This is where I share my process along with things I’ve found helpful.
I’ve never been good at math. I quit my calculus class with Mr. Wensloff to join the show choir. Had I paid more attention, I would’ve learned this lesson sooner. In fact, you probably already know it. Have you ever heard of the Pareto principle, also known as the 80/20 rule? Here is the basic […]
On Songwriting: The 80/20 Rule Read More »
Finding your unique songwriting voice is really just a continuation of the stuff you’re already doing, but simply editing it down and changing its form. If you’re having trouble finding your unique songwriting voice, imagine your brain as being a giant rain barrel. The top is open. Everything you take in—experiences, reading, watching TV, whatever—is
On Songwriting: Finding Your Unique Voice Read More »
Whenever I’m stuck on a song, I imagine my dad and me in the Beltrami Island State forest in northern Minnesota. Growing up, that’s where we’d go on the weekends to hunt partridge. My dad didn’t own a pickup truck, but he used the family minivan as if it were one. We’d go down roads
On Songwriting: How to Get Unstuck Read More »
With your big family, how do you still find time and energy to write your own songs and also be creative in other areas (drawing, blog)? Su Hi Su – I love this question because it’s something I think about a lot. After our third child (and again after our fourth), I felt like I
AMA: “How do you find time and energy to be creative with a big family?” Read More »
As I write this, it’s snowing big flakes here in Nashville. It reminds me of the snow I imagined when I wrote “Back to the Beginning.” Tsiaro, a listener in Madagascar asked me what the inspiration for that song was, so I think now’s a great time to answer. Hi Aaron ! I’m Tsiaro
AMA: “What Inspired the song ‘Back to the Beginning’?” Read More »
I use these a lot to help me in my production and writing process. Or just for goofing around. Some of them my kids love, too. DM1 This is an app for making beats. It’s great for when you’ve got some time on your hands (who are you, by the way?) or starting a new
Music Tool Apps I Love Read More »
I have a new single coming out in a few weeks, but rather than show you the process after the release, I thought I’d unfold it with you. That way, by the time you are listening on Bandcamp or Spotify or wherever, you’ll know the backstory and have heard the various versions. Sound fun? Ok,
How a Song Comes to Be, Part 1: The Idea Read More »
Cowriting a song is a strange activity if you’ve never done it before. Especially with someone new. One of the hardest parts is beginning the song after you’ve gone through the regular pleasantries. But here’s something you can do to make it less awkward. It will also save you time and energy. Love, Aaron
Starting From The Headspace You’re In Read More »
“Hmm…this could be a song.” That’s the first thought I have before I record something in my iPhone voice memo app. It’s usually the moment I have a little snippet of lyric I like, and some guitar pattern I’ve been fiddling with. What does it sound like? It varies. But for “The Kindness of Strangers”
The Kindness of Strangers (Origins) Read More »
My answer is in this throwback Thursday video clip circa 2013. Starting to write songs was one thing; sharing them was a whole different thing!
When Did I Start Writing Songs Read More »