What's in a Song

Scarlet Keys
What's in a Song

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. MAY 23

    Imposter Syndrome (no more) with Dr. Jill Stoddard on the inner critic, the wise mind and so much more

    Send us a text To sign up for the online songwriting in process class: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1376858744569?aff=oddtdtcreator On today's show I have Psychologist Dr. Jill Stoddard  So much of what goes into a song is the psychology of the songwriter.  Mindset is so important to the creative.  Today, Dr. Stoddard talks about how to work with our inner critic, why we have it, how to focus on meaning even when your critique is loud.  She talks about how important self compassion is to the creative and the wise mind.  How persona can help an artist and so much more! More about Jill: https://jillstoddard.com/ To find Jill's book: https://www.amazon.com/Imposter-More-Self-Doubt-Imposterism-Successful/dp/1538724790/ref=sr_1_1?crid=QBJQVVVTQCWA&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.t0gJrRrxlr7fbTqpBlq1PA6UmSg3LRmFwVPsRRiQkPNkS5rCe9HIM2zzvrZrw0gcbalD0-zlisuqEpcOscgx8cyeW7zeGdwiSJJtTO6m8AmGoKnflb9bqT2mOyuNBXxzFC2IszG9pjxX0gbcncLqaEH0J_Wz-5PlUeW7AMlW-NqbSUB7cTAngYXrv51YQ936.iml6zLsvasbi9q-BxQCaDOaeAWoajBYcHnKmTlFp71E&dib_tag=se&keywords=imposter+no+more&qid=1748007040&sprefix=imposter+no+mor%2Caps%2C121&sr=8-1 To join the weekly writing class:  https://buymeacoffee.com/scarlet.keys The monthly membership: https://buymeacoffee.com/scarlet.keys 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 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

    57 min
  2. APR 25

    Writing songs for Social Change with Multi grammy winning singer/songwriter Mark Simos

    Send us a text In this episode, Mark Simos takes us through writing songs for social change, political protest, songs for that evoke empathy and songs of conscience. We talk metaphor, point of view and the most effective way to handle this delicate topic. We give you a song prompt and this episode is woven with songwriting crafts gems. Spotify songs for social justice: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0PigbEAOxbwXOwvHFsq1vZ?si=cc729ee146d54003 To join the weekly writing class: https://buymeacoffee.com/scarlet.keys The monthly membership: https://buymeacoffee.com/scarlet.keys 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 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

    1h 31m
  3. FEB 22

    Creative agility and writing process with hit songwriting Rodney Alejandro

    Send us a text Upcoming classes: To sign up for the April 5th workshop: "The songwriting of Taylor Swift":   https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1252499231919?aff=oddtdtcreator To support this podcast and membership: https://buymeacoffee.com/scarlet.keys Show take aways: Try writing a song using the words and rhythm of a nursery rhyme to try audio doodling in your melody.Write your chorus firstStart a song with the chorusYou need input for output: Go hear live music, new music, travel, try new things, read... ABOUT TODAY'S GUEST: Rodney Alejandro Grammy nominated artist/songwriter/producer Rodney Alejandro stands as a formidable polymath whose talents span an impressive array of roles both on stage and in the studio.  Renowned for his dynamic passion for music, Alejandro has excelled as a musician, arranger, songwriter, producer, music director, executive, and educator, establishing himself as a linchpin in the entertainment world. In one of his eras, Alejandro dazzled audiences worldwide as the keyboardist and music director for the international pop band, The Script.  His innovative arrangements transformed the band’s hits into captivating live experiences, weaving emotional narratives that swung from exhilarating highs to poignant lows, leaving concert-goers spellbound. Alejandro’s illustrious career as a live performer includes collaborations with an array of music legends. From the Latin rhythms of Mañá, and Chucho Valdez y Irakere to the soulful strains of Stevie Wonder and Labrinth, to the rock prowess of Roger Daltry and Bunburry, his diverse collaborations have cemented his reputation as a versatile and sought-after talent. Before joining The Script, he had already made a name for himself behind the scenes. His songwriting and production prowess has earned him accolades across multiple genres, including English, Latin, and Asian music markets. He has contributed to multiple Grammy and Latin Grammy nominated projects and earned a Billboard Latin Pop Album of the Year, along with numerous gold and platinum certifications. In the studio, Alejandro's versatility shines through, with his fingerprints on projects ranging from R&B giants like Ray Charles and The Tempatations, to Latin superstars like Kumbia Kings and Olga Tañon, Zydeco royalty Sean Ardoin, and rock legend Sammy Hagar.  His contributions have spanned various projects showcasing his ability to adapt and excel in diverse musical settings. Alejandro’s talents extend to television and film as well, where he has composed and produced music for acclaimed shows such as "The Shield" (Golden Globe winner for Best Drama Series), “Thief,” and “The Ellen DeGeneres Show”(Latin Theme).  His work has also enriched the soundtracks of programs like CBS’s “The Unit”, HBO’s “Pee-Wee Herman's Broadway Special” and “Smallville.” His current era has been thirty plus years in the making. Although he initially deferred college to pursue a major record deal, he later attended San Jacinto Junior College, followed by Berklee College of Music, where he graduated summa cum laude with dual majors in Contemporary Writing and Product 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

