Singer Songwriter | How to Write a Song, Make Music, Song Lyrics, Music Theory, Singing Lessons

Lainey Prendeville Crawford - Vocal Coach, Singer, Songwriter, Songwriting Coach
  • 4.9 (30)
  • Performing Arts
  • Updated Weekly

*** TOP 5% GLOBAL PODCAST *** Have you ever felt a song stirring inside you — but you’re not sure how to bring it to life? Do you dream of writing and singing your own music, but find yourself held back by doubt, perfectionism, or the fear that you’re “not good enough”? Maybe you’ve spent years studying, performing, or people-pleasing with your voice… or maybe you’ve never let yourself believe you could be a singer or a songwriter. And all the tutorials, drills, and music theory lessons? They just make the process feel more complicated — and less creative. If you’re ready to quiet the noise and reconnect with the song in your heart, I’m so glad you’re here. This podcast will help aspiring singer-songwriters like you: 🎵 find your authentic voice and unique sound 🎵 write and sing your own songs — even if you don’t know where to begin 🎵 simplify the creative process from inspiration to finished song 🎵 build confidence to share your music with the world Whether you dream of performing on stage, recording an album, or simply creating music that feels like you, this podcast will meet you where you are — and guide you toward becoming the artist you’re meant to be. Hey, I’m Lainey — former opera singer turned singer-songwriter and voice & creativity coach. This podcast was born from a time in my life when I had worked so hard to mold my voice into what I thought it was supposed to be that I lost my way as an artist… and stopped singing altogether. After years of trying to perfect my sound, I realized I didn’t want to perform other people’s music anymore. I wanted to sing my own. So I started writing songs — raw, imperfect, honest songs — and rediscovered the joy of creative freedom. Now, I help other aspiring singer-songwriters do the same. If you’re ready to: ✨ reconnect with your voice through creative, holistic practices ✨ learn simple, soulful ways to write your own songs ✨ let go of judgment and rediscover your love of singing Grab your notebook, pour a cup of tea, and let’s uncover the songs that have been waiting inside you. Let’s find your voice! ＜3 Lainey Next Steps: Book a Coaching Session: reawakenyourvoice.com/coaching Join the Newsletter: reawakenyourvoice.com/insider Visit the Website: reawakenyourvoice.com Write Me: hello@reawakenyourvoice.com

  1. 6d ago

    122 | Want to Write Songs? How to Start as a Beginner Songwriter

    Want to write songs but don't know where to begin? You don't have to know music theory, play an instrument, or have years of songwriting experience before you can call yourself a songwriter. You can begin with what you have—and learn what you need along the way. In this beginner-friendly introduction to songwriting, we'll explore what it really means to be a songwriter, different ways to begin a song, and how to find a simple "song seed" that can become the doorway into your first song. You'll learn why there's no single right way to start writing a song, how to let a song reveal itself as you work, and why you don't need to have the whole thing figured out before you begin. If you've been wanting to write songs but keep thinking you need to learn more first, this episode is for you. You are allowed to be a songwriter while you're still learning how to write songs. Next Steps: Join the Newsletter: reawakenyourvoice.com/insider Visit the Website: reawakenyourvoice.com Write Me: hello@reawakenyourvoice.com

  2. Aug 25

    121 | How to Get Unstuck in Every Stage of the Songwriting Process

    How do you get unstuck when you're writing a song? Feeling stuck doesn't always mean the same thing—and it doesn't always require the same solution. A songwriter who can't get started may need to develop their musical skills, while someone stuck in the messy middle may need to learn how to tolerate uncertainty. Someone else may be stuck in perfectionism, unable to finish, record, or share their song. This summer, I've been paying close attention to my own songwriting process and the different places where I tend to get stuck. It's helped me see the creative process differently: where you are determines what you need next. In this episode, we'll look at the different phases of the songwriting process—from desire and gathering ideas to choosing, beginning, navigating the messy middle, finishing, recording, and sharing—and the different creative blocks that can arise along the way. Because sometimes you need a songwriting skill. Sometimes you need to make a decision. Sometimes you need to trust yourself, let go of perfectionism, or become willing to see yourself as the songwriter you're becoming. If you're feeling stuck writing a song, don't assume you're behind. Find where you are in the process, identify the bottleneck, and discover what you need to keep moving. Next Steps: Join the Newsletter: reawakenyourvoice.com/insider Visit the Website: reawakenyourvoice.com Write Me: hello@reawakenyourvoice.com

