Songwriting Tips, News & More

6 Tips for Maintaining a Thriving Songwriting Practice

jessicabrandon49@yahoo.com (Jessica Brandon) — Sun, 19 Apr 2026 02:05:15 GMT

by Scott Ashley.

With AI (Artificial Intelligence) around us now, maintaining a thriving songwriting practice is so important as a songwriter and involves cultivating both discipline and inspiration, ensuring you treat creativity as a muscle that needs regular exercise. The key is to make writing a consistent habit, not just a spontaneous event, while fostering an environment that encourages exploration and efficiency.

Here are 6 great tips to maintain a thriving songwriting practice:

- Write Consistently (Daily Practice)
  Make writing a part of your daily routine rather than waiting for inspiration to strike. Even 10–15 minutes a day—such as journaling, exploring a chord progression, or writing a snippet of lyrics—strengthens your creative stamina. Treat it like a job, not a hobby, and the "muse" will be more likely to visit. Don’t just rely AI tools such as such as CharGPT or Suno. Read this related article: Will ChatGPT improve your Songwriting? https://www.songwriting.net/blog/will-chatgpt-improve-your-songwriting

- Create a Dedicated Space
  Carve out a specific area in your home dedicated solely to creation, even if it is just a corner of a room. Having your instruments such as a Guitar out of their cases (or an acoustic piano nearby) and ready to play lowers the barrier to entry, allowing you to capture ideas instantly without spending half your time setting up. Read this related article:12 Ways to Get Yourself Unstuck in Songwriting: https://www.songwriting.net/blog/12-ways-to-get-yourself-unstuck-in-songwriting

- Study Your Songwriter Idols & Analyze Songs
  Take time to analyze the songs you love. Don't just listen—take them apart. Examine their song structure, rhyme scheme, chord movements, and melodic choices to understand what makes them compelling. Emulate these techniques to build your own repertoire of skills. Read this related article: 7 Great Ways to Get Ideas for Writing Songs: https://www.songwriting.net/blog/7-great-ways-to-get-ideas-for-writing-songs

- Co-Write with Others
  Collaborating brings new perspectives, ideas, and expertise to your process. Working with other musicians breaks you out of your habitual writing patterns, teaches you new techniques, and provides an instant source of feedback, often leading to more polished songs. Read this related article: Songwriting/Collaboration: The Power of Co-writing: https://www.songwriting.net/blog/bid/66027/Songwriting-Collaboration-The-Power-of-Co-writing

- Demo/Record Everything Immediately
  Never assume you will remember an idea later. Use your phone’s voice memos or a digital recorder to capture melodic snippets, lyrics, or chord progressions instantly. Even a rough demo recording can preserve a brilliant idea that might otherwise vanish. Read this related article: Top 6 Tips for Setting up a Home Recording Studio on a Budget https://www.songwriting.net/blog/top-6-tips-for-setting-up-a-home-recording-studio-on-a-budget

- Embrace Revision and Editing
  Not every song comes out perfectly on the first try. A huge part of a thriving practice is editing—rewriting lyrics, changing a melody line, or even restructuring the song for better emotional impact. Be willing to scrap, refine, and polish your work. Read this related article: Tips on Editing and Re-writing A Lyric: https://www.songwriting.net/blog/editing-and-re-writing-a-lyric

I would suggest that you keep a journal or songwriting scrapbook: where you jot down interesting phrases, sensory details, or observations throughout the day. Who knows? Any of these would make it to a segment of your current or future songs.

It is also good for you to set goals such as: aim to finish one song per week or one song per month (depending on how you feel), regardless of its quality. Songwriting is like a muscle, you will get better the more you write, the more you will feel more comfortable. So, go write that great song!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Scott Ashley is a songwriter and graduate of the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston. He is a voting member of the Recording Academy (National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences). He is currently working as the Artist Relations director with the USA Songwriting Competition and IAMA (International Acoustic Music Awards). He has written 2 books "How to Write Better Songs" (Hit #1 on the Amazon Best Seller Books Charts in 2022) and "The Songwriting Competition Handbook" (Hit #1 on Amazon in 2025). Click here to purchase Scott Ashley's new book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Songwriting-Competition-Handbook-Winning-Songwriters/dp/B0F8C27BSV/

For information on the 31st Annual USA Songwriting Competition, go to: https://www.songwriting.net

5 Tips to Reinvigorate Your Songwriting

jessicabrandon49@yahoo.com (Jessica Brandon) — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 02:02:33 GMT

by Scott Ashley.