    47 min
  4. 12/10/2024

    Music as medicine- The health benefits of listening to your favorite songs with Neuroscientist Dr. Daniel Levitin

    Send us a text In this episode, I speak with Neuroscientist, author and musician Dr. Daniel Levitin on how music affects our health.  From reducing cortisol to lessening the effects of Parkinsons and how we can use music as medicine!  We talk science and his new book "I Heard there was a Secret Chord: Music as Medicine":  Daniel Levitin's music: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7iRoKs96ka4AJPOA39VJj5?si=su7HYKBPT5y1LKw1ws5YfQ https://www.daniellevitin.com/contact https://www.amazon.com/Heard-There-Was-Secret-Chord/dp/1324036184/ref=sr_1_1?crid=274VRU3KC3Q2Y&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.5IaZHwLTgwh8-AzCAHt3kPDTjEUUDj8oH7KYdhuKtZU8XWjEBPwfWA2yUYORIZ_itvi4tir_1TPCxuwyfK5XhOgIuWi6s06iC9NL3rlr-0S7HxC5Dhb2zElgfXUKl9fq5hukodT71mwY0kfSQfodgZvyabALJAoj0-7dbUmqsXQpzu5Vcq8ecsXDWAOC9uUgfRz9X35zmy3J08juQ3Qua_O5xLXVEks31MwO7kqidw0.izSDOoW9LvNCZ-lOnOMvJqL_cNZZlqR5IfpZ0pimcqM&dib_tag=se&keywords=music+as+medicine&qid=1733872553&sprefix=music+as+medicine%2Caps%2C200&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-Songwrihttps://www.amazon.com/Craft-Songwriting-Music-Meaning-Emotion/dp/0876391927/ref=sr_1_1?crid=119TH6YQTH349&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.GwjMoShoQQ4LkwVcPHTP5IsFQanO1VPyx1zz3Bb4-7Ffl9gB95Og0_jt8TG-PMDAg4o3Q2vuEwWCma8wUo-DHpR6mFM_eZ6d07zqSbtlMiP1zBKXa2KP6P0g3jksVGTLOkWjxCsHAiNyGUQGHdxttbW_gEag07lREzcDa6Gvc2aN6DYqIurxcLK-xNKq52dS8bK9mDf-I3NHkS_Eu9WuhM7i1cIed4EMOhKHAgQpccs.KkFHodeEgcHLFavSPdmBuI0yXDQ5mWY3pbRLlxJi5lk&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+craft+of+songwriting&qid=1733872594&sprefix=the+craft+of+songwritin%2Caps%2C148&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

    1 hr
  5. 11/01/2024

    Singer/songwriter Jesse Terry - Writing great melodies and crowd funding

    Send us a text To sign up for the November 23rd virtual LYRIC WRITING WORKSHOP:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1070697919299?aff=oddtdtcreatorhttps://www.eventbrite.com/e/1080037885389?aff=oddtdtcreator My guest today is New England based singer/songwriter Jesse Terry. Before I introduce him I wanted to let you know that on Saturday Nov. 16th I am offering a virtual 3 hour songwriting workshop.  There are a few spaces left and you can sign up through the show notes or on my website at scarletvkeys.com This workshop will be very process oriented focused on lyric writing. You will be doing a lot of small writing exercises to sharpen your lyric writing skills.  We will work on metaphor, avoiding cliche’s and literary devices used by some of the best writers. Today we will talk about his writing process, crowd funding an album with your super fans and some of the reasons he writes such beautiful melodies.  He’s going to play a few song off of his new record Arcadia, released Oct. 4. And this might just be his best record yet. It’s rooted in rhythmic rock & roll and sharp songwriting, Arcadia marks a turning point in Jesse Terry's career. It's the seventh original album from an award-winning musician who's spent much of the past decade on the move, playing 150 shows annually, bouncing between solo performances and full-band gigs. Arcadia captures both sides of that musical personality, finding room for amplified anthems one moment and intimate moments the next, showcasing just how wide Terry's reach can be.  Arcadia is layered with dueling electric guitars, stacked vocal harmonies, and heartland hooks, all supplied by instrumentalists like Ethan Ballinger (Miranda Lambert, Lee Ann Womack), Ross McReynolds (Katie Pruitt, Becca Mancari), Sam Howard (Molly Tuttle, Joy Williams), Juan Solorzano (Ruston Kelly, Parker Millsap), and Danny Mitchell (Rodney Crowell, Anderson East). It's a big, bold sound — the sort of record that begs to be played in the car, windows rolled down, driving down the fast lane toward some new horizon. At the center of that sound is the craft Terry has been sharpening since his years in Nashville, back when he composed songs for others as a staff writer on Music Row. A grand-prize winner of the John Lennon Songwriting Contest, Terry established himself as a top-shelf. Jesse's new record: https://open.spotify.com/album/5lpXAMZDC4hqAU0t2AV29Z?si=SpFXPTHsSL-BidKeOtVbgg https://www.jesseterrymusic.com/ Become a podcast member: Join the "What's in a Song" membership community: https://buymeacoffee.com/scarlet.keys 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-Songwri 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

