The Magic of Songwriting with Francesca de Valence – Details, episodes & analysis

In the next few episodes we take you to the serene blue waters of Airlie Beach for the Whitsundays Songwriter Festival 2024. This year, Jude York joined the festival as one of the professional songwriters. Jude York is a fast-rising Australian star, whose self-produced pop delicacies have gone viral. Join us as we chat with Jude about co-writing, collaboration and more.

About Jude: Jude York is a fast-rising Australian star, whose self-produced pop delicacies have gone viral. Growing up rurally with an opera-singer mother and jingle-writer father, there was little else for Jude to do but create his own musical world. In 2022, Jude debuted with a unique cult-favourite performance in Australia’s national round for Eurovision, before releasing hits, ‘Mr Porcelain’ and ‘Cashew.’ With breathtaking vulnerability, Jude quickly garnered a fanbase of like minded misfits, a community solidified by seeing him live on tour throughout Europe supporting Dean Lewis and later on his own headline tour of Australia.

With 6 million streams on his first mixtape, a Queensland Music Award under his belt and Jude’s latest sensation, ‘Monaco’ climbing the international charts and amassing a staggering 1 million streams in its first week, a new era is on the horizon for the pop star-in-the-making.
Contact Jude York : Website / Facebook / Instagram

Find out more and contact us at I Heart Songwriting Club & Francesca de Valence.
Find out more about the Whitsundays Songwriter Festival here. Join I Heart Songwriting Club’s Co-writing Course here.

Get your creativity, confidence, and songwriting output flowing. Join The Club and receive the support and structure to write 10 songs in 10 weeks and get feedback from a private peer community. 

Just getting started on your songwriting journey and need more hands-on support? Establish a firm foundation and develop your musical and lyric skills with our Beginner Songwriting Courses. 

Don’t struggle to write your next album - write an album a year with ease! Watch our Free Songwriting Masterclass. 

Get songwriting insights from I Heart Songwriting Club: Instagram / Facebook / YouTube

Be inspired by Francesca on socials: YouTube / Facebook / Instagram

Theme song: “Put One Foot In Front Of The Other One” music and lyrics by Francesca de Valence 

If you love this episode, please subscribe, leave a review and tell everyone you know about The Magic of Songwriting.

Welcome to Season 7 of the Magic of Songwriting Podcast. This season is all about collaboration and co-writing. Collaboration is an inherent part of being a musician, but is often a behind the scenes thing. To help shed light on this, I interview songwriters and artists of all experience levels about their co-writing - from multiple-ARIA winning artist, Wendy Matthews, to first-time co-writers. And I do all of this, from the most beautiful places in Queensland, Australia - on location at the Whitsundays Songwriter Festival 2024, and in situ at our 10th Anniversary Songwriting Retreat near the Border Ranges National Park.

Find out more and contact us at I Heart Songwriting Club & Francesca de Valence.

Get your creativity, confidence, and songwriting output flowing. Join The Club and receive the support and structure to write 10 songs in 10 weeks and get feedback from a private peer community. This is THE essential writing practice that has changed the careers and lives of 1000s of songwriters worldwide. 

Just getting started on your songwriting journey and need more hands-on support? Establish a firm foundation and develop your musical and lyric skills with our Beginner Songwriting Courses. They are the perfect place to begin and cover everything you need to know to write your first songs. You’ll receive lessons from Francesca directly! 

Don’t struggle to write your next album - write an album a year with ease! Watch our Free Songwriting Masterclass. 

Want more for your songwriting but don’t know where to go from here? Take the I Heart Songwriting Club Quiz to discover your next steps and inspire your way to writing better songs.

Get songwriting insights from I Heart Songwriting Club: Instagram / Facebook / YouTube

Be inspired by Francesca on socials:YouTube / Facebook / Instagram

Theme song: “Put One Foot In Front Of The Other One” music and lyrics by Francesca de Valence 

If you love this episode, please subscribe, leave a review and tell everyone you know about The Magic of Songwriting. 

Thank you for joining us.

