs vs. artistic
songs, etc.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s hard to know which way to write to please the powers
that be in the music business. But the good news is we really don’t have to,
and here’s why.<br />
<a name='more'></a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Publishing<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>“<a href="http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/g/georgebern137449.html?src=t_good_taste" title="view quote"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Caesar was a man of great common sense and good taste,
meaning thereby a man without originality or moral courage.</span></a>”</i> – George
Bernard Shaw<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you are a Christian songwriter with an aim towards
writing so that someone will publish your song (which basically means something
will be done with your song, ie. recorded, played, etc.), then you do have to
write what you think the artist, producer, audience, or publisher will want to
hear. You have to write <i>for</i> them,
while also of course writing <i>for </i>God.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As a songwriter “for hire” (so to speak), your job is to
write songs for whoever you are trying to please. I put it that way because
music is a very subjective thing. If you are writing songs for a publisher and
you know he/she has very specific likes and dislikes, then you are going to
tailor the song to their preferences. If you are writing a certain kind of
song, you are going to stay within the parameters of that genre to have the
best chance that song will be deemed worthy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you have an artist you want to pitch the song to, you
want to tailor that song to that artist. You won’t write a six minute jazz epic
for a praise and worship artist (although there could be real comparisons
between the two! ;)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is where rules come in. Hook, melody, smart original lyrics
(or traditional lyrics, whichever the song calls for). A song that is not too
long, and really, really catchy. The right song at the right time for the right
ear.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now if all that sounds like no fun at all, then you may
prefer to write songs for your own use and audience.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Personal Ministry<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>“Make your own kind of
music, sing your own special song</i>.” – Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Lately I have had conversations with artists who are a bit
confused by reviews and industry comments that on one hand imply their music
sounds like other copies of other Christian artists, and then says their music
is too unique and doesn’t fit “the genre” or playlist. Artists are wondering
what to write and how to please everyone.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>“You can please some
of the people all of the time, you can please all of the people some of the
time, but you can’t please all of the people all of the time.”</i> <span style="background: white;">― </span>John Lydgate <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The good news is, if you are an artist wanting to take your
own music into the world, you don’t have to worry about pleasing anyone. Why? Because
as a music ministry, the emphasis isn’t really on the music anyway – it should
be on the message. If you can’t please everyone, then write the music that God
gave you and what you hope pleases <i>Him</i>.
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The truth is that getting on commercial radio is a game only
the majors can fight, mainly because it takes money and marketing that most
independent artists don’t have access to. Reviews of independent music don’t
reach enough eyes to make a difference in online sales, which don’t amount to
much anyway.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What we need to concentrate on as artists is making the original
music that comes from our hearts, no matter what that is. It should be
personal, and meaningful, and interesting, and done with the absolutely highest
quality we can muster. This is what we will take into the world, show our
friends, family, and fans, as well as putting our mark on the massive amount of
music out there.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Not much has changed on the music publishing side. The old
rules of writing, co-writing, pitching, etc. are still very valid. But the
rules of being an artist have changed dramatically, with one small caveat – in
person, live music still rules. It always has. Yes recorded music took over the
Twentieth Century, but we are getting back to a time where the live performance
is king again, especially in sales and our ability to reach a captive audience.
And as artists, that captive audience is who we should be writing for as
artists.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>“<a href="http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/c/charitysun550887.html" title="view quote"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">To me, art's highest purpose is to entertain, to
enlighten, to inspire, to evoke emotion and to change an audience in some way,
big or small.</span></a>”</i> – Charity Sunshine Tillemann-Dick<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><br />
</span>Have a great week!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
EC<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
--<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Eric Copeland is a music producer and also a songwriter who
has written for publishing and for hire, but would prefer to just write
whatever inspires him as God designed. But he helps songwriters do both at his
company Creative Soul. Find out more at <a href="http://www.creativesoulonline.com/">http://www.CreativeSoulOnline.com</a></div>
Eric Copelandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17455115047714981740noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6136235097089635314.post-23475326968016346092015-08-23T23:05:00.004-07:002016-10-09T23:40:56.222-07:00What if Nobody Ever Hears My Songs?<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>“Every man, and for stronger reasons, every artist, wants to be recognized. So do I.”</i> - Albert Camus </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHBfhD1y72jT8qWsFdCMCKnTIetH2ss0bmBOGNUyKhTe0npqfxc1isFP4jptnm-DooOV4LGKnfcjkA0O1v6kjE1BiJpKYO74gX2HeeD5QM5PKBodZ9YtUmEIwo-DBVOhf2AWorkIZ4Wga-/s1600/bestill2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHBfhD1y72jT8qWsFdCMCKnTIetH2ss0bmBOGNUyKhTe0npqfxc1isFP4jptnm-DooOV4LGKnfcjkA0O1v6kjE1BiJpKYO74gX2HeeD5QM5PKBodZ9YtUmEIwo-DBVOhf2AWorkIZ4Wga-/s400/bestill2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When I was a young songwriter, long before I became a full time producer, I used to really worry that if I died no one would have ever really heard my songs. Oh sure, my family and friends knew I was a songwriter, but I fretted hard about the world not knowing my work even existed!<br />
<br />
At that point I had probably written 400 or so songs since I was in high school. I was raising a young family, and working full time at a corporate job. But as always in my life, I was writing songs like crazy.<br />
<a name='more'></a> <br />
<br />
About that time, I wrote a song called “Be Still”. Not exactly a unique title, but I had only started writing Christian songs in earnest several years before. I felt it was a strong song, maybe the strongest I had written up to that point.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>“If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door.” </i>- Milton Berle<br />
<br />
I had recently met a pro songwriter who was signed to a publishing deal in Nashville (remember this was the early 1990's), and showed the song to him. He liked it, and pitched it to his publishing company for me. Their response was that it “had no legs”, and other pithy publisher comments that meant they simply didn't know what they'd do with it.<br />
<br />
I can't say I was crushed, because I always am writing a better song. But I felt more and more like I was spinning my wheels. Why would God give me this talent if no one would ever hear my songs?<br />
<br />
Then, that same songwriter called me to say he was producing an indie record for someone in Indiana. He had shown them my song “Be Still” and they loved it. They wanted to put it on their record. It ended up as the first song on the record.<br />
<br />
Almost instantly the feeling that strangers would never hear my music abated. Since then of course I've written and co-written hundreds of songs on artist's records and releases of my own that are out on CDs, iTunes, Amazon, YouTube, Spotify, etc., and can reach strangers easily around the world. My songs have been and are part of ministries literally around the world.<br />
<br />
But I will never forget how that one opportunity and use of one song kind of changed my whole thinking. I could relax and get to work without all the stress and worry.<br />
<br />
All you need is one solid use or release of one song and it can totally change how you see yourself, your songwriting, and your place in this world.<br />
<br />
Keep working to find the right opportunity, the right ear, the right recording. Your job as a songwriter is to reach people with your songs. Find a way and you may just find peace of mind!<br />
<br />
<i>“</i><i>So though there are many things I would have done differently, I submit to God's sovereignty and His purpose in my life and I thank Him that He brought me the way He brought me and gave me what He gave me when He thought I could handle it.</i><i>”</i> - T. D. Jakes<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>“Don't worry when you are not recognized, but strive to be worthy of recognition.” </i>- Abraham Lincoln</div>
<br />
Have a great week!<br />
<br />
EC<br />
--<br />
Eric Copeland was a songwriter first before he ever became a producer, arranger, website designer or the other hats he wears at Creative Soul. For more info on what he does for Christian songwriters and artists, check out <a href="http://creativesoulonline.com/">CreativeSoulOnline.com</a><br />
<br />
Also check out our unique site for Christian songwriters at <a href="http://fromthemomentmusic.com/">FromtheMomentMusic.com</a></div>
Eric Copelandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17455115047714981740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6136235097089635314.post-45304908335146834392015-07-13T00:24:00.000-07:002016-10-09T23:41:07.377-07:00Writing Real<i>"Nothing ever becomes real till it is experienced.” </i>- John Keats<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrAZOPfPqzJwRhKF5AtGmCKbAiajW8PhC2n-Gsmp4C5nPOwghkXy1PlekyH4cwLYb5X9ow70jqkwZNHs_vx5CB5A25z90kNzYm28r7rMMHyQj20Ua8XcaFUjXu7MuC_zKih7m8Y8N6CGxt/s1600/writingreal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrAZOPfPqzJwRhKF5AtGmCKbAiajW8PhC2n-Gsmp4C5nPOwghkXy1PlekyH4cwLYb5X9ow70jqkwZNHs_vx5CB5A25z90kNzYm28r7rMMHyQj20Ua8XcaFUjXu7MuC_zKih7m8Y8N6CGxt/s400/writingreal.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Recently an artist told me they had written a song in order to really speak to someone about Jesus. They wanted to relate to this person on a deep level about exactly what the person was going through. So they had written a song just for that person.<br />
<br />
