What's in a Song

Scarlet Keys
  • 5.0 (98)
  • Music Interviews
  • Weekly

This is a weekly podcast about the craft of songwriting hosted by Berklee College of Music Professor Scarlet Keys. She takes deep dive into the craft, technique and art of songwriting in conversations with eminent songwriters, producers, and other creatives asking questions only a songwriting professor would ask so listeners can walk away inspired and armed with clear and actionable tools and techniques they can apply to their songwriting.

  1. 1d ago

    Liz Longley DYI indie biz and live performance

    Send us Fan Mail Support this podcast: Venmo @scarlet-keys Or https://buymeacoffee.com/scarlet.keys Today's guest is Liz Longley: Best known for her stop-you-in-your-tracks voice, Liz Longley is an accomplished singer-songwriter based out of Nashville, TN. With her deeply emotional music, Longley has earned accolades from some of the most prestigious songwriting competitions in the country, including the BMI John Lennon Songwriting Scholarship Competition. Her self-titled debut album received critical acclaim, being described as “something more; a cleverness, a wit and a mix of musical styles” (Dallas Morning News) and “stunning” (HuffPost). Her follow up album Weightless, released in 2016, was praised as “a thing of beauty” (Pop Dose) and “packed with instantly memorable pop rock songs…” (Popmatters). The Berklee College of Music grad worked alongside 5-time Grammy-nominated producer, Paul Moak, on her much awaited sixth album, Funeral For my Past. The journey of her self-release made music industry headlines when her devoted fanbase raised over $150,000 to help her purchase the rights to and independently release the album. Longley became the #4 most funded solo female musician in Kickstarter history - a story covered by Billboard Magazine.  Embraced by the press and music fans alike, Funeral For My Past was described as a “…stunning new album!” (Forbes), “…from Americana to gospel-flavored soul to shimmering pop anthems” (Billboard), and included in “100 Albums Released in 2020 to Put on Your Radar” (Newsweek). The Nashville-based musician has found a loving give-and-take with listeners: Longley shares her music with the world, enriching fans’ lives, and in return, they provide her with the means necessary for her to make music on her own terms. To preserve Liz Longley's upcoming Christmas album: https://sl.cmdshft.com/theholidayfuss Workshop Nov 13: Writing Better Songs:  With Scarlet Keys In this 2 1/2 hour workshop you will walk away with 12 tools to make you a better writer:  3 prompts3 chord progressions3 ways to write better melodies3 lyric writing techniques  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/songwriting-workshop-writing-better-songs-tickets-2003921323623?fbclid=IwY2xjawVMfJ5leHRuA2FlbQIxMABwZG9mBWJyaWQRMWMzZmUxWTZDbDlyUW1pdThzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEe8uNlFbkwXmMv5YWoQi4NcIFh48Vqe5F1qIoqVsv3VMjP70Ctnb1HNSjr884_aem_HBw3yIMTHOwFtHrYGvJHPA&aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true Join the “What’s in a Song” community:  https://buymeacoffee.com/scarlet.keys Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/ To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "What if it All Goes Right: Practicing Hope in the Hardest Times" featured on NPR and the Wall Street Journal: https://www.amazon.com/What-All-Goes-Right-Practicing/dp/B0CTYVQ9Q8 Joe Bennett: To learn more about forensic musicology and professor Joe Bennett: https://joebennett.net/ Mailing list: https://www.scarletkeys.com/ Mixed by Peter Sykes: https://www.petersykesmusic.com/ Scarlet's website: https://www.scarletkeys.com Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/ To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songwriting: https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Songwriting-Music-Meaning-Emotion/dp/0876391927/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2PP55NU6E9ST6&keywords=the+craft+of+songwriting&qid=1659573139&sprefix=the+craft+of+songwritin%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1 Scarlet's website: https://www.scarletkeys.com Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/ To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songwriting: https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Songwriting-Music-Meaning-Emotion/dp/0876391927/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2PP55NU6E9ST6&keywords=the+craft+of+songwriting&qid=1659573139&sprefix=the+craft+of+songwritin%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1