  3. Aug 18

    120 | Press Record Anyway: How Recording Yourself Can Improve Your Singing

    What if one of the simplest ways to improve your singing is to start pressing record? I practiced recording myself this week, and the experience gave me a valuable reality check about where I am as a singer and musician—and what I need to work on next. When you're inside the music, it's easy to miss things like breath support, tempo, phrasing, tension, or other habits. Listening back gives you an outside perspective and turns vague feelings of "I need to get better" into specific information you can actually use in your practice. I'll also talk about the difference between healthy musicianship and perfectionism. Wanting to sing and record well isn't the problem. The problem is believing you have to be perfect before you're allowed to press record. Recording yourself doesn't have to be about creating something you're ready to share. Sometimes it's simply a practice tool: record, listen, notice, learn, and try again. If you've been hesitant to hear your own singing voice on a recording, consider this your invitation to press record anyway. 3 Lainey Next Steps: Join the Newsletter: reawakenyourvoice.com/insider Visit the Website: reawakenyourvoice.com Write Me: hello@reawakenyourvoice.com

  4. Aug 11

    119 | Why You Keep Putting Off Recording Your Songs

    Why do you keep putting off recording your songs — even when the song is finished? You finally finish the lyrics. You make the revisions. You find the version of the song that feels true. And then, somehow, recording it becomes the thing you keep avoiding. I've noticed this pattern in my own creative process. After spending the summer paying attention to the different stages of songwriting — from gathering ideas and choosing, to navigating the messy middle, finishing, and sharing — I've realized that recording is one of my own creative bottlenecks. In this episode, I explore why recording can feel so much harder than writing the song itself, and how perfectionism, overthinking, and the pressure to get it "right" can keep us from taking the next step. If you've been sitting on a finished song — or a song that's almost finished — and somehow can't seem to get yourself to record it, this one is for you. 3 Lainey Next Steps: Join the Newsletter: reawakenyourvoice.com/insider Visit the Website: reawakenyourvoice.com Write Me: hello@reawakenyourvoice.com

  5. Aug 4

    118 | Feeling Stuck Writing Songs? Find Your Place in the Songwriting Process

    Have you ever wondered why songwriting feels effortless one day — and impossible the next? What if the problem isn't that you're creatively blocked, but that you're in a different stage of the songwriting process? In this episode, I'm looking back on an unexpected discovery. What started as a summer of recording podcast episodes about singing, songwriting, and creativity turned into a deep study of the creative process itself. As I paid attention to my own songwriting practice, I began noticing familiar patterns: gathering ideas, choosing a direction, working through the messy middle, finishing a song, and finally finding the courage to share it. Every stage has its own challenges. Every songwriter gets stuck somewhere. The key isn't trying to force your way through—it's learning to recognize where you are and what that stage is asking of you. Whether you're struggling to find song ideas, stuck halfway through a draft, caught in perfectionism, or having a hard time finishing and sharing your music, this episode will help you locate yourself in the process so you can keep moving forward with greater clarity and confidence. Next Steps: Join the Newsletter: reawakenyourvoice.com/insider Book a Coaching Session: reawakenyourvoice.com/coaching Visit the Website: reawakenyourvoice.com Write Me: hello@reawakenyourvoice.com

  6. Jul 28

    117 | The Secret To Vocal Confidence Isn't Having a Better Singing Voice

    What if the secret to vocal confidence isn't having a better singing voice? So many singers believe confidence comes after they improve their technique, sound better, or finally feel "good enough." But what if confidence begins somewhere else? In this episode, we're exploring a different way of thinking about vocal confidence—one that's rooted not in perfection, but in trust. I share why learning to trust your singing voice enough to let it be heard may be more important than chasing the perfect sound, and how our inner critic often pulls us out of the experience of singing and into the role of judge. Whether you're recording yourself, performing on stage, posting a video online, or simply singing for someone you trust, the invitation is the same: stay on your own side. Instead of asking, "Did I sound good?" what if you asked, "Did I stay connected to myself? Did I tell the truth?" If you've ever struggled with self-criticism, hated the sound of your own singing voice, or felt afraid to let your voice be heard, this episode will encourage you to build confidence from the inside out. 3 Lainey Next Steps: Join the Newsletter: reawakenyourvoice.com/insider Visit the Website: reawakenyourvoice.com Write Me: hello@reawakenyourvoice.com

  7. Jul 21

    116 | How Do You Know When a Song Is Finished?

