Explore every episode of the podcast What's in a Song
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part 2 Taylor Swift "Ruin the Friendship" The music, Nashville tunings, copy right infringement | 26 juin 2026 | 00:32:33 | |
In this episode Scarlet Keys is joined with Forensic Musicologist Dr. Joe Bennett. Joe breaks down the chords in this song and shares Nashville tunings for the guitar. Joe gets granular in this discussion as he compares Lenny Kravit's "It Ain't over 'til it's over" with "Ruin the friendship" and clarify's what constitutes copyright infringement. He talks about copyrighting your songs and how to protect your original work while still finding inspiration from songs you love. Chord progression in "Ruin the Friendship: D GMaj7/B Csus2 G5 Nashville tunings: Need two sets of guitar strings Take off the 4 thickest strings and replace with much lighter strings replace bass strings with much lighter strings. Bass to treble change tuning to: BE are the same but others are an octave higher How to copyright your songs and protect your work work.Support this podcast: https://buymeacoffee.com/scarlet.keys Venmo: @scarlet-keys Songwriting retreats:
Join the “What’s in a Song” community: https://buymeacoffee.com/scarlet.keys Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/ https://www.amazon.com/What-All-Goes-Right-Practicing/dp/B0CTYVQ9Q8 Joe Bennett: To learn more about forensic musicology and professor Joe Bennett: https://joebennett.net/ Mailing list: Mixed by Peter Sykes: https://www.petersykesmusic.com/ Scarlet's website: | |||
| Part 1 Taylor Swift "Ruin the Friendship" - lyric techniques and the power of a great bridge | 12 juin 2026 | 00:52:04 | |
In this episode, we talk about Taylor Swift's narrative and lyric techniques. We break down the bridge in the song "Ruin the Friendship" with a focus on lyrical techniques and a touch on melody. We talk about the power of a bridge and the alchemy this bridge has on the rest of the narrative. Support this podcast: https://buymeacoffee.com/scarlet.keys Venmo: @scarlet-keys What members are saying: "I've been in Scarlet's songwriting group since it began. I've learned so much from Scarlet, her guests, and from the other members. It's been an important part of my songwriting journey." - Neale Eckstein I really have grown through your community. Here is a quote that captures my feelings ..... "Through lyric-writing practice, craft-focused feedback, and a supportive community of songwriters, I've become a stronger storyteller in song and gained confidence to share those stories with a wider audience." ... Joe Howell "Scarlet was my first songwriting professor when I was a student at Berklee College of Music. I had never written a song before and left her class with a catalogue of finished songs and an immense love for the craft of writing. 10 years later, I'm now a professional musician, songwriter, and songwriting coach. Through the years, I have been encouraged by the wisdom and insight Scarlet has to offer. I'm not a morning person, but I look forward to the Friday morning sessions where I log on with my bed head, notebook, and cup of tea. The group offers a sense of community with other kind writers working on their art and finding joy in this world through music. The meetings are a positive start to my weekend and keep me inspired as I work on my various music projects. I am so fortunate enough to learn from Scarlet with her positive spirit and love for songwriting."