  2. Oct 26

    Writing for film and t.v. with Kari Kimmel at Glow music group

    Send us Fan Mail Today's guest is the owner of Glow Music Group, Kari Kimmel In this episode,  Kari talks about her journey as an artist and how she became to own one of the most successful licensing companies, how she champions real artists and what music supervisors are most often looking for. Workshop Nov 13: Writing Better Songs:  With Scarlet Keys In this 2 1/2 hour workshop you will walk away with 12 tools to make you a better writer:  3 prompts3 chord progressions3 ways to write better melodies3 lyric writing techniques  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/songwriting-workshop-writing-better-songs-tickets-2003921323623?fbclid=IwY2xjawVMfJ5leHRuA2FlbQIxMABwZG9mBWJyaWQRMWMzZmUxWTZDbDlyUW1pdThzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEe8uNlFbkwXmMv5YWoQi4NcIFh48Vqe5F1qIoqVsv3VMjP70Ctnb1HNSjr884_aem_HBw3yIMTHOwFtHrYGvJHPA&aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true Join the “What’s in a Song” community:  https://buymeacoffee.com/scarlet.keys Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/ To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "What if it All Goes Right: Practicing Hope in the Hardest Times" featured on NPR and the Wall Street Journal: https://www.amazon.com/What-All-Goes-Right-Practicing/dp/B0CTYVQ9Q8 Joe Bennett: To learn more about forensic musicology and professor Joe Bennett: https://joebennett.net/ Mailing list: https://www.scarletkeys.com/ Mixed by Peter Sykes: https://www.petersykesmusic.com/ Scarlet's website: https://www.scarletkeys.com Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/ To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songwriting: https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Songwriting-Music-Meaning-Emotion/dp/0876391927/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2PP55NU6E9ST6&keywords=the+craft+of+songwriting&qid=1659573139&sprefix=the+craft+of+songwritin%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1 Scarlet's website: https://www.scarletkeys.com Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/ To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songwriting: https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Songwriting-Music-Meaning-Emotion/dp/0876391927/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2PP55NU6E9ST6&keywords=the+craft+of+songwriting&qid=1659573139&sprefix=the+craft+of+songwritin%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1

  3. Jun 26

    Part 2 Taylor Swift "Ruin the Friendship" The music, Nashville tunings, copy right infringement

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode Scarlet Keys is joined with Forensic Musicologist Dr. Joe Bennett.  Joe breaks down the chords in this song and shares Nashville tunings for the guitar. Joe gets granular in this discussion as he compares Lenny Kravit's "It Ain't over 'til it's over" with "Ruin the friendship" and clarify's what constitutes copyright infringement.  He talks about copyrighting your songs and how to protect your original work while still finding inspiration from songs you love. Chord progression in "Ruin the Friendship: D  GMaj7/B  Csus2  G5 Nashville tunings: Need two sets of guitar strings Take off the 4 thickest strings and replace with much lighter strings replace bass strings with much lighter strings. Bass to treble change tuning to: BE are the same but others are an octave higher  How to copyright your songs and protect your work copyright.gov  work.Support this podcast: https://buymeacoffee.com/scarlet.keys  Venmo: @scarlet-keys Songwriting retreats: Star Island In person songwriting retreat: https://starisland.org/program/songwriting-intensive-the-art-of-the-song/Support this podcast:  Join the “What’s in a Song” community:  https://buymeacoffee.com/scarlet.keys Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/   To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "What if it All Goes Right: Practicing Hope in the Hardest Times" featured on NPR and the Wall Street Journal: https://www.amazon.com/What-All-Goes-Right-Practicing/dp/B0CTYVQ9Q8 Joe Bennett: To learn more about forensic musicology and professor Joe Bennett: https://joebennett.net/ Mailing list: https://www.scarletkeys.com/ Mixed by Peter Sykes: https://www.petersykesmusic.com/ Scarlet's website: https://www.scarletkeys.com Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/ To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songwriting: https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Songwriting-Music-Meaning-Emotion/dp/0876391927/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2PP55NU6E9ST6&keywords=the+craft+of+songwriting&qid=1659573139&sprefix=the+craft+of+songwritin%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1

  4. Jun 12

    Part 1 Taylor Swift "Ruin the Friendship" - lyric techniques and the power of a great bridge

