Wordplay Thursday #30

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Here’s a writing prompt for you. It’s a simple fill-in-the-blank. You can use one word or several. Feel free to get as crazy, genre-appropriate, or as imaginative as you want. The point is to get the creative juices flowing. And it’s a good thing to dig deeper, so don’t stop at the first idea that hits you. Try coming up with at least five things.

“Jimmy has the attention span of _______.”

I’ll give you an example to get you started:

“Jimmy has the attention span of a bottle rocket.”

I’d love to hear what you come up with, so please share in the comments. Oh, and please keep your posts below an R-rating. It’s a family show, after all!

SHOUT OUT!

Thanks to everyone for your great additions to Wordplay Thursday #29 (read it here)! Great job!

FOLLOW AND SHARE THIS BLOG

Hey, ya’ll. If you like this blog, then make sure you don’t miss a single post. Subscribe by entering your email address in the “Follow Man vs. Row via E-mail” box either in the top righthand corner or down below. And I love it when you share this blog through facebook, Twitter, and wherever! Thanks!

God Bless,

Brent

Turn Your Negative Title Into A Positive Song

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Brent is a hit songwriter with cuts by Alan Jackson, Randy Travis, Lady Antebellum, Joe Nichols, Gord Bamford, Ray Stevens, and more.  He’s written a top 5 hit in the US and a #1 in Canada… so far.

Commercially-speaking, positive songs are in higher demand than negative songs.  (That’s not a surprise if you listen to the radio.)  But what if most of the titles you come up with are sad/negative?  I humbly suggest that most titles that sounds negative can be used for a positive song if you’re creative enough.

For example, “You Broke My Heart” could mean “You broke my heart out of it’s chains.”  I had an old idea called, “Minutes From A Memory” about a guy that knew his girl was about to leave him.  Thankfully, my cowriter (Jason Cox) saw it as a guy knowing he and his girl are about to make a great memory.  That’s so much more commercial!

I confess to being a negative-first kind songwriter.  Maybe pain just just more interesting.  Who knows?  But I’ve really worked on not settling for a negative idea just because it’s my first impression of a title.  Not only are those negative-title-positive-songs more commercial because they’re positive, they’re also more interesting because you have to dig deeper into your idea.  Win-win!

God Bless,

Brent

YOU VS…

Take one or two of your “negative” titles (whether you’ve already written them or not) and find a positive spin on them.  Good luck!  Also, anything you’d like to add or ask?  Leave a comment!  Are there any topics  you’d like to see addressed in a future MvR post?  Thanks!

FOLLOW AND SHARE THIS BLOG

If you like this blog, don’t miss a single post!  Subscribe by putting your email in the “Follow Man vs. Row via E-mail” section on this page.  It’s either in the upper righthand corner or down below.   Also, please share this blog with anyone you think would benefit from it.  I appreciate it when you share it on Twitter, Facebook, and anywhere else.  Thanks!

Brent’s Twitter: @Razorbaxter

Brent Baxter Music:  http://www.brentbaxtermusic.com

Wordplay Thursday #29

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Here’s a writing prompt for you. It’s a simple fill-in-the-blank. You can use one word or several. Feel free to get as crazy, genre-appropriate, or as imaginative as you want. The point is to get the creative juices flowing. And it’s a good thing to dig deeper, so don’t stop at the first idea that hits you. Try coming up with at least five things.

“He sings like _______.”

I’ll give you an example to get you started:

“He sings like Pavarotti… choking on a chicken nugget.”

I’d love to hear what you come up with, so please share in the comments. Oh, and please keep your posts below an R-rating. It’s a family show, after all!

SHOUT OUT!

Thanks to everyone for your great additions to Wordplay Thursday #28 (read it here)! Great job!

FOLLOW AND SHARE THIS BLOG

Hey, ya’ll. If you like this blog, then make sure you don’t miss a single post. Subscribe by entering your email address in the “Follow Man vs. Row via E-mail” box either in the top righthand corner or down below. And I love it when you share this blog through facebook, Twitter, and wherever! Thanks!

God Bless,

Brent

The Humane Society And Songwriting

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Brent is a hit songwriter with cuts by Alan Jackson, Randy Travis, Lady Antebellum, Joe Nichols, Gord Bamford, Ray Stevens, and more.  He’s written a top 5 hit in the US and a #1 in Canada… so far.

