70 episodes
What's in a Song Scarlet Keys
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- Music
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5.0 • 92 Ratings
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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.
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Madi Diaz on writing process, and the magic of co-writing
My guest today is one of my former students singer/songwriter Madi DiazMadi grew up in Pennsylvania where she was homes schooled by her mother and took piano lessons from her father at the age of 5.After high school, Madi was accepted to Berklee College of Music and met her first collaborator Kyle Ryan which led to her recording her first record skin and bones in Hawaii.Later, Madi went on to tour with the civil ward and Landon Pig. She was featured in Paste magazine as on of teh top te...
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What we can learn from Billy Eilish and Bonnie Raitt about great melodies
In this minisode, I talk about writing melody and thinking of melody as the song's tone of voice.Auditioning melodies to make sure we pair the best notes with our most important words and the power of unstable notes in writing great melodies.To join my summer songwriting class "Writing Better Melodies" click here:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/melody-writing-intensive-tickets-943422099897If you sign up before July 15th, you will receive a free copy of my book "The Craft of Songwriting: Music, M...
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Minisode: Making time for your art and the myth of inspiration
"Inspiration is for Amateurs""Don't be 'a writer' but instead be writing." - Faulkner"Just begin and the mind grows heated; continue, and the task will be completed!”― Johann Wolfgang von GoetheTo join the "What's in a Song" community membership: https://buymeacoffee.com/scarlet.keysLink to song from band Corner Boy "Morning Morning": https://open.spotify.com/track/7wjyEuRd6pYN34BmVkOpa1?si=a25d393f73594a0bhttps://www.cornerboymusic.com/Mixed by Peter Sykes: https://www.petersykesmusic.com/Ot...
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Robert Ellis Orrall on writing with Taylor Swift, and writing process
In this Episode, Robert Ellis Orrall talks about writing with Taylor Swift. What she was like as a young writer, how he set up the showcase that got her a record deal and shares two songs her wrote with Swift along with an original from his latest record.Upcoming workshop: Taylor Swift Master class this Tuesday May 28th: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-songwriting-of-taylor-swift-writing-great-melodies-tickets-907284772177Robert Ellis Orrall's website: https://www.robertellisorrall.com...
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Will Kimbrough: Writing techniques, guitar voicings and so much wisdom
My guest today s an American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer Will Kimbrough.As a producer, he has produced albums for Rodney Crowell, Todd Snider, Kim Richey, Garrison Star and Matthew Ryan to name a few.His songs have been recorded by Jimmy Buffett, Little Fear, Jack Ingram, and he has collaborated with Rosanne Cash, Guy Clark, Steve Earle, Emmylou Harris, John Prine, and Mavis Staples just to name a few.In 2004 he was recognized as the instrumentalist of the year by th...
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Minisode - The impact and storytelling of NOUNS
The storytelling effects of nouns.Mixed by Peter Sykes: https://www.petersykesmusic.com/Otto Gross: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMnxx19QD-vxD4wnYGTn3JwScarlet's website:https://www.scarletkeys.comScarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/Scarlet's website:https://www.scarletkeys.comScarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/Scarlet's website: https://www.scarletkeys.comScarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/To p...
Customer Reviews
Inspired and accessible
I’m kind of a picky listener when it comes to podcasts but this one is top notch. I am an artist, musician and a geek about listening to anything having to do with the creative process. Scarlet’s conversations with her guests are down to earth and inspiring and I hope this podcast is around for a long long time. (My phone erased a star last time so I’m hoping this fixes it! Five stars!)
Excellent Songwriting Interviews
Scarlet is an excellent interviewer...insightful, encouraging, and adept. She features a wide range of songwriters, producers, et al. in this podcast who share their experiences and techniques. The podcast is both entertaining for the casual listener and useful for aspiring and accomplished songwriters alike.
Great podcast!
Scarlet has so many talented songwriter friends/guests. She and her guests share practical tools and inspiration for songwriting from every angle. She’s a great teacher, interviewer and songwriter, and this podcast is the best. My highest recommendation!