Life, family, and music.
Have you ever watched the TV show House? It’s about a brilliant but abrasive doctor who is masterful at solving difficult-to-diagnose cases. In the show, Dr. House and his team of doctors hold meetings. In the room, there’s a white board, and House paces holding a marker while his team offers possible diagnoses. Lupus? No. […]
On Songwriting: What’s Cowriting Like, Anyway? Read More »
Sometimes when you’re writing you’ll have an idea that seems silly. This happens a lot when you’re cowriting. In these scenarios it’s harder to chase the idea because you have a witness to your potential stupidity. Still, the idea fairy tapped on your shoulder. I find it helpful to use phrases like: “Can we try
On Songwriting: Honor Dumb Ideas Read More »
Aaron! I’d LOVE to ask you about “Hope in a Maybe.” That was the first song I heard from you and it put “me in the feels” immediately. I will always love that song because I feel it is so positive and so sad at the same time. Please, whenever you get the chance. I’d
AMA: “What inspired your song Hope In a Maybe?” – Theo Read More »
Thanks for all the kind responses and concern about my broken fingers. Here’s a quick update. I had surgery last Monday. A new hero of mine named Dr. Rubright installed a pin, a plate and five screws, so now my left middle and ring fingers are straight. They just don’t move so well. But I
I Broke My Fingers, Here’s an Update Read More »
Coming up with a great metaphor seems tricky, but it’s simpler than you think. At the end of the day, a great metaphor is you showing the listener how two things they hadn’t thought were very similar are actually very much the same. You might think the good ones are already taken, but that’s because
On Songwriting: Coming Up with Unique Metaphors Read More »
Hi Jay – I think this is a great attitude and perspective. It’s also a great way to get your foot in the door of opportunities. Around 2009 and 2010 I was so discouraged as a songwriter. I didn’t know how to move forward. I decided to learn how to tune pianos so that I
Sometimes friends and maybe even strangers will send you a song and ask for feedback. Before you go all “advice monster” on them, try to remember when you first sent your songs to people for feedback. Were you really wanting critical comments and analysis or were you simply wanting some affirmation and encouragement? If you
On Songwriting: How to NOT Give Feedback Read More »
ALEX: How is your friend who has cancer in Let People Live? AARON: Thanks for asking. She passed away in January. Listen to “Let People Live” via Secret Songs Club on Bandcamp >> When you went to Florida did you often think “I can’t forget my family soakin’ wet, laughing beside the Atlantic”? Or do you
AMA: “Questions from Alex” Read More »
When I was a kid, I only knew one kind of winter. That was a Minnesota winter. Winter meant cold. It meant icy roads, and walking to school with frost on my eyelashes. Then one October when I was nine, my family traveled to Florida. We got off the plane and it was hot. I
On Songwriting: Sprinkling Contrast Read More »
Hello Aaron, I just had a chance to read your blog about “what you are really like”. Thank you for sharing. I think it is so important to share things that we struggle with if and when we are able. It helps others not to feel alone in a similar thing. For me I also
AMA: “What helps you the most when things get hard?” -Lee Read More »