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“What comes first, the lyrics or the music?”
If I had a nickel for every time somebody asked me this question, I’d be able to afford studio time to record all my songs! I think it’s the kind of a question that people think you’re supposed to ask a songwriter. Recently, at a house concert in Philadelphia, when a guest asked me the […]
In Memoriam: Ann Gates Fiser
We at Songwriters in Seattle are sad to hear of the passing of our friend, creative colleague, and community partner, Ann Gates Fiser. Ann joined SiS in 2013 – her warm heart and enthusiasm for music and community was infectious. She was a dedicated member of our Board of Directors for many years, often calling […]
Getting Out of the Four Chord Rut
Many would consider a four-chord-song to be a song with one completely unnecessary chord in it, and it is true that there are many brilliant three-chord-songs. Country songwriter Harlan Howard famously stated that all he needed was “three chords and the truth” and my mother-in-law used to joke that she only knew how to play […]
How to Write a Protest Song
Perhaps two of the only things left that we can all agree on is that we live in a world divided, and it is now a time of protest. Whether people are protesting truth to power, or power to truth, protesting a certain ideology, or defending it, it appears that protest and social justice songs […]
Songwriting: Your First 50
I remember very little about the first song I wrote…I was in sixth grade, and I know it was a cheesy breakup song in A minor about my first “girlfriend” in fifth grade. I don’t think any recordings of “The Love We Shared” exist (mercifully), and it wasn’t until a year later, when my older […]
Top 10 Songwriting Insights From Durango
Twice a year for the last six years or so, I have attended the four-day Durango Songwriters Expo. The people that attend this intensive confab are publishers, film supervisors, performers, and most of all songwriters of all ages. I’m going to break with my usual MO here and not drop any names, but I can […]
Meet the Host: Todd Christoffel
Todd Christoffel, a long-time member of the Songwriters in Seattle Board of Directors has recently taken on our newest showcase, the Columbia City Theatre. As host, he will help SiS songwriters put their best foot forward when playing their original compositions at this historic landmark, previously graced by the likes of Quincy Jones, Jimi Hendrix, […]
Meet the Board: Griffin James
With the desire to build a more friendly and welcoming community through our volunteer efforts, Songwriters in Seattle would like you to get to know our volunteer leaders. This month we’d like to introduce active Board Member, host of the monthly networking meeting, and newsletter editor Griffin, in his own words: I began plinking around […]
SiS Featured Songwriter: Andy “Roo” Forrest
Songwriters discussing their craft often focus on structure and style, or perhaps a particular genre that inspires their stylistic choices. However, songwriter Andy “Roo” Forrest’s writing process begins at his feet… literally. “I walk. I have written everything while walking. I sing, tap out rhythms, talk to myself and make noises while I walk and […]
The Honest Lyric
There is no right or wrong way to write a song lyric. And there are no right or wrong lyrics. But, there is truth and falsehood. Is your song honest? Or are you just making rhymes? I was honored to be asked to write this column exploring the craft of lyric writing. I have no […]
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