Episode Description:
As we close out the year 2024, it’s the perfect time for reflection. In this final episode of the year, I share a candid look back at the triumphs, challenges, and invaluable lessons I learned as a songwriter and artist. From releasing my first solo single to battling self-doubt, overcoming perfectionism, and confronting the realities of a creative life, this episode is packed with insights for any songwriter navigating their own journey.

Whether you’re celebrating successes or wrestling with obstacles, these 12 lessons will inspire you to keep creating, learning, and sharing your music with the world.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1. No One Owes You Their Time or Attention: Why your effort and passion don’t guarantee a reaction—and why that’s okay.
2. The Only Way to Figure It Out is to Do It: Overcoming the fear of starting and embracing the learning curve.
3. Talent Means Nothing Without Action: How natural ability can lead to overthinking and inaction—and why action wins every time.
4. Success Can Strain Friendships: Navigating the inevitable drift as your career grows and priorities shift.
5. The Pain of Inaction is Greater Than the Fear of Releasing Music: How to overcome the fear of what others think and finally share your art.
6. Impact Comes From What You Share, Not What You Plan: Why the songs you release matter more than the ones you only talk about.
7. Comfort Zones Become Uncomfortable Over Time: The importance of pushing boundaries and embracing growth.
8. Prioritizing Your Music Without Guilt: Giving yourself permission to invest time in your creativity every day.
9. Post-Release Disappointment is Better Than Regret: Why sharing your music—even if it doesn’t meet your expectations—is always worth it.
10. Comparison Paralysis is Counterproductive: How to focus on your unique path instead of justifying someone else’s success.
11. Perfectionism Will Hold You Back: Accepting that your early work might feel flawed in hindsight—and why that’s okay.
12. Whether Life is Meaningful or Not, Make Music Anyway: The ultimate reminder to do what you love, regardless of existential questions.

Why You Should Listen:
This episode is perfect for songwriters, musicians, and artists who are looking for real talk about the highs and lows of a creative career. If you’ve ever struggled with self-doubt, procrastination, or the challenges of pursuing your passion, this episode will resonate with you and remind you why you started in the first place.

Resources & Links:

• Listen to my new single Real Friends on Spotify
• Connect with me on Instagram: @connorlfrost

Thank you for being part of this journey in 2024. Here’s to a new year of music, growth, and creativity. See you in 2025!

Episode Summary:
In this episode, Connor Frost breaks down the process of transforming a single lyric idea into a fully realized, release-ready song. Using his latest track Real Friends as a case study, Connor shares the step-by-step process, key insights, and lessons learned along the way. Whether you're an experienced songwriter or just starting out, this episode is packed with actionable tips to help you craft your next hit.

What You’ll Learn:

1. The Journey: How Connor turned the concept of "What is a real friend?" into a full-fledged song.
2. The Process: A seven-step framework for taking a lyric idea to a completed song, including:
   • Crafting a clear concept.
   • Defining the narrator and ideal listener.
   • Structuring your verses and chorus.
   • Building a roadmap for the rest of the song.
3. Lessons Learned: What Connor wishes he had done differently in Real Friends and how you can avoid similar pitfalls.
4. Implementation Tips: Practical advice to streamline your own songwriting process.

About Connor Frost:
Connor Frost is a musician, international touring artist, producer, and professional songwriting mentor. Since 2019, Connor has helped hundreds of songwriters confidently write and release their first collection of songs. He has toured internationally, opened for renowned bands, and been featured in American Songwriter.

Highlights of Connor’s Story:

• Transitioning from a middle school teacher to a full-time musician.
• Touring internationally in places like China and Taiwan.
• Helping clients achieve milestones, from publishing deals to hearing their songs played in public.

Key Takeaways for Songwriters:

• The importance of defining your song’s narrator and ideal listener.
• Why understanding your listener’s struggles and language can make your lyrics more relatable.
• Tips for avoiding common songwriting mistakes, like spending too much time setting the scene or missing opportunities to build impactful outros.