Have you seen those Humane Society commercials about pet adoption?  You know- the ones with Sarah McLachlan singing “Angel?”  Those are sure hard to watch- just heartbreaking.  And you know why?  It’s the PICTURES.

If those commercials only had the music and somebody TELLING you ABOUT sad, neglected animals, they wouldn’t have nearly the same impact.  Telling us about abused animals transmits information to our brains.  But SHOWING us abused animals transmits information to our hearts.

And that is why we should put pictures in the lyrics of our songs.

God Bless,

Brent

YOU VS…

Anything you’d like to add or ask?  Leave a comment!  Are there any topics  you’d like to see addressed in a future MvR post?  Thanks!

FOLLOW AND SHARE THIS BLOG

If you like this blog, don’t miss a single post!  Subscribe by putting your email in the “Follow Man vs. Row via E-mail” section on this page.  It’s either in the upper righthand corner or down below.   Also, please share this blog with anyone you think would benefit from it.  I appreciate it when you share it on Twitter, Facebook, and anywhere else.  Thanks!

Brent’s Twitter: @Razorbaxter

Brent Baxter Music:  http://www.brentbaxtermusic.com

Wordplay Thursday #28

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Here’s a writing prompt for you. It’s a simple fill-in-the-blank. You can use one word or several. Feel free to get as crazy, genre-appropriate, or as imaginative as you want. The point is to get the creative juices flowing. And it’s a good thing to dig deeper, so don’t stop at the first idea that hits you. Try coming up with at least five things.

“The moon was as bright as _______.”

I’ll give you an example to get you started:

“The moon was as bright as Ms. America’s smile.”

I’d love to hear what you come up with, so please share in the comments. Oh, and please keep your posts below an R-rating. It’s a family show, after all!

SHOUT OUT!

Thanks to everyone for your great additions to Wordplay Thursday #27 (read it here)! Great job!

FOLLOW AND SHARE THIS BLOG

Hey, ya’ll. If you like this blog, then make sure you don’t miss a single post. Subscribe by entering your email address in the “Follow Man vs. Row via E-mail” box either in the top righthand corner or down below. And I love it when you share this blog through facebook, Twitter, and wherever! Thanks!

God Bless,

Brent

How Do You Know Who Is Looking For Songs?

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Brent is a hit songwriter with cuts by Alan Jackson, Randy Travis, Lady Antebellum, Joe Nichols, Gord Bamford, Ray Stevens, and more.  He’s written a top 5 hit in the US and a #1 in Canada… so far.

After I posted “10 Reasons Songwriters Should Pitch Their Own Songs” (read it HERE), I got a few questions about how to pitch and how to know who’s looking for songs.  Today, let’s dive into the 2nd part- how to know who’s looking and listening for songs.

1. Personal relationships.

If you personally know an artist, producer or label A&R, they can tell you if they’re actively listening for a project.  And they MIGHT even know what they need and when they need it.  But remember, any info is always subject to change at a moment’s notice.

2. Industry chatter.

If you can’t get the scoop directly from the horse’s mouth, publishers and other songwriters are always talking.  Keep your ear to the ground, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.

3. Industry pitch sheets.

RowFax is a paid subscription service which lists projects, points of contact, etc.  It might even say what they’re looking for (usually “hits” or “great songs” or “uptempo positive”).  There are also a few inside-the-industry tip sheets, too.  But you have to know somebody to get them.  Now, these definitely carry some incorrect info- a buddy of mine is on there, and it lists the incorrect producer and music description.  So take it all with a grain of salt.  Oh, and tip sheets don’t provide contact information- you have to get that some other way.

To check out RowFax, click HERE.

4. Liner notes.

If an artist is doing well, you know they’re gonna make another album.  And they’ll probably be looking real hard when they’re on the second or third single from their current album.  Check the album’s liner notes for the name of their label and producer, then do some research for how to find them.  Of course, the artist may be changing producers for the next album, so you never know for sure.

5. Sources I missed.

I’m sure there are some tip-list services I missed.  If you know of any, please add them to the comments- along with any personal recommendations.  Teamwork makes the dream work, ya know.