Music publishing is an area of the music industry that is complex and hard to get a handle on so we ask publisher and 2019 Billboard International Power Player, Rachel Kelly all the hard questions: What is a music publisher? How do they support songwriters? And do you really need a publishing deal? This episode is a solid overview of music publishing and how they can support songwriters.

Timestamp: 
4:45 - What does a publisher do?
8:50 - How do publishers pitch songs to artists?
15:00 - We talk selling songs vs selling catalogues
19:35 - Pitching for Sync vs Pitching for A&R Cuts 
26:00 - Examples of publishing deals 
33.50 - How to get a publishing deal?

About Rachel: 
With over 20 years’ experience in music publishing, Rachel Kelly has held executive roles at both major and independent publishers including Downtown, BMG Rights Management, J Albert & Son (Alberts) and Warner/Chappell.  In 2019 Rachel was named as a Billboard International Power Player. She served for two years as a board member for the Australasian Music Publishers Association (AMPAL) and mentor for Women in Music. 

Find out more and contact us at I Heart Songwriting Club & Francesca de Valence.

Get your creativity, confidence, and songwriting output flowing. Join The Club and receive the support and structure to write 10 songs in 10 weeks and get feedback from a private peer community. 

Just getting started on your songwriting journey and need more hands-on support? Establish a firm foundation and develop your musical and lyric skills with our Beginner Songwriting Courses. 

Don’t struggle to write your next album - write an album a year with ease! Watch our Free Songwriting Masterclass. 

Get songwriting insights from I Heart Songwriting Club: Instagram / Facebook / YouTube

Be inspired by Francesca on socials: YouTube / Facebook / Instagram

Theme song: “Put One Foot In Front Of The Other One” music and lyrics by Francesca de Valence 

If you love this episode, please subscribe, leave a review and tell everyone you know about The Magic of Songwriting.

Welcome to Season 6 of the Magic of Songwriting Podcast. This season is all about songwriting opportunities - from publishing deals, pitching your songs to artists, co-writing, sync opportunities and more. By the end of this season, our hope is that you will have a greater understanding of how songwriters can grow their careers, networks, and opportunities. 

Find out more and contact us at I Heart Songwriting Club & Francesca de Valence.

Get your creativity, confidence, and songwriting output flowing. Join The Club and receive the support and structure to write 10 songs in 10 weeks and get feedback from a private peer community. This is THE essential writing practice that has changed the careers and lives of 1000s of songwriters worldwide. 

Just getting started on your songwriting journey and need more hands-on support? Establish a firm foundation and develop your musical and lyric skills with our Beginner Songwriting Courses. They are the perfect place to begin and cover everything you need to know to write your first songs. You’ll receive lessons from Francesca directly! 

Don’t struggle to write your next album - write an album a year with ease! Watch our Free Songwriting Masterclass. 

Want more for your songwriting but don’t know where to go from here? Take the I Heart Songwriting Club Quiz to discover your next steps and inspire your way to writing better songs.

Get songwriting insights from I Heart Songwriting Club: 

Instagram

Facebook

YouTube

Be inspired by Francesca on socials:

YouTube

Facebook

Instagram

Theme song: “Put One Foot In Front Of The Other One” music and lyrics by Francesca de Valence 

If you love this episode, please subscribe, leave a review and tell everyone you know about The Magic of Songwriting. 

Thank you for joining us.

The idea of playing your music on a stage at a key industry event somewhere in the world can sound alluring, but showcasing can be a big financial investment and should be part of a much bigger picture growth strategy for you as an artist. How do you know if the time is right for you to showcase and what’s involved?

 

Want Professional Development mentorship to guide and support you to release your songs to the world? Find out more about Level Up Club here. 

Find out more and contact us at I Heart Songwriting Club & Francesca de Valence.

Get your creativity, confidence, and songwriting output flowing. Join The Club and receive the support and structure to write 10 songs in 10 weeks and get feedback from a private peer community. This is THE essential writing practice that has changed the careers and lives of 1000s of songwriters worldwide. 

Just getting started on your songwriting journey and need more hands-on support? Establish a firm foundation and develop your musical and lyric skills with our Beginner Songwriting Courses. They are the perfect place to begin and cover everything you need to know to write your first songs. You’ll receive lessons from Francesca directly! 