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we talk about Taylor Swift's narrative and lyric techniques.  We break down the bridge in the song "Ruin the Friendship"  with a focus on lyrical techniques and a touch on melody.  We talk about the power of a bridge and the alchemy this bridge has on the rest of the narrative. Support this podcast: https://buymeacoffee.com/scarlet.keys  Venmo: @scarlet-keys What members are saying: "I've been in Scarlet's songwriting group since it began. I've learned so much from Scarlet, her guests, and from the other members. It's been an important part of my songwriting journey." - Neale Eckstein  I really have grown through your community. Here is a quote that captures my feelings ..... "Through lyric-writing practice, craft-focused feedback, and a supportive community of songwriters, I've become a stronger storyteller in song and gained confidence to share those stories with a wider audience." ... Joe Howell "Scarlet was my first songwriting professor when I was a student at Berklee College of Music. I had never written a song before and left her class with a catalogue of finished songs and an immense love for the craft of writing. 10 years later, I'm now a professional musician, songwriter, and songwriting coach. Through the years, I have been encouraged by the wisdom and insight Scarlet has to offer. I'm not a morning person, but I look forward to the Friday morning sessions where I log on with my bed head, notebook, and cup of tea. The group offers a sense of community with other kind writers working on their art and finding joy in this world through music. The meetings are a positive start to my weekend and keep me inspired as I work on my various music projects. I am so fortunate enough to learn from Scarlet with her positive spirit and love for songwriting."  - Stephanie James Songwriting retreats: Star Island In person songwriting retreat: https://starisland.org/program/songwriting-intensive-the-art-of-the-song/Support this podcast:  Join the “What’s in a Song” community:  https://buymeacoffee.com/scarlet.keys Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/ To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "What if it All Goes Right: Practicing Hope in the Hardest Times" featured on NPR and the Wall Street Journal: https://www.amazon.com/What-All-Goes-Right-Practicing/dp/B0CTYVQ9Q8 Joe Bennett: To learn more about forensic musicology and professor Joe Bennett: https://joebennett.net/ Mailing list: https://www.scarletkeys.com/ Mixed by Peter Sykes: https://www.petersykesmusic.com/ Scarlet's website: https://www.scarletkeys.com Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/ To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songwriting: https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Songwriting-Music-Meaning-Emotion/dp/0876391927/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2PP55NU6E9ST6&keywords=the+craft+of+songwriting&qid=1659573139&sprefix=the+craft+of+songwritin%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1

  5. Apr 23

    Diagnosing a song

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode we talk about the critical thinking skills of a songwriter and the puzzle of the song.   When your song feels like it's missing something or you might feel bored by your own song but don't know what to do to change it.  After the song is written, it's important to know what to look for on how to make the song as effective as possible.  I hope you will join me for my next online class to learn what to look for and the solutions that can make your song as impactful as possible. Master class: "Diagnosing a song" May 1st 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. E.T. Cost: $45.00  Eventbrite sign up: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1988234179954?aff=oddtdtcreator Submit song to be chosen for critique: Send sharable google file of lyric or lyric doc to: scarletvkeys@gmail.com  To sign up Venmo: @scarlet-keys Songwriting retreats: Star Island In person songwriting retreat: https://starisland.org/program/songwriting-intensive-the-art-of-the-song/Support this podcast: https://buymeacoffee.com/scarlet.keys   Join the “What’s in a Song” community:  https://buymeacoffee.com/scarlet.keys Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/ To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "What if it All Goes Right: Practicing Hope in the Hardest Times" featured on NPR and the Wall Street Journal: https://www.amazon.com/What-All-Goes-Right-Practicing/dp/B0CTYVQ9Q8 Joe Bennett: To learn more about forensic musicology and professor Joe Bennett: https://joebennett.net/ Mailing list: https://www.scarletkeys.com/ Mixed by Peter Sykes: https://www.petersykesmusic.com/ Scarlet's website: https://www.scarletkeys.com Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/ To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songwriting: https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Songwriting-Music-Meaning-Emotion/dp/0876391927/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2PP55NU6E9ST6&keywords=the+craft+of+songwriting&qid=1659573139&sprefix=the+craft+of+songwritin%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1

  6. Feb 9

    Taylor Swift's Eldest Daughter break down with Guest forensic musicologist Joe Bennett

    Send us Fan Mail Welcome back to a new season! We are continuing on with the Life of a Show Girl interpreted with new up coming episodes. Today, I am joined with Dr. Joe Bennett as we break down "Eldest Daughter" by Taylor Swift. Songwriting retreats: Star Island In person songwriting retreat: https://starisland.org/program/songwriting-intensive-the-art-of-the-song/Support this podcast: https://buymeacoffee.com/scarlet.keys   Join the “What’s in a Song” community:  https://buymeacoffee.com/scarlet.keys Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/ To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "What if it All Goes Right: Practicing Hope in the Hardest Times" featured on NPR and the Wall Street Journal: https://www.amazon.com/What-All-Goes-Right-Practicing/dp/B0CTYVQ9Q8 Joe Bennett: To learn more about forensic musicology and professor Joe Bennett: https://joebennett.net/ Mailing list: https://www.scarletkeys.com/ Mixed by Peter Sykes: https://www.petersykesmusic.com/ Scarlet's website: https://www.scarletkeys.com Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/ To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songwriting: https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Songwriting-Music-Meaning-Emotion/dp/0876391927/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2PP55NU6E9ST6&keywords=the+craft+of+songwriting&qid=1659573139&sprefix=the+craft+of+songwritin%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1