I hope that helps.  I know there’s no magic bullet, but that’s just the way it is.  That’s one reason why writers that have success can keep it going more easily- they have more accurate information because of their connections.  Good luck out there.

God Bless,

Brent

YOU VS…

Anything you’d like to add or ask?  Leave a comment!  Are there any topics  you’d like to see addressed in a future MvR post?  Thanks!

FOLLOW AND SHARE THIS BLOG

If you like this blog, don’t miss a single post!  Subscribe by putting your email in the “Follow Man vs. Row via E-mail” section on this page.  It’s either in the upper righthand corner or down below.   Also, please share this blog with anyone you think would benefit from it.  I appreciate it when you share it on Twitter, Facebook, and anywhere else.  Thanks!

Brent’s Twitter: @Razorbaxter

Brent Baxter Music:  http://www.brentbaxtermusic.com

The Big Yes

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Brent is a hit songwriter with cuts by Alan Jackson, Randy Travis, Lady Antebellum, Joe Nichols, Gord Bamford, Ray Stevens, and more.  He’s written a top 5 hit in the US and a #1 in Canada… so far.

When pitching a song, there is a “Little Yes” and a “Big Yes.”  The Little Yes is a person who only has the power to pass your song up the ladder.  The Big Yes is one of those very few people on a project who actually decides what gets cut.

Don’t just assume that the artist is always the Big Yes.  If he’s brand new, the producer or the head of A&R might be the Big Yes.  If you’re pitching for a specific project, don’t be satisfied with just pitching to the Little Yes.  Try to identify the Big Yes.  After all, a Little Yes can’t really say “yes,” but they can say “no.”

God Bless,

Brent

YOU VS…

Anything you’d like to add or ask?  Leave a comment!  Are there any topics  you’d like to see addressed in a future MvR post?  Thanks!

FOLLOW AND SHARE THIS BLOG

If you like this blog, don’t miss a single post!  Subscribe by putting your email in the “Follow Man vs. Row via E-mail” section on this page.  It’s either in the upper righthand corner or down below.   Also, please share this blog with anyone you think would benefit from it.  I appreciate it when you share it on Twitter, Facebook, and anywhere else.  Thanks!

Brent’s Twitter: @Razorbaxter

Brent Baxter Music:  http://www.brentbaxtermusic.com

Wordplay Thursday #27

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Here’s a writing prompt for you. It’s a simple fill-in-the-blank. You can use one word or several. Feel free to get as crazy, genre-appropriate, or as imaginative as you want. The point is to get the creative juices flowing. And it’s a good thing to dig deeper, so don’t stop at the first idea that hits you. Try coming up with at least five things.

“The next door neighbors argue like _______.”

I’ll give you an example to get you started:

“The next door neighbors argue like Auburn and Alabama fans.”

I’d love to hear what you come up with, so please share in the comments. Oh, and please keep your posts below an R-rating. It’s a family show, after all!

SHOUT OUT!

Thanks to everyone for your great additions to Wordplay Thursday #26 (read it here)! Great job!

FOLLOW AND SHARE THIS BLOG

Hey, ya’ll. If you like this blog, then make sure you don’t miss a single post. Subscribe by entering your email address in the “Follow Man vs. Row via E-mail” box either in the top righthand corner or down below. And I love it when you share this blog through facebook, Twitter, and wherever! Thanks!

God Bless,

Brent

6 Ways To Get The Most From Your Solo Songwriting Time

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Brent is a hit songwriter with cuts by Alan Jackson, Randy Travis, Lady Antebellum, Joe Nichols, Gord Bamford, Ray Stevens, and more.  He’s written a top 5 hit in the US and a #1 in Canada… so far.

It’s frustrating to finally get some solo songwriting time, then to feel like it just wasn’t as productive as you hoped it would be.  Today, I want to give you six tips to make the most of your solo songwriting time.

1. Schedule it.

If you schedule your solo writing, you’re more likely to actually HAVE solo writing time.  Also, if you know it’s coming up on Tuesday at 10am, you’ll start thinking about it as the time approaches.  You’ll start thinking about what you can write about and you’ll start getting in the “songwriter state of mind” before you even sit down to write.