Don’t struggle to write your next album - write an album a year with ease! Watch our Free Songwriting Masterclass. 

Want more for your songwriting but don’t know where to go from here? Take the I Heart Songwriting Club Quiz to discover your next steps and inspire your way to writing better songs.

Get songwriting insights from I Heart Songwriting Club: 

Instagram

Facebook

YouTube

Be inspired by Francesca on socials:

YouTube

Facebook

Instagram

Theme song: “Put One Foot In Front Of The Other One” music and lyrics by Francesca de Valence 

If you love this episode, please subscribe, leave a review and tell everyone you know about The Magic of Songwriting. 

Thank you for joining us.

To shed light on the intricacies of the PR landscape, the potential impact of publicity on your release, and what you can realistically anticipate, we spoke with a PR expert, Genna Alexopoulos. This episode offers valuable insights for artists navigating the complex PR decision-making process and the impact of the multifaceted PR world on the artistic journey.

Want Professional Development mentorship to guide and support you to release your songs to the world? Find out more about Level Up Club here. 

Find out more and contact us at I Heart Songwriting Club & Francesca de Valence.

About Genna Alexopoulos: 
Genna Alexopoulos is the founder of Super Duper, a Melbourne-based music publicity and consulting company. Genna has led PR strategy for artists including Alex the Astronaut, Camp Cope, Jaguar Jonze and Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers, and programs with Sydney Opera House, City Recital Hall, National Geographic, Zoos Victoria, Taronga Zoo and more. Contact Genna here.

Timestamp:
4:45 - What is a publicist and what is PR?
7:40 - The importance of correctly positioning the pitch
12:10 - Telling people what is happening is not bragging
13:54 - How do artists and PR teams connect?
21:18 - Is PR worth the money it costs?
29:03 - What can an artist do to be their own PR agent?

Get your creativity, confidence, and songwriting output flowing. Join The Club and receive the support and structure to write 10 songs in 10 weeks and get feedback from a private peer community. This is THE essential writing practice that has changed the careers and lives of 1000s of songwriters worldwide. 

Just getting started on your songwriting journey and need more hands-on support? Establish a firm foundation and develop your musical and lyric skills with our Beginner Songwriting Courses. They are the perfect place to begin and cover everything you need to know to write your first songs. You’ll receive lessons from Francesca directly! 

Don’t struggle to write your next album - write an album a year with ease! Watch our Free Songwriting Masterclass. 

Want more for your songwriting but don’t know where to go from here? Take the I Heart Songwriting Club Quiz to discover your next steps and inspire your way to writing better songs.

Get songwriting insights from I Heart Songwriting Club: 

Instagram

Facebook

YouTube

Be inspired by Francesca on socials:

YouTube

Facebook

Instagram

Theme song: “Put One Foot In Front Of The Other One” music and lyrics by Francesca de Valence 

If you love this episode, please subscribe, leave a review and tell everyone you know about The Magic of Songwriting. 

Thank you for joining us.

Viv Mellish, founding partner from GYROstream, shares how independent artists can best use their digital distribution service and power up their digital marketing game to make the most of release day and reach as many people as possible.

Viv mentions Every Noise At Once as a tool to help you get clear on your genre. 

Want Professional Development mentorship to guide and support you to release your songs to the world? Find out more about Level Up Club here. 

Find out more and contact us at I Heart Songwriting Club & Francesca de Valence.

About Viv Mellish: 
Viv Mellish is a founding partner and CMO at independent, Queensland-based digital music distribution and artist services companies, GYROstream and DistroDirect. Viv oversees GYROstream and DistroDirect's global marketing and A&R strategy as well as the wider artist promotions team across DSPs, PR and Digital Marketing. Viv has previously held marketing, communications and PR roles in a range of sectors including music, the Commonwealth Games, politics, theatre and film. She is also on the board of QMusic, Queensland’s peak music industry body which also oversees events such as the QMAs and BIGSOUND. Contact Gyrostream here.

