Life, family, and music.
Your job as a songwriter is not to simply relay a story as it actually happened. Sure, there are great real-life stories out there, but for the most part they need to be adjusted or embellished for a bigger truth. Let me give you an example of what I’m talking about. In a song of […]
On Songwriting: The Bigger Truth Read More »
When I’m deciding what project to work on next, it’s helpful to keep in mind a metaphorical intersection. The two “streets” are Curiosity and Conscience. The project should live at the corner of those two streets. Why? Curiosity gives me permission to chase the things that are interesting to me. If they’re interesting to me,
On Songwriting: Curiosity and Conscience Read More »
Hey! 1) What did it feel like to turn 40? 2) Who’s your favorite go-to musician for your listening enjoyment?3) How bout those TWINS?? (No idea what or if Tennessee has a baseball team) Brenda Hi Brenda – 1) Forty feels weird and also normal, because, really, it was just the next day, if you know what
AMA: “What did it feel like to turn 40?” – Brenda Read More »
A few years ago I wrote a children’s album I was calling “One Car Family.” Unfortunately, I was never able to officially release it. But thanks to the Secret Songs Club on Bandcamp, there’s a place for it! I’ve put it here for you members to enjoy, perhaps on a summer road trip. Thanks as
Secret Songs Club: The Lost Children’s Album Read More »
In the movies, there’s a narrative device called the cold open. It’s where the film jumps right into the story, usually before the opening credits. You don’t really know what’s going on, but your interest is piqued. Think of the Jason Bourne movies. So much action at close camera angles. Who’s who? Where are they?
On Songwriting: Cold Open Read More »
Hi Aaron, Just wanted to know if you have ever been to this side of the pond and visited the UK either for business or pleasure? Mick Thanks for this question. Yes! I have. In 2007 I played a string of shows in Northern Ireland and a couple BBC radio spots/interviews. That was my first
AMA: “Have you ever been to this side of the pond and visited the UK?” Read More »
What’s a favorite quality of Heidi’s?What instrument can you not play now that you’d like to learn?What are the chances you’ll ever tour again?What’s your favorite record from the 1950s? 60s? 70s? 80s? 90s? 00s? 10s? —David Hi David – Love this little “lightning round” of questions. Here we go! Honesty, compassion, justice Clarinet 62
Sometimes I like to write a paragraph or two of what I think my song-in-progress is about. It’s not because I think I’ll come to any real conclusion. It’s because I’m trying to get my brain to give me words around a particular topic. Once I was trying to write a song about the oil
On Songwriting: Word Pools Read More »
Off the upcoming concept album Up North, this song is about a lake camp in northern Minnesota, where kids come for fun and activities, but leave with something they didn’t expect. – –Want to hear the full song? Subscribe to my Secret Songs Club via Bandcamp for $5/mo or more and get instant access to
Secret Songs Club: “Bluewater Summer Camp_MIX_A” (Preview) Read More »
It’s easy to get excited about your half-written song. Rather than finish it, you email your verse and chorus to 25 friends. You just can’t help yourself. That dopamine hit of validation would feel so good right now. Well, get a grip, ok? I urge you not to share your excitement too soon. Why? It’s
On Songwriting: It’s Like Naming a Child Read More »