Songwriting retreats:
Join the “What’s in a Song” community: https://buymeacoffee.com/scarlet.keys Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/ https://www.amazon.com/What-All-Goes-Right-Practicing/dp/B0CTYVQ9Q8 Joe Bennett: To learn more about forensic musicology and professor Joe Bennett: https://joebennett.net/ Mailing list: Mixed by Peter Sykes: https://www.petersykesmusic.com/ Scarlet's website: | |||
| Diagnosing a song | 23 avr. 2026 | 00:09:42 | |
In this episode we talk about the critical thinking skills of a songwriter and the puzzle of the song. When your song feels like it's missing something or you might feel bored by your own song but don't know what to do to change it. After the song is written, it's important to know what to look for on how to make the song as effective as possible. I hope you will join me for my next online class to learn what to look for and the solutions that can make your song as impactful as possible. Master class: "Diagnosing a song" May 1st 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. E.T. Cost: $45.00 Eventbrite sign up: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1988234179954?aff=oddtdtcreator Submit song to be chosen for critique: Send sharable google file of lyric or lyric doc to: To sign up Venmo: @scarlet-keys Songwriting retreats:
Support this podcast: https://buymeacoffee.com/scarlet.keys
Join the “What’s in a Song” community: https://buymeacoffee.com/scarlet.keys Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/ https://www.amazon.com/What-All-Goes-Right-Practicing/dp/B0CTYVQ9Q8 Joe Bennett: To learn more about forensic musicology and professor Joe Bennett: https://joebennett.net/ Mailing list: Mixed by Peter Sykes: https://www.petersykesmusic.com/ Scarlet's website: | |||
| Taylor Swift's Eldest Daughter break down with Guest forensic musicologist Joe Bennett | 09 févr. 2026 | 01:29:05 | |
Welcome back to a new season! We are continuing on with the Life of a Show Girl interpreted with new up coming episodes. Today, I am joined with Dr. Joe Bennett as we break down "Eldest Daughter" by Taylor Swift. Songwriting retreats:
Support this podcast: https://buymeacoffee.com/scarlet.keys
Join the “What’s in a Song” community: https://buymeacoffee.com/scarlet.keys Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/ https://www.amazon.com/What-All-Goes-Right-Practicing/dp/B0CTYVQ9Q8 Joe Bennett: To learn more about forensic musicology and professor Joe Bennett: https://joebennett.net/ Mailing list: Mixed by Peter Sykes: https://www.petersykesmusic.com/ Scarlet's website: | |||
| Taylor Swift's "Father Figure" The break down with guest Forensic musicologist Joe Bennett | 10 nov. 2025 | 01:17:36 | |
In this episode, we break down Father Figure from Taylor Swift's record "The Life of a Showgirl". In this episode we look at:
The songwriting secrets of Taylor Swift Nov 18th: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1811786424969?aff=oddtdtcreator Support this podcast: https://buymeacoffee.com/scarlet.keys
Join the “What’s in a Song” community: https://buymeacoffee.com/scarlet.keys Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/ https://www.amazon.com/What-All-Goes-Right-Practicing/dp/B0CTYVQ9Q8 Joe Bennett: To learn more about forensic musicology and professor Joe Bennett: https://joebennett.net/ Mailing list: Mixed by Peter Sykes: https://www.petersykesmusic.com/ Scarlet's website: | |||
| Taylor Swift's Opalite - break down | 26 oct. 2025 | 01:22:38 | |
Track32 on "The Life of a Showgirl" - Opalite I'm back with Forensic Musicologist Dr. Joe Bennett In this episode we look at:
To sign up with the virtual live master class "The Songwriting of Taylor Swift" with Scarlet Keys: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1811786424969?aff=oddtdtcreator Joe Bennett: To learn more about forensic musicology and professor Joe Bennett: https://joebennett.net/ Mailing list: Instagram: @scarletkeysofficial Become a member of the What's in a song songwriting community or become a supporter: https://buymeacoffee.com/scarlet.keys Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/ https://www.amazon.com/What-All-Goes-Right-Practicing/dp/B0CTYVQ9Q8 To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songwriting: Mixed by Peter Sykes: https://www.petersykesmusic.com/ Scarlet's website: Scarlet's website: | |||
| Taylor Swift's "Elizabeth Taylor" - The break down | 13 oct. 2025 | 01:22:50 | |
Track 2 on "The Life of a Showgirl" - Elizabeth Taylor I'm back with Forensic Musicologist Dr. Joe Bennett In this episode we look at:
To sign up with the virtual live master class "The Songwriting of Taylor Swift" with Scarlet Keys: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1811786424969?aff=oddtdtcreator Mailing list: Instagram: @scarletkeysofficial Become a member of the What's in a song songwriting community or become a supporter: https://buymeacoffee.com/scarlet.keys Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/ https://www.amazon.com/What-All-Goes-Right-Practicing/dp/B0CTYVQ9Q8 To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songwriting: To learn more about forensic musicology and professor Joe Bennett: https://joebennett.net/ Mixed by Peter Sykes: https://www.petersykesmusic.com/ Scarlet's website: | |||
| Breaking down Taylor Swift's "The Fate of Ophelia" with Musicologist Joe Bennett | 06 oct. 2025 | 00:53:57 | |
This is the first of a 12 episode series where Berklee College of music professor Scarlet Keys talks about each song off of the new Taylor Swift album "The Life of a Showgirl" searching for clues and signature moves that Swift uses as a writer to write songs that resonate with millions of listeners and pack stadiums. They are listening for literary devices, chord progression, ear worm, melodic hooks and theme. Scarlet wrote the course "The songwriting of Taylor Swift" for Berklee College and Berklee online. Today she is joined by Forensic musicologist Joe Bennett. Each episode ends with a song prompt based on each song that you can try in your own writing. Instagram: @scarletkeysofficial Become a member of the What's in a song songwriting community or become a supporter: https://buymeacoffee.com/scarlet.keys Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/ https://www.amazon.com/What-All-Goes-Right-Practicing/dp/B0CTYVQ9Q8 To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songwriting: To learn more about forensic musicology and professor Joe Bennett: https://joebennett.net/ Mixed by Peter Sykes: https://www.petersykesmusic.com/ Scarlet's website: | |||
| It's never to late to become a songwriter with former Berklee College of music president Roger Brown | 16 sept. 2025 | 01:03:16 | |
About this weeks guest: Roger Brown is an American businessman, philanthropist, and academic administrator and former president of Berklee College of Music. Brown is also the co-founder of Bright Horizons and founder and chairman of the Salt Lick Incubator. He is most recently a grammy nominated songwriter!!! In this episode, Roger talks about becoming a songwriter later in life, writing the truth and retiring from Berklee and creating a company for emerging artists called The Salt Lick Incubator: https://www.saltlickincubator.org/saltlicksessions Become a member of the What's in a song songwriting community: https://buymeacoffee.com/scarlet.keys Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/ Mixed by Peter Sykes: https://www.petersykesmusic.com/ Scarlet's website: | |||
| From Buzz to Bond: Queen of PR Ariel Hyatt talks about how to create real fans | 12 août 2025 | 01:03:30 | |
Today, Ariel Hyatt introduces the concept of the Three Communities every artist must understand: She talks about the power of the mailing list, gaining true fans and if you only have 10 min a day to market, how should you spend your time. To sign up for Scarlet's virtual Metaphor class: Monday Aug. 25th at 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. click here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1579585736459?aff=oddtdtcreator About this week's guest: Since the dawn of the digital music age, Ariel has helped thousands of artists across all genres and career stages navigate the confusing and ever-changing music business with greater ease and efficiency. Her passion, expertise, and intuitive guidance make her a transformative force for musicians looking to accelerate their careers. Ariel’s greatest strengths lie in making what feels overwhelming and complicated seem easy and digestible, teaching, creating artist systems, and her relentless quest for learning. Ariel’s firsthand experience with creative struggles shapes her mission to support artists. Through her work as an author, podcaster, and course creator, she provides tools to help musicians thrive. “Growing a music career has a science to it, but no one-size-fits-all map— each artist’s path is their own.” Her commitment to educating artists has taken her to over 70 conferences in 13 countries, including SXSW, MONDO, Vivid Sydney, Hubspot Ignite, and Social Media Week New York. She has also toured Canada and Australia, teaching marketing masterclasses to artists and created multiple courses for top music industry colleges and universities. She has written six books on PR, crowdfunding, and new media, including Music Success in 9 Weeks, Cyber PR for Musicians, Social Media Tuneup, Crowdstart, and The Ultimate Guide to Music Publicity.