Connor’s Seven-Step Framework:

1. Develop a one-sentence concept for your song.
2. Define the narrator’s perspective and your ideal listener.
3. Flesh out your concept into a chorus.
4. Outline your verses with clear settings, transformations, and details.
5. Use stream-of-consciousness journaling to develop lyrics.
6. Create a structure or roadmap for your song.
7. Flesh out the remaining sections and finalize your melody and chords.

Want to Work with Connor?
If you’re ready to take your songwriting to the next level, Connor offers personalized mentorship programs. Learn how to find your unique songwriting sound, streamline your writing process, and build your career as an artist.

📞 Book a Free "Just Start" Call: connorfrost.com/startcall

• Step 1: Book your time to speak directly with Connor.
• Step 2: Identify your struggles and leave with clear strategies.
• Step 3: Discuss mentorship opportunities tailored to your goals.

🎶 Listen to Real Friends: (Link available above or below this episode).

Connect with Connor:

• Website: connorfrost.com
• Instagram: @connorfrost
• Podcast: Dear Songwriter

Enjoy the episode?
If you found this breakdown helpful, leave a review and share this episode with fellow songwriters. Your support helps us bring more valuable content to creators like you!

Episode Description: Dear songwriter, ever told yourself you'd work on your music after work or school, only to find yourself too drained to start? You're not alone. Many of us struggle with finding the time and energy to focus on our craft. In this episode, I share insights from the second Green Mountain Songwriting Retreat, which took place from August 21st to August 25th, 2024. Attendees discovered how to tune out distractions and immerse themselves in the songwriting process, leading to not only the creation of great songs but also a truly transformative experience.

Join me, Conor Frost—a songwriter, artist, and professional songwriting mentor—as I break down the three key elements that made the retreat an optimal environment for creativity. I'll also give you tips on how to recreate this environment at home, so you can continue to grow as a songwriter.

Key Takeaways:

1. Create a Distraction-Free Environment:
   • At the retreat, participants were encouraged to unplug from technology, allowing them to focus solely on their music.
   • Consider finding a new, dedicated space for your songwriting at home. Temporarily abandon your phone, and immerse yourself in your creative process.
2. Use Writing Challenges to Spark Creativity:
   • We incorporated various songwriting prompts and challenges during the retreat, which helped attendees overcome writer's block and generate new ideas.
   • Try Googling songwriting prompts and pick the first one that catches your eye. Don’t overthink it—just go with what feels right.
3. Build a Community:
   • The power of community was evident during the retreat. Accountability and the presence of other talented creatives pushed everyone to elevate their game.
   • At home, find a friend to write with or join an online community. Set up regular check-ins to share your progress and stay motivated.

How to Stay Connected:

• If you’re interested in attending a future Green Mountain Songwriting Retreat and want to qualify for early bird pricing, send me an email at info@connorfrost.com with the word “retreat.”
• Join my Facebook group, “The Songwriters Vault,” at connorfrost.com/enterthebatcave for more tips and to connect with like-minded songwriters.

Conclusion: Remember, while we can’t always attend songwriting retreats or devote entire days to our music, implementing just one of these strategies can make a significant difference in your songwriting journey. Create that space, find that time, and channel your energy into your music—you deserve it.

Closing: Thanks for tuning in. I hope you found value in today’s episode. Happy writing, and talk to you soon!

Contact Information:

• Email: info@connorfrost.com
• Website: connorfrost.com
• Facebook Group: The Songwriters Vault - Join Here

Taylor Swift does an interesting thing in the prechoruses of "Anti-Hero". I talk about what that is on this episode.

To snag your free video training "How to Confidently Turn Your Voice Memos into Release-Ready Songs", head to http://www.connorfrost.com/videotraining

In this episode I break down Nirvana's song, "Drain You", specifically the melody.

If you're struggling to finish writing your songs, access my free training "How to Confidently Turn Voice Memos into Release-Ready Songs" at http://www.connorfrost.com/videotraininglanding. 

In this episode you'll hear from my client Yanni who went from no songs written to two completed songs, one in English, and one in Mandarin, in just a few months time.

Claim your free video training "How to Confidently Turn Your Voice Memos into Release-Ready Songs", at http://www.connorfrost.com/videotraining. 

