Murphy's Laws of Songwriting


Book Description

Revised 2013 About the Book Achieving "hit writer" status has always been a formidable goal for any songwriter. Never more so however than in the 21st century. Catching the ear of the monumentally distracted, fragmented listener has never been more difficult. Getting their attention, inviting them in to your song and keeping them there for long enough for your song to become "their song" requires more than being just a "good" songwriter. Murphy's Laws of Songwriting "The Book" arms the songwriter for success by demystifying the process and opening the door to serious professional songwriting. Hall of fame songwriter Paul Williams said in his review of the book "If there was a hit songwriters secret handshake Da Murphy would probably have included it." About the Author Ralph Murphy, songwriter, has been successful for five decades. Consistently charting songs in an ever-changing musical environment makes him a member of that very small group of professionals who make a living ding what they love to do. Add to that the platinum records as a producer, the widely acclaimed Murphy's Laws of Songwriting articles used as part of curriculum at colleges, universities, and by songwriter organizations, his success as the publisher and co-owner of the extremely successful Picalic Group of Companies and you see a pattern of achievement based on more than luck.




The Art of Songwriting


Book Description

Author Jennifer MacKay focuses on songwriting from a craft standpoint. Because the lyrics themselves are only one part of songwriting, she also covers melody, tempo, and rhythm, and explains how this can differ between genres. A few key influential singers and songwriters are discussed along with the general craft.




Murphy's Law


Book Description

LawsonWe were eighteen when I met Remington Monroe. I'd never seen anyone like him. He got onstage at the coffeehouse, armed with a guitar and corny jokes...but unable to hide his lonely eyes. When he sang, I was entranced. When we spent the night talking together, I knew my world would never be the same.RemingtonMusic was my only passion until I met Lawson Grant. Our secret nights together, laughing and loving, were my anchor. My dreams of becoming a musician came true because of him, but in the process of achieving them, I lost Law.Still, I never stopped missing him. When I can't stay away any longer, I find myself in Havenwood, Law's hometown. He isn't exactly thrilled to see me, and I can't say I blame him. But our connection is too powerful to be tamed, and soon we're in over our heads again.Our feelings for each other have never been in doubt, but we have a lot riding against us. I'm not out, my manager is giving me trouble, my family needs me, and my anxiety is worse than ever. Law's there for me with his love, support, and a group of friends who accept me into the fold. But he can't be a secret forever, and I can't lose him again-even if it means risking it all and jeopardizing what's always defined me-my music.




A New Philosophy of Songwriting


Book Description

Songs, pervasive sonic ephemeral acts that combine words and music, live in a contemporary world of commercialization as commodity. Flowing through our everyday lives as a given and oft-underacknowledged artifact to accompany our shopping, car trips, date nights, and gym days. Yet songs have a history as long as humanity and language. They hold a place, up until recently in our evolution, as an oral history library of the human species. Why then is there limited scholarship about how songs tell stories, and the ways in which those stories come together with sounds? And why is there a disconnect between songwriting as industrial practice and academic thought? A New Philosophy of Songwriting argues that all songwriting choices are storytelling choices and asks the question: how can we think about Song as one of the most memorable, potent, multimodal, and portable storytelling devices ever devised? In doing so, Andy Ward and Briony Luttrell make the case for rethinking the analysis of songs and practice of songwriting with an emphasis on listening. This is a book for songwriters, scholars, and song lovers alike. Ultimately, the authors challenge contemporary thinking on music and song itself and argue for a new theorisation of song as a multimodal storytelling sonic act.




Songwriting


Book Description

A musical composer, guitar rocker, and lyric opera singer team up to write this sensational book on songwriting. This book includes everything you want to know about the core competencies of songwriting, elements of music, and lyrics. Features include writing song lyrics, crafting musical compositions, musical styles, getting a contract, sustaining a career, publishers and agents, recording, and even how to survive in the music industry. No matter what music genre you desire---blues, country, hip hop, gospel, punk, classical, alternative, jingles, or rock---this is the book for you. You will find this fascinating book filled with tips, quotes from famous songwriters and musicians, and numerous stories on songwriting that will keep you fully engaged.




Introduction to Music Publishing for Musicians


Book Description

At a time when artists are independently releasing their own music and acting as their own self-publishers, there has never been a greater need for a simple and easy-to-read introduction to the business and creative aspects of music publishing for musicians. Written by two musicians and industry pros with decades of experience, Introduction to Music Publishing For Musicians is organized into seven clearly written sections that will help musicians save time and avoid getting screwed. Topics include the basics of copyrights, types of publishing income, publishing companies and types of deals, creative matters of music publishing, and things you need to know about music publishing’s future.The book features: Short digestible chapters written in a conversational tone to keep artists focused Section-by-section FAQs that expand on key issues that musicians encounter today Boxed text stories featuring current events to emphasize key concepts Interviews with top beat makers, collaborators, and more to provide secrets of success A glossary to help you keep track of important publishing terms Publishing resources offering to help you place and promote your music Chapter quizzes and activity assignments to help measure your knowledge Bobby Borg and Michael Eames have created a compact, simple and easy-to-read overview of today’s music publishing industry that caters to both students and musicians (songwriters, producers, beat makers, and more) who want quick, up-to-date, credible, and relatable information so that they can get back to doing what they like best: creating music!




The Songwriter's and Musician's Guide to Nashville


Book Description

This behind-the scenes look at the Nashville music industry reveals inside tips on how to break through the system and get heard. The new edition includes the latest strategies for Internet marketing, best techniques for pitching songs and artist packages, and more. Songwriters and musicians learn how to get their songs heard in Music City, USA, and find the industry's decision makers.




Song Sheets to Software


Book Description

This second edition of Song Sheets to Software includes completely revised and updated listings of music software, instructional media, and music-related Internet Web sites of use to all musicians, whether hobbyist or professional. This book is a particularly valuable resource for the private studio and classroom music teacher.




The Art of Songwriting


Book Description

How do you turn songwriting talent into a professional career? This essential guide tackles that question, alongside many others, taking songwriters through all the developmental phases and commercial experiences along the way in order to inspire and encourage the reader to find their own voice and write successfully within their chosen genre. Collating the best-available expertise with fresh ideas about the industry, Andrew West equips the reader with what every productive songwriter needs to know: how to write communicative songs that express meaning and convey individuality; how to develop songs into records; how the writer can function as a marketer and seller of original work; how domestic and international markets operate; and how to act and interact meaningfully within the culture of those market. Armed with this knowledge, the songwriter is able to engage creatively and financially to make the most of their potential.




A History of Murphy's Law


Book Description

Murphy's Law is one of the most well-recognized statements of philosophy known to man. Tipped off by his next door neighbor that Murphy may have worked at Edwards Air Force Base, and that the Law may have come into being after a rocket sled experiment went awry, author Nick T. Spark beings a Quixotic quest to learn the truth. His attempts to pin down the mysterious origins of The Law and to answer the eternal question, "Who was Murphy and what is the true meaning of Murphy's Law?" are both amusing and relevatory. Read it, and find out why everything you ever thought you knew about Murphy's Law -- is wrong.