Hey, e'erbody, if you're looking for some original acoustic stuff, check out my channel. If you're not, then don't check out my channel. Either way, have a super day.
I've written songs.. and was a runner up in a songwriting contest, Song of the year. How do i go about submitting one of my songs to you? Also, does it have to be copyright first? I suppose so :D Thanks so much for your advice.. Have a great day!!! Bettina
Your video is very interesting with good vibes & info….totally enjoyed it. Hey, check out my video…I know you will like it because it’s real…..Youtube.com/user/PapiRayOneal…..Im subbing you, so please sub me back.
in England all you need to have a hit band band is 4 skinny guys (19 to 24 yrs. old) with shaggy mid-length dirty hair who are basically trying to sound like the beatles or the stones,act like drunken douchebags and make the guitar tone more "indie" (sloppy) and NME will at least give you 15 minutes of fames.
I have a question. When your doing re-writes how dose that work with copyright. If i changed the lyrics after i copyright it . What would i need do next to update the copyright. Thanks
@alexthemod1 Yeah right. England is so full of shit it's seeping into the ocean and killing all the whales. Too many fucking idiots writing terrible songs and pretending to be important.
Don't know any free sites, but I highly recommend the book "shortcuts to hit songwriting".
If you really want to learn more about "your" genre, listen carefully to similar hit songs, the lyrics, the structure, instruments and so on. Pick one song and make it your "ghost" and try to compose something listening to that hit song. And another important thing, you must like the music you're doing, otherwise you won't know if it feels right or wrong.
My songs write themselves. I just sit down before my keyboard and I hear a tune playing as if a ghost was playing it for me...lol Hard to believe then a deep voice sings me the lyrics. I just write them down and make a song. No sweating over notes....lol I hope you enjoyed my free songwriting lesson. Come back for more.
Everyone (not this guy) seems to be stuck on writing a good chorus. One of the greatest songs ever has no chorus. It doesn't stop it from being one of the greastest songs ever written. Baba O'Reilly by The Who. Give it a listen.
LOL, I would *never* send back a song and ask that a certain screener not review it. I'd send back the re-written song and request the same screener. I'd also include a note, "I'm not giving up on you until you're satisfied."
There. Take that quote and write a country song :)
I have a tune or melody in mind when I write my songs... but that doesn't mean you can't change it up later or edit the song to fit what you want it to be.
well it depends. if the song is sad..... i would usually think up some random words and try to put hem in a rythym. after i have some sort of a melody i fix the words up.... thats just me but there isnt really a WAY to write songs..... its all in the heart.
Love John Braheny. Have his book and I quote it to everybody I meet. Especially the part on what is a "good song" and learning to separate the song from the performance. Loved it.
great video.all of our friend when they hear your songs wiil only us what we wanna here not to hurt our feelings. it wasnt till i played with other musicians that i saw critism. but they kept telling me write the same song different ways and find the bestlyrics to suit my voice and the song. if any one saw the original lyrics for smells like teen spirt no one would ever like it or sing it....
you know you really have a great song when you feel you done justice on it
This was a good vid. People really don't have to agree with everything this man says. However, the message should say what you want it to say... All other aspects of the music have to be on point though. Again, good vid... Just take pieces out of it that you need and discard the rest.
Awesome lesson. I am reading Jason Blume's book and I am starting to delve into re-writing my own songs. And the words are getting stronger everytime I do it. Thanks!!!
OKAY good stuff, you're experts!!.... I need some feedback on a song I wrote, I'm in that 'newbie songwriter' stage, all insecure and unsure!!!! And seeing as though you're posting 'How to...'I figure you'd be good to ask for advice! xxx
well the music industry is no dif then the world itself its all about the money and the music business is soooo driven on style because thats what sellin big right now and this guy in this video is no BS he's the real deal if u send ur song in and a dude thats been in the industry gives u tips to make it better than whats the prob he's helpin you out and as far as lionxshare goes dude without these older songwriters u wouldnt have iced earth......whos only sold prolly 1/4 of what these peeps did
Iced Earth's "Damien" Jon Schaffer,Nigthwish's "bye bye beautiful",Therion's "Gothic kabbalah" Thomas Karlsson are real songwriters,that put to shame these certain hall of famers...hail true music...
hahaha, how much and how right you are, well song writers with little or non outside-the-box-knowledge tend to think that way, talking from experience but we all learn. great interview
That was posted as a reply to ChRoPi21, below but it came up to the top here.
Also, I am disappointed about the way song contests try to pigeonhole artists/writers, you'd think that song contests would encourage more mixing of styles and not be so market driven, wanting and most often picking stuff right down the pike style wise.