Every songwriter hits that wall of “writer’s block” eventually. The ideas that once flowed effortlessly dry up, the same chord progressions feel tired, and the blank page (or screen) stares back accusingly. Whether you're experiencing a prolonged creative drought or just need a quick refresh, reinvigorating your songwriting is about rebuilding momentum, lowering pressure, and inviting fresh input.

Here are five practical, battle-tested tips to help you break through and fall back in love with the process.

1. Establish (or Re-Establish) a Consistent Writing Routine
Creativity thrives on habit more than lightning-bolt inspiration. Many professional songwriters treat writing like a job: they show up at the same time, in the same place, even if the muse is nowhere to be found.

Pick a realistic daily or 4–5 days/week window (even 20–45 minutes counts).

Protect that time — tell people you're "in session," turn off notifications, and treat interruptions like you would a work meeting.

Start small if necessary: just open your DAW (Digital Audio Workstation), guitar, or notebook and play/write anything for 10 minutes. Momentum often builds from motion, not perfection.

This very simple act of showing up, trains your brain that this is when ideas are allowed to arrive. Over weeks, the rusty faucet starts flowing more easily. Read this related article: 5 Simple Truths I Learned About Songwriting: https://www.songwriting.net/blog/5truthsaboutsongwriting

2. Feed Your Ears — Listen Aggressively and Broadly
You are what you consume. When your own well feels dry, refill it by intentionally exposing yourself to new (or forgotten) musical nutrition.

Dive into genres or eras outside your comfort zone — if you're indie-folk, try 70s Soul, 80’s New Wave, 90’s Grunge, Contemporary Classical, Afrobeats, or early hip-hop for inspiration.

Actively study songs you love: learn them fully (chords, structure, melody contour, lyrical devices), then analyze why certain lines or turns hit so hard.

Create a "songwriter playlist" of tracks that make you jealous in the best way — revisit it regularly.

Many songwriters report that spending as much (or more) time listening as writing directly correlates with stronger output. New sounds spark new neural pathways.

3. Use Constraints and Exercises to Trick Your Brain
Paradoxically, limitations often unleash more creativity than total freedom. When everything is possible, nothing feels urgent.

Try these quick exercises when you're stuck:
Three-chord challenge: Write a complete song (verse–chorus–bridge) using only three chords.

10-minute sprints: Set a timer and write/record non-stop — no deleting, no judging. Do 3–4 rounds.

Object writing / sense writing: Pick a random object or prompt (coffee mug, rainy window, childhood bike) and free-write sensory descriptions for 10 minutes without stopping. Mine later for titles, lines, or images.

Rewrite an existing hit song: Take a favorite song's structure/melody rhythm and write completely new lyrics over it (then discard the original melody). You may even consider interpolation, if possible.

Constraints force decisions and bypass overthinking — often leading to your most surprising work.

4. Capture Ideas Ruthlessly — Build Your "Hook Bank"
Great songs rarely arrive fully formed. They usually start as fragments: a title, a phrase overheard in conversation, a melodic motif hummed in the shower, or a news headline that twists emotionally.

Carry a small notebook, phone notes app, or voice memo shortcut everywhere.

Collect obsessively: random titles, overheard dialogue, book quotes, feelings without context, visual images.

Review your collection weekly — one tiny seed can ignite an entire song when you're ready to write.

Songwriters who maintain an active idea bank almost never face true "blank page" paralysis — they just pull from inventory and start connecting dots. Read this related article: How to Write a Killer Hook: https://www.songwriting.net/blog/how-to-write-a-killer-hook

5. Change Your Environment and Collaborate
Your brain associates places with states of mind. If your normal writing spot feels stale, shake up the scenery.

Write in a café, park, library, or different room.

Try "location-specific" writing: craft lyrics on public transport, melodies while walking, or chord ideas in nature.

Co-write (even virtually) with someone new — different tastes and approaches force you out of habits. Read this related article: The Power of Co-writing: https://www.songwriting.net/blog/bid/66027/Songwriting-Collaboration-The-Power-of-Co-writing

If collaboration isn't possible, pretend you're writing for a specific artist or in response to a movie scene.