Timestamp:
2.00 - What a music distribution company does and how to get your music onto streaming sites 
9.00 - Metadata, DSP backends and choosing your genre
13:30 - Your release checklist 
18:00 - How a pre-save campaign can impact release day 
26.25 - Paid digital advertising - when and when not to use it 
29:50 - Release day and post release campaign insights
 

Get your creativity, confidence, and songwriting output flowing. Join The Club and receive the support and structure to write 10 songs in 10 weeks and get feedback from a private peer community. This is THE essential writing practice that has changed the careers and lives of 1000s of songwriters worldwide. 

Just getting started on your songwriting journey and need more hands-on support? Establish a firm foundation and develop your musical and lyric skills with our Beginner Songwriting Courses. They are the perfect place to begin and cover everything you need to know to write your first songs. You’ll receive lessons from Francesca directly! 

Don’t struggle to write your next album - write an album a year with ease! Watch our Free Songwriting Masterclass. 

Want more for your songwriting but don’t know where to go from here? Take the I Heart Songwriting Club Quiz to discover your next steps and inspire your way to writing better songs.

Get songwriting insights from I Heart Songwriting Club: 

Instagram

Facebook

YouTube

Be inspired by Francesca on socials:

YouTube

Facebook

Instagram

Theme song: “Put One Foot In Front Of The Other One” music and lyrics by Francesca de Valence 

If you love this episode, please subscribe, leave a review and tell everyone you know about The Magic of Songwriting. 

Thank you for joining us.

In this industry conversation with Michael Parisi, we look at how he took Celia Pavey from a third-place finish on The Voice to Aussie pop sensation Vera Blue. If you’re still developing your artistic sound and look, or evolving it to the next level, check out this conversation for some practical and inspiring tips to create your unique artist brand. 

Want Professional Development mentorship to guide and support you to release your songs to the world? Find out more about Level Up Club here. 

Find out more and contact us at I Heart Songwriting Club & Francesca de Valence.

About Michael Parisi: 
Michael Parisi is one of Australia's most renowned A&R people: an acknowledged master of finding and nurturing raw talent and connecting it to successful outcomes. In more than 30 years in all facets of the global music business, the artists he has signed have accounted for sixteen #1 albums and 15 million album sales. From REM and the Red Hot Chili Peppers to Muse, Kylie Minogue, and the Whitlams, Michael has helped to forge the musical landscape of the last 30 years. Today, his management, music publishing, and recording and consultancy connections span from The Voice in Australia to the world's largest music conglomerate, Universal Music. Check out Parisi’s podcast, Vinyl Tap here.

Timestamp:
04:31 - Understanding exactly what A&R is 

07:31 - What are A&R reps looking for initially these days? 

08:21 - What about the music? 

08:50 - Understanding your expectations as an artist 

10:04 - How to develop your sound and personality 

14:10 - Making a mood board for the visual aspects of your act 

18:40 - None of this matters without a strong work ethic 

23:30 - Getting a publishing deal 

Get your creativity, confidence, and songwriting output flowing. Join The Club and receive the support and structure to write 10 songs in 10 weeks and get feedback from a private peer community. This is THE essential writing practice that has changed the careers and lives of 1000s of songwriters worldwide. 

Just getting started on your songwriting journey and need more hands-on support? Establish a firm foundation and develop your musical and lyric skills with our Beginner Songwriting Courses. They are the perfect place to begin and cover everything you need to know to write your first songs. You’ll receive lessons from Francesca directly! 

Don’t struggle to write your next album - write an album a year with ease! Watch our Free Songwriting Masterclass. 

Want more for your songwriting but don’t know where to go from here? Take the I Heart Songwriting Club Quiz to discover your next steps and inspire your way to writing better songs.

Get songwriting insights from I Heart Songwriting Club: 

Instagram

Facebook

YouTube

Be inspired by Francesca on socials:

YouTube

Facebook

Instagram

Theme song: “Put One Foot In Front Of The Other One” music and lyrics by Francesca de Valence 

If you love this episode, please subscribe, leave a review and tell everyone you know about The Magic of Songwriting. 

Thank you for joining us.