Radio is dying, Cds are dying, DJing is dying, real Hip-Hop is dead, and these old farts are part of the problem why songwriters cant get ant attention unless they shake their butts or take their clothes off...bye-bye, "music" industry, and good riddance...
You could write the greatest song ever and it will get rejected by every publisher and song contest if the production is not spot on or close, (or if you use dated drum sounds, etc). Its really NOT JUST about the song anymore if SONG = lyrics + melody + harmony + rhythm + arrangement/instrumentation.
MOST song contests will sucker people into thinking they can just send in their songs no matter how bad the recording quality or performance and it can still win! It's a total con job and a scam.
I disagree, I recorded one of my bands song which i wrote for a competition, using only a crappy computer mic, and a broken acoustic guitar, and we won! So what your saying buddy is a load of bullshit, the song is a song screeners priority! we won the competition by thousands of votes from people all over our area, its the public that is listening, not some scammer.
Mr."Load of BS", if the comp you won is an Ameical Idol style people vote then it holds no water - terrible example, all the ones that the guy in this video here recommends in his book all are judged by supposed judges, not random people, and these judges ARE biased toward production and vocals, and would rather discover an artist or band rather than pick a writer who produces.
Their are many worthless website based "contests" that are peer judged. What contest did you win and how much money ?
we won 250 quid they also pay for the recording and distribution of the song, and they record a video with us for it. Thousands of people voted for it, in my opinion mate, I'm not trying to discredit you at all, but your REAL judges should be the public, just because some tofty stuck up snob of a judge says its a rubbish song doesnt mean its rubbish, if the public like it his opinion means nothing mate, really trust me.
Congratulations ! and great idea, let's call out these "expert" judged (just people who "made it"), allegedly all inclusive, un-biased "contests" (Money machines and nothing more!), such as the ISC, so heralded, yet: they sold their entrants emails and everybody got spammed over and over, and since each e.m. came from ISC we opened them but what was it ? Another company selling something, thanks ISC,(Nashville). So yours was in England ? I wish there were some contests like that in the States !
If you want to write a good song, you have to listen to everything. You're only as good as the notes you know. So if you only listen and love to one crappy band, you will sound like that with not much escape. You have to expand your musical vocabulary by listening to everything.
Peo Nanda Bubca Uy Paro Zajinon. You know what I'm sayin'? No you don't because I refuse to compromise my brilliant language 'for the masses'". You'll just have to understand that it's brilliant.
If you want to write songs that stand the test of time, ignore everything that you hear on this video or on any other video. It is something that you must find out with in yourself. Soul cannot be taught! There is no formula for writing the perfect song, unless you want to sell to the mainstream. Main streamers want 3 minute shit songs about the same boring subjects they have been writing about for the past 4 decades. If you want to be run of the meal, listen to these wahoos.
Well if it makes people successfull, well it doesnt matter, it affects people and moves them, so shut up, and stop being so "OOOOH it sucks to be mainstream and successfull, i want my band to be underground cos thats cool and fetch" because that is not the songwritting attitude, it takes time to write a hit mainstream song
The best song anyone can ever write, is one that has a personal relationship with oneself. Know yourself, know your emotional content in your voice. Speak from the heart. Write For you. Write a million songs to find the few gems of your soul.
Create everyday. Reinvent yourself, and you will reinvent the world around you.
I agree, Sirswedishmike: these guys can appear harsh. Write (words and music) from the heart. Songwriters surely don't feel they "want to say this". I just wanted to write music: lyrics were sort of irrelavent to me (at least consciously). You are either Mendelsohn or you are not. If you don't realise a chorus should be different from the verse you shouldn't be doing it!!!! Music is a flow: balance hopefully comes naturally. Mind you, any advice helps. They can tighten you up.
For anyone who thinks this stuff is useless, it's not like he's telling how to get talent or how to gain music ability. All he is doing is giving tips on how to best channel your given talent or ability into proper form. His expertise is in the BUSINESS of songwriting.
He's not telling anyone to change their style or message. He's just trying to help you make it with you got.
i agree. i think that with all the arts, painting, drawing, whatever, there are aspects of the craft that can be understood cerebrally. it won't come as naturally as it would if you were born with the talent but you can certainly learn some fundamentals. that being said, as far as being a really good songwrighter, that when you see it become a question not of skill but of talent. not always, but the vast majority of the time.
All you Bob Dylan fans would have to recognize that he is a "Legend in your own mind". As these comments recognize, some songs don't hit people at all. I can't stand anything Bob Dylan has done. Is he a legend? Not to me. He's a folk singer that was famous for writing deep, folky music. It's great if you like that kind of stuff, but if you don't, then "he sucks" to you.