In this episode I go into an interaction I had with one of my clients who was getting frustrated with feeling stuck and not liking her song ideas.

And then one day, something clicked.

To snag your free training "How to Confidently Turn Your Voice Memos into Release-Ready Songs", head to http://www.connorfrost.com/videotraininglanding. 

How to Go From No Songs Written to a Music Blog Feature in 6 Months - interview with Luciano Santos.

Listen to him on Spotify.

In 2018, my band, @dizzybatsmusic, did a tour through the Midwest, and we stopped in Stage College, PA for a live session with @natehoover. We got candid about pursuing music, and specifically touring.

If you're a songwriter interested in connecting with me/my team, start by accessing your free video training "How to Confidently Turn Your Voice Memos into Release-Ready Songs". 

Here's a breakdown of "meter"!

To do a deeper dive, check out my free video training at http://www.connorfrost.com/videotraininglanding.

Yes, you can have Writer's Block for 10 years if you're not careful. Here's Simon's story.

And check out his music at https://open.spotify.com/track/3mKDcYhw3L0rjKizp9cTWt?si=e600b34c7a34478d

To connect with me, head to http://www.connorfrost.com/bookyourcall

Here's a checklist for your Chorus!

To connect with my team head to http://www.connorfrost.com/juststart. 

Writing exercises inspired by Pat Pattison's book "Writing Better Lyrics". 

To book your free "JUST START" call, head to http://www.connorfrost.com/juststart 

Originally aired in 2023

Have you ever wondered how someone like me, who’s not super famous or even that well-known, can become a songwriting coach? Or what a songwriting coach even does? Or what philosophies they hold?

In this episode, I’m taking you back to an interview I did with Aaron Camp of the Heartland Author podcast who asked me a series of rapid-fire questions about who I am and what I do. 

My name is Connor Frost, I’m a professional songwriting mentor whose helped hundreds of songwriters to write and release their first songs, and this is Dear Songwriter, the podcast to help you confidently write and release your music, so that you can live your most musical and creative life.

To claim your free video training “how to confidently turn your chord progressions into FINISHED songs”, head to http://www.connorfrost.com/videotraining1. 

You have these notes written all of the place with possible lyrics...

But you're having trouble bringing it all together.

Here's a crash course on writing lyrics that I know will bring you great value. It also happens to be a sneak-peak into my new course, the "Singers to Songwriters" mentorship.

If you're interested in learning more, head to http://www.connorfrost.com/juststart

I attended a songwriting retreat in late August 2022. Here's what I learned...

To book your free "Just Start" call, head to http://www.connorfrost.com/juststart

To book your free "Just Start" call, head to http://www.connorfrost.com/juststart

Or what surprises may come from you putting yourself and your music out there...

Here's a weird story for you from when I was on tour back in 2013.

To connect w/ me and my team for a free "Just Start" call, head to http://www.connorfrost.com/juststart

I go into it here. This is why. 

To connect w/ me/my team, head to http://www.connorfrost.com/juststart.

Not sure where to find a producer to bring your song to life? Here are 5 places to look.

References:

"Songwriter's Bat Cave FB Group": http://www.connorfrost.com/enterthebatcaveorg

"Music Industry Entrepreneurs FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/487164512069573

"Bandhive" FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/bandhive/

Level up your lyrics with these three simple tips.

To book your free "JUST START" call, head to http://www.connorfrost.com/juststart

If you're a vocalist who doesn't play another instrument, here's what you need to focus on:

to book your free consultation call, head to http://www.connorfrost.com/juststart

Use one of these options to start writing your Bridge. 

To connect w/ me and my team, head to http://www.connorfrost.com/juststart. 

What is an "interlude" and where and how can it be used?

If you'd like to connect with me and my team, head to http://www.connorfrost.com/juststart. 