    How do you know when a song is actually finished? Not when it's perfect. Not when you've exhausted every possible revision. But when it's ready to let go. In this episode, we're exploring the final stage of the songwriting process: knowing when to stop revising and trust the song you've written. I share what happened after revisiting an old song that finally found its missing verse—only to discover myself slipping into endless tweaking, second-guessing, and overthinking every artistic decision. We'll talk about the difference between healthy revision and hypercriticism, why perfectionism keeps so many songwriters stuck, and how to recognize when another rewrite isn't helping the song anymore. Sometimes the hardest part of songwriting isn't finding inspiration or writing the first draft—it's trusting yourself enough to finish. Whether you're working on your first song or your fiftieth, this episode is an invitation to embrace the imperfect beauty of your work and remember that every finished song is simply a snapshot of who you were when you chose to let it go. In this episode, we'll explore: how to know when a song is finished the final stage of the songwriting process songwriting revision vs. perfectionism editing and revising song lyrics overcoming self-criticism in songwriting trusting your creative instincts why finishing a song is an act of trust avoiding overthinking during the songwriting process letting go of perfection and releasing your music building a sustainable creative practice Next Steps: Join the Newsletter: reawakenyourvoice.com/insider Book a Coaching Session: reawakenyourvoice.com/coaching Visit the Website: reawakenyourvoice.com Write Me: reawakenyourvoice.com

  8. Jul 14

    115 | The Hardest Part of the Songwriting Process: Choosing What Belongs

    Have you ever held onto a lyric, melody, or song idea simply because you've lived with it for so long? In this episode, we're exploring a different stage of the songwriting process — not gathering inspiration, but choosing what belongs. I share the story of revisiting an old song and making one unexpected change that revealed a deeper, more honest version of the story it had been trying to tell all along. We'll talk about why artistic growth isn't just about creating more — it's about developing the discernment to recognize what truly serves the song. Sometimes the hardest part of songwriting isn't writing the next line. It's having the courage to let go of something good so something truer can emerge. Whether you're writing songs, making music, or simply learning to trust your creative instincts, this episode is an invitation to embrace the deeper work of choosing, revising, and telling the truth in your art. In this episode, we'll explore: the songwriting process beyond first drafts editing and revising song lyrics how to know what belongs in a song creative discernment and artistic choices telling the truth through songwriting letting go of lyrics that no longer serve the song trusting your creative instincts why honesty leads to stronger songs embracing revision as part of the creative process Next Steps: Join the Newsletter: reawakenyourvoice.com/insider Book a Coaching Session: reawakenyourvoice.com/coaching Visit the Website: reawakenyourvoice.com Email Me: hello@reawakenyourvoice.com

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*** TOP 5% GLOBAL PODCAST *** Have you ever felt a song stirring inside you — but you’re not sure how to bring it to life? Do you dream of writing and singing your own music, but find yourself held back by doubt, perfectionism, or the fear that you’re “not good enough”? Maybe you’ve spent years studying, performing, or people-pleasing with your voice… or maybe you’ve never let yourself believe you could be a singer or a songwriter. And all the tutorials, drills, and music theory lessons? They just make the process feel more complicated — and less creative. If you’re ready to quiet the noise and reconnect with the song in your heart, I’m so glad you’re here. This podcast will help aspiring singer-songwriters like you: 🎵 find your authentic voice and unique sound 🎵 write and sing your own songs — even if you don’t know where to begin 🎵 simplify the creative process from inspiration to finished song 🎵 build confidence to share your music with the world Whether you dream of performing on stage, recording an album, or simply creating music that feels like you, this podcast will meet you where you are — and guide you toward becoming the artist you’re meant to be. Hey, I’m Lainey — former opera singer turned singer-songwriter and voice & creativity coach. This podcast was born from a time in my life when I had worked so hard to mold my voice into what I thought it was supposed to be that I lost my way as an artist… and stopped singing altogether. After years of trying to perfect my sound, I realized I didn’t want to perform other people’s music anymore. I wanted to sing my own. So I started writing songs — raw, imperfect, honest songs — and rediscovered the joy of creative freedom. Now, I help other aspiring singer-songwriters do the same. If you’re ready to: ✨ reconnect with your voice through creative, holistic practices ✨ learn simple, soulful ways to write your own songs ✨ let go of judgment and rediscover your love of singing Grab your notebook, pour a cup of tea, and let’s uncover the songs that have been waiting inside you. Let’s find your voice! ＜3 Lainey Next Steps: Book a Coaching Session: reawakenyourvoice.com/coaching Join the Newsletter: reawakenyourvoice.com/insider Visit the Website: reawakenyourvoice.com Write Me: hello@reawakenyourvoice.com

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