Then they played me the song. It was a fairly generic song about the love of Jesus. Now, there was no problem with the song technically, but it certainly wasn't about the issues they said the person was going through. It was just a song with similar Christian diatribes as other general Christian pop songs.<br />
<br />
Another time, an artist came to see us and I asked them what made them different with their music. They proceeded to tell me how they write really different Christian songs, with unusual chord patterns and lyrics that go deep. There was nothing wrong with what they showed me, but the songs were neither unusual in chords, nor deep in lyrical content.<br />
<br />
So what is the problem here?<br />
<a name='more'></a> <br />
<br />
As Christians we tend to think that any song we write is unique and special because it is coming from our heart for the Lord. We believe that it is our gift from God to a hurting world. The problem is, many times it just ends up being a retread of every Christian or worship song that has already been written. These songs are not bad at all and actually are quite good sometimes. But they are not wholly original, they are not unique, and they have no real application to the world that is begging for something authentic.<br />
<br />
Now, I’ve written praise songs and literal songs about the Cross and Jesus, including ones that fit a specific pop Christian or worship template. These songs definitely have their place in what we do as Christian songwriters and artists.<br />
<br />
But when people tell me they need to speak real to a friend who is hurting, will a generic song about the love of Jesus that does not address the needs of that friend help? When someone is needing cheering up, will a formula vertical worship song whip them into shape? Probably not.<br />
<br />
Add to that the issues of writing songs that come from Bible verses or regurgitate hymn or worship lyrics, and it can be hard for our songs to relate to the problems our Christian and non-Christian listeners are having. Relating to the world is kind of our imperative. <br />
<br />
Frankly, the hardest thing to teach to Christian songwriters is how to reveal the wonders of our faith in real, conversational language. <br />
<br />
Recently, I listened to an older Sara Groves CD, The Other Side of Something. There was a 2nd CD with interviews on it on how she wrote the songs; every songwriter reading this should listen to that interview.<br />
<br />
If you do listen, you will hear her talk about the ideas, people, and real life situations behind each song. Every line is a “real” sentence we would say in normal conversation, or maybe in prayer.<br />
<br />
Read this lyric from Sara Groves song “Compelled”:<br />
<br />
<i>What a relief it is to know<br />I’m a slave to Christ<br />Of all the masters I have known<br />I’m compelled to live this life<br />Free for you<br /><br />I’m on the other side of something<br />I’m on the other side of something</i><br />
<div>
<i>I have a new hope that blows away<br />The small hopes I knew before<br />And at the end of the day I am yours<br />And I am compelled<br /><br />You’ve written on my very heart<br />Where no man can legislate<br />The law of your love has taken hold<br />With your holiness and grace<br />There’s no mistake<br /><br />I’m on the other side of something<br />I’m coming out the other side, the other side<br /><br />I have a new hope that blows away<br />The small hopes I knew before<br />And at the end of the day I am yours<br />And I am compelled<br /><br />I am drawn and driven, I am compelled<br />You have written it, I am compelled<br />You live in me<br />And I can’t help myself</i><br />
<br />
See how freeing this lyric is? How appealing, while still talking about the compelling love of Christ, and how we want to live it each day in real life?<br />
<br />
This week as you sit down to write an idea, think of a real concept. Not something you've heard before or a Bible verse, but a phrase or saying you heard in real life that might make an impact on both a Christian, and a nonbeliever as well.<br />
<br />
<i>“If you copy, it means you're working without any real feeling. No two people on earth are alike, and it's got to be that way in music or it isn't music.”</i> - Billie Holiday<br />
<br />
It’s time to write real.<br />
<br />
EC<br />
---<br />
Eric Copeland is not anywhere as good a songwriter as Sara Groves, but he’d like to think he and his artists are getting there. Check out what Eric’s company Creative Soul does with and for Christian songwriters at <a href="http://www.creativesoulonline.com/">http://www.CreativeSoulOnline.com</a><br />
<br />
Also check out <a href="http://www.fromthemomentmusic.com/">http://www.FromtheMomentMusic.com</a> their publishing and songwriting services arm.</div>
Eric Copelandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17455115047714981740noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6136235097089635314.post-54725163309415343692015-04-12T23:45:00.000-07:002016-10-09T23:41:14.473-07:003 Real Steps for Christian Songwriters<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="bqquotelink"><i>“We
live in a fantasy world, a world of illusion. The great task in life is to find
reality.”</i> – </span>Iris Murdoch</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibyl1DfJ7ZM75eozVZIoQqbwQwdRCSFtRkgkr9g6pDxjl2_XOMh7IeKdTn3rpZYxCRrEuGh28gKhEgr4NioMGN-S6LPc4LJp7RUhjB2SwnmmUAr18E-o8pISJl_Lhz37PfBp3UEyBc1_wl/s1600/3real.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibyl1DfJ7ZM75eozVZIoQqbwQwdRCSFtRkgkr9g6pDxjl2_XOMh7IeKdTn3rpZYxCRrEuGh28gKhEgr4NioMGN-S6LPc4LJp7RUhjB2SwnmmUAr18E-o8pISJl_Lhz37PfBp3UEyBc1_wl/s1600/3real.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, you've written a Christian song, or many songs. You
think they are pretty good. Others think they are good too. Now what do you do?</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You've heard about songs getting published, how does that
happen?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You've heard about people getting signed to publishing “deals”,
and becoming a “staff writer”. What does this mean?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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What are the real options to you, wherever you might be, to
get something happening with your songs?<br />
<a name='more'></a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>1. Get Real Feedback<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One of the first things you have to do is to see where your
songs really stand. We always love our babies, and so does our Mom. But the
truth is that likely they need work. Even seasoned songwriters need others to
speak into their songs.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you don’t want it changed at all, and think it’s perfect
just the way it is, then that’s fine. You and your Mom can enjoy listening to
it all day. You can even have it produced just as it is, and put it online
right now. It will be on iTunes in a day or so, and you will be off and running.
Then you can send it off blindly to “folks on Music Row”, and wait for the
money to flow in from your online sales. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You may be waiting awhile.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you are not ready to work diligently on your songwriting,
then this profession may not be for you. None of us are masters. We all must
keep perfecting, keep working with others, keep rewriting, and keep getting
better.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>“We all need people
who will give us feedback. That's how we improve.” – </i>Bill Gates<i><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>2. Get Real with What
Publishing Is (and Isn't)<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We have people email us daily wondering where they send
songs to be published. It’s as if we have a “publishing machine” next to the
printer that we just feed the songs into it and it comes out marked “published.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The truth is, publishing usually means someone thinks they
have a real use for a song. That could be an album cut, a use on TV or other
media, or many other things. What people usually identify as “getting published”
is when a music publishing company hears a song and wants to sign it to a
publishing deal. In this day and age, the single song publishing deal is
getting rarer, but it can still happen.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In fact, getting published at all is something that takes
years of writing, rewriting, co-writing, networking, critique by professionals,
hearing no over and over, waiting for years while a song is on hold only for it
not even to get picked up. It’s a long, hard road.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You may have also heard about self-publishing. This means
nothing more than you affiliate with a performance rights organization like BMI
or ASCAP and work your own catalog. If there is no “publisher” involved, you
get all the royalties from whatever deals you work out. Or, you can start your
own publishing company and get two checks (for 50% each) from whatever
opportunities come along for the song.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>3. Get Real with What
the Industry Can (and Can’t) Do For You<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is where most people get hung up. They imagine that the
publishers at a large label needs songs for their artists. The funny thing is,
many times the publishing department of a record label doesn’t even get to put
that many songs on their artists’ records. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The reason is that most labels are looking for artists who
are already strong songwriters. If the artists aren't strong writers, then the
label may have them work for years with co-writers and producers becoming a
good writer. Then, when they are ready to record, they often have the songs they
need for the record the label wants to put out.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What major label publishers have the best chance for is with
a guaranteed radio hit, and I mean a number one with a bullet smash. Now, if you
don’t write this kind of song (and in my experience most Christian songwriters
who send us songs do not), you may have real trouble getting any traction with
a major publisher.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But, publishers are always looking for songs to pitch to
other labels, TV, movies, etc. So working hard to identify what is currently
charting out in the marketplace, and who the publisher is, helps to know where
to focus you're pitching.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="bqquotelink"><i>“There
are some people who live in a dream world, and there are some who face reality;
and then there are those who turn one into the other.”</i> – </span>Desiderius
Erasmus<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Have a great week!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
EC<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
--<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Eric Copeland is a producer and president of Creative Soul,
a unique Christian music consulting, production, and marketing company in