Show Notes for Episode: "Creating Your Own Opportunities: The Four Wheels of the Self-Reliant Songwriter"

Episode Summary: In this episode, Connor Frost, a seasoned songwriter, musician, and songwriting coach, shares valuable insights on how songwriters can stop chasing external opportunities and start creating their own. Drawing from personal experiences and hard-learned lessons, Connor breaks down a strategy for using your music as a vehicle for success by focusing on self-reliance and proactive steps.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Reality of Music Opportunities:
   • Many songwriters spend significant time searching for opportunities like contests, record labels, or festivals, but often find these paths elusive or out of reach.
   • While engaging in these activities can be beneficial, relying solely on them may not be the most effective use of your time and energy.
2. Connor’s Personal Journey:
   • Connor reflects on his experience with Sloth Trap Records and the realization that he needed to take control of his music career.
   • The lesson learned: It’s not about finding opportunities but creating them through your own efforts and initiatives.
3. The Four Wheels of the Self-Reliant Songwriter:
   • Wheel 1: The Accountable Artist
     • Take full responsibility for your success and failures.
     • Avoid blaming external factors and focus on what you can control and improve.
   • Wheel 2: The Songwriting Spy
     • Break down larger goals into smaller, manageable missions.
     • Focus on achievable tasks that you can accomplish now, rather than getting overwhelmed by the big picture.
   • Wheel 3: The CEO of Creativity
     • Optimize your time by making smart investments in your career, whether it’s paying for services or hiring help.
     • Understand that you either invest time or money, and make decisions that lead to quicker and more efficient results.
   • Wheel 4: The Forever Student
     • Embrace continuous learning and remain humble about your craft.
     • Be open to feedback, learn from mistakes, and constantly seek to improve your songwriting skills.
4. How These Principles Create Opportunities:
   • Being the accountable artist means taking control of your career trajectory.
   • The songwriting spy encourages daily progress through small, achievable tasks.
   • The CEO of creativity helps you efficiently manage resources and generate results.
   • The forever student ensures that you’re always evolving and learning from your experiences.

Call to Action:

• Free Song Consult: Take a step towards your songwriting goals today by sending Connor an unfinished voice memo of your song. Receive feedback on what’s working, what needs improvement, and next steps. Visit http://www.connorfrost.com/freesongconsult for more details.

Closing Thoughts: Connor Frost encourages listeners to realize that they are in control of their songwriting journey. By adopting these four principles, you can create your own opportunities and drive your music career forward.

Thank you for tuning in, and happy writing!

And if you do, you WILL see results for your music. 

To book a free consultation call w/ me, head to http://www.connorfrost.com/juststart 

You sit down to write and....nothing. 

Hopefully this helps you break through all that!

So you've released that album, single, or demo, and you're ready to play your first show.

James Cross of the Bandhive podcast, walks us through the easiest and most practical way to book your first show.

Links:

Linktree

SleekBio 

Listen links

Bandhive site

Road Ready

Dayna could hear her song ideas in her head, but she couldn’t get them out onto paper.

And that struggle led her to deciding that it was time to invest in herself and her songwriting.

In just twelve weeks time she transcribed five songs that had only existed in her mind, into five tangible demos.

Because of that, she now has a clear songwriting process, as well as a working plan to get into the studio to record her first single.

Dayna expresses in this video, the importance of investing in coaching, by explaining the time and money-saving path that comes with entrusting a mentor in guiding you through, what can be, confusing waters.

Enjoy this meaningful reflection of a now CONFIDENT songwriter who took full advantage of her mentorship investment.

If you'd like to connect with me for a free 1:1 call with my team, please visit http://www.connorfrost.com/juststart 

If you're having trouble finishing writing your songs, consider trying to BUILD your song.

I break down this reframe in this episode.

If you'd like to connect with me and my team directly for a FREE "JUST START" call, please head to http://www.connorfrost.com/juststart.

Take imperfect action and you never know what opportunities it could lead to! Like playing a show in Beijing.

To connect with me and my team, head to http://www.connorfrost.com/juststart. 

Or on Instagram http://www.instagram.com/connorlfrost

It’s amazing what opportunities can be generated by simply taking action, in this case, releasing that debut album or single.

If you'd like to to connect with me/my team for a free goal-setting call, head to http://www.connorfrost.com/juststart .