It sounds like this guy might have told Lennon to go back and rewrite I Am the Walrus or Come Together. I wouldn't doubt if these self-professed "industry insiders" never discuss the fact that not everyone hears music the same way. Sometimes lyrics are the last thing you notice, sometimes you fall in love with a sound, other times it's a rhythm, often times there's no words and yet you still fall in love with a piece regardless of anyone else's measurements of success.
Well done. A good talk about the power of rewriting. A decent insider look at how TAXI operates and how to gain value from critique. A not-so-flattering water-cooler grouse session about life at TAXI (oddly, pushed much more by Michael than his guest) that was nicely redeemed by Mr. Breheny's positive attitude. Overall, worth watching and I will probably pick up this book.
You know it's always easy for an industry person to tell you what is good or bad by the rules they set forth what they fail to tell you is how music was truly founded rock 'n roll has a history in the studio the Internet will slowly kill the music industry off. the craft is good but must be used with caution it's better to let your songs dictate their outcomes than to choke them with the craft. Anonymous
Hmmm...I'm not saying that this guy is wrong because nobody is perfect and we all need to re-write and any passionate person usually will but the thing that bothers me about this video is that the guy name drops "taxi" like 50 times...advertise much??
the singer in my old band needs to hear this. He always said to me "I never need to re-write, it's always right the first time"... what a great way to waste some great music with a stubborn attitude.
We can all benefit from criticism, but his remarks about Taxi reviewers are somewhat off base, since, as a member, I've had the same song praised by one taxi reviewer and criticized by another on the same aspects. So, it IS possible that one reviewer doesn't get a song while another does. Still, always good to check your attitude before reacting to a rejection, and understand the difference between music written to sell via "the industry" and music written for the sake of real art/expression.
Writing songs for yourself, your friends, your band is one thing, writing for the market is something that takes listening to advice from people like this. Lot's of ego gets in the way of potential careers. That same ego will stunt your musical growth. This is great advice for any writer regardless if you're wanting to sell your stuff or not.
Not Bad! Look .. I believe that if you're really good things come to you . . but let's get real, you could be playing gigs all your life and still go unnoticed, especially with so many bands/artists these days .. I'd join this if I wanted to go into music professionally.
so, uhh... couldn't this video be 10 seconds long, since the entire message is: "be willing to rewrite your song; don't get hung-up, precious, and egotistical about it"? you could still sound smug and knowledgable about it without wasting 9.5 minutes of my life.
john66: Maybe the 'message' only takes 10 seconds to sum up, but that doesn't change the fact that this is a very insightful window into a song-screener's head. This is how the songwriting industry is, and it's a rare occasion, from a novice's perspective, to receive this kind of advice. You can always take what you want from it, but I've read the guys work and he know's his business. Try really letting it sink in rather than looking for the specific keys being conveyed.
i suppose that if i were in denial, and refused to rewrite any of my songs, "letting it sink in" would be good for me. that's true. i just assumed, wrongly, that there was going to be some advice on how to write better songs-- such as make the notes jump around so it's memorable (advice from stephin merritt). this is more of an attitude-adjustment than a blueprint.
thanks for the insite! I am looking to get started with Taxi soon! I would love to meet other songwriters to co-write with and would love to hear what anyone thinks about my songs as they are! Thanks! Natalie Gelman
John... you are so amazing! Your passion about songwriting and your understanding of the songwriter's mentality never cease to bring a smile to my face.
When I started all this a couple years ago I picked up on something from John that has become now a valuable habit; paraphrasing, it was something like, "People come to my office wanting a hit song and they don't even know (when I ask them) who has written the current number one (or top 5 songs) on Billboard. I guarantee you, THEY know each others name so why don't you?".
Helpful. I know I personally need to rewrite more. But something is curious. Books on songwriting - and the arts, and pursuing dreams generally -- often say, don't give up, the 117th submission may be the time you get a yes. But here they no, after many rejections, you won't find that one screener who "gets" your stuff. How to reconcile these contradictory things which both seem good advice?
That is good stuff! I am a songwriter who is into the second stage you spoke about. I have started reading books and taking an at home course. Good to know I am on the right track!
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Hey, e'erbody, if you're looking for some original acoustic stuff, check out my channel. If you're not, then don't check out my channel. Either way, have a super day.
nathanlippert 10 months ago
If I listen to this without watching it I imagine it's Thomas O'Malley the cat talking. His song in The Aristocats WAS pretty good.
kismetprismatism 11 months ago
To hear one of my original songs that folks at songwriter's nights seem to like
go to MY CAT SONG "TOMBOY" any advice, John??? any advice TAXI ???
micmoable 1 year ago
@micmoable Check out my first couple of music videos on my channel if you get a chance.
