6 Steps to Songwriting Sucess

6 Steps to Songwriting Success : By Jason Blume

After reading this book I started to think about my songs and my writing in a different way. I found it helped me find my voice and my style a little better. Al thought I am still working on that I have found it easier to get my ideas out and on the go. I hope in the long run it will continue to help me develop and push myself to the next level and then on to the next after that.

The writer, Jason Blume, covers the basics you need to know about song writing. He covers things like song form, point of view, melody, and a whole host of other skills and tools you will need to become a better song writer. He makes the book very easy to read and follow, as well as giving you tips for the things you will need and the things to think about with your writing.

The great thing about this book is it covers not only the songwriting and artistic aspect of things, but also goes into the business side of it as well. He goes over things like pitching your songs for sale, contracts, staff writing jobs, royalties and everything else in between that you should have some idea about.

There is also a fantastic list of resources in the book as well. They cover things like workshops, copy write contacts, writers groups, different organizations they come up along the way, and many many more.

The great thing about this is Jason Blume has many years experience and many song that have done very well over time. He has been a staff writer, an up and comer, and everything in between. He has songs placed and recorded with artists like, Brittany Spears, The Backstreet Boys, The oak Ridge Boys and many many others. The List of his work reads a bit like a who's who in music.

I highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone who would love to have a hit song on the charts.

The Indie Band Bible

This next review is of a book I have read though a few time. The Indie Band Bible By Mark Makoway.

This is a great read. Mark Makoway is the lead guitarist for the Canadian band Moist. Though out the book he talks about how they toured from the start of the band to the great success they had. he covers all kinds of topics like playing live, to handing out stickers, making posters, to the troubles one can have in the middle of no place when the van breaks down on tour.

He covers lots of ground all based on personal experiences over the years in a working band. There are tones of helpful insights great little quotes from other artists and very solid ideas to try. Things like posters and postering to contracts with venues all have a real life story to them.

The personal stories of some of the things that didn't work so well for them really helps make the book. The things that happened to them along the way really make you think, and should make you plan and be prepared for anything that could happen.

I think this is just one of those books that not only Cnadaian musicians should have but all artist who want to get out there should read.

The Complete Singer-Songwriter

My second Book review. This is another good read for anyone starting out in music.  The Complete Singer-Songwriter By Jeffery Pepper Rodgers.

This is a great book for new artists and artists with some miles on them. It is a fairly comprehensive guide that covers a lot of topics. it covers things like getting started, writing, to getting on stage, promoting yourself, what to expect when going into the recording studio. It also has a great list of resources one can tap into through out you life as an artist.

There are also lots of quotes from other artists and singers though out. Tell of there experiences and they give helpful advice. The list of artists that give advice is varied and very impressive, and I found inspiring.

This is one of those books I think every aspiring artist and musician should have on the book shelf. It is a great read and a very good referance as you travel along making music.

Made To Stick

Well The fist book I would like to share a bit about is Made to stick by Chip Heath and Dan Heath.

This is a great book to go through, lost to make you think about how you get your ideas across to people. Very good examples that help make points about what you are saying and how you say things. Great guide lines on how to become better at communicating you ideas. A must read if you are trying to sell yourself as a professional in any way.

This book is a great help if you are looking to make you Band bio stand out. It helps you think about what you are trying to say, it does not tell you what to say. It gives you a guide line with 6 basic principals to follow on making your message stronger and more effective at sticking.

You can find it online through amazon.com

A very good read to get the mind going.