Maybe it’s not all about YOU!
⁠
Listen through for an inspiring story which could reframe your whole mindset.⁠
⁠
PS - If you're ready to break through those blocks to finally finish writing your songs and release your first single or album, head to http://www.connorfrost.com/juststart to book your free call.

References:

Capella Daydream

Getting unstuck when it comes to lyrics could be as simple as doing this exercise.

To connect with me and my team directly, please head to http://www.connorfrost.com/juststart. 

So you have a lot of melody ideas, but you don't know how to funnel them into an actual verse.

Where does the phrase start? Where does it end? Where does the verse start? Where does the verse end? 

In this episode, I break down how you can write your first verse melody. 

To connect with me and my team, book your free JUST START call at http://www.connorfrost.com/juststart.

Intro:

I received the first mix for my new song, from a Mixing Engineer the other day.

And after doing this for almost two decades now, I have a much better understanding of what to listen for in a first mix.

But that wasn’t always the case…

Back in 2009, I received the first draft of my band’s first album, and thought to myself…

“I think this sounds good?”

It was a weird feeling…I felt like I should have said more, but I just didn’t know what I didn’t know.

And I didn’t know how to communicate any thoughts that I did have.

It wasn’t until I racked up these experiences that I realized…

I lacked important knowledge and skillsets to listen, analyze, and communicate.

So I’m going to break down the lessons I’ve learned, by sharing the three main elements I listen for, in a first mix…

#1 - volume level of the vocals

Songwriters and singers, myself included, have a tendency to want loud, (or at least “louder”) vocals.

It’s only natural - you work hard on writing meaningful lyrics; you want those words to come through, you want people to relate to the message of your song.

But proceed with caution…

Because the relationship of vocals to instrumentals in a mix, is like salad dressing to greens.

If your dressing simply sits on top of your salad, when you take that first bite, you may only taste the dressing…

Instead of tasting the combination of dressing with greens that makes a salad delicious.

And your vocals are no different.

So when I get that first mix back, I pay special, close attention to this relationship between vocals and instrumental -

AKA are the vocals “sitting on top of” the instrumental? Or are they blended in?

And you’ll see my note in the below email I sent to my mixing engineer, that I felt that the vocals were a little “hot” (“loud”)…

AKA I felt like the blend I was looking for, wasn’t there yet.

#2 - volume level and presence of the kick drum, snare drum, and bassline

A conventional rhythm section is made up of the drums and bass.

And more specifically, the kick drum and snare drum, or whatever sounds are being used to represent that, provide the pulse.

So the relationship between the kick drum, snare, and bass, is crucial.

If those parts aren’t working with each other…(for example, if one of those pieces is drowning out the other two)…

Then that may need to be addressed.

#3 - energy level of key transitions

Songs are made up of “big moments”.

And how you transition into and out of those moments, is crucial.

Now, it’s important to note that these transitions and “big moments”, and how they work with each other, should be addressed during the actual songwriting process.

You can’t fix a songwriting issue with a production or mixing solution, after all.

However, it’s important that the mixing engineer enhance, and outline those transitions.

So you’ll see in the below email, I include a note about the second chorus “losing energy”.

This will be an important adjustment - as there is a feeling of energy building in that section that I want the listeners to feel.

What You Can Do with this:

There are other elements to listen for when you get that first mix back from your producer/engineer.

But these are the three I would suggest honing in on, at the very least.

Especially if you are new to this experience.

I would encourage you to practice “active listening”, not only to your songs, but to other artists’ tunes.

Start to pay attention to these relationships between vocals and instrumentals, and start to identify “big moments” in these songs.

Conclusion:

As always, I hope you found value from this episode.

Happy Writing,

Connor

Book a free call - http://www.connorfrost.com/startcall

In this bonus episode, my client, Zach, AKA Capella Daydream, shares how he wrote, produced, and released his debut album in just six months.

Listen to Capella Daydream here: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3XfbOnwDsfqwvZBka6uuky?si=Mz-YXB2XRReYSwdvRbASGQ

If you'd like to connect with me and my team for a FREE "JUST START" call, head to http://www.connorfrost.com/juststart. 

