The goal of Songwriting Pro is to help you think like a pro, write like a pro and connect to the pros – so YOU can become one, too.
Why? Because you’re my hero.
Seriously. I really dig songwriters- the people that dare to open up their hearts and put them on the page, on the stage, and on display. The people that dream of hearing their own words and melodies coming back to them through car speakers or from a crowd that’s singing along.
I’m here to help as you make those dreams come true. I’m here to help you become a songwriting pro.
So where do we start?
Okay… you’re still here.
Maybe you’re not sure you want to start at START BY CLICKING HERE yet. Well, here’s a little bit about me and what qualifies me to help you on YOUR songwriting journey…
This blog is an extension of my experience in the music business. Mainly, I’ve been a songwriter- I’ve been blessed to have publishing deals and to have my songs recorded by some incredible artists (Alan Jackson, Randy Travis, Lady Antebellum, Joe Nichols and more).
I’ve spent countless hours in the writing room with just about every kind of writer: the newbie, the artist-writer, the writer-artist, the commercial writer, the non-commercial writer, and even a Nashville Songwriting Hall of Fame member or two, and I’ve picked up some helpful information along the way.
I’ve worked on the administration/royalty/licensing side of a publishing company. I’ve also done hundreds of hours of mentoring with aspiring songwriters both on my own and with Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI). While writing is my first love, sharing what I’ve learned about songwriting is a lot of fun and pretty fulfilling, too.
Okay, are you ready to start by START BY CLICKING HERE yet? Good.
CLICK HERE TO START BECOMING A SONGWRITING PRO.
God Bless,
Brent
Hi Brent,
I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed your podcasts on “The Climb”. Every segment was very informative and fun to listen to. Thanks for all you do pal.
God Bless,
Marvin
I am with NSAI and have several songs evaluated. looking for second opinion. Evaluator continues to give me positive feed back and has helped me grow as an artist and song writer. Just looking for second pair of ears and eyes. Thank you, Jason
Sure- I’d be glad to. You can book a coaching session under the “Coaching” tab. See ya soon!
Hey Brent … Just a quick note to say “thanks” for the podcast you do with Johnny … it gives info in a succinct, understandable manner and stays relevant … I would like to hear a segment regarding utilizing FaceBook as a marketing tool … Thanks and blessings on ya, Gregg <
I’ll pass that along to Johnny! Glad you’re enjoying it!
First off I want to say awesome blog! I had a quick question that I’d like
to ask if you don’t mind. I was curious to know how you center yourself and clear your
head before writing. I have had a tough time clearing my mind
in getting my thoughts out. I truly do enjoy writing but it just seems like the
first 10 to 15 minutes are generally wasted just trying to figure out how to begin. Any ideas or tips?
Cheers!
I don’t have DVDs, but you can check out what I do have under the “Store” tab (under “Start Here”). God bless!
In a future emailing, could you possibly discuss the current royalty rates for songwriters and what is the standard number of CD’s produced for an artist by a record label?
Thanks!
This is great we need more people like you guys thank you. Tony Russo .
Brent, i’ve been trying for so long but I don’t see experiance. Can I watch these videos for free?
Hlo sir I have an Android phone how to listen your podcast on it.Plz help me I am from India
Hi, Anuj! You should be able to listen on the Stitcher podcast app on Android phones. Thanks!
Thank you very much Sir ,You are doing a great work for us… God bless you
Hi Brent,
You mentioned some of your lyrics had been “stuck in the 90’s.” Q1) Can you give some examples of old vs. modern lyrics in an upcoming episode of The Climb?
Q2) Assuming you can reach your former co-writers, have you considered re-rewriting some of your early songs with new lyrics?
Q3) Can you play examples of music arrangement styles that are also “stuck in the 90’s”?
Hi. I just finished reading “How To Think Like A Pro”. I found it useful and should probably read it again soon. I remember watching your Man vs. Row videos from my NSAI days. I always found them entertaining and informative. I would like to get on your ManvsRow mailing list. Many thanks.
Hi Brent,
I’d like to thank you so much for your precious help and guidance. The coatch session with you was a great experience!
God bless
Howdy Brent! I’m really benefitting from your books I recently purchased, and from my Frettie membership as well. And the C.L.I.M.B. podcasts are awesome! I was so stoked to see that you’re teaching at the NSAI Song Camp July 27-28. I’ll be there! I’m all signed up through my NSAI membership and got my room reserved there at the Holiday Inn. Looking forward to learning a bunch from you as this old Texas guy jumps into a new “after retirement” career. Thanks for all you do!
Awesome! I look forward to sharing your hand!
A popularity tip is to be different, I was the only Muslim girl in school and that stood out. I used this tip for songwriting too; every song has a swear but it doesn’t mean anything, so I keep swears out of my lyrics, but, no @rolanddenzel
Hey Brent,
Just read your e-book, “Think like a Pro Songwriter”. Thanks so much for the insight and making the book available at no cost. Very helpful material. Looking forward to learning more. Thanks for your help.
Charlie A
Keep writing!
Hey Brent,
Just wanted to say thanks for taking the time to answer my (and other’s) questions during your live video today.
I look forward to anything and everything you have to teach me!
Travis
Awesome Podcast…AGAIN… It’s soothing, educational and addictive :)) You guys do so much to help shine a light for songwriters on all levels. Sometimes all it takes is a resurrection story to keep us going, thanks so much!! ( But I’m still not buying that book man 😉
Haha! Thanks, Vicky!
I used to write songs and email each song to my brother, one day he asked me “why are they all sad?” I started pondering. How do you write in a happy format?
Practice. And co-writing with people who are good at that doesn’t hurt, either.
Brent, this is hafsa, and, you may be annoyed with me but, what makes swears popular in songwriting? They don’t mean anything
Hi Brent,
Thank you for the good songwriting help. I love your content on Instagram but never found my here before. Good stuff!
Br,
-Ari
Hey, I’m happy to be of service, Ari!
“I WISH I HAD WRITTEN THAT SONG”
(c)2000 Words and Music by Laurie (Fly) and Rick Williams
Oh I wish I had written that song –
it says the words right that I say all wrong
They make your heart race
and put a glow on your face
How I wish I were that other guy –
he make your heart flutter,
he makes my heart die
He laughs with a wink
and I’m watching me sink
Chorus
But the song isn’t mine
and the guy isn’t me
And you’ll never be here where I want you to be
Still I wish I had written that song – Oh I wish I had written that song
Oh I wish I could make you want me -And know there’s nowhere
that you’d rather be
Than wrapped in my arms
feelin’ safe from all harm
Oh I wish I had written that song
it says the words right that I say all wrong
They make your heart race
and put a glow on your face
chorus
Bridge
But the music for us was no dance
And the truth is we never had a chance
I came in a beat too late
just bad timing or fate
Much too slow –
I should know –
not to wait
Chorus