How often do you switch up your medium? Do you always write with pen and paper? iPhone Notes app? Old school typewriter? This might sound obvious, but writing is all about transferring information—thoughts, ideas, concepts—from your brain to someplace outside of your brain. For doing this, each medium has its benefits and detriments. For example, […]
On Songwriting: Why Switch Up Your Medium Read More »
How do you play ‘Heidi’ on guitar? It’s one of my favorite songs. K Hi K – Here’s a video that I hope helps. One of the chords is a little tricky (at least for me) but lots of fun once you get the hang of it. Also, here’s a chord sheet you can feel
AMA: “How do you play ‘Heidi’ on guitar?” Read More »
I know you don’t want to be put in a box. It feels limiting. And if you let people put you in a box with a certain label, they won’t understand the breadth of what you offer, right? You’re not just the catchy pop lyricist; you also write heartfelt ballads. You’re not just a jazz
On Songwriting: Let People Put You in a Box Read More »
Want a glimpse of what Espe life was like in March? Watch my wife Heidi’s latest “One Second Every Day” video collage. As I mentioned last month, she started taking little snapshots of life that help her notice the beauty in the ordinary.
One Second Every Day (March) Read More »
What’s the best way for an independent songwriter to go about meeting industry people who will help get their demos in front of ‘major artists’ to be cut? Nathanael Hi Nathanael – I can definitely empathize because I had this exact same question before I moved to Nashville more than ten years ago. Now, to
Who is a musician with whom you’d love to collaborate? – Hojo Hi Hojo – I’ll admit, it’s not something I’ve thought much about. But immediately Randy Newman and Paul Simon come to mind. I’m certainly influenced by both, but it would be amazing to be in a room with them to learn as much
AMA: “Who is a musician with whom you’d love to collaborate?” Read More »
Sometimes you think you have to reinvent the wheel in your song’s rhyming scheme. But often the most basic form will work. It’s at least a great starting point. Think of your favorite nursery rhyme. It will likely be four lines rhyming in aabb. For example, as you know (or your parents have failed), “Humpty
On Songwriting: Try Nursery Rhyme Form Read More »
Do you get upset when you or your song gets compared to another artist or their work? John Hi John – Yes. Well, at least initially. It’s my lizard brain signaling fight, flight, or freeze. Like someone’s about to eat me. It’s been found out that I’m an imposter, I’ve been faking this whole music
“Up North.” It refers to the northen part of a region. It’s a phrase commonly said by locals or former locals of the upper Midwest. Probably other parts of the world as well. The Helgesons have a lake cabin up north. Or He’s headed up north for deer season. Isn’t it a bit redundant? Up
And the Name of the Concept Album Is… Read More »
You probably remember your high school English teacher talking about how you should show more than you tell. Still, let’s cover it here. It’s easy to gloss over and think you’re doing it. But if you really comb through your song and try to hear it from the listener’s perspective, you’ll probably find that you’re
On Songwriting: Showing vs. Telling Read More »