NevisWalker1 2 weeks ago
to hear and see me sing and play one of my originals go to MY CAT SONG "TOMBOY" copyrighted but not published yet ANY IDEAS, john???
micmoable 1 year ago
I've written songs.. and was a runner up in a songwriting contest, Song of the year. How do i go about submitting one of my songs to you? Also, does it have to be copyright first? I suppose so :D Thanks so much for your advice.. Have a great day!!! Bettina
monterrb 1 year ago
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great video! this is really something that I could follow in my songwriting process! thanks for the great tips!
Here is a website where you can write your own song to ready made backing tracks and keep 100 percent of the rights. Check it out!
music-for-songwriters.cxoxm <---just remove the 'x'
music4writers 1 year ago
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Your video is very interesting with good vibes & info….totally enjoyed it. Hey, check out my video…I know you will like it because it’s real…..Youtube.com/user/PapiRayOneal…..Im subbing you, so please sub me back.
PapiRayOneal 1 year ago
This was informative. I hate re-writing songs...but if all it takes is 43 tries...lol
drummerdudex017 1 year ago 2
all i'm hearing is a bitching session until 5:43...like beating a dead horse!
kailanisofresh 1 year ago
in England all you need to have a hit band band is 4 skinny guys (19 to 24 yrs. old) with shaggy mid-length dirty hair who are basically trying to sound like the beatles or the stones,act like drunken douchebags and make the guitar tone more "indie" (sloppy) and NME will at least give you 15 minutes of fames.
sweetjimmyhotpants 1 year ago 2
I have a question. When your doing re-writes how dose that work with copyright. If i changed the lyrics after i copyright it . What would i need do next to update the copyright. Thanks
-JumokeTV
JumokeTV 1 year ago
John, your talking sense mate. I wont be paying for a critique though, I have read song writing books
JonnyRakeRemix 1 year ago
maybe its like this in america...but in england we actually have REAL music still.
alexthemod1 1 year ago
@alexthemod1 Yeah right. England is so full of shit it's seeping into the ocean and killing all the whales. Too many fucking idiots writing terrible songs and pretending to be important.
craccitijones 1 year ago
@craccitijones lolz dats....lolz wow but it true..u got to tell people the true even
if it hurts them and england is full of shit i went there i hate it..!! :(
Kissablezz1223 1 year ago
@craccitijones lolz.....lolz wow but it the true too..i went to england it is full of shit it...!!
Kissablezz1223 1 year ago
how many songwriting books u read?
JonnyRakeRemix 1 year ago
they should rename this video..."how to write songs that everyone will like so we can make lots of money, whether its boring or not"
alexthemod1 1 year ago
My favourite video on songwriting.I can't wait to join taxi!
1979ADRYAN 1 year ago
Curious as to what you think of mine. In Your Eyes.. see my page
mre2u2 1 year ago
uh...where in the book is the 1200 word essay on "she's in love with a boy" ??
politcat1 1 year ago
I read John's book, I felt challenged to rewrite my songs what an amazing gifted person, Thanks I am enjoying song writing again.
mauricehiraheta 2 years ago
Hi - thanks for this video - what do you think of my songs?
AndysOriginalSongs 2 years ago
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Great advice. Please check out my songs on my channel and comment. Thank you.
CJSongwriter1 2 years ago
Thanks for this video. Also, thanks for all the great hooks and lyrics that are in these comments, pure gold... muahahahahaha
Aiden057 2 years ago
Pardon a dumb question
I don't want to insult or bore you
but,what is the best FREE website
for Songwriting,according to YOU thanksfor taking the time it's a really big deal to hear what you have to say lots are listening,you know it's true
calocci 2 years ago
Don't know any free sites, but I highly recommend the book "shortcuts to hit songwriting".
If you really want to learn more about "your" genre, listen carefully to similar hit songs, the lyrics, the structure, instruments and so on. Pick one song and make it your "ghost" and try to compose something listening to that hit song. And another important thing, you must like the music you're doing, otherwise you won't know if it feels right or wrong.
misterkeyboard 2 years ago
THANKS
for doing the interview
it was great,really
to hear from you your eager still to make stuff work so the writer won't feel like a gerk
THANKS
john,for being there
it's great to know
YOU still care
calocci 2 years ago
What in the the world is the picture on the back wall of??
old6stringer 2 years ago
Excellent Advice John Thanx!
JAEWILLZTV 2 years ago
how do you become a screener at TAXI?
CreationArtist 2 years ago
I guess being totally tone deaf helps.
MomoTheBellyDancer 2 years ago
If you didn't understand him maybe songwriting really isn't for you. thanks for the advice john
Primevil393 2 years ago
'preciate the advice. Glad to know editors/screeners are humans too. I always thought they were lazer eyes and mechanical arms. =P
scatteredprojects 2 years ago
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Maybe that old fart should take a class or something. Cuz I don't understand what his trying to say.
blues2oo 2 years ago
He's saying that if your songs dont make it, its not the listeners, its you.
scatteredprojects 2 years ago
Gotta love Taxi.