https://www.amazon.com/Buzz-Bond-Chasing-Lasting-Career/dp/0989521028/ref=sr_1_1?crid=22NAE6QT3T1O9&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.VFTjNuRgPLUT7N3qJGCJ0A.1BV3jiuiWdEXB0NWY2LobhOEdGy27dS1qRu9Xdg1ZtE&dib_tag=se&keywords=from+buzz+to+bond+ariel+hyatt&qid=1754959570&sprefix=from+buzz+to+bond%2Caps%2C126&sr=8-1On today's show I have PR expert Ariel Hyatt:
https://buymeacoffee.com/scarlet.keys Scarlet's website: Mixed by Peter Sykes: https://www.petersykesmusic.com/ Scarlet's website: | |||
| Imposter Syndrome (no more) with Dr. Jill Stoddard on the inner critic, the wise mind and so much more | 23 mai 2025 | 00:57:03 | |
To sign up for the online songwriting in process class: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1376858744569?aff=oddtdtcreator On today's show I have Psychologist Dr. Jill Stoddard So much of what goes into a song is the psychology of the songwriter. Mindset is so important to the creative. Today, Dr. Stoddard talks about how to work with our inner critic, why we have it, how to focus on meaning even when your critique is loud. She talks about how important self compassion is to the creative and the wise mind. How persona can help an artist and so much more! More about Jill: To find Jill's book: To join the weekly writing class: https://buymeacoffee.com/scarlet.keys The monthly membership: https://buymeacoffee.com/scarlet.keys Scarlet's website: Mixed by Peter Sykes: https://www.petersykesmusic.com/ Scarlet's website: | |||
| Writing songs for Social Change with Multi grammy winning singer/songwriter Mark Simos | 25 avr. 2025 | 01:31:00 | |
In this episode, Mark Simos takes us through writing songs for social change, political protest, songs for that evoke empathy and songs of conscience. We talk metaphor, point of view and the most effective way to handle this delicate topic. We give you a song prompt and this episode is woven with songwriting crafts gems. Spotify songs for social justice: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0PigbEAOxbwXOwvHFsq1vZ?si=cc729ee146d54003 To join the weekly writing class: https://buymeacoffee.com/scarlet.keys The monthly membership: https://buymeacoffee.com/scarlet.keys Scarlet's website: Mixed by Peter Sykes: https://www.petersykesmusic.com/ Scarlet's website: | |||
| Creative agility and writing process with hit songwriting Rodney Alejandro | 22 févr. 2025 | 00:46:40 | |
Upcoming classes: To sign up for the April 5th workshop: "The songwriting of Taylor Swift": To support this podcast and membership: https://buymeacoffee.com/scarlet.keys Show take aways:
ABOUT TODAY'S GUEST: Rodney Alejandro Grammy nominated artist/songwriter/producer Rodney Alejandro stands as a formidable polymath whose talents span an impressive array of roles both on stage and in the studio. Renowned for his dynamic passion for music, Alejandro has excelled as a His innovative arrangements transformed the band’s hits into captivating live experiences, weaving emotional Alejandro’s illustrious career as a live performer includes collaborations with an array of music legends. From the Latin rhythms of Mañá, and Chucho Valdez y Irakere to the soulful strains of Stevie Wonder and Labrinth, to the rock prowess of Roger Daltry and Bunburry, his diverse collaborations have cemented his reputation as a versatile and sought-after talent. His songwriting and production prowess has earned him accolades across multiple genres, including English, Latin, and Asian music markets. He has contributed to multiple Grammy and Latin Grammy nominated projects and earned a Billboard Latin Pop Album of the Year, along with numerous gold and platinum certifications. In the studio, Alejandro's versatility shines through, with his fingerprints on projects ranging from R&B giants like Ray Charles and The Tempatations, to Latin superstars like Kumbia Kings and Olga Tañon, Zydeco royalty Sean Ardoin, and rock legend Sammy Hagar. His contributions have spanned various projects showcasing his ability to adapt His work has also enriched the soundtracks of programs like CBS’s “The Unit”, HBO’s “Pee-Wee Herman's Broadway Special” and “Smallville.” His commitment to learning continued as he pursued an Entertainment Business Scarlet's website: | |||
| Music as medicine- The health benefits of listening to your favorite songs with Neuroscientist Dr. Daniel Levitin | 10 déc. 2024 | 01:00:26 | |
In this episode, I speak with Neuroscientist, author and musician Dr. Daniel Levitin on how music affects our health. From reducing cortisol to lessening the effects of Parkinsons and how we can use music as medicine! We talk science and his new book "I Heard there was a Secret Chord: Music as Medicine": Scarlet's website: Scarlet's website: | |||