Nashville, TN. <a href="http://www.creativesoulonline.com/" target="_blank">http://www.CreativeSoulOnline.com</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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Eric Copelandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17455115047714981740noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6136235097089635314.post-21845214758944017482015-02-09T00:00:00.000-08:002016-10-09T23:41:22.631-07:00Just Write!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So what's my best suggestion for developing (or old pro) songwriters who want to know the secrets of songwriting?<br />
<br />
Write more! Write often! Write now!<br />
<br />
We may want to say we have writer's block, or don't have time, or don't feel "moved" to write.<br />
<br />
But there's a sure fire way to get things percolating if you really, really want to...just write!<br />
<br />
I know it seems silly, but the best cure for not writing is to - you got it - write.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
How do you do it?<br />
<br />
Here's some surefire ways that help me when I'm feeling blocked or not in the mood.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<b>1. Go to the piano and throw you hands down.</b><br />
<br />
That's right I am advocating random notes. It won't hurt, and sometimes you might just hear something you've never heard before.<br />
<br />
This works for guitar too.<br />
<br />
Resist the urge to play the same chords you always play (yes, I'm talking to you!)<br />
<br />
You have to DIG DEEPER. Since I'm not there in person to push you, imagine I or some other music industry person is listening. Try to hear music with new ears. What would be cool, different, inventive, melodic, quirky?<br />
<br />
Try to close your eyes and just play a chord. Stretch your hands in a way you don't normally do.<br />
<br />
<i>"Songwriting is hard - it's so easy to fall into the same traps. It's not like I wake up and songs flow out of me."</i> - Julian Casablancas<br />
<br />
Just trying this may open up new arenas of sound.<br />
<br />
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<b>2. Write a story.</b><br />
<br />
Just sit at your computer, or write in a journal, but come up with a story about a song idea you have had.<br />
<br />
Then try to find a hook in the story, and develop that into a chorus. Write verses about the beginning, middle, and end of the story.<br />
<br />
Sometimes just seeing the make-believe land in detail can help flesh out a song.<br />
<br />
<b>3. Have a listening party.</b><br />
<br />
I find I write what I listen to.<br />
<br />
Want to write in more of a rock style? Listen to the kind of rock music you like.<br />
<br />
Want to make music like your favorite artist? Play along, or immerse yourself in their music.<br />
<br />
We can't help but emulate! What you write will be your own version of that style, and may lead you exactly where you want to go.<br />
<br />
<b>4. VOLUME, VOLUME, VOLUME!</b><br />
<br />
The more you write, the more chance there will something of real worth in your writing.<br />
<br />
I tell new writers to do one thing: Write. A LOT!<br />
<br />
Yes, it may get repetitive, but one thing that I see it does is teach form and push them to get better.<br />
<br />
I have written hundreds if not thousands of songs in the past 30+ years, but I would probably not show you half of them. They were either silly, or half done, or ideas that never went anywhere, but they were very important in my growth as a writer.<br />
<br />
So this week, and whenever you get blocked or run out of inspiration, just write. Don't be afraid. The more you write the better you get.<br />
<br />
Have a great week!<br />
<br />
EC<br />
----<br />
Eric Copeland is a songwriter who writes for artists at Creative Soul in Nashville, TN, in association with Word Entertainment. Find out more at <a href="http://www.creativesoulonline.com/" target="_blank">http://www.CreativeSoulOnline.com</a>Eric Copelandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17455115047714981740noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6136235097089635314.post-41322254774697819582014-12-08T01:24:00.000-08:002016-10-09T23:41:27.453-07:00Transition: An Interview with Christian Songwriter Gene Ezell<b>An Interview with Gene Ezell, Emerging Christian Songwriter, Chattanooga/Nashville, TN</b><br />
<br />
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I’ve known Gene since we worked together as he was deciding to move forward as a professional songwriter. His passion has not waned, and it’s fun to see him at a later stage in life making the move from full-time professor and coach, to serious songwriter getting cuts in Nashville. I think this interview is a great read especially if you are considering a transition to work more at being a Christian songwriter.<br />
<br />
<b>How did you get started as a Christian songwriter?</b><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
I started writing creatively while in college many years ago, and continued that type of writing sporadically for the next several years; however, about 11 years ago several events occurred that allowed me to spend more time in songwriting. I began by connecting with local writers in the Chattanooga area, and attended several songwriting conferences.<br />
<br />
<b>When did you know that this would be a lifelong passion?</b><br />
<br />
I played my songs for local songwriting groups and started receiving affirmation for my music; then I started getting songs evaluated by professionals and pitching my songs to producers. The positive feedback that I received at every level convinced me that this was my calling.<br />
<br />
<b>When did you first find success or make any money doing it?</b><br />
<br />
It depends on how you define success. One sincere measure of success was when my wife, my harshest (and best) critic said one of my songs was beautiful after I sang it with our worship team in our church. Other measures of success include winning 3 national songwriting contests and being a finalist (runner-up) in 4 others. Also, I have several single song contracts with publishers, and have had over 25+ cuts with independent and commercial artists. Money – not so much. I had one song played in ‘heavy’ rotation on Southern Gospel stations throughout the country, and made a little more than $50 for that quarter. <br />
<br />
<b>Talk about your “real job” that you’ve worked for years before getting serious about songwriting. How is that transition going?</b><br />
<br />
My real job is as a university professor and women’s soccer coach. As part of the professor job, I have written 15 textbooks, and that consumed most of my writing for several years. I am now retired from coaching, and will be retired from teaching after this academic year.<br />
<br />
As far as transition, fortunately my jobs have allowed me a lot of discretionary time and that has allowed me to spend a lot of time songwriting. I am writing 2-3 songs per week even while working those jobs.<br />
<br />
Further, I interned with Gospel Music Association and Global Songwriters Connection last Spring and Summer, and that allowed me to meet a lot of artists and publishers.<br />
<br />
Lastly, my wife and I have purchased a house in Nashville, so I plan to spend a lot more time here in town in order to further my songwriting pursuits.<br />
<br />
<b>Do you think you’ll begin making an actual living or significant income stream as a songwriter?</b><br />
<br />
I think eventually I can make a decent amount of money from songwriting, but fortunately, I am not having to rely on that income presently. <br />
<br />
<b>Do you find songwriting income to be consistent yet, or has it thus far been a mystery?</b><br />
<br />
Honestly, it has been a mystery. I mean I know how it is supposed to work, but I am still waiting on royalties to be paid for some songs that have been on the market with commercials artists for over a year now. <br />
<br />
<b>How much time do you spend writing, working on demos, and pitching right now?</b><br />
<br />
I have 3 scheduled co-writing sessions every week that last anywhere from 1 to 2 hours. I write on my own at least another 10 hours each week. Demos, pitching, and marketing my songs otherwise vary each week, but anywhere from 5-10 hours per week. Many weekends, I travel to concerts to hear, meet, and connect with groups for whom I am writing or planning to pitch a song. <br />
<br />
<b>What dreams do you have of the future as far as your creative output or success?</b><br />
<br />
I have set a 6-month goal to be ‘in conversations with’ at least 2-3 publishers to be considered as a staff writer or contract writer. I want to be writing full time by next June 2015.<br />
<br />
<b>What are your non-music hobbies? Or is music the only hobby you have time for outside of your other job?</b><br />
<br />
I have had many hobbies throughout the years: I played several sports in my youth and high school, including baseball—semi prof until the age of 21; played collegiate soccer; ran marathons and triathlons; toured as a racquetball player nationwide sponsored by Wilson Sporting Goods; became a licensed commercial airplane pilot; sang with the Chattanooga Symphony Chorus; and, an actor/singer in several local theater plays and opera.<br />
<br />
<b>As the music “business” changes, do you find you’re affected by that at all, or is music publishing similar to the way it’s always been?</b><br />
<br />
The music business has changed in just the time (last 10 years or so) that I have been pursuing this dream. It continues to shift almost monthly. I found that it is extremely difficult to break into the CCM market because so many writers are writing for themselves and it’s hard to connect with the CCM publishers directly. At this stage, I am writing more Praise and Worship and Southern Gospel music. Regarding Praise and Worship, I have a couple of songs in print with Lifeway, but haven’t received any action yet. Again, Lifeway and Word, etc., have their own staff writers so it’s difficult to break into that market also. The Southern Gospel market is shifting as well in that several artists and groups are signing with publishers and relying on their staff writers; however, numerous Southern Gospel groups are still open to pitches by independents like myself, and I have had some success in that market because of that access including cuts, single song contracts, and several songs on hold.<br />
<br />
<b>How have you seen the hand of God work in your life and creative work, focusing on the transition you’ve come through?</b><br />
<br />
I firmly believe that God has called me to write songs, and I have experienced that continuously over the last several years. When I first began writing, I was pleased when my Mom and siblings liked my songs, but then when I started receiving affirmation and encouragement from congregations, from other, more experienced songwriters and from publishers, I decided that I should become very serious about my craft and work toward making it a profession. <br />
<br />
<b>Are you getting support from people about transitioning into songwriting? Family? Friends? Workmates?</b><br />
<br />
Yes. Three professionals who are songwriters and publishers are collaborating with me now and helping me transition to the next level of songwriting and the music business. They are co-writing with me and introducing me to other professionals and publishers in the music industry. I am beyond blessed to have these people working with me and for me in this way. Now, remember, it has taken me 10 years to get to where I am now, but I am overwhelmed by where God has taken me in this field – way beyond any expectations I had 10 years ago. However, these professionals encouraged me to ‘think big’ and write big goals. I did, and several of those goals have been met through the leading of God and with the help of these people God has placed in my life. <br />