2. Build a transition ritual.

An athlete doesn’t just step on the field and start competing without warming up. In the same way, you might pull a brain-muscle if you go directly from board meeting or baby-changing to trying to write a hit chorus.  Transition rituals can help you make the switch to your creative mind.  They might include taking a walk, driving around the block, listening to some great music, freewriting, or sitting quietly for a few minutes.  Just make sure your transition ritual doesn’t become procrastination.

3. Go to your creative space.

I think it helps to have a place you go where your brain knows “this is where I write.”  Your tools are there (guitar, capo, notebook, etc.) and it’s comfortable (though not nap-inducing).  It could be a quiet corner of your home, or it could be the corner coffee shop where there’s just enough distraction to be white-noise.

4. Eliminate distractions.

Turn off your phone, email, internet, TV, radio, etc.  It’s easy to click over and check email when you’re stuck on a rhyme, but it’s a major time killer.  Focus, focus, focus.

5. Allow enough time.

Each of us takes a certain amount of time to get into a groove, and nothing’s more frustrating than having to quit when you’re just hitting it.  So learn yourself and schedule enough time for you to hit that groove and stay in it for a while.  It might be that one 4-hour block is twice as productive as four 1-hour blocks.

6. Get enough sleep.

It’s hard to be sharp when you’re groggy or foggy from lack of sleep.  We need our brains working well, and they work best when they get enough sleep.

Hope that helps!

God Bless,

Brent

YOU VS…

Anything you’d like to add or ask?  What are some things you do to maximize your solo songwriting time?  Leave a comment!  Are there any topics  you’d like to see addressed in a future MvR post?  Thanks!

FOLLOW AND SHARE THIS BLOG

If you like this blog, don’t miss a single post!  Subscribe by putting your email in the “Follow Man vs. Row via E-mail” section on this page.  It’s either in the upper righthand corner or down below.   Also, please share this blog with anyone you think would benefit from it.  I appreciate it when you share it on Twitter, Facebook, and anywhere else.  Thanks!

Brent’s Twitter: @Razorbaxter

Brent Baxter Music:  http://www.brentbaxtermusic.com

Be Helpful

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Brent is a hit songwriter with cuts by Alan Jackson, Randy Travis, Lady Antebellum, Joe Nichols, Gord Bamford, Ray Stevens, and more.  He’s written a top 5 hit in the US and a #1 in Canada… so far.

Zig Zigler is known for saying, “You can have anything you want out of life as long as you help enough people get what they want out of life.”  Sounds a little counter-intuitive, right?  But it’s true- all of a songwriter’s success is based on helping others get what they want.  Here are a few examples of what people want:

     A great lyricist wants a cowriter with great melodies.

     A great melody writer wants a cowriter with great lyrics.

     An artist who is a new writer wants a cowriter who can bring their thoughts to life without making the artist feel self-conscious.

     An artist wants a hit song.

     Radio wants fun, uptempo songs.

     Radio listeners (largely) want songs that make them feel good.

     Record labels want songs that sell records.

It’s not about getting an artist to help YOU by recording YOUR song that YOU like.  It’s about writing and pitching a song that THE ARTIST has been looking for, that THE ARTIST wants to sing and will help THE ARTIST take their career a step forward.

I don’t think anyone has ever asked me to write or cut one of my songs only to help ME out.  People write with me and cut my songs to help THEMSELVES out.  And, hey, if the result of them getting what they want is that I also get good cowrites and cuts, I’m fine with that.

So I encourage you to ask yourself, “How can I be of maximum service with my songwriting?”  “Is there something in my writing that I can develop into something that people want or need?”

Songwriting is a service business.  Improve your service, and you improve your odds of success.

God Bless,

Brent

YOU VS…

Anything you’d like to add or ask?  Leave a comment!  Are there any topics  you’d like to see addressed in a future MvR post?  Thanks!

FOLLOW AND SHARE THIS BLOG

If you like this blog, don’t miss a single post!  Subscribe by putting your email in the “Follow Man vs. Row via E-mail” section on this page.  It’s either in the upper righthand corner or down below.   Also, please share this blog with anyone you think would benefit from it.  I appreciate it when you share it on Twitter, Facebook, and anywhere else.  Thanks!

Brent’s Twitter: @Razorbaxter

Brent Baxter Music:  http://www.brentbaxtermusic.com

Helping songwriters turn pro.