| Singer/songwriter Jesse Terry - Writing great melodies and crowd funding | 01 nov. 2024 | 01:01:02 | |
To sign up for the November 23rd virtual LYRIC WRITING WORKSHOP: Before I introduce him I wanted to let you know that on Saturday Nov. 16th I am offering a virtual 3 hour songwriting workshop. There are a few spaces left and you can sign up through the show notes or on my website at scarletvkeys.com This workshop will be very process oriented focused on lyric writing. You will be doing a lot of small writing exercises to sharpen your lyric writing skills. We will work on metaphor, avoiding cliche’s and literary devices used by some of the best writers. Today we will talk about his writing process, crowd funding an album with your super fans and some of the reasons he writes such beautiful melodies. He’s going to play a few song off of his new record Arcadia, released Oct. 4. And this might just be his best record yet. It’s rooted in rhythmic rock & roll and sharp songwriting, Arcadia marks a turning point in Jesse Terry's career. It's the seventh original album from an award-winning musician who's spent much of the past decade on the move, playing 150 shows annually, bouncing between solo performances and full-band gigs. Arcadia captures both sides of that musical personality, finding room for amplified anthems one moment and intimate moments the next, showcasing just how wide Terry's reach can be. Arcadia is layered with dueling electric guitars, stacked vocal harmonies, and heartland hooks, all supplied by instrumentalists like Ethan Ballinger (Miranda Lambert, Lee Ann Womack), Ross McReynolds (Katie Pruitt, Becca Mancari), Sam Howard (Molly Tuttle, Joy Williams), Juan Solorzano (Ruston Kelly, Parker Millsap), and Danny Mitchell (Rodney Crowell, Anderson East). It's a big, bold sound — the sort of record that begs to be played in the car, windows rolled down, driving down the fast lane toward some new horizon. At the center of that sound is the craft Terry has been sharpening since his years in Nashville, back when he composed songs for others as a staff writer on Music Row. A grand-prize winner of the John Lennon Songwriting Contest, Terry established himself as a top-shelf. Scarlet's website:
Scarlet's website: | |||
| Kylie Rothfield on writing process, craft, what she learned from Alicia Keys about singing and stage fright | 23 sept. 2024 | 01:07:46 | |
In this episode, I talk with singer/songwriter Kylie Rothfield.
She has over 1 million combined streams on Spotify & Apple Music from recent independent releases and was recently featured on NBC's Songland S2 (06/08/2020), working with Ester Dean, Ryan Tedder, and Shane McAnally to pitch a song she wrote to Tony and Grammy-winning artist Ben Platt. Most recently, in 2024 Kylie signed a management deal with Arianna Soto and a record deal with new label, DVG Records. She is currently in the process of recording a full-length album that is set to be released in spring 2025. Scarlet's website: | |||
| Songs with a message, writing from your life with Michael McDermott | 08 sept. 2024 | 01:02:43 | |
In this episode, singer/songwriter Michael McDermott talks about writing process, writing from your life and shares new songs off his two new albums dropping Sept 13th. Scarlet's website: | |||
| What does AI mean for songwriters with award winning songwriter and Berklee Professor Ben Camp | 26 août 2024 | 01:12:24 | |
Today I have Berklee Professor Ben Camp on the show discussing AI Scarlet's website: | |||
| Creating metaphors with Pat Pattison | 05 août 2024 | 00:54:22 | |
In this episode, Pat Pattison, author of "Writing Better Lyrics" walks us through step by step of how to find metaphors. This is the exercise I gave to writer Madi Diaz that she talked about in the previous episode. Scarlet's website: | |||
| Madi Diaz on writing process, and the magic of co-writing | 25 juil. 2024 | 01:13:00 | |
My guest today is one of my former students singer/songwriter Madi Diaz Madi grew up in Pennsylvania where she was homes schooled by her mother and took piano lessons from her father at the age of 5. After high school, Madi was accepted to Berklee College of Music and met her first collaborator Kyle Ryan which led to her recording her first record skin and bones in Hawaii. Later, Madi went on to tour with the civil ward and Landon Pig. She was featured in Paste magazine as on of teh top ten buzziest acts at SXSW and had songs featrured in ABC family’s Pretty little liars, Drop dead Diva, Army Wives, had her song “The End of the Day” featured on the television series Nashville performed by Connie Britton and Charles Esten. Since then she had gone on to record several albums, was a guest on Last Call with Carson Daly, and went on to tour with Harry Styles band playing guitar and singing back up vocals and supported Kacey Musgraves on the UK and European legs of her Deeper Well World Tour. Madi has released 6 studio albums and 4 EP’s Today we will talk about so many things that are helpful for songwriters from the biz to inspiration to writing to a prompt for a film placement and listen to a few songs off of her most recent album “Weird Faith”. A case for co-writing and preparing to write. Scarlet's website: | |||