<br />
<b>Any words of advice for people wanting to pursue a life as a serious Christian songwriter?</b><br />
<br />
Yes, have the heart of a poet and the skin of a rhino! Great saying and very true. <br />
<br />
As an athlete for most of my life, I was very accustomed to taking direction, receiving critiques/criticism, and experiencing failure in front of many people. I know that God has used that background to help me navigate the roller coaster of emotions that I have experienced in music. I have literally experienced the highest of music highs (receiving word that a top commercial genre group was going to record my song) and the lowest of music lows (a potential co-writer telling me my song wasn’t good enough for him to consider co-writing with me) in the same day!<br />
<br />
Accept criticism with the right attitude. You CANNOT be afraid to accept honest and forthright critiques of your songs from those who are more experienced that you. If you seriously want to get better, listen and keep grinding. Once you think you have mastered the craft, you will either plateau or get left behind.<br />
<br />
Work hard – I mean in terms of time and in terms of sweat – and realize that though a song might not get cut or even considered, you have still learned a lot about writing from that experience.<br />
<br />
Show up. The more publishers and other songwriters see you, hear your song and/or read about you, the better chance you will have of being recognized and remembered. That doesn’t have to be in person (though it helps), but it can be through your online presence (website, Facebook page, online pitches to publishers, etc.) The better they know you, the more likely they will give your songs more consideration.<br />
<br />
Especially for a Christian songwriter: Remember where your identity is and where your gift came from. If you start believing that you have done any of this on your own, it could adversely affect your walk with the Lord. I’ll admit that it’s a tough line to walk – that is, working toward ‘success’ in this industry while trying to remain an humble servant with your bestowed gift – but even if it is a daily struggle, that should be a significant part of your mission as a Christian in this business.<br />
<br />
<b>Find out more about Gene Ezell:</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://geneezell.com/">http://geneezell.com/</a><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We're proud to have helped Gene in his journey. For more information on how we help Christian songwriters find success, and even transition from the career they are to a life of writing songs, check us out at <a href="http://www.creativesoulonline.com/" target="_blank">http://www.CreativeSoulOnline.com</a></div>
Eric Copelandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17455115047714981740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6136235097089635314.post-78331002672164154262014-10-26T22:18:00.000-07:002016-10-09T23:41:31.027-07:00The Art of the Co-Write<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Cip9-geTNtX3dVfwFpiRryIChcvAYfxMkDzVmqVoAUtYkgxrbJrL9cUC3emsE4SMd6hIqVxMDepnIrSFDGjNCR0kXKTT4Fh2uo2d_LWOd9DoMIZ2l4VE43fwEYgDPjCJVL26K85SqfuU/s1600/cowrite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Cip9-geTNtX3dVfwFpiRryIChcvAYfxMkDzVmqVoAUtYkgxrbJrL9cUC3emsE4SMd6hIqVxMDepnIrSFDGjNCR0kXKTT4Fh2uo2d_LWOd9DoMIZ2l4VE43fwEYgDPjCJVL26K85SqfuU/s1600/cowrite.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Not every person who writes songs is an expert in all phases
of songwriting. Sometimes a songwriter might be a better lyricist, and other
folks might be more talented at the music writing part. Or, it may just be that
a beginning songwriter can be paired with a more experienced songwriter to
craft a stronger song (and a better songwriters!)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In Nashville, co-writing is not only a time-honored
tradition, but a publishing mandated necessity. Pairing strong writers together
creates amazing songs with strong verses, choruses, ideas, and structure. And
it makes each writer better for the experience.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<a name='more'></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>“When you go to
Nashville and start co-writing, you start doing it as a job and the more you do
it the better you get. You know if you build houses for 30 years you're better
than you were the day you started. You know the ins and outs, you know all the
nuances.”</i> - Lee Brice<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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A big plus for co-writing is that it can take an artist who is not a writer at at all and has never written a note or word, and
pair them with a seasoned pro who can “pull” a song out of them. We've done
this a lot through the years. There's a song (or many songs) in everyone,
because we have all lived a life (<a href="http://soulofthewriter.blogspot.com/2012/05/reason-for-your-life-story.html" target="_blank">see “The Reason For Your Life Story”</a>.)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
By working with another more experienced writer, you can learn
to craft your own songs from these experiences. Sometimes it flows easy and
fast, like a raging river. Sometimes, it’s like pulling blood from a turnip,
with words eking out one by one. But the process is sometimes necessary and
finally rewarding.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>“Co-creation is much
more work than writing somewhere in a hidden corner and then publishing your
content. However, the benefits outweigh the costs.”</i> - Alexander
Osterwalder<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Play To Your Strengths<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I mentioned before, it could be that lyrics are easy for
you, but putting music to them? Not so much. For instance, though I can do both
sides, I really prefer the music part. Chords, melody, and arrangement are much
more fun to me than lyrics. So working with a lyricist is easy for me. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Also, many times co-writing doesn’t have to involve sitting
in a room staring at each other with the pressure on to write a “hit”. In most
cases when I have written with someone who already has lyrics, they’ve sent me
the words to write to. That’s much easier than sitting face to face trying to
put music to lyrics.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>“I have yet to have a
successful outcome of sitting in a room with someone and trying to write a
song. The way that I generally co-write is that someone else writes the music
or part of the music.” </i>- Shawn Colvin<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you’re starting to see there are no set rules, then you
are getting it. But collaborating with someone who is better than you, or just
different than you, can be vital to your growth as a songwriter.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>“What I love about
collaborating is that you're working with other minds that work differently to
yours.”</i> - Lauren Beukes<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Have a great week!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
EC<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
--<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Eric Copeland is a songwriter, publisher, producer, and
arranger. If you’d like to get going with one of your songs, let us
know. We’d be happy to help you move forward. Also check out our full services
site at <a href="http://www.creativesoulonline.com/" target="_blank">http://www.CreativeSoulOnline.com</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Eric Copelandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17455115047714981740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6136235097089635314.post-55523937931553543002014-07-27T23:26:00.000-07:002016-02-03T22:04:46.872-08:00Saying Old Truths in New Ways<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>“The secret of good
writing is to say an old thing in a new way or to say a new thing in an old
way.”</i> - Richard Harding Davis</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz6Vqe5OBxBHrV4K3etM2eQxEBiS6Lc9d_lXE2ukER3-dDlXArIMiMGNU4vS3v5y0HHZz381EdnXPn9i7hyRfO5JhXPqGrKwHSL4RKXb-Jzml81Ok3hiyI-Iz27KS4BSJEhT8aZPqUFsIO/s1600/oldtruths.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz6Vqe5OBxBHrV4K3etM2eQxEBiS6Lc9d_lXE2ukER3-dDlXArIMiMGNU4vS3v5y0HHZz381EdnXPn9i7hyRfO5JhXPqGrKwHSL4RKXb-Jzml81Ok3hiyI-Iz27KS4BSJEhT8aZPqUFsIO/s1600/oldtruths.jpg" width="320" /></a>This post is specifically for Christian songwriters, but can
also apply to pastors, authors, poets, and songwriters of any genre.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Folks, we need to come up with new ways to say things in our
songs. And yes, I’m talking to you Worship Leader Songwriter. I’m looking directly
your way Christian Rock Band Dudes. This one’s for you Top 40 Christian
Singer-Songwriter.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I get songs sent to me every day from Christian artists and
songwriters hoping to get them heard, published, or recorded. And many times,
the lyrics are simply unbelievable. As Christians, we know the rules: Use the
old standby phrases, write it in a pop-friendly structure, and BOOM! –
Christian radio hit right? This one will really get you noticed.<br />
<a name='more'></a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One problem. Your song sounds like every song we’ve ever
heard before. If you’re writing for Christians, they may nod and put a hand up
in Amen if it feels good. But is it really breaking any new ground for the King
of the Universe? Yes, your new song may do the trick for the 3-5 songs you need
for the worship portion of your service, but besides regurgitating the same
tired phrases and singing them over and over until they are drilled in to
people’s heads, what have you really created?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The real problem is, what are we writing for the
non-Christian? What are we telling them when we just keep writing the same song
over and over? Even WE can’t stand Top 40 Christian Radio because they play the
same songs over and over. What would folks who might be seeking Christ think of
this mess? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yes the “Old Rugged Cross”, “Nail-Scarred Hands”, “Woman at
the Well”, “Blood of the Lamb”, etc. are wonderful, meaningful phrases, but
this just in: they have been written!! I sometimes wonder why unbelievers would
give us the time of day at all when our art is continually so poorly crafted.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>“Artists rarely do the
same thing over and over again. Art is about the new, doing things in a new
way.”</i> - Eli Broad<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We need to be artists, even if we don’t want to be performers.
We need to work harder in our writing to create an original style that God made
us for, and then BE THAT in our songwriting.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We need to quit writing lyrics like “blah-blah” on Christian
radio, or like “so and so” at Hillsong, and write something that sounds unique.