Gongchime 2 years ago
What the... the title says "how to write better songs" and the only thing he says over and over again is "rewrite the song..." -.-
and "you know" like a 1000times of course.
Tinyten 2 years ago
My songs write themselves. I just sit down before my keyboard and I hear a tune playing as if a ghost was playing it for me...lol Hard to believe then a deep voice sings me the lyrics. I just write them down and make a song. No sweating over notes....lol I hope you enjoyed my free songwriting lesson. Come back for more.
jpsmart59 2 years ago 2
hah?
pirenne 2 years ago
I do write songs but I was exaggerating when I wrote that. I was trying to be funny also. I hope I have cleared up your confusion.
jpsmart59 2 years ago
i got it then probably that's why you are one the greatest songwriters of all time that we all know of !. thanks for the advice
superseyirci 2 years ago
...and I'd give up forever to touch you...
SquareRectangular 2 years ago
he has said "you know" like a miiiilllion times . count it
percyman10 2 years ago
Everyone (not this guy) seems to be stuck on writing a good chorus. One of the greatest songs ever has no chorus. It doesn't stop it from being one of the greastest songs ever written. Baba O'Reilly by The Who. Give it a listen.
jilloplo 3 years ago
You are right and i love that song. BUT, who else has ever covered that song besides The Who ? Peace, jhp
BeachBoysGuy1 3 years ago
Also, "The Sound of Silence" from Simon and Garfunkel has no chorus, I believe.
dude111111111110 2 years ago
personally, i think the whole songs like the chorus, the rythms cool
pirenne 2 years ago
LOL, I would *never* send back a song and ask that a certain screener not review it. I'd send back the re-written song and request the same screener. I'd also include a note, "I'm not giving up on you until you're satisfied."
There. Take that quote and write a country song :)
12thDecember 3 years ago
well can someone tell me if you write the lyrics first or the tune
liquidsk8ter 3 years ago
I have a tune or melody in mind when I write my songs... but that doesn't mean you can't change it up later or edit the song to fit what you want it to be.
laslos3 3 years ago
well it depends. if the song is sad..... i would usually think up some random words and try to put hem in a rythym. after i have some sort of a melody i fix the words up.... thats just me but there isnt really a WAY to write songs..... its all in the heart.
Jam09swiftfan09 3 years ago
either way buddy, try it yourself you can do both. It depends where your creativity takes you first... simple as that.
calvinjaramillo 3 years ago
seems like a cool job
TuRdSandwitch18 3 years ago
this guy knows what he's talking about...
brainstew232 3 years ago
wow this is aloot more help then i though it would b
yaknowurright 3 years ago
Love John Braheny. Have his book and I quote it to everybody I meet. Especially the part on what is a "good song" and learning to separate the song from the performance. Loved it.
MoneyWithMusic 3 years ago
great video.all of our friend when they hear your songs wiil only us what we wanna here not to hurt our feelings. it wasnt till i played with other musicians that i saw critism. but they kept telling me write the same song different ways and find the bestlyrics to suit my voice and the song. if any one saw the original lyrics for smells like teen spirt no one would ever like it or sing it....
you know you really have a great song when you feel you done justice on it
corporatethief 3 years ago
This was a good vid. People really don't have to agree with everything this man says. However, the message should say what you want it to say... All other aspects of the music have to be on point though. Again, good vid... Just take pieces out of it that you need and discard the rest.
gamerules 3 years ago
uhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh uh uhh uh
nice vid
threedaysgraceisbest 3 years ago
Oh my gosh, it's the Worthington Dean from the fourth season of Dawson's Creek! I did not know he was a songwriter! Interesting video.
HeyJude91 3 years ago
Awesome lesson. I am reading Jason Blume's book and I am starting to delve into re-writing my own songs. And the words are getting stronger everytime I do it. Thanks!!!
brownhog72 3 years ago
YOU KNOW!!!
headmazta 3 years ago
lol My uncle says it constantly too.
Ubernaut 3 years ago
Looks like the guy from Jurassic Park
redhouse1985 3 years ago 21
word
MiNiZeRo1 3 years ago
he really does :D
adequat86 3 years ago
good call
threedaysgraceisbest 3 years ago
Thank you for posting this!
needlesinmyeye 3 years ago
OKAY good stuff, you're experts!!.... I need some feedback on a song I wrote, I'm in that 'newbie songwriter' stage, all insecure and unsure!!!! And seeing as though you're posting 'How to...'I figure you'd be good to ask for advice! xxx
tillykids 3 years ago
Use the Yes approach, make the melody, write words that sound good together, they don't have to mean anything
theclash06013 3 years ago
All good advice coming from John up in hea.