We come up with a lot of reasons to NOT start and/or finish something, (like release your first song or album), whether it's due to money, job, or whatever else. ⁠
⁠
But the reality is that it all boils down to the fact that we're scared. ⁠
⁠
Once we get over that hump by actually starting, and then eventually finishing, it all becomes a lot easier.⁠⠀
⁠
So here are eight perspectives/thoughts to help you break through that mental barrier. ⁠

If you'd like to connect with me and my team directly for a free "JUST START" call, head to http://www.connorfrost.com/juststart.

Putting ourselves out there for the first time can be scary, whether it's through music, business, or whatever else. ⁠
⁠
In doing so, we hide from the moment, and ultimately decide to shy away from starting and/or finishing an album because of it. ⁠⠀
⁠
Here are three ways to alleviate some of those pressures, so that you can more easily execute, and ultimately get to the finish line.⁠

If you'd like to connect with me and my team directly for a free "JUST START" call, please visit http://www.connorfrost.com/juststart .

You can't finish writing your songs.⁠
⁠
It makes sense - when you start on a fresh idea, it's exciting, and anything goes. You're building from the ground up.⁠
⁠
But the longer you spend on a song, the more tedious it becomes, and the more pressure you start to feel. ⁠
⁠
"Are these lyrics actually 'good'?" ⁠
⁠
"Is this what the Chorus should sound like?" ⁠
⁠
"Do I need something else here?" ⁠
⁠
The voices of self-doubt reverberate. ⁠
⁠
What happens next? ⁠
⁠
You abandon the song all together - it’s easier to just start on a NEW idea.⁠ ⁠
⁠
And so the vicious cycle begins…⁠

Here are four reasons you can't finish writing your songs, and four thoughts to solve the issue.

To book your free "JUST START" call, head to http://www.connorfrost.com/juststart.

I'm very excited to introduce my podcast, Dear Songwriter.

First episode will be launched on April 19th, 2022.

To learn more about how to work directly with me, please visit http://www.connorfrost.com/juststart. 

Originally aired in 2022 - episode 11

So you've released that album, single, or demo, and you're ready to play your first show.

James Cross of the Bandhive podcast, walks us through the easiest and most practical way to book your first show.

Links:

Linktree

SleekBio 

Listen links

Bandhive site

Road Ready

Originally aired in December 2022:

Simon O’ Moore, AKA “Mount Pelier” spent the better part of a decade having trouble writing, making, and releasing music.

But in the last year and a half, he’s taken matters into his own hands, by investing in my mentorship, and going on to write and release his debut EP.

In this interview, we get into his songwriting process and overall journey, from early struggles to eventual release.

Mount Pelier Linktree

Listen to “Ghosts” on Spotify

Listen to “All I Want to Be” on Spotify

Watch the official music video for “All I Want to Be”

Originally aired on May 23rd, 2023

So you’ve finished writing your song, and you got it recorded, mixed, and mastered.

Now what? 

In this episode, my client and friend, Jacob Schrater details his experience with his first release, and most importantly, the lessons he learned, and the mistakes he made.

To connect with Jacob, check him out on all his socials, @jacobschrater, and shoot him a DM on Instagram.

To schedule a free call with me/my team, go ahead and watch the following video first. Then we’ll talk! http://www.connorfrost.com/structurelanding

Originally aired on June 20th, 2023

Dear Songwriter! Today, we tackle the eternal question: should I start with lyrics in my songwriting?

Now, there may be no right way to write a song... but here's the thing—I've discovered that starting with lyrics can bring three incredible benefits to your songwriting process. And trust me, understanding these benefits will not only inspire you to give it a shot, but could also streamline your entire songwriting process. Join me as I dive deep into these benefits, share personal experiences, and provide insights that will open your mind to the power of words and intention.

Slam that play button to walk through my experience with lyrics first!

Originally aired on January 3rd, 2023

There’s no ONE way to become a full-time musician.

But because I get asked the question so much, I thought I’d share my story for all to hear.

It’s not for those looking for a quick hack - that was no my situation.