Even if we can’t use it at our church. Even if it may never get close to being played
on K-LOVE (industry secret: most things <i>won’t</i>
be played there).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We must strive to think of new ways to say old truths. There
are still metaphors we haven’t thought of yet. There are still things from this
great big world, from literature, from history, from even science and
relationships that we can draw from. We just have to TRY! We have to quit being
lazy and just throwing lines and phrases from other Christian/Worship songs and
saying we wrote something totally unique.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here’s an example of what I am talking. Instead of saying, “Oh
Lord, you are my shining light”, or the much worse “I feel your Son Light”,
look at what this songwriter does.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<i>And I am the moon with
no light of my own<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Still you have made me
to shine<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>And as I glow in this
cold dark night<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>I know I can't be a
light unless I turn my face to you<br />
-</i> Sara Groves, “You Are The Sun” (<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/you-are-the-sun/id192655428?i=192655488&uo=4" target="_blank">Hear the song here</a>) <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What Sara has done here is carefully think of the analogy of
us as Christians are the moon, and we can’t be a light unless God (the sun) shines
on us for the world to see. Genius! And not something we have heard one million
times. Also, if a non-Christian hears this, even if they aren’t sure about
Christ, they can see the beauty in that. They can see how being a Christian
could be a good thing.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now, please, no emails about me not loving “The Old Rugged
Cross” or dissing any of our sacred phrases. I was born and raised Southern
Baptist by an organ-playin’, Sunday School teachin’ momma, so you can’t accuse
me of not understanding “how marvelous, how wonderful” these are. I’m not at
all talking about hymnody which is a separate thing from the contemporary
Christian and Worship music of today.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’d welcome your comments below, even if you don’t agree.
Discourse on this subject is crucial, especially since so many of you reading
this likely want to find success with your songs.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Have a great week!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
EC<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
--<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Eric Copeland is a songwriter and producer, and he listens to A LOT of Christian songs. He hopes every writer
that comes to Nashville to work finds great success, but feels the need to
remind all Christian songwriters to write and rewrite. Find out more at <a href="http://www.creativesoulonline.com/" target="_blank">http://www.CreativeSoulOnline.com</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For more posts on this topic see <a href="http://soulofthewriter.blogspot.com/2010/03/soul-of-songwriter-writing-real.html" target="_blank">Writing Real</a> and <a href="http://soulofthewriter.blogspot.com/2012/02/dread-pirate-cliche.html" target="_blank">The DreadPirate Cliché</a><o:p></o:p></div>
Eric Copelandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17455115047714981740noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6136235097089635314.post-59186115257278860762014-06-15T23:26:00.000-07:002016-02-03T22:06:06.074-08:00Getting Serious About Publishing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ9-GYdhyoGvA_uWwrpUcwUnT3Njlf7ZVXvd394fKF1iAWE5SM3gmI92FUFD19PwyMR9q9qciVj_Tg2SfYgW3l759Ak2ZQ1oZklKcGOydLSe-JF6nO9CQniJATd_b-RLBOo-IwFk5YeIRu/s1600/serious.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ9-GYdhyoGvA_uWwrpUcwUnT3Njlf7ZVXvd394fKF1iAWE5SM3gmI92FUFD19PwyMR9q9qciVj_Tg2SfYgW3l759Ak2ZQ1oZklKcGOydLSe-JF6nO9CQniJATd_b-RLBOo-IwFk5YeIRu/s1600/serious.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
We're ready to get serious, how about you?<br />
<br />
If you're like me, you've been writing songs for years and you KNOW you need to do more towards getting them heard or in other people's hands. But like artists who after they finish a recording may struggle to get out and hustle to sell it, the work it takes to publish your songs out to the world can be intimidating.<br />
<br />
But, being the solutions-oriented folks we are here at Soul of the Songwriter, we offer not only steps to get you there, but a very serious option for you here in Nashville once you complete the steps.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<b>Step One: Get Serious</b><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
You can hang out all day, or whenever you do your creative thing, and write songs that you love, and maybe even show them to your significant other or friends. They may love them, and you love writing them. But you wonder what could really become of them. Could they be something other than the hobby you do on the side?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The answer is absolutely yes. The question is will you get serious enough about your craft to give your songs what they need to grow? Will you work with someone better than you to take your songwriting to the level where it has a chance to reach a larger audience? Will you then take the next steps to get the songs out there?</div>
<div>
<br />
<div>
<b>Step Two: Get to Work</b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<i>"Nothing will work unless you do." </i>- Maya Angelou</div>
<div>
<br />
If you mean for something to happen with your songs, whether getting them published and working, or just recorded for you to distribute, you need to get to work. This means going through and weeding out the weaker songs in favor of strengthening the better ones. Maybe you also need to get your lyrics in order, and perhaps even organize them neatly into a binder for better reference. But the absolute best way to get to work is in the next step:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Step Three: Get in Touch</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This is crucial, especially if you want to get working with us or any music publisher. You're going to have to quit passively reading blogs, meekly keeping your songs in the corner, and reach out to someone for help. There is no way you will improve without working with people who are better than you, can listen to your songs with experience and helpful criticism, and most importantly, help you do something with them.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
You probably already have a few people to contact that you have run across as you have studied and read about being a songwriter. Contact them, even if it's just to test out the waters to see if you feel you are ready. The worst thing you can do is continue to do nothing, and let another year, or decade, slip by as life speeds up.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<i>"Mentoring is a brain to pick, an ear to listen, and a push in the right direction." </i>- John C. Crosby<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Besides being someone who can make things happen with your songs or writing, just finding someone to talk to and mentor you in a music center can change your whole life. My life was completely transformed by several mentors in Nashville as I was trying to find out when to come to town with my songs and production business. Those people are still important in my life today, and have served as guideposts along the way if not providing opportunity, giving me sage advice that helped me build my business.</div>
<div>
<br />
<b>Step Four: Get Out of Your Comfort Zone</b></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This step can be the hardest. Leaving your comfy life to come to Nashville or wherever the people and processes are in the next steps of your growth is not easy, but it is necessary. Now don't go overboard. You don't have to uproot your family, or sell your belongings and sing for your dinner on Lower Broad. But you may need to make a yearly, or even quarterly trip down to talk to your BMI rep, publisher, producer, or whoever you build a relationship with.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I took all these steps in my journey to Nashville. Now that we've been here almost 10 years, we've settled into a solid set of services, and a long tradition of helping Christian artists and songwriters grow to their potential. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If we can help, come on by <a href="http://www.creativesoulonline.com/" target="_blank">http://www.CreativeSoulOnline.com</a> and when you are ready, follow Step Three: Get in Touch. We'd love to hear from you.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
See, you have no excuses.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Have a great week!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
EC</div>
<div>
--</div>
<div>
Eric Copeland is a songwriter just like you first and foremost, he just has added arranger and producer to his plate as the years went by. He is president of Creative Soul, a unique consulting, production, and marketing company for Christian artists. For more info check out <a href="http://www.creativesoulonline.com/" target="_blank">http://www.CreativeSoulOnline.com</a></div>
Eric Copelandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17455115047714981740noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6136235097089635314.post-79483413530487123712014-03-23T22:09:00.000-07:002016-02-03T22:06:29.420-08:00Living in an ABAB World<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2wNjU0pMFWOvOwUUcmpbI5GBWPydLh_e9SU_V2JHz6kyGtcsyvNL5GWdCEO4orWixJFJ4WjAeaG7-zIWUzlt4pFY2xZYvCMIDukYnH1i0EEsVpInfb852rPy4sTgRxE356dJ4zF0d_nB9/s1600/abab.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2wNjU0pMFWOvOwUUcmpbI5GBWPydLh_e9SU_V2JHz6kyGtcsyvNL5GWdCEO4orWixJFJ4WjAeaG7-zIWUzlt4pFY2xZYvCMIDukYnH1i0EEsVpInfb852rPy4sTgRxE356dJ4zF0d_nB9/s1600/abab.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One of the biggest
problems we see with Christian songs that come our way is a structure that
seems random or strange to listen to.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now, songwriters, I
hear you. You say, “I want to write original stuff that no one has heard before!”