New inputs (people, places, perspectives) create novel combinations in your mind that solo routine rarely produces.

Reinvigorating songwriting isn't about forcing genius — it's about creating the conditions where good ideas have a fighting chance to appear and develop. Start with one or two of these tips that resonate most, stay consistent, and trust that the dry spell will end.

Your next song is probably closer than it feels. Keep showing up. The music is waiting, the lyric is waiting, your next big idea is waiting.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

For information on the 31st Annual USA Songwriting Competition, go to: https://www.songwriting.net

USA Songwriting Competition Winners Make History

jessicabrandon49@yahoo.com (Jessica Brandon) — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 04:07:40 GMT

by Scott Ashley

USA Songwriting Competition winners Fyütch and Aura V, an 8-year-old singer won their first Grammy award in 2026 and also made history.

The father-daughter duo took home the Grammy for best children's music album for "Harmony." They accepted the honor during the premiere ceremony, held before the Grammys' telecast.

Both dressed in matching Pink, Fyütch thanked God and spoke about the importance of educating and entertaining the young, as well as empowering children. He also called the album an act of activism and self-love.

"It's an honor to win, we weren’t expecting to get this far" said the eight year old Aura V.

Fyütch & Aura V won the 2025 USA Songwriting Competition in the Children's music category.

At 8 years old, Aura V is the youngest individually credited Grammy winner.

Flor Bromley (2024 USA Songwriting Competition Children's music winner), Joanie Leeds (2013 USA Songwriting Competition Children's music winner) were also nominated for Grammy awards in the same category as Fyütch and Aura V.

The 68th Annual Grammy Awards was presented on February 1, 2026.

ABOUT USA SONGWRITING COMPETITION
USA Songwriting Competition has a long history of having winners getting recording and publishing contracts, have their songs placed on the charts as well as having their songs placed on film and television, and winning Grammy Awards.

Muni Long, formerly known as Priscilla Renea won the Overall Grand Prize as well as the First Prize in the Pop category of the USA Songwriting Competition in 2017, has won two Grammy Awards, including one Grammy award in 2025.

Wouter Kellerman (2017 USA Songwriting Competition Instrumental Winner), from South Africa has won 3 Grammy Awards, including one Grammy award in 2025.

2024 USA Songwriting Competition winner Lucy Kalantari of New York, NY won a Grammy Award for Best Children's album at the 2019 Grammys.

Christopher Tinn (USA Songwriting Competition First Prize winner, Instrumental category in 2014, Finalist in 2010) won two Grammy Awards for his classical crossover album Calling All Dawns in 2011.

Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer (USA Songwriting Competition 2011 First Prize winner, Children’s music category) have earned two Grammy Awards for their recordings “cELLAbration: a Tribute to Ella Jenkins” in 2004 and for “Bon Appétit!” in 2005. Their CDs “Postcards” and “Banjo Talkin’” were both Grammy Awards nominated in the Best Traditional Folk Album category. They have received a total of 12 Grammy nominations so far.

In its landmark 31st year, the USA Songwriting Competition is currently accepting entries. To enter the 31st Annual USA Songwriting Competition online, Click Here>>

5 Steps to Becoming a Better Songwriter

jessicabrandon49@yahoo.com (Jessica Brandon) — Thu, 01 Jan 2026 12:00:00 GMT

by Scott Ashley.

Songwriting is both an art and a craft — it rewards patience, curiosity, and consistent effort. Whether you're just starting out or you've been writing for years, these five practical steps can help you level up your skills and unlock new creative possibilities for you to write songs. Here are some inspiring moments of songwriters in action:

Learn to listen to different Genres of Songs or Music

The foundation of great songwriting is great listening — but not just passive background listening. Become an active student of music and songwriting. Choose songs from genres you don't usually write in: Hip-Hop, Reggaeton, Jazz, K-pop, Folk ballads, or EDM. Ask yourself:

How are the melodic lines created?

What makes the chorus so catchy? Or how can you make the chorus catchier?

See how lyrics use rhyme, rhythm, and imagery

Why does the arrangement feel fresh? How would you do differently if you were the songwriter?