| What we can learn from Billy Eilish and Bonnie Raitt about great melodies | 09 juil. 2024 | 00:22:25 | |
In this minisode, I talk about writing melody and thinking of melody as the song's tone of voice. Scarlet's website: | |||
| Minisode: Making time for your art and the myth of inspiration | 12 juin 2024 | 00:17:24 | |
"Inspiration is for Amateurs" ― Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Scarlet's website: | |||
| Robert Ellis Orrall on writing with Taylor Swift, and writing process | 26 mai 2024 | 01:08:33 | |
In this Episode, Robert Ellis Orrall talks about writing with Taylor Swift. What she was like as a young writer, how he set up the showcase that got her a record deal and shares two songs her wrote with Swift along with an original from his latest record. Scarlet's website: Scarlet's website: | |||
| Will Kimbrough: Writing techniques, guitar voicings and so much wisdom | 04 mai 2024 | 01:14:26 | |
My guest today s an American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer Will Kimbrough. As a producer, he has produced albums for Rodney Crowell, Todd Snider, Kim Richey, Garrison Star and Matthew Ryan to name a few. His songs have been recorded by Jimmy Buffett, Little Fear, Jack Ingram, and he has collaborated with Rosanne Cash, Guy Clark, Steve Earle, Emmylou Harris, John Prine, and Mavis Staples just to name a few. In 2004 he was recognized as the instrumentalist of the year by the Americana music association. Will is a prolific writer and recording artist, a member of Willie Sugarcapps, DADDY and Emmylou Harris' Red Dirt Boys, has written extensively with Jimmy Buffet and he has released 10 solo alums. Scarlet's website: | |||
| Minisode - The impact and storytelling of NOUNS | 05 avr. 2024 | 00:17:52 | |
The storytelling effects of nouns. Scarlet's website: Scarlet's website: Scarlet's website: | |||
| Minisode: The song changing effects of good verbs | 18 mars 2024 | 00:20:31 | |
In this minisode, I talk about the power of verbs and how they can do more than just their expected work but can help to tell your story, create characters and build metaphors.
Scarlet's website: Scarlet's website: | |||
| Singer/songwriter Ingrid Saga on jazz, Joni Mitchell's influence, guitar tunings and process | 17 janv. 2024 | 00:56:06 | |
In this episode, Ingrid talk about her influences, meeting her producer and shares three songs from her upcoming album. Scarlet's website: Scarlet's website: | |||
| Aidan Laprete on finding your sound and gibberish as a lyric writing process | 02 janv. 2024 | 01:04:56 | |
In this Episode I talk with singer/songwriter/producer/actor Aidan Laprete about He walks us through writing melody takes - gibberish to find melodies, turning mumbles into words and making it make sense and shares guitar voicings to help you out of sonic ruts. https://open.spotify.com/artist/2odS5igGjEJRondDXWBy0K?si=Dcy6AVQgTd6IZxZqW-iAXw http://www.twitter.com/aidanlaprete http://www.facebook.com/aidanlaprete
Scarlet's website: Scarlet's website: Scarlet's website: | |||
| Writing For T.V. and film and how a little bit of Woo woo can help us with Stuart Roslyn | 13 déc. 2023 | 01:16:03 | |
Stuart Roslyn is a composer, producer and musician specializing in original music for motion pictures and their trailers. He also creates unique soundscapes for network tv and big brand commercials. His career spans more than 20 years composing and producing many genres of music for the biggest names in entertainment. He is either directing a full orchestra or writing and mixing in his studio. Scarlet's website: Scarlet's website: | |||
| The songwriting of Taylor Swift - Two things we can learn from the craft of her songwriting | 24 oct. 2023 | 00:15:48 | |
In this episode, I share a little peak into the craft and poetry of Taylor Swift's songwriting. Scarlet's website: Scarlet's website: | |||
| David Wilcox Part 2 | 25 sept. 2023 | 00:34:21 | |
David Wilcox is an award winning and highly acclaimed American singer songwriter from Asheville North Carolina. His storytelling cuts deep into the soul and observes the human condition from both the nerve center and the outside looking in. He’s released more than 20 records and is famous for his thoughtful insights, humor and open tunings on guitar. In this episode, David talks about process and prompts and writes a song on the spot. To pre-order Scarlet's new book "What if it All Goes Right: Practicing Hope in the hardest times" go to: https://www.scarletkeys.com/store/what-if-it-all-goes-right https://www.buymeacoffee.com/scarlet.keys Scarlet's website: | |||