Oh if that were only true. What you really mean is “I just wrote it down this
way and I’d rather go write something else than change it at this point.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<a name='more'></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
While it is
interesting to hear songs that have different lengths in their verses, or don’t
have a traditional chorus, or change from 3/4 to 5/4 every other section, the
problem is this: you run the risk of no one understanding the song. This is
especially troublesome if you really want the world to hear your songs.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Most writers want to
be able to eventually interest a publisher with what they write, and maybe even
get published or have an artist choose to record their song. If this is your
goal, then you better be writing songs that the general public can understand
and sing along with by the second chorus.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Like or not folks,
we live in an ABAB world. Verse chorus verse chorus. That’s what people like to
hear when they listen to the radio. That’s what they are accustomed to, even
trained to like and prefer. It’s how American music has been since the 1800's. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Now, yes, songs can
start with a chorus, and you see this often in contemporary worship music. If
you have a chorus that needs to be stated first, either for melodic, rhythmic,
or lyrical reasons, I can get with that. But most times, contemporary pop songs
start with a verse that sets up the chorus and hook.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The verse provides
the back story. It is the set up for the big hook that is coming. If you are careful,
you can make your verse have musical and lyrical hooks too. Hooks are repeated
phrases that catch the ear, and the more hooks in a song the better if you’re
wanting people to want to listen repeatedly.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>Cliché alert:
</i>Christian songwriters take heed. What seems like a great lyrical hook to you
may be a stultifying tired phrase to others. We Christians can live in our own
little bubble where phrases and titles we love and cherish seem to keep popping
up in our minds. A hook isn't a hook if it drives a listener away because of a
worn out cliché. <a href="http://soulofthewriter.blogspot.com/2012/02/dread-pirate-cliche.html" target="_blank">Read more about that here.</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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Once the verse has
been established, or perhaps repeated the first time through, then the chorus
that we will repeat comes in. This is where your strong melodic and lyrical
hooks come in.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Now sometimes, a
song can be very strophic (verses) and then have a B section that is more of a
bridge than a chorus. But the verse – chorus –verse – chorus – (bridge) –
chorus structure is most prevalent in western popular songs.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Now, I won’t say
this is the only way to write a song of course. And please, no comments telling
me I’m blind to the creative process and that your music transcends the noise
that is popular music. <o:p></o:p></div>
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But for most of you
hoping to get published, get a cut, or get audiences hooked on and buying your
music, this structure is a great place to start.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Have a great week,
and write something great this week!! (In fact, show us your lyrics in a comment below and let's talk about your song's structure!)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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EC<o:p></o:p></div>
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--<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Eric Copeland is a
songwriter and arranger/producer for Christian songwriters. His
company Creative Soul works exclusively with Christian songwriters and artists
helping them find new levels of success and growth. Check out <a href="http://www.creativesoulonline.com/" target="_blank">http://www.CreativeSoulOnline.com</a></div>
Eric Copelandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17455115047714981740noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6136235097089635314.post-90827015045054761492013-12-08T23:44:00.000-08:002016-02-03T22:06:43.679-08:00Repeating Yourself (The Importance of the Hook)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Without a doubt the hardest thing to teach songwriters is the thing that should be the most obvious: You have to have a hook. For many reasons, a repeated, catchy hook is what separates the successful songwriters from those who just can't seem to get any traction.<br />
<br />
The definition of a music hook seems to be "a musical and/or lyrical phrase that catches the ear of the listener". So the word hook comes from "hooking" them as they listen, so they'll want to sing along on the next chorus, and then of course listen repeatedly to our genius creation.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
So why is this so hard to teach to new songwriters? Especially Christian songwriters?<br />
<br />
I think the answer to this is simple, the writers are trying to be Christian and say something important. This can actually interfere in the process.<br />
<br />
"Why should I worry about a silly hook when I'm proclaiming the Good News of Christ?" you ask.<br />
<br />
To that I say, "Oh quit taking yourself so seriously! If you want your songs to reach real people, not just automatons who will nod to anything you say, AND you want to compare your songs to classic songwriting, put in a dang hook!"<br />
<br />
Sorry for such a rude response, but I think you get my drift. If you sense some animosity from me on this subject (and it's one <a href="http://soulofthewriter.blogspot.com/2012/07/strong-hook-and-why-you-better-have-one.html" target="_blank">we've written on before</a>), the reason is that I hear so many songs each and every week by Christian songwriters, and I sometimes have to ask them what the name of the song is, or which section is the chorus. These questions should never have to be asked of a great song. You know for sure what the title is, and when you are hearing the chorus or the hook.<br />
<br />
Now, I know this frustrates songwriters trying to be artistic and different, and wanting to say something that is on their hearts or scriptural. I also know that Christians sometimes get put off by this, when Christ should be the main point of any Christian song. But most artists and songwriters are coming to see us in Nashville with intentions toward getting signed, published, or at the very least become more successful in their music and ministry pursuits. You can be as original and spiritual as you want, but if you have goals of success or even making your music your career, you'd better be ready to write music that can be easily processed and enjoyed by the masses.<br />
<br />
How this is actually done in the chorus or repeated section is where you can be creative. Is a line repeated over and over? Is it at the front and end of the chorus? It could even be a verse hook that repeats at the end of each verse, and then is supplemented in the chorus. It could even be one killer line at the end of the chorus. There are no rules, other than rule #1: have a hook. How you design your hook is up to you.<br />
<br />
Let's try some examples in the Comments section of this post. Are you game?<br />
<br />
List either a chorus, or a verse and chorus to a song (whether it's yours or not). JUST LYRICS PLEASE. Then if you'd like to put a link to your song, do so after the lyrics.<br />
<br />
Let's discuss these and see what you guys think out there.<br />
<br />
Look forward to reading, listening, and discussing.<br />
<br />
Have a great week!<br />
<br />
EC<br />
--<br />
Eric Copeland is a songwriter first, but also president and executive producer for Creative Soul, a very different kind of Christian music company. Find out more at <a href="http://www.creativesoulonline.com/" target="_blank">http://www.CreativeSoulOnline.com</a>Eric Copelandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17455115047714981740noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6136235097089635314.post-67413424109968702672013-10-22T08:15:00.002-07:002016-02-03T22:07:06.165-08:00Getting Started as a Christian Songwriter<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">"The secret of getting ahead is getting started." - Mark Twain</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></div>
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One of the first questions I get from new songwriters is "How do I get started as a Christian songwriter?" to which I reply, "Well, have you written anything?"<br />
<br />
If the answer is no, then we move to Step One.<br />
<br />
<b>Step One. Write something.</b><br />
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This may sound silly, but I meet many people who think they may want to be a Christian songwriter. Not sure why. God told them to, they like the way Christian songs make them or others feel, or they just know someone else who is and want to try it for themselves. (Oh yeah, and probably for the massive income!! Yeah!)<br />
<br />
Maybe you have never attempted to write anything. So first things first. Write something. Not so easy you say? Poppycock! Just write some words, play a chord on the piano or guitar, and sing them. Boom you are a songwriter. See how easy life can be?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMg0xxMQ3Lvn1dPzvtzDDHUcBdxwqdh6cEl5xVgPJGK2syB_e8fDFlJ5ur74JYZ95p-9E8if1BGYTfn9SHPn4Ls26r06Df7RuCnCUsDKkhQ58mcy1Q-dSOsQTtKz5IhZqjaPZoJL1-yEPI/s1600/ec+as+a+kid-touchedup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMg0xxMQ3Lvn1dPzvtzDDHUcBdxwqdh6cEl5xVgPJGK2syB_e8fDFlJ5ur74JYZ95p-9E8if1BGYTfn9SHPn4Ls26r06Df7RuCnCUsDKkhQ58mcy1Q-dSOsQTtKz5IhZqjaPZoJL1-yEPI/s200/ec+as+a+kid-touchedup.jpg" width="190" /></a>Now of course, this is not all there is to songwriting, but dang you gotta start somewhere. We all did! (See how I started? >>)<br />
<br />
But let's say you're a little more advanced than this. On to Step Two.<br />
<br />
<b>Step Two. Make a Demo.</b><br />
(Optional Step Two A. Perform your song in public, or for at least one person (dogs and cats don't count).<br />
<br />
So, you are a beginning songwriter, but if a Christian writes a song in a forest does it make a sound?<br />
<br />
You have to SHOW someone you are a songwriter, and the way to do that is to make a demo. Or perform it for someone. Until then you are just someone telling themselves and others they are a songwriter.<br />
<br />
Now, if you don't have the capability to play an instrument you'll need help (<a href="http://soulofthewriter.blogspot.com/2012/06/age-old-problem-for-some-songwriters.html" target="_blank">see "Solutions for Non-Playing Songwriters" here</a>), but if you can accompany yourself even simply then find a way to record it. If you have any kind of Mac (including iPhone or iPad) you have absolutely no excuse since each have the easy to use Garageband. If you have a PC, Audacity is a free audio program.<br />
<br />
Worst case? Take a video with your phone of yourself playing and singing the song and put it on Youtube for goodness sake!<br />
<br />
Or, find a pro studio (or friend) that can record you and your song cleanly and simply. Do not splurge for extra production at this point.<br />
<br />
<b>Step Three. Show the World.</b><br />
<br />
We talked a lot about this in our recent post <a href="http://soulofthewriter.blogspot.com/2013/07/write-show-repeat.html" target="_blank">"Write Show, Repeat"</a>, but you have to let the world know about your song.<br />
<br />
Performing it or posting it online is a great start, but if your goal is to be a writer only and not performer, then you need an artist or artists to carry your song to the world. Find artists around you who need songs. Make it your mission to seek out and find artists that need songs and be their muse.<br />