Gongchime 3 years ago 7
well the music industry is no dif then the world itself its all about the money and the music business is soooo driven on style because thats what sellin big right now and this guy in this video is no BS he's the real deal if u send ur song in and a dude thats been in the industry gives u tips to make it better than whats the prob he's helpin you out and as far as lionxshare goes dude without these older songwriters u wouldnt have iced earth......whos only sold prolly 1/4 of what these peeps did
gary1976us 3 years ago
Iced Earth's "Damien" Jon Schaffer,Nigthwish's "bye bye beautiful",Therion's "Gothic kabbalah" Thomas Karlsson are real songwriters,that put to shame these certain hall of famers...hail true music...
lionxshare 3 years ago
Fantastic
mel.
encinitasmel 3 years ago
hahaha, how much and how right you are, well song writers with little or non outside-the-box-knowledge tend to think that way, talking from experience but we all learn. great interview
gpunkdomination 3 years ago
That was posted as a reply to ChRoPi21, below but it came up to the top here.
Also, I am disappointed about the way song contests try to pigeonhole artists/writers, you'd think that song contests would encourage more mixing of styles and not be so market driven, wanting and most often picking stuff right down the pike style wise.
hoookcattt 4 years ago
Radio is dying, Cds are dying, DJing is dying, real Hip-Hop is dead, and these old farts are part of the problem why songwriters cant get ant attention unless they shake their butts or take their clothes off...bye-bye, "music" industry, and good riddance...
Kenjihaden 4 years ago 3
i read all his books on music/ songwriting . he is definately the finest. thank you so much
reckonman 4 years ago
You could write the greatest song ever and it will get rejected by every publisher and song contest if the production is not spot on or close, (or if you use dated drum sounds, etc). Its really NOT JUST about the song anymore if SONG = lyrics + melody + harmony + rhythm + arrangement/instrumentation.
MOST song contests will sucker people into thinking they can just send in their songs no matter how bad the recording quality or performance and it can still win! It's a total con job and a scam.
hoookcattt 4 years ago
I disagree, I recorded one of my bands song which i wrote for a competition, using only a crappy computer mic, and a broken acoustic guitar, and we won! So what your saying buddy is a load of bullshit, the song is a song screeners priority! we won the competition by thousands of votes from people all over our area, its the public that is listening, not some scammer.
ChRoPi21 4 years ago
Mr."Load of BS", if the comp you won is an Ameical Idol style people vote then it holds no water - terrible example, all the ones that the guy in this video here recommends in his book all are judged by supposed judges, not random people, and these judges ARE biased toward production and vocals, and would rather discover an artist or band rather than pick a writer who produces.
Their are many worthless website based "contests" that are peer judged. What contest did you win and how much money ?
hoookcattt 4 years ago
we won 250 quid they also pay for the recording and distribution of the song, and they record a video with us for it. Thousands of people voted for it, in my opinion mate, I'm not trying to discredit you at all, but your REAL judges should be the public, just because some tofty stuck up snob of a judge says its a rubbish song doesnt mean its rubbish, if the public like it his opinion means nothing mate, really trust me.
ChRoPi21 4 years ago
Congratulations ! and great idea, let's call out these "expert" judged (just people who "made it"), allegedly all inclusive, un-biased "contests" (Money machines and nothing more!), such as the ISC, so heralded, yet: they sold their entrants emails and everybody got spammed over and over, and since each e.m. came from ISC we opened them but what was it ? Another company selling something, thanks ISC,(Nashville). So yours was in England ? I wish there were some contests like that in the States !
hoookcattt 3 years ago
If you want to write a good song, you have to listen to everything. You're only as good as the notes you know. So if you only listen and love to one crappy band, you will sound like that with not much escape. You have to expand your musical vocabulary by listening to everything.
And preferably everything recorded before 1989.
stokepogue 4 years ago
Peo Nanda Bubca Uy Paro Zajinon. You know what I'm sayin'? No you don't because I refuse to compromise my brilliant language 'for the masses'". You'll just have to understand that it's brilliant.
ScarecrowStare 4 years ago
If you want to write songs that stand the test of time, ignore everything that you hear on this video or on any other video. It is something that you must find out with in yourself. Soul cannot be taught! There is no formula for writing the perfect song, unless you want to sell to the mainstream. Main streamers want 3 minute shit songs about the same boring subjects they have been writing about for the past 4 decades. If you want to be run of the meal, listen to these wahoos.
deseed 4 years ago
wen ever i write a song the melody ends up the same as the last song i wrote. y?
pinoykid09 4 years ago
Well if it makes people successfull, well it doesnt matter, it affects people and moves them, so shut up, and stop being so "OOOOH it sucks to be mainstream and successfull, i want my band to be underground cos thats cool and fetch" because that is not the songwritting attitude, it takes time to write a hit mainstream song
ChRoPi21 4 years ago
haha the interviewer is such a cynic
SandwichPirate 4 years ago
The best song anyone can ever write, is one that has a personal relationship with oneself. Know yourself, know your emotional content in your voice. Speak from the heart. Write For you. Write a million songs to find the few gems of your soul.
