Friday, November 12, 2010

The Art of Songwriting

So much goes into creating a hit song...you think you have what it takes? Let's take songwriting, how do you write a hit? Kathy Unruh tackles the idea in this ezine article.

Did you know that good songwriting is often the key to establishing a successful music career? But more than that, it can be fun! When you write a song you are able to express yourself in new and creative ways. Whether you're sad, happy, angry, or in love... with words, you can fly!
Freedom of expression is one of the greatest priviledges we have, but with it comes some responsibility. Words are very powerful and have been used successfully by many for better, or worse. When writing a song, consider how your words are going to impact your listener. Do you wish to alienate them, or draw them into your perspective on things?
A good song will create an emotional reaction in people, and that's exactly what you're trying to achieve! You want to get your listener to feel with you. You want to move them emotionally. You want them to like your song and be willing to listen to it again and again. If you can get your audience to identify with you on some level, you will be on the road to creating a good song.
As you are stirring up your creative juices you may discover that finding just the RIGHT word is sometimes a bit frustrating. But with the RIGHT songwriting tips and resources it becomes a lot easier! Here are three of the most important songwriting tools you should have:
1. DICTIONARY - A dictionary is essential when writing. Besides giving you the correct meaning of a word, it will also help you to express yourself more clearly. You will discover new words while expanding your vocabulary too!
2. THESAURUS - A thesaurus is another important tool to help with creating your songwriting material. You can use a thesaurus to find different words that have similiar meaning.
3. RHYMING DICTIONARY - As the name implies, a rhyming dictionary organizes words that rhyme in alphabetical order using the vowel sounds A E I O U. For example, if you were looking for a word that rhymes with Abel you would look under A sounds. Words rhyming with Abel would be listed in alphabetical order.
There isn't really a secret formula for writing a good song because determining what is "good" is subjective and a matter of personal opinion (some great songs have broken all the so called "rules"). However, many successful songwriters have used the following format to write a "Hit" song:
The Art of Writing A Good Song cont....


Kathy Unruh is a singer/songwriter and webmaster of ABC Learn Guitar. She has been writing songs and providing guitar lessons to students of all ages for over 20 years. For free guitar lessons, plus tips and resources on songwriting, recording and creating a music career, please visit: http://www.abclearnguitar.com

Thursday, November 11, 2010

#BlackGirlsRock

Yes, I hashtagged it!

You know what, we DO!

As I watched the B.E.T. Black Girls Rock special, something happened. That's exactly what happened, I felt special. I watched as my colored rainbow of powerful Black women showed the audience that despite, popular opinion, despite the hardships we have faced as women, despite being beaten down we have always been and will always be a strong, unstoppable force when we decide to be who we are.

I am proud of the achievements we have made as women and the obstacles we have overcome. It is because of that, I salute my sisters, because truth be told #BlackGirlsRock

My favorite performance of the evening came when four of my favorite singers almost brought me to tears as they rendered the soulful "Four Women". I remember the first time I heard that song. Written by Nina Simone (RIP), the song never fails to make me reflect on who I am and where I fit in that story.

So reflect today, Who are you?
Are you Aunt Sara?
Are you Saffronia?
Are you Sweet Thing?
Are you Peaches?

Kelly Price, Marsha Ambrosius, Jill Scott, Ledisi



So today remember who you are, and how you became the strength that you've become and every time you look in the mirror tell yourself. "YOU ROCK!"