Would you rewrite this song to make it sound better? Read this related article: 6 Cool Ideas to Help You Write Catchier Songs

This habit of listening to different music or songs expands your music vocabulary and gives you new tools to borrow (and transform) for your own work. Try listening and focusing completely — no distractions. You'll be surprised how much you discover.

Co-write with other Songwriters change up your Songwriting Process

Writing alone can get you into creative ruts. Collaborating forces you to explain your ideas, compromise, and see songs through someone else's lens — often leading to breakthroughs, and gives you a different perspective. Co-writing also naturally changes your process: maybe you usually start with lyrics, but your partner begins with a chord progression. Or you write the bridge first instead of last. Even if the final song isn't a masterpiece, the experience almost always makes you a more flexible, faster, and bolder writer. You may even bring a chorus or idea to your collaborator (s) and let the creativity flow between you and your collaborator (s).

"I like to let the chemistry dictate what happens during collaboration - let the overall song idea, melodic ideas, chord progression ideas, lyric or story ideas happen naturally", said Jim Radcliffe, a songwriter who lives in Nashville.

“I feel it can go either way. I’ve written songs on my own, starting with the lyrics and adding music later,” said Skylar Springer, First Prize winner in the Lyrics Only category in the 29th Annual USA Songwriting Competition. “But working with other songwriters has helped challenge me to try different approaches. With the song that won, we did music first.” Springer also won the Overall Second Prize of the 29th Annual USA Songwriting Competition together with co-writer Kayliann Lowe.

Months and years down the line you will have realized how much you have grown by collaborating with other songwriters. Read this related article: 5 Steps to Better Co-writing

Create monthly and annual Songwriting goals

Dreams without deadlines usually stay dreams. Setting specific, achievable goals gives your songwriting direction and momentum. Examples that work well: Write 3 new songs every month

Finish and fully produce 10 songs in a year

Submit 5 songs to opportunities (competitions, pitch to music publishers)

Try out one new chord progression, backing track or writing technique per month

Track your progress in a simple journal or planner. Celebrate the wins — even small ones — because progress beats perfection. Read this related article: 10 Tips for Composing Your Own Music

Try Rewriting Your Old Songs You’ve Written

Your early songs contain raw potential — but they also probably have clumsy parts. Revisiting them is one of the fastest ways to improve. Take a song from 1–3 years ago and rewrite it: Strengthen weak verses

Sharpen the hook

Update the language to feel more current

Try a different key, tempo, or structure

Many professional songwriters do this regularly — some even turn old songs or demos into hits years later. Plus, you'll be amazed at how much you've grown. Read this related article: 11 Great Tips for Writing Better Lyrics

Try Experimenting with Different Approaches

What is best way to avoid stagnation? Break your own rules. Try these experiments:

Write a song in 15 minutes (speed forces instinct)

Start with the last line and work backward

Write only using questions as lyrics

Switch instruments (piano → guitar → ukulele → beat pad)

Write a song with no chorus — or no verses

Use a random word generator for the title and build from there

Read this related article: How to Write a Killer Hook

The goal isn't always to create music or song masterpieces — it's to stretch your creative muscles and discover techniques you’d never find playing it safe. So, experiment and grow as a songwriter!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

For information on the 31st Annual USA Songwriting Competition, go to: https://www.songwriting.net

Four USA Songwriting Competition Winners Receive Grammy Nominations

jessicabrandon49@yahoo.com (Jessica Brandon) — Thu, 27 Nov 2025 15:11:16 GMT

by Scott Ashley

Four winners of the USA Songwriting Competition have received Grammy nominations: Fyütch & Aura V (2025 USA Songwriting Competition Children's music winner), Ron Korb (2024 USA Songwriting Competition Instrumental winner from Canada), Flor Bromley (2024 USA Songwriting Competition Children's music winner), Joanie Leeds (2013 USA Songwriting Competition Children's music winner) are nominated for the upcoming Grammy awards:

~Ron Korb (2 nominations: Best Global Music Performance)
~Fyütch & Aura V (Best Children’s Music Album)
~Flor Bromley (Best Children’s Music Album)
~Joanie Leeds (Best Children’s Music Album)

Joanie Leeds, from New York, NY, won a Grammy Award for Best Children's album at the 2021 Grammys. This is her second nomination.