| David Wilcox on inspired writing Part 1 | 18 sept. 2023 | 01:03:49 | |
David Wilcox is an award winning and highly acclaimed American singer songwriter from Asheville North Carolina. His storytelling cuts deep into the soul and observes the human condition from both the nerve center and the outside looking in. He’s released more than 20 records and is famous for his thoughtful insights, humor and open tunings on guitar. In this episode, David takes a deep dive into his writing process and will leave you totally inspired. https://www.buymeacoffee.com/scarlet.keys Scarlet's website: | |||
| Part 3 Mark Simos: Reflecting on your writing and what you can learn from it | 17 août 2023 | 01:01:37 | |
In this episode, we break down co-writing and talk about reflecting back on process and what can be learned from taking pause and observing what went well and what you wish had gone differently making you a better writer and co-writer going forward. To purchase Mark's books: https://www.amazon.com/Songwriting-Strategies-360-Degree-Approach-Music/dp/087639151X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2P5EAKVUEMJCD&keywords=mark+simos&qid=1691706851&sprefix=mark+simo%2Caps%2C184&sr=8-1 Scarlet's website: | |||
| Part 2 Hank Williams in Hell live co-write with Mark Simos | 10 août 2023 | 00:57:40 | |
In this episode of a two part series, Berklee Professor and Grammy winning writer Mark Simos and I try out his unique approach to writing using different chord configurations in a writing exercise he calls Hank Williams in hell. This is a live co-write so if you are curious about how people write songs collaboratively or want to explore new ways to use the classic three chords, this episode is for you. The final song is shared at the end of this episode. Scarlet's website: | |||
| Hank Williams in Hell exercise and live cowrite with Grammy winning songwriter Mark Simos | 03 août 2023 | 01:10:08 | |
In this episode of a two part series, Berklee Professor and Grammy winning writer Mark Simos and I try out his unique approach to writing using different chord configurations in a writing exercise he calls Hank Williams in hell. This is a live co-write so if you are curious about how people write songs collaboratively or want to explore new ways to use the classic three chords, this episode is for you! Scarlet's website: Scarlet's website: | |||
| Writing songs for film and t.v. with Grammy winning artist/producer Rich Jaques | 28 juil. 2023 | 00:42:48 | |
Today’s guest is grammy winning songwriter and producer Rich Jaques. Rich has had over 1500 songs placed on film and t.v. and is going to share today about his musical journey. Some key points:
To listen to Rich Jaques: https://open.spotify.com/album/39NM2EhS00PH1mQbdQbRCi?si=SPFutN-NQ5mpFSMkFRYKcQ Scarlet's website: | |||
| Will Dailey: Genius marketing, the importance of narrative for your art, finding your instrument | 21 juil. 2023 | 01:23:17 | |
On today's show, I have singer/songwriter Will Dailey.
Great advice on writing your best verse 2 Why songwriting is good for you even if it’s not your profession Step outside your comfort genre Finding your instrument Don’t worry about the note you sing Worry about the truth you sing Mumbling as lyrical placeholder Starting with narrative Process over outcome Youtube for will dailey: https://www.youtube.com/willdailey Mixed by Peter Sykes: https://www.petersykesmusic.com/ Scarlet's website: | |||
| Prince's recording engineer Susan Rogers on authenticity, getting your best vocal performance and her new book "This is What it Sounds like" | 14 juil. 2023 | 01:10:24 | |
Today I have Susan Rogers who many of you know as Prince’s recording engineer. Today we talk about her new book “This is what it sounds like” and who we are as listeners, what Prince used to ask her to prepare for his writing sessions and insight into writing songs that appeal to a wider audience. Some takeaways:
Taylor Swift workshop: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/650136163767 Membership: Scarletkeys.com Susan Rogers' book: https://www.amazon.com/This-What-Sounds-Like-Music/dp/0393541258 Scarlet's website: | |||
| Paula Cole on her writing process, the books that have inspired her and what writing teaches her | 17 juin 2023 | 01:16:16 | |