<br />
Folks who make a living as a professional songwriter do not achieve that by playing their own songs, but by having other people record and perform their songs.<br />
<br />
This is where we get into the more complicated and hard work of music publishing, so I will stop here with this info for beginners, but to read more on that check out <a href="http://soulofthewriter.blogspot.com/2012/05/5-steps-to-getting-your-music-published.html" target="_blank">"5 Steps to Getting Your Music Published".</a><br />
<br />
Have a great week and keep writing!<br />
<br />
EC<br />
--<br />
Eric Copeland has been a songwriter since he was 13 and started banging away at the piano (much to his mother's chagrin. Don't worry, she's happy now that he gives her lots of music in her retirement!)<br />
<br />
Are you a songwriter and an artist? Creative Soul provides a full service, label-like set of services for Christian artists at <a href="http://www.creativesoulonline.com/" target="_blank">http://www.CreativeSoulOnline.com</a>Eric Copelandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17455115047714981740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6136235097089635314.post-597842206802365212013-08-26T00:24:00.000-07:002016-02-03T22:07:21.639-08:00Income Streams for the Working Songwriter<i>"All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty." </i>- Proverbs 14:23 (NIV)<br />
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One of the many questions we get is how to make income as a songwriter. Well my dear, like any business you choose to get into, it takes this little thing called “work”. We songwriters tend to talk a good game, but like the verse above says, we can't just talk about it, we have to work at it!</div>
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<i>"Nothing will work unless you do." </i>- Maya Angelou <br />
<br />
In reality, it's really very simple, and being the solutions-oriented, plain-speaking company we are, we're gonna break it down to very simple components for ya.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<b>1. Pitch and Publish</b><br />
<br />
This is the traditional route. You show your music off to the right ears, they "discover" you, and you make millions. It's how many of the people who have made a living off their songwriting have done it. There's only one catch, and it's a biggie: It ain't easy.<br />
<br />
Also, this particular way requires a superhuman focus, organization, and in some cases, a move to a music center where you can network and approach publishers on a full-time basis.<br />
<br />
It requires tirelessly showing your music to anyone who will listen, following up every lead you can find, and researching until you are blue in the face who is looking for what. It requires meetings, coffees, co-writing, and endless emails, calls, and communication.<br />
<br />
Once a song is put on hold, or an offer issued, there's a whole other bit of work involved which can involve attorneys, contracts, etc. There's PRO (performing rights organization) administration, copyright issues, etc. It's a whole business life, but it can bring steady if not impressive royalty income.<br />
<br />
That's why I tell artists who want to work to be full-time songwriters AND also be full-time artists at the same time, they may want to pick one to concentrate on. But if you don't want to just pick one, here's another (and sometime much more practical and possible) answer:<br />
<br />
<b>2. Perform and Sell</b><br />
<br />
Put plainly: Get your songs recorded, and get your butt out in front of people.<br />
<br />
There's no better or easier way to see money come IN immediately, than to gig and sell product. There's no gatekeeper (other than the church, club owner, or person who gives you the gig).<br />
<br />
Many songwriters see themselves as some kind of artist, or at least enjoy singing and performing their songs. There's nothing like taking the thing you made and seeing it make sense and affect people directly. And it's even better to see cash coming to you for doing it.<br />
<br />
Another way to see income is selling a recorded version at your concerts or events. Yes, CDs still sell, especially at events, and people are only too willing to pay any price right after experiencing your music and message.<br />
<br />
But if this still seems like too much work (and if either of these do, this may not be what you were cut out for) here is another way:<br />
<br />
<b>3. Find Other Outlets</b><br />
<br />
In the age of the magical, mystical Internet, we have many options we never had before as songwriters. We can find websites that play new music to waiting, willing listeners, sites that play videos that get spread virally, and companies that specialize in finding new music to use as background music at stores, and much more.<br />
<br />
Here’s some quick names where your music should be if you want it heard and possibly bringing income back: CDBaby, iTunes, Amazon, Jango, Reverbnation, Youtube, Vimeo, Soundcloud, Mood Media (formerly Trusonic), Getty Images, Pandora, IndieHeaven, and the list goes on.<br />
<br />
<b>4. Write Songs for Events or a Purpose</b><br />
<br />
Many times a song was born and either heard or brought in money because it was needed for an event, a church service, or a client requested it. This not only provided a built-in audience for the song, but also sometimes brought income. Look for these opportunities, and actively seek them. It may take turning over some rocks, some marketing, or simply making sure people know you can do this service.<br />
<br />
Being a songwriter and making money mean getting to WORK making sure your music is heard. You can do that any of the ways above, but whichever way you choose, you are the one that has to get to it! It’s not called the music business because it doesn’t take work!<br />
<br />
<i>"I was obliged to be industrious. Whoever is equally industrious will succeed equally well." </i>- Johann Sebastian Bach <br />
<br />
Have a great week!<br />
<br />
EC<br />
--<br />
Eric Copeland is a producer, songwriter, and head of Creative Soul in Nashville, TN. He has gone after and makes money every day on all these things. You can too. For more information, go to <a href="http://www.creativesoulonline.com/" target="_blank">http://www.CreativeSoulOnline.com</a> </div>
Eric Copelandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17455115047714981740noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6136235097089635314.post-35189206126837358612013-07-28T11:14:00.000-07:002016-02-03T22:07:50.519-08:00Write, Show, Repeat<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>"You cannot set art off in a corner and hope for it to have vitality, reality, and substance." </i>- Charles Ives <br />
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So what's the magic formula for success as a songwriter? It's actually pretty easy.<br />
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<div>
Ever read the back of a shampoo bottle? The instructions aren't difficult.<br />
<br />
<i>"Lather, Rinse, Repeat."</i><br />
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Three things to do so anyone can get it done. Put the shampoo in your hair, rinse it out, repeat again or the next time.</div>
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<br /></div>
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The only worse instructions on something is a wet nap, which I always found hilarious that we had to be told to "Tear open packet, and use." Use? Really? We have to be told to use it?<br />
<br />
But in many ways that's the purpose of this blog. I am going to give you three simple instructions to get your songs out there, and it's up to you to follow the very simple directions. (So scroll, read, and use ;)<br />
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<b>1. Write.</b></div>
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Just write something. </div>
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Oh yeah, that part. Well, this is sometimes not as easy as it sounds. We want to be songwriters, but the actually writing part we dream, talk, and read about sometimes more than we DO. It helps when we have a reason to write: an event, a service, a subject that someone has asked for a song about, or in my case, a client who needs a song written.<br />
<br />
It helps to have that prodding to actually MAKE you create.<br />
<br />
For those of you who create a lot, and write a lot all the time, then good for you, you can move on to step two of the instructions.<br />
<br />
If you have trouble writing, and want to write more, then there are several ways to do this. First read through this blog. There are lots of posts to help you think of what to write about and why like <a href="http://soulofthewriter.blogspot.com/2012/05/reason-for-your-life-story.html" target="_blank">The Reason for Your Life Story</a> and <a href="http://soulofthewriter.blogspot.com/2010/03/soul-of-songwriter-writing-real.html" target="_blank">Writing Real</a>.<br />
<br />
Find a reason to write. Look for an opportunity to write a song. Ask your pastor if he has any topics he'd like an original song for. Write a song for someone or some thing in particular. Think of something that means something to you, a cause, or a way to say an old truth in a new way.<br />
<br />
This will be important for our next step.<br />
<br />
<b>2. Show.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Now this sounds easy right? Just show off your song. Just let someone hear it. Let 10 or more people hear it. Sing it publicly, or find a good ear that can give you real constructive feedback, or, put it online for all your friends, family, and fans to hear.<br />
<br />
For many this also includes getting it heard by someone in the industry and getting it published. This is not a bad goal at all, and in fact, is the daily goal of people who write songs for a significant part of their living.<br />
<br />
For more how to go after publishing and how to find an audience for your songs, check out posts like <a href="http://soulofthewriter.blogspot.com/2012/05/5-steps-to-getting-your-music-published.html" target="_blank">5 Steps to Getting Your Song Published</a> and <a href="http://soulofthewriter.blogspot.com/2013/01/how-to-find-audience-for-your-songs.html" target="_blank">How to Find an Audience for Your Songs</a>.<br />
<br />
The point is to show your songs to people, get helpful feedback that will grow you (preferably something more than just a slap on the back and them saying "great song!").<br />
<br />
Let people know you are a songwriter by putting the songs online, or sending out MP3s to friends (although don't send out unsolicited songs to music business people.)<br />
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<b>3. Repeat.</b><br />
<br />
This may be the hardest part. It's so easy when there is limited early response to just want to give up. We try and try and try, but there just doesn't seem to be anyone listening, or anyone who is impressed. But I have found that great songwriters are usually developed over years, sometimes decades. I've seen people who were just writing copies of other Christian songs, grow into seasoned and original songwriters. The reason those people got there is through years and years of study, trial and error and refusing to quit.<br />
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<i>"There is no failure except in no longer trying."</i> - Elbert Hubbard</div>
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<i>"Try, try, try, and keep on trying is the rule that must be followed to become an expert in anything."</i> - W. Clement Stone <br />
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No matter what your skill or experience level, to be a successful songwriter means to be writing songs, letting them touch and affect other people's lives, and then keep at it. Money or not, success or not (and that is different per person), this is ultimately what life as a songwriter is all about.</div>