Ron Korb has performed on two albums that won two Grammy awards in 2023. This is his second Grammy nomination.

Fyütch and his daughter Aura V, is a 7 year old singer. This is their first Grammy nomination.

Flor Bromley is also a first time nominee.

See the list of Grammy nominations here: https://variety.com/2025/music/news/grammy-nominations-2026-complete-list-kendrick-lamar-gaga-1236572363/

The 68th Annual Grammy Awards will be presented on February 1, 2026.

ABOUT USA SONGWRITING COMPETITION
USA Songwriting Competition has a long history of having winners getting recording and publishing contracts, have their songs placed on the charts as well as having their songs placed on film and television, and winning Grammy Awards.

USA Songwriting Competition Releases Second Book

jessicabrandon49@yahoo.com (Jessica Brandon) — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 13:37:11 GMT

To mark its 30th anniversary, the USA Songwriting Competition proudly presents The Songwriting Competition Handbook by Scott Ashley. This is Ashley’s second book, following his #1 Amazon bestseller, How to Write Better Songs (2022). Inspired by frequent requests from competition entrants for guidance on succeeding in songwriting competitions, Ashley wrote this comprehensive guide to help songwriters improve. The Songwriting Competition Handbook offers practical strategies and inspiring stories from winning songwriters.

This book provides actionable advice for songwriting entrants at all levels, covering:

~Dos and don’ts for songwriting competition success

~Learn why having a long intro in your song may not a good thing to do for a songwriting competition submission

~Choosing the right category for your song

~Stories of entrants who progressed from non-finalists to winners

~Tips for collaborating with songwriters and producers

~Writing songs with backing tracks

~The role of AI (Artificial intelligence) in songwriting

~A must-have checklist for submissions

This book is an essential resource for anyone entering or planning to enter songwriting competitions. Whether you’re struggling to place in finals or aiming to improve your placement, this book is a guide that shares firsthand experiences from winners who overcame challenges to succeed. It’s the most thorough resource available for entering songwriting competitions.

Hear What Readers Are Saying:

“A treasure trove of success stories for songwriters… read carefully to see what’s possible.” —Peter Thomas, songwriter

“Great advice… we need to dig in, edit, rewrite, and chase it hard.” —Dee Meese, songwriter

“Helpful rules to follow and know.” —Paul Vines, songwriter

“Gives aspiring songwriters reassurance and confidence… their work has a chance to make something major happen.” —Jason Cosio Jr., songwriter

Perfect For:

~Songwriters entering competitions

~Those seeking to improve their craft

~Collaborators looking for effective strategies

No fluff, no jargon—just clear, actionable steps. No music degree required.

Featured Songwriters:

The book highlights award-winning songwriters like Diane Warren, Ken Hirsch, Ralph Murphy, Corey Lee Barker, Bill Diluigi, Steve Dean, Billy Montana, Jeff Roe, Kevin Stroud, Skylar Springer, Wayne Miller, Tom Saffell, Tess Posner, Cari Cole, Robin Randall, Will Carpenter, Joe Hogue, Sean Petersen, Nakia Reynoso, and more. For more details, visit Amazon listing at: https://www.amazon.com/Songwriting-Competition-Handbook-Winning-Songwriters/dp/B0F8C27BSV/

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

5 Steps to Better Co-writing

jessicabrandon49@yahoo.com (Jessica Brandon) — Thu, 01 May 2025 13:18:02 GMT

by Scott Ashley.

Co-writing is a common aspect of songwriting, yet many find it challenging, difficult and uncomfortable. Sharing the deeply personal process of songwriting with others can feel uneasy. Here are 5 tips you can apply today to enhance your co-writing experience:

Get to Know One Another

Meeting a co-writer, especially if you’re not close, can feel uneasy as a songwriter. Before diving into songwriting, check in with your collaborator about how they’re doing and be open about your own state. If you’re feeling nervous, just say it. If you’re having a rough day, be honest. These initial chats can not only break the ice but also inspire the song you create together.

Identify what Your Strengths Are

You need to know what your strengths are. Most songwriters tend to be better at either melody, lyric, or overall vibe. Rarely is a songwriter truly great at all three. What’s your songwriting superpower? And how can you grow in that strength?

“If you spend too much time working on your weaknesses, all you end up with is a lot of strong weaknesses", Dan Sullivan a business trainer.