In this industry conversation with music media stalwart Stephen Green, we tackle the question of what marketing is from a macro viewpoint as well as best practices for pitching to media outlets and radio, and how artists can focus their marketing efforts on where it counts most and for maximum impact. 

Want Professional Development mentorship to guide and support you to release your songs to the world? Find out more about Level Up Club here. 

Find out more and contact us at I Heart Songwriting Club & Francesca de Valence.

About Stephen Green: 
Stephen Green is the CEO of The Music Press, which runs four of Australia's most vital music media outlets, TheMusic.com.au, Purple Sneakers, Kill Your Stereo and Countrytown, speaking to nearly half a million music fans every month. Stephen also runs communications company SGC Media and Radio Monitor, Australia's key B2B airplay statistics platform. Stephen has been working in music media and marketing for over 25 years, with his businesses spearheading campaigns for the likes of Gurrumul, Sheppard, Fire Fight Australia, BIGSOUND, Queensland Music Trails and more. He's also a Dad, husband, vinyl collector, political campaigner and music industry advocate.


Timestamp:
2:45 - You never know who the next big songwriting or artist is going to be 
6:53 - This is what makes a great song 
10:30 - How an enhanced fan opportunity created different audience dynamics on Hansen’s tour 
13:50 - How emotional connection to a song is enhanced by key events in your life 
16:00 - Choosing songs is part of the marketing strategy 
23:40 - Big marketing mistake artists make 
36:05 - What works well when doing your own pitching and publicity
54:00 - Why marketing services cost so much

Get your creativity, confidence, and songwriting output flowing. Join The Club and receive the support and structure to write 10 songs in 10 weeks and get feedback from a private peer community. This is THE essential writing practice that has changed the careers and lives of 1000s of songwriters worldwide. 

Just getting started on your songwriting journey and need more hands-on support? Establish a firm foundation and develop your musical and lyric skills with our Beginner Songwriting Courses. They are the perfect place to begin and cover everything you need to know to write your first songs. You’ll receive lessons from Francesca directly! 

Don’t struggle to write your next album - write an album a year with ease! Watch our Free Songwriting Masterclass. 

Want more for your songwriting but don’t know where to go from here? Take the I Heart Songwriting Club Quiz to discover your next steps and inspire your way to writing better songs.

Get songwriting insights from I Heart Songwriting Club: 

Instagram

Facebook

YouTube

Be inspired by Francesca on socials:

YouTube

Facebook

Instagram

Theme song: “Put One Foot In Front Of The Other One” music and lyrics by Francesca de Valence 

If you love this episode, please subscribe, leave a review and tell everyone you know about The Magic of Songwriting. 

Thank you for joining us.

It’s not what you know, it's who you know. If you struggle with networking at music industry events, then be empowered and guided with a few simple tips to help you to stay grounded, present and balanced so that you can build quality relationships for your career.

Want Professional Development mentorship to guide and support you to release your songs to the world? Find out more about Level Up Club here. 

Find out more and contact us at I Heart Songwriting Club & Francesca de Valence.

Get your creativity, confidence, and songwriting output flowing. Join The Club and receive the support and structure to write 10 songs in 10 weeks and get feedback from a private peer community. This is THE essential writing practice that has changed the careers and lives of 1000s of songwriters worldwide. 

Just getting started on your songwriting journey and need more hands-on support? Establish a firm foundation and develop your musical and lyric skills with our Beginner Songwriting Courses. They are the perfect place to begin and cover everything you need to know to write your first songs. You’ll receive lessons from Francesca directly! 

Don’t struggle to write your next album - write an album a year with ease! Watch our Free Songwriting Masterclass. 

Want more for your songwriting but don’t know where to go from here? Take the I Heart Songwriting Club Quiz to discover your next steps and inspire your way to writing better songs.

Get songwriting insights from I Heart Songwriting Club: 

Instagram

Facebook

YouTube

Be inspired by Francesca on socials:

YouTube

Facebook

Instagram

Theme song: “Put One Foot In Front Of The Other One” music and lyrics by Francesca de Valence 

If you love this episode, please subscribe, leave a review and tell everyone you know about The Magic of Songwriting. 

Thank you for joining us.