►► Grab my free multi-step guide to write better songs today https://fastermusiccreation.mykajabi.com/songranting

Welcome to episode 13 of the songranting podcast where I normally answer listener’s songwriting based questions but today is going to be a bit different as I have a guest! Joining me on the podcast today is lyric coach and certified story grid editor Melanie Naumann, who is also the creator of Stories in Songs - Writing the Lyrics which is an online resource for songwriters who in a nutshell, want to improve as lyricists.

In this episode we’re going to be discussing 3 elements to consider when constructing a narrative for your song’s subject matter which not only is the driving force of your song, but can also be what makes your song stand the test of time. If you’re new to the idea of incorporating story into your lyrics like I am, I feel like you’re going to get a ton out of this one.

►► Melanie’s got an upcoming course all on lyric writing so if you’re interested in learning more, even if you think you're not good with words, check it out at powerfullyrics.com

►► Grab my free multi-step guide to write better songs today https://fastermusiccreation.mykajabi.com/songranting

Hello and welcome to episode 12 of the songranting podcast where I answer songwriting based questions taken from social media, my mailing list as well as my private coaching clients and students.

Today’s episode is a continuation of a conversation between myself and a private coaching client where we discussed the process of songwriting and more specifically, what I typically start with in the process.

If you want to hear more about that, go check out episode 11 but today we go down the rabbit hole and explore various ways to get inspired when we feel like we’ve hit a wall creatively. In addition to addressing the most excellent question of “How do I find chords under a melody,” the rest of the episode revolves around being able to take some time and consciously observe your songwriting habits.

This is an opportunity to see if you can look at things in a different way and inspire some new ideas.

Topics included are:

- Swapping instruments for inspiration

- Songwriting using odd meters

- How to find what key your melody is in

And more

After this episode, I strongly urge you to sit down and take stock of your own songwriting habits (if you haven’t already) to see if you tend to default to certain keys, tempos, styles etc while writing.

While you’re at it, once you find out these answers for yourself, drop me a comment on social media and let me know what you’ve discovered! I’d love to hear about your habits!

Thanks for listening!

-Aaron-

Time stamps

1:32 - Swapping Instruments For Inspiration

5:17 - How to find what key your melody is in

6:55 - Where do these chords fit in?

8:21 - Further explanation

12:15 - What’s your default rhythm?

12:34 - Songwriting using odd meters

►► Grab my free multi-step guide to write better songs today https://fastermusiccreation.mykajabi.com/songranting

Hello and welcome to episode 11 of the songranting podcast where I answer songwriting based questions taken from social media, my mailing list as well as my private coaching clients and students.

Today’s episode is taken from a private coaching call with a young client of mine where I was asked about my own personal process when it comes to writing songs and specifically, what I typically start with in the process.

Simply put, the question was “When you’re writing songs, do you start with a melody? Or a chord progression?” It’s an awesome question and we dig into it in depth in this conversation but to sum it up I’ll say… “It depends.” This can vary greatly for me personally depending on the genre I’m writing in but the conversation brought up some tasty nuggets of info that I think will be helpful to you wether if you’re just starting out or if you’re a seasoned pro but you need some perspective.

Here’s what to expect in today’s episode

1. Using a melody first approach when writing pop songs plus my observations on how to write a catchy vocal melody

2. Writing songs from lyrics

3. My approach for writing for guitar based genres.

Thanks for listening. I love getting questions like this and would love to continue the conversation so I just want to know what do you typically start with? Do you like a nice sounding chord progression to start with? Or are you focused on finding a melody that you like? Or are you neither and approach things lyrics first?

Hit me up on the socials and let me know!

Thanks again!

-Aaron-

Time stamps

2:09 - Chords first? Or melody first?

5:48 - Thoughts on writing catchy melodies.

8:43 - Writing for guitar based genres.

10:27 - Writing songs from lyrics.