    1h 1m
  6. 09/23/2024

    Kylie Rothfield on writing process, craft, what she learned from Alicia Keys about singing and stage fright

    Send us a text In this episode, I talk with singer/songwriter Kylie Rothfield. She shares what she learned about singing and stage fright from Alicia Keys.  We talk about what she learned from writing with some of the best writers in Nashville, song craft, process and so much more.  This was a good one! Pre save Kylie's single coming out Sept. 27th here: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/kylierothfield/never-loved-somebody?utm_campaign=website&utm_medium=Email+&utm_source=SendGrid https://www.instagram.com/kylierothfield/ When one hears Kylie Rothfield‘s voice, there is no denying the timeless, raw sense of emotion in her delivery. Crafting songs that combine elements of soul, blues and pop, Kylie’s music is unique, honest, and expressive. Although her vocal ability is undeniable, she is also an accomplished self-taught guitarist, sponsored by Epiphone guitars and fully capable of supporting her captivating live show as a solo acoustic performer or with a full band. It’s no wonder she caught the ears of Alicia Keys, who described her as “a blossoming, powerful flower with so much heart, so much talent, so much emotion and vocal power”. In July of 2015, Kylie signed a publishing deal with Terrorbird Media and Elephant Lady Records/Kyle Andrews. Together, they had 5 placements on national television in their first year together (NBC, E!, ABC, MTV). In September of 2016, Kylie was selected to be on The Voice (NBC). She was chosen by Alicia Keys, who coached her throughout the season, and carried her through to the Top 20 Live Shows in November. Her performance of "Hound Dog" in the knockout rounds garnered attention by many media outlets and was called the "dark-horse breakout performance of the season". Guest advisor Faith Hill said “Kylie absolutely blew me away. She interprets songs like a true artist and she could sing ANYTHING” She has over 1 million combined streams on Spotify & Apple Music from recent independent releases and was recently featured on NBC's Songland S2 (06/08/2020), working with Ester Dean, Ryan Tedder, and Shane McAnally to pitch a song she wrote to Tony and Grammy-winning artist Ben Platt.  Most recently, in 2024 Kylie signed a management deal with Arianna Soto and a record deal with new label, DVG Records. She is currently in the process of recording a full-length album that is set to be released in spring 2025. Become a podcast member: Join the "What's in a Song" membership community: https://buymeacoffee.com/scarlet.keys 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

    1h 8m
  7. 08/26/2024

    What does AI mean for songwriters with award winning songwriter and Berklee Professor Ben Camp

    Send us a text Today I have Berklee Professor Ben Camp on the show discussing AI We talk about where it is now and what it means for songwriters in the future.  We talk ethics, creativity, originality, works that are derivative and Ben takes a song we wrote together years ago and puts it through AI to demonstrate some of the current possibilities AI offers creatives. Ben Camp has taught songwriting to over 2,000 students at Berklee College of Music, and is a gold record awarded writer and producer. Ben's songs have amassed over 100 million streams, appeared in film and TV on networks like MTV, CBS, NBC, and more. They have written singles for Brice Fox, Tiesto, Victoria Justice, Sam Feldt, and others. Ben has been following the developments in AI for over a decade, and you can find their interviews about AI + Music on NPR, Al Jazeera, and others.  https://www.bencamp.com/ To support this podcast or to join our Membership: https://buymeacoffee.com/scarlet.keys 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

    1h 12m
5
out of 5
96 Ratings

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.

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