Create everyday. Reinvent yourself, and you will reinvent the world around you.
-nohl (vox)
primachord 4 years ago
I agree, Sirswedishmike: these guys can appear harsh. Write (words and music) from the heart. Songwriters surely don't feel they "want to say this". I just wanted to write music: lyrics were sort of irrelavent to me (at least consciously). You are either Mendelsohn or you are not. If you don't realise a chorus should be different from the verse you shouldn't be doing it!!!! Music is a flow: balance hopefully comes naturally. Mind you, any advice helps. They can tighten you up.
sinatraandaerosmith 4 years ago
For anyone who thinks this stuff is useless, it's not like he's telling how to get talent or how to gain music ability. All he is doing is giving tips on how to best channel your given talent or ability into proper form. His expertise is in the BUSINESS of songwriting.
He's not telling anyone to change their style or message. He's just trying to help you make it with you got.
Pkmgk303 4 years ago
this guy is a bit too harsh.
I think that songwriting tips are great, they can help you "deliver" but the message is what is really important.
Learn skills in delivery, but Never compromise who you are and what kind of music you enjoy!
sirswedishmike 4 years ago
That Taxi CEO guy was harsh not John Braheny.
Pkmgk303 4 years ago
Songwriting is one of those things you can't teach.
elielsolis 4 years ago
I disagree. Songwriting can be taught, but finding inspiration in your life and your surroundings is something you you have to find for yourself.
thebone218 4 years ago
i agree. i think that with all the arts, painting, drawing, whatever, there are aspects of the craft that can be understood cerebrally. it won't come as naturally as it would if you were born with the talent but you can certainly learn some fundamentals. that being said, as far as being a really good songwrighter, that when you see it become a question not of skill but of talent. not always, but the vast majority of the time.
nothingrevolutionary 4 years ago
great information
hiddentalent123 4 years ago
I hate it when people attempt to teach things that can't be taught.
hoppdizzle 4 years ago
There's nothing wrong with some helpful advice.
m4tthewk 4 years ago
All you Bob Dylan fans would have to recognize that he is a "Legend in your own mind". As these comments recognize, some songs don't hit people at all. I can't stand anything Bob Dylan has done. Is he a legend? Not to me. He's a folk singer that was famous for writing deep, folky music. It's great if you like that kind of stuff, but if you don't, then "he sucks" to you.
rocsalt 4 years ago
Advice from anyone is good, take it or leave it.
rocsalt 4 years ago
It sounds like this guy might have told Lennon to go back and rewrite I Am the Walrus or Come Together. I wouldn't doubt if these self-professed "industry insiders" never discuss the fact that not everyone hears music the same way. Sometimes lyrics are the last thing you notice, sometimes you fall in love with a sound, other times it's a rhythm, often times there's no words and yet you still fall in love with a piece regardless of anyone else's measurements of success.
miamilmt 4 years ago
Well done. A good talk about the power of rewriting. A decent insider look at how TAXI operates and how to gain value from critique. A not-so-flattering water-cooler grouse session about life at TAXI (oddly, pushed much more by Michael than his guest) that was nicely redeemed by Mr. Breheny's positive attitude. Overall, worth watching and I will probably pick up this book.
tangerine831 4 years ago
You can learn to be a musician-you can't learn to be a songwriter!
BILLYK99 4 years ago
Thats right.
elielsolis 4 years ago
no info whatsoever.
Chrizcol 4 years ago
You can't teach songwriting , you either hear it or you don't..If songwriting was so easy to learn every music teacher would grammy award winners...
freein2339 4 years ago
I wonder what classes Bob Dylan went to?
sethlaelmusic 4 years ago
at 2:38-ish i cant help but think of a mighty wind "whaaa happened?!"
evilpacker 4 years ago
You know it's always easy for an industry person to tell you what is good or bad by the rules they set forth what they fail to tell you is how music was truly founded rock 'n roll has a history in the studio the Internet will slowly kill the music industry off. the craft is good but must be used with caution it's better to let your songs dictate their outcomes than to choke them with the craft. Anonymous
zeebowrock 4 years ago
Thanks for the great info!!!!
johnnytoobad111 4 years ago
Hmmm...I'm not saying that this guy is wrong because nobody is perfect and we all need to re-write and any passionate person usually will but the thing that bothers me about this video is that the guy name drops "taxi" like 50 times...advertise much??