  7. 11/10/2025

    Taylor Swift's "Father Figure" The break down with guest Forensic musicologist Joe Bennett

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we break down Father Figure from Taylor Swift's record "The Life of a Showgirl". In this episode we look at: The chord progressionMelodic hooksRhetorical devicesGuitar voicingsThe stunning bridge and what the back ground harmonies are bringing to this section to make it so spectacularPhrasingProsodySign up for the Master class:The songwriting secrets of Taylor Swift Nov 18th: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1811786424969?aff=oddtdtcreator Support this podcast: https://buymeacoffee.com/scarlet.keys   Join the “What’s in a Song” community:  https://buymeacoffee.com/scarlet.keys Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/ To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "What if it All Goes Right: Practicing Hope in the Hardest Times" featured on NPR and the Wall Street Journal: https://www.amazon.com/What-All-Goes-Right-Practicing/dp/B0CTYVQ9Q8 Joe Bennett: To learn more about forensic musicology and professor Joe Bennett: https://joebennett.net/ Mailing list: https://www.scarletkeys.com/ Mixed by Peter Sykes: https://www.petersykesmusic.com/ Otto Gross: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMnxx19QD-vxD4wnYGTn3Jw Scarlet's website: https://www.scarletkeys.com Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/ To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songwriting: https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Songwriting-Music-Meaning-Emotion/dp/0876391927/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2PP55NU6E9ST6&keywords=the+craft+of+songwriting&qid=1659573139&sprefix=the+craft+of+songwritin%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1

  8. 10/26/2025

    Taylor Swift's Opalite - break down

    Send us Fan Mail Track32 on "The Life of a Showgirl" - Opalite I'm back with Forensic Musicologist Dr. Joe Bennett In this episode we look at: The chord progressionChord tensionsHarmonic rhythmBorrowed chordRhetorical deviceProductionDirect modulationTo sign up with the virtual live master class "The Songwriting of Taylor Swift" with Scarlet Keys:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1811786424969?aff=oddtdtcreator Joe Bennett: To learn more about forensic musicology and professor Joe Bennett: https://joebennett.net/ Mailing list: https://www.scarletkeys.com/ Instagram: @scarletkeysofficial Become a member of the What's in a song songwriting community or become a supporter: https://buymeacoffee.com/scarlet.keys Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/ To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "What if it All Goes Right: Practicing Hope in the Hardest Times" featured on NPR and the Wall Street Journal: https://www.amazon.com/What-All-Goes-Right-Practicing/dp/B0CTYVQ9Q8 To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songwriting: https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Songwriting-Music-Meaning-Emotion/dp/0876391927/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2PP55NU6E9ST6&keywords=the+craft+of+songwriting&qid=1659573139&sprefix=the+craft+of+songwritin%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1 Mixed by Peter Sykes: https://www.petersykesmusic.com/ Otto Gross: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMnxx19QD-vxD4wnYGTn3Jw Scarlet's website: https://www.scarletkeys.com Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/ To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songwriting: https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Songwriting-Music-Meaning-Emotion/dp/0876391927/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2PP55NU6E9ST6&keywords=the+craft+of+songwriting&qid=1659573139&sprefix=the+craft+of+songwritin%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1 Scarlet's website: https://www.scarletkeys.com Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/ To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songwriting: https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Songwriting-Music-Meaning-Emotion/dp/0876391927/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2PP55NU6E9ST6&keywords=the+craft+of+songwriting&qid=1659573139&sprefix=the+craft+of+songwritin%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1

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About

This is a weekly podcast about the craft of songwriting hosted by Berklee College of Music Professor Scarlet Keys. She takes deep dive into the craft, technique and art of songwriting in conversations with eminent songwriters, producers, and other creatives asking questions only a songwriting professor would ask so listeners can walk away inspired and armed with clear and actionable tools and techniques they can apply to their songwriting.

Information

  • Creator
    Scarlet Keys
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    91
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 What's in a Song
  • Show Website
    What's in a Song

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