point of view

Remote collaboration tips with Mike Rudquist and Neel

For this special episode, we talked about a collaboration Neel did with Mike Rudquist, a singer-songwriter he met at the At Home Songwriting group for a songwriting challenge.

Mike Rudquist is a songwriter from Red Wing, MN who writes songs in Americana, pop/rock, and country.… Read the rest

The business of songwriting with Garrett Neiles

by Neel Modi

Garrett Neiles has just released his sophomore EP, “27”. His sound is a revival of the 2000’s era Alternative Pop-Rock concept, infused with refreshing lyrical depth of deep introspection. His unique and meticulous balance of old and new is rooted in the sonic exploration of the past, and features catchy rhythms and unforgettable lyrics.… Read the rest

Phil leans into Lydian for his songwriting challenge answer

by Neel Modi

For our second host-answer episode for our Songwriting Challenge 2023, Phil shared the process behind his answer to the challenge to write a song in the Lydian mode. Our good friend Susan Cattaneo joined in.

We talked about:

How Phil experimented with various scales before landing on Lydian for his song
How working in Lydian gave Phil a “back foot” transition into his chorus, which is usually more of a jump
Using a pedal point bass in the verses
Leaning into the intervals that define the identity of the mode
Using different line lengths in your verses
Playing around with the point-of-view in your song as a way to engage your listener
The episode on writer’s block we did with Susan

… Read the rest

Conscious songwriting with Meris Gantt

by Neel Modi

Meris Gantt is an Indie Folk singer and songwriter based out of the North Carolina mountains.

Meris’ songwriting is honest and to the point; exploring life’s journeys with longing, regret and the silver linings that lie in between. Her songs tell tales of love, loss, and redemption that speak to the universal truths that bind us all together.… Read the rest

Songwriting Challenge 2022: Listener Songs Volume 4

by Neel Modi

We continue to receive submissions from our listeners to our songwriting challenge. Thanks to everyone for their contributions! On this bonus listener episode, we feature songs by Andy Vann, Mira Chorik, and Sunny Zaman.

We talked about:

The Song Talk Meetup
Why do you write songs?

… Read the rest

Songwriting Challenge 2022: The Hosts Revisit their Songs

by Neel Modi

We welcomed the return of our ex-co-host Michael Proudfoot, joining us to review our updated answers to the 2022 Songwriting Challenge.

We talked about:

Our new Songwriting Challenge webpage, featuring the original versions of our songs, plus listener song episodes
The Song Talk Meetup
Mashing up various styles and instruments
Reaching out to other songwriters to help make sure every lyric lands with the most impact (Neel would like to thank Sarah Peterson for her review of his lyrics and her great suggestions!)

… Read the rest

Songwriting Challenge Listener Songs: Volume 1

by Neel Modi

It’s always great to hear from our listeners, and we loved getting your submissions to our latest songwriting challenge to write from the title Why Do You Cry?

We showcased four of our listener songs, and there are more to come in the next few weeks.… Read the rest

Jacob Moon and how to highlight your melodies

by Phil Emery

Jacob Moon is a friend of the podcast and a veteran indie singer-songwriter who has been doing it full-time for over 25 years. His live show is a combination of his stirring originals and a smorgasbord of inventive covers, delivered in his signature one-man-band style.… Read the rest