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Have a great week!</div>
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EC</div>
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Eric Copeland is a songwriter and has continually shown his songs off for years, even if people didn't want to hear them. But it has led to a full-time life doing music (for better or worse! ;) To find out more about their services for Christian songwriters go to <a href="http://www.creativesoulonline.com/" target="_blank">http://www.CreativeSoulOnline.com</a></div>
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Eric Copelandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17455115047714981740noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6136235097089635314.post-5258745732451748562013-06-30T21:09:00.003-07:002016-02-03T22:08:08.195-08:00Steal Like an Artist<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0761169253/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0761169253&linkCode=as2&tag=creativesoulo-20" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmP5SNSU4O6JnT5lOYpX7CVMJmta2JYt1nbr2iRI66bCj8dCMaBh5Q7Hjk8AhlKVgqoz9k-8GwlPDHUtpJ-8D8bGgzSI6Mo1V-riQgeu4d16EmAIj1Ylx8vQqEBAtrhxWs3g6qi8fOvC3e/s320/Steal.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<i>"There is nothing new under the sun." </i>- Ecclesiastes 1:9<br />
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<i>"What is originality? Undetected plagiarism."</i> - William Ralph Inge<br />
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As songwriters, especially in the Christian/Gospel domain, it seems increasingly hard to come up with something new. Biblically, we have a finite amount to work with (although I would say there is still alot to say). But it's easy to feel like you've heard chords, melodies, and especially the cliched topics, lyrics, and images we Christians have written about for hundreds of years.<br />
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Now the purpose of this blog post is certainly NOT to tell you to go ahead and just regurgitate more of the same stuff we've always done. However, there can be times we let the Spirit move and feel free enough to let what comes out, be what God gave you.<br />
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Sometimes the pressure to be SO different, to come up with something that will set the world afire with it's awesome uniqueness, can be stultifying. We can bang our heads against the wall to write that fresh thing that no one has ever written and it stops us from doing and writing what God made us to do.<br />
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Maybe what you need is new material to listen to, new artists to inspire you, and fresh material to work itself into your creative brain. Many times when I am preparing to write a new song, or album, I will absorb the kind of material I want to write like. Sometimes it's new music I haven't heard before. Sometimes it's that album by one of my favorite artists that I haven't picked up yet that I can freshen my writing side with.<br />
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This blog post in fact is inspired by a book I'm reading right now that led me to pass the information on to you. (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0761169253/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0761169253&linkCode=as2&tag=creativesoulo-20" target="_blank"><i>Steal Like An Artist</i>, by Austin Kleon</a>. Hey the author came up with the idea...)<br />
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Maybe you need to "steal" some new ideas to stimulate your writing. Find something new to borrow from and be influenced by. You'll be surprised how it may open up new vistas by using bits and pieces of other ideas, instead of the tired old stuff you've been doing over and over.<br />
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<i>“Nothing is original. Steal from anywhere that resonates with inspiration or fuels your imagination. Devour old films, new films, music, books, paintings, photographs, poems, dreams, random conversations, architecture, bridges, street signs, trees, clouds, bodies of water, light and shadows. Select only things to steal from that speak directly to your soul. If you do this, your work (and theft) will be authentic.”</i> - Jim Jarmusch<br />
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Have a great week!<br />
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EC<br />
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Eric Copeland is a songwriter, producer, and thief of so many ideas, styles, writers, songs, and composers it has stirred into a soup of his very own. And so are you. To find out more how to take the next steps with your songwriting, check out his company Creative Soul at <a href="http://www.creativesoulonline.com/" target="_blank">http://www.CreativeSoulOnline.com</a><br />
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Right? Wrong? Leave a comment! (But please, no comments about how "Stealing is wrong" for us good Christians. Remember, we're talking about borrowing here...we'll give it baaack. ;)Eric Copelandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17455115047714981740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6136235097089635314.post-80782892464539472542013-06-17T09:19:00.000-07:002016-02-03T22:08:29.507-08:00Do Something Different!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Un9dTS23NXSCqAMZsYkuws_xjP0OahUr8u9SGQ0J4pq9vn9UovXPFWhkqYB3MoL0nhq21Mo04-0zwXdTZ6bRlICTWVM3PPrss_cDP4te9BkdKktrMX5VfaU6GbNNgYcZE8qBGz4216wY/s1600/outofthebox.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Un9dTS23NXSCqAMZsYkuws_xjP0OahUr8u9SGQ0J4pq9vn9UovXPFWhkqYB3MoL0nhq21Mo04-0zwXdTZ6bRlICTWVM3PPrss_cDP4te9BkdKktrMX5VfaU6GbNNgYcZE8qBGz4216wY/s320/outofthebox.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Isn't it time to get out of the box?</td></tr>
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Tired of writing the same song over and over? I know I am.<br />
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There's only one thing to do: Radically write something different. Use another instrument or program or process, but write something completely unlike you.<br />
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Right now I am working on a song that sounds like the 1920s, a full album of Latin songs, and some classical things. You HAVE to push yourself creatively into other areas or you will stagnate where you are.<br />
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Today, or this week, join me in my little movement for change. Even if they are little things, do them differently. Buy a new shirt. Eat at a new place. But above all, find a way to make new music.<br />
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Then tell us about it below. Maybe you've started this movement without me. Great! Share what you did below or at our <a href="http://www.facebook.com/christiansongwriterschallenge" target="_blank">Facebook page "Christian Songwriter's Challenge". There will be a new challenge there too!</a><br />
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I'll be there with you in spirit and in action.<br />
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So what will YOU write different?<br />
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EC<br />
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Eric Copeland is working hard to walk backwards, wear new clothes and write something different. If you need more inspiration and ideas, find out more at <a href="http://www.creativesoulonline.com/" target="_blank">http://www.CreativeSoulOnline.com</a>Eric Copelandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17455115047714981740noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6136235097089635314.post-31029840952844471862013-05-12T23:46:00.001-07:002016-02-03T22:08:56.138-08:00Songwriting on an Island <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRv-CPH-wt8PpB0RL2O7NAcbXxkJNP9akIczX3kpXUKmcBZctuBXmI0KSu89e_t2i7ELbkceS45Aabl26ujbFOp43mYad-TP6veSXtAm3zVqp3qduaBXURiM6LrsYU44ug19C8AKQ-Hu-H/s1600/songwritingisland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRv-CPH-wt8PpB0RL2O7NAcbXxkJNP9akIczX3kpXUKmcBZctuBXmI0KSu89e_t2i7ELbkceS45Aabl26ujbFOp43mYad-TP6veSXtAm3zVqp3qduaBXURiM6LrsYU44ug19C8AKQ-Hu-H/s320/songwritingisland.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
So you're stranded out there somewhere, and you're writing songs, but there's one problem: There's no one to give you any real constructive criticism or help. Now, I’m not talking about friends and family listening, then telling you are great and they are oh so proud. I’m talking about someone to tell you when that verse section goes on too long, or when the hook just isn't hooky enough, or that this one is just okay, and maybe you should ditch this idea for now and work on another.<br />
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Those of you who are serious writers, and really looking to take a step in your game know what I’m talking about. You know this is exactly what is needed, and you've been waiting for it. But local guys just seem to want to use you and your songs as an experiment for their basement dungeon studios. You are likely the only one you know in your area that is seriously trying to write contemporary Christian music that sounds like what is on the radio (or better!) <br />
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So you sit on the beach, playing your guitar, waiting for your ship to come in...<br />
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Hey we all have done it. But I need to tell you something: the ship isn't coming by. Oh sure maybe that big American Idol thing sails by close to you and you think about putting up a smoke signal, but you really would rather write for Christian audiences. <br />
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So how do you find someone to help if there is nothing near you? Well, you get a boat, steer it off your island, and cross the seas to a place where people can help. You find musical civilization and serious folks that can truly help you get those songs to the place they need to be.<br />
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For Christian music, this mecca is Nashville. Like it or not, this is just where professionals who know the contemporary Christian music business live and work. They don’t sit around and play banjo all day, they don’t run around barefoot and yell “Yeehaw”! <br />
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Nashville and its suburbs Brentwood and Franklin are just the place you go to get work done in this industry. I’d even go as far as to say that Nashville is the top music center even over New York or Los Angeles for music work for almost any artist (unless you are an actor, stage singer, or want to get your music in films or in theater). <br />
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Just go to Google and type Christian Songwriting Services and see where it leads you, or email us for who might best serve you. <br />
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Isn't it time to get off the island before someone finds your bones and your songs dry up and float away into the surf?<br />
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Send an email message in a bottle and get rescued! <br />
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Have a great week! <br />
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EC <br />
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Eric Copeland as been a songwriter, producer, and artist/songwriter rescuer for over two decades. He lives outside Nashville, TN and is president of Creative Soul, in association with Word Entertainment. For more information, go to <a href="http://www.creativesoulonline.com/" target="_blank">http://www.CreativeSoulOnline.com</a>Eric Copelandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17455115047714981740noreply@blogger.com5