Grammy-winning artst Paula Cole has released seven solo albums of original songs. Cole has performed with icons in many genres of music, from Peter Gabriel to Dolly Parton, Herbie Hancock to Emmylou Harris, and Amy Lee of Evanescence to Burt Bacharach. Cole’s emotionally deep performances and her poetic, intelligent writing makes her stand out from the masses of contemporary music. Her compositions have been covered by a diverse range of artists—including Hancock, Annie Lennox, Katherine McPhee, and JoJo—and she has sold approximately 3 million albums. As the first woman in history to solely produce and receive the Best Producer Grammy nomination for her album This Fire, Cole has broken boundaries with a searcher’s spirit. From her top 10 hits of the 1990s to her more recent, critically acclaimed albums, Cole continues to write, produce, record, and perform heartfelt, meaningful, lasting music that defies categorization. Scarlet's website: | |||
| Finding a title for your song - Minisode | 09 juin 2023 | 00:06:10 | |
In this short episode, I talk about starting with an idea or emotion and one of my favorite ways to find a good title for your potential song. Scarlet's website: | |||
| Forensic musicologist Joe Bennett breaks down "If I were a fish" and talks about what constitutes copyright infringement | 28 mai 2023 | 01:01:57 | |
In this episode, I talk with Dr. Joe Bennett
As an academic Joe’s primary area of research expertise is the psychology of songwriting Scarlet's website: Scarlet's website: | |||
| Corook and Olivia Barton: Fame and the introvert and breaking down "If I were a fish" | 19 mai 2023 | 00:54:30 | |
Today I am so happy to have Corook and Olivia Barton on the show. Corook is a multi-instrumentalist based in Nashville, Tennessee. they are signed to Atlantic Records, and thave toured with JP Saxe and Jukebox the Ghost. Today share my conversation with Corook and their partner artist Olivia Barton. We talk about instant fame and it’s impact on an introvert, Corook talks about their path leading up to their first record deal and then they both talk about writing their magical viral song “If I were a fish” and a few tools they used in the process to capture joy in a jar. https://www.corook.com/ Scarlet's website: Scarlet's website: | |||
| Robert Gillies on writing hit songs, 2 rules for every co-write, finding the best tempo for your song, his fav home recording mic, | 20 avr. 2023 | 01:16:28 | |
Robert Gillies is a hit songwriter and artist living in Norway. Scarlet's website: | |||
| Kieran Rhodes on being on America's Got Talent, the two chords he won't leave home without and what he learned from Randy Newman | 14 avr. 2023 | 01:06:09 | |
In this episode, I am talking with someone at the start of it all, Berklee student Kieran Rhodes. Scarlet's website: | |||
| Vance Gilbert on how to be a great opening act, two great chords and his favorite vocal hack | 30 mars 2023 | 01:20:21 | |
In today's episode, I talk with Folk artist Vance Gilbert on How to be a great opening act.
Use the word Wreckage Use the b77 and the b3 chord: Key of A: G7 and Caj https://vancegilbert.com/ Scarlet's website: | |||
| Prince Charles Alexander: The Evolution of Hip hop | 22 mars 2023 | 01:04:26 | |
In this episode, I am talking to Prince Charles Alexander about the evolution of hip hop music, production and rap. He teaches advanced production and mixing at Berklee. From the early to mid 80s, he produced, wrote, and recorded on Virgin Records with his group, Prince Charles and the City Beat Band. Alexander was an early innovator of wind synthesis and a part of the "punk-funk" generation that incorporated many of the devices that would propel rap music to the forefront of the American music scene. Scarlet's website: | |||
| Singer Songwriter and Berklee Prof George Woods: ADHD as a songwriting super power and the emotion of music | 01 févr. 2023 | 01:09:22 | |
George Woods is an amazing guitarist, singer and songwriter and Berklee Professor. Scarlet's website: Scarlet's website: | |||
| Kenny Werner Part 2: A meditation, more great insight and a live performance | 25 janv. 2023 | 00:49:23 | |
In this episode, I talk with Grammy nominated composer and award winning pianist, educator and author of the best selling book “Effortless Mastery” and “Becoming the Instrument” in part two of a great conversation. https://kennywerner.com Scarlet's website: Scarlet's website: Scarlet's website: | |||
| Kenny Werner on Effortless mastery and being the instrument | 20 janv. 2023 | 00:46:15 | |
In this episode, I talk with Grammy nominated composer and award winning pianist, educator and author of the best selling book “Effortless Mastery” and “Becoming the Instrument”.
https://kennywerner.com Scarlet's website: Scarlet's website: | |||
| Eric Roberson: Finding ideas all around you, Saying no to doubt | 06 janv. 2023 | 01:17:03 | |
On today's show, Eric Roberson is back!!
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