It took me a decade+ to make music my full-time thing. Take a listen to this episode to hear about it.

Originally aired on December 27th, 2022

I cringed when I first heard this song lol.

But upon further review and analysis, I actually found it to be really interesting - there are a lot of cool things happening in this song.

So I decided to break down three main takeaways I have for this song, which have to do with melody, structure, and lyrics.

As well as a summary to help you take those takeaways and implement them into your own songs.

Dear Songwriter! In this episode, originally released on June 29th, 2023, we're analyzing Sia's empowering song "Unstoppable" from her album "This is Acting," released in 2016. This mid-tempo track showcases intriguing songwriting choices that align with contemporary pop music trends. Join me as I explore three key insights from this song, including the concept of an "elevated prechorus," the incorporation of a "postchorus," and the effective use of vivid metaphors in the chorus.

Discover how Sia's songwriting techniques contribute to the overall impact of "Unstoppable" and see if this can apply to your own musical creations!

Mentions and Links:

Sia - Unstoppable
Sia - This is Acting
Green Day - Redundant
Dear Songwriter: 3 Things We Can Learn from Green Day’s “Redundant”
Dear Songwriter: What We Can Learn about Songwriting from Pearl Jam’s “Jeremy”
Pearl Jam - Jeremy

Dear songwriter,

Are you overwhelmed by the plethora of sounds and instruments you have at your disposal once you open up your Digital Audio Workstation (DAW)? I've been there too, and this episode is designed to be your friendly guide through the seemingly daunting terrain of music production. We're diving into the art of creating purposeful music with insights from my own journey from creating sounds to forging music with intention and precision.

You will be guided through a step-by-step process aimed at helping you make decisions about which instruments to use in your tracks and which ones to boot. Learn how to externalize and implement a mental checklist that brings clarity as you write, arrange, and produce your new songs.

Four Questions I Ask During the Demo Production Process:

1. What is the role of the instrument I’m adding?
2. What is the context for this instrument (AKA why is it even there?)
3. What is its relationship with the other instruments and voices?
4. Do I even need this instrument? 

Take this chance to transform your DAW session from a daunting challenge into a playground of limitless potential!

Like what your hearing in the Dear Songwriter... podcast? Leave us quick review or 5 star rating on Spotify or Apple Podcasts!

Mentions and Links:

Social Media:

• Instagram: @connorlfrost

Songs/Artists:

• While My Guitar Gently Weeps - The Beatles

Digital Audio Workstations(DAWs):

• GarageBand
• Pro Tools
• Logic Pro

Podcasts:

• 108. Analyzing the Songwriting of The Beatles' George Harrison

Dear Songwriter,

Are you ready to dive into the songwriting secrets belonging to The Beatles' quiet genius, George Harrison? Today, we'll be breaking down the timeless tracks "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" and "Something" to see what makes them so great. We'll uncover the mystery of why these songs chose to forego the comforts of a traditional chorus, and instead, follow a jazz-like structure.

With George Harrison's deep understanding of musical storytelling, we'll delineate the characteristics that set his creations apart from the typical pop song. You will also unearth the underlying similarities that are subtly woven into these two distinct songs. Ultimately, the goal of this episode is not just to marvel at Harrison's extraordinary talent, but to extract and introduce his unique techniques into your songwriting universe.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• The distinct role of the guitar in Harrison's songs
• The transition between minor and major keys
• The power of subtle lyrical repetitions
• Understanding the absence of a traditional chorus.
• The unique, jazz-like structure of these compositions

Are you ready to resonate your own songs with some of this Beatles magic? Let's get into it with today's episode!

Ever wanted to connect with like-minded songwriters, embarking on the same journey as you? Join our free group, Songwriter's Vault, for exclusive trainings and a chance to connect: https://connorfrost.com/vaultpodcast

Mentions and Links:

Songs/Artists:

• While My Guitar Gently Weeps - The Beatles
• Something - The Beatles

Musicians/Songwriters:

• Paul McCartney 
• John Lennon
• George Harrison

Movies/Books:

• Star Wars
• Harry Potter