JOHNPAULCARMODY 4 years ago
the singer in my old band needs to hear this. He always said to me "I never need to re-write, it's always right the first time"... what a great way to waste some great music with a stubborn attitude.
remoman 4 years ago
We can all benefit from criticism, but his remarks about Taxi reviewers are somewhat off base, since, as a member, I've had the same song praised by one taxi reviewer and criticized by another on the same aspects. So, it IS possible that one reviewer doesn't get a song while another does. Still, always good to check your attitude before reacting to a rejection, and understand the difference between music written to sell via "the industry" and music written for the sake of real art/expression.
dandeweese 4 years ago
Very good interview!
jjuup 4 years ago
Invaluable. Thank you for opening my eyes which have slowing been closing for far too long. Best regards, Cuz
cuzcrash 4 years ago
Writing songs for yourself, your friends, your band is one thing, writing for the market is something that takes listening to advice from people like this. Lot's of ego gets in the way of potential careers. That same ego will stunt your musical growth. This is great advice for any writer regardless if you're wanting to sell your stuff or not.
microray 4 years ago
Not Bad! Look .. I believe that if you're really good things come to you . . but let's get real, you could be playing gigs all your life and still go unnoticed, especially with so many bands/artists these days .. I'd join this if I wanted to go into music professionally.
monsieurhassan 4 years ago
so, uhh... couldn't this video be 10 seconds long, since the entire message is: "be willing to rewrite your song; don't get hung-up, precious, and egotistical about it"? you could still sound smug and knowledgable about it without wasting 9.5 minutes of my life.
john66 4 years ago
john66: Maybe the 'message' only takes 10 seconds to sum up, but that doesn't change the fact that this is a very insightful window into a song-screener's head. This is how the songwriting industry is, and it's a rare occasion, from a novice's perspective, to receive this kind of advice. You can always take what you want from it, but I've read the guys work and he know's his business. Try really letting it sink in rather than looking for the specific keys being conveyed.
wesday 4 years ago
i suppose that if i were in denial, and refused to rewrite any of my songs, "letting it sink in" would be good for me. that's true. i just assumed, wrongly, that there was going to be some advice on how to write better songs-- such as make the notes jump around so it's memorable (advice from stephin merritt). this is more of an attitude-adjustment than a blueprint.
john66 4 years ago
that's brilliant! :)
evilelsa 4 years ago
Awesome, thanks for posting this!
jewellgroove 4 years ago
Great advice!
ctrlaltde 4 years ago
thanks for the insite! I am looking to get started with Taxi soon! I would love to meet other songwriters to co-write with and would love to hear what anyone thinks about my songs as they are! Thanks! Natalie Gelman
NatalieGelman 4 years ago
John... you are so amazing! Your passion about songwriting and your understanding of the songwriter's mentality never cease to bring a smile to my face.
Best,
Steven Memel
stevenmemel 4 years ago
You don't need a coach to figure this out. Just listen to popular songs and it's all there.
stxjoe 4 years ago
I'm too old to change so I'll wait until the music world is looking for what I do...and by then I'll have been doing it for a long time...
grandnabot 4 years ago
Very good, I'm gonna go sort out my chorus's now!!
divadov 4 years ago
When I started all this a couple years ago I picked up on something from John that has become now a valuable habit; paraphrasing, it was something like, "People come to my office wanting a hit song and they don't even know (when I ask them) who has written the current number one (or top 5 songs) on Billboard. I guarantee you, THEY know each others name so why don't you?".
scoreperfect 4 years ago
Helpful. I know I personally need to rewrite more. But something is curious. Books on songwriting - and the arts, and pursuing dreams generally -- often say, don't give up, the 117th submission may be the time you get a yes. But here they no, after many rejections, you won't find that one screener who "gets" your stuff. How to reconcile these contradictory things which both seem good advice?
potluckcreativearts 4 years ago
:-) good video.
whoweare 4 years ago
I read the book, I loved it. It was written very well, and had tons of very helpful information.
MelissaJune411 4 years ago
Thank you for the great tips. I am starting to step back and look at my song writing so I can improve. I definately see I have a long way to go.
MajTom23 4 years ago
Lovely guy, good info, it makes you realise how important it is to go over songs time and time again until it really works as a whole.
Anabrese 4 years ago
That was great information. Thanks for sharing!!!
Thie210 4 years ago
good information; I plan to pick up that book.
robertanton 4 years ago
That is good stuff! I am a songwriter who is into the second stage you spoke about. I have started reading books and taking an at home course. Good to know I am on the right track!
colleen5476 4 years ago