"The problem is, not everyone wants to hear the truth. Some great singers (who are average songwriters) can make the really average songs they've written shine through the sheer power of their vocal ability", said Ralph Murphy, late hit songwriter.

Here’s an example of a great collaboration: Elton John writes music and Bernie Taupin writes lyrics.

Check your ego at the door

Don't let your strongest talent carry the burden of your weakest. Seek honest feedback from music industry experts, and if one area is lacking, prioritize your strengths.

Be a Good Hang, Be Nice!

Generosity strengthens songwriting partnerships. While striving for the ideal lyric, melodic lines, chord progressions, or vibe, we can remain thoughtful and welcoming as collaborative co-songwriters. So, be nice and diplomatic to your fellow songwriters!

Come prepared, bring your ideas

Rather than come in to a co-write completely empty handed. Do you have existing songwriting ideas? How about a chorus? Some melodic lines? Consider this: do you have an existing song? Or have an already completed song that you wish to take to the next level? Find a way to capture and organize your song ideas so that you can easily reference them at the beginning of a writing session. Even better: have anywhere between 1-5 ideas already picked out.

Jason Blume, a professional songwriter who co-writes a lot keeps a digital folder on his computer which he names “Future Hits.” A song start file might include:

~Song titles

~Lyric concepts

~Lines of lyric

~Melodies and melodic phrases

~Chord progressions

~A draft of a chorus melody and/or lyric

~Drum beats

~Instrumental hooks

~A music backing track

Karen Taylor-Good (2004 USASC First Prize Winner, Country) and Jason Blume wrote 4 songs that were eventually cut by Country Star Collin Raye, this co-writing partnership became a very fruitful co-write.

Here’s another example of bringing ideas to a co-writing session: Professional Nashville songwriter Connie Harrington was listening to National Public Radio one day while driving and was moved to write about the truck as a way to honor the soldier's sacrifice and the grief of his father.

During a co-songwriting session, Connie Harrington brought the idea to co-writers Jessi Alexander and Jimmy Yeary. The co-writing session resulted in the song "I Drive Your Truck" and the rest as they said was history - it was cut by Country star Lee Brice, and hit #1 on the Billboard Country charts. The song was awarded Song of the Year honors at the 47th annual Country Music Association Awards, as well as Song of the Year at the 49th annual Academy of Country Music Awards.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Scott Ashley is a songwriter and graduate of the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston. He is a voting member of the Recording Academy (National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences). He is currently working as the Artist Relations director with the USA Songwriting Competition and IAMA (International Acoustic Music Awards). He is currently writing his second book. His first book "How to Write Better Songs" hit #1 on the Amazon Best Seller Books Charts last year. Click here to purchase Scott Ashley's book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B5PLFGKX

For information on the 30th Annual USA Songwriting Competition, go to: https://www.songwriting.net

USA Songwriting Competition Winner Beats SZA, Chris Brown to win a Grammy Award

jessicabrandon49@yahoo.com (Jessica Brandon) — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 20:03:58 GMT

by Karen Randle.

We were informed by one of our subscribers that one of our winners Muni Long beat out established artists such as SZA, Chris Brown to win a Grammy at the recent Grammy Awards. This is because we were not aware of her name change.

Muni Long, formerly known as Priscilla Renea won the Overall Grand Prize as well as the First Prize in the Pop category of the USA Songwriting Competition in 2017 with her song “Family Tree”. Muni Long is also now a two-time Grammy winner.

The Indian River County-born R&B singer took home the Grammy for Best R&B Performance during the Feb. 2 Grammy pre-show. She won for her performance of "Made for Me (Live on BET)" and performed the chart-topping hit at the award ceremony as well. She won in the same category at the 2023 Grammys for her song "Hrs & Hrs."

She was nominated against established artists SZA, Chris Brown, Jhené Aiko, and Coco Jones.

In her acceptance speech at the Grammys, she spoke about taking a chance on herself and becoming a new version of herself.

"Every new version of yourself requires the death of the previous you," Long said as she accepted her Grammy. "That said, please stop calling me Priscilla; it's Muni Long now."

This is her second Grammy win, she won Best R&B Performance for "Hrs & Hrs" in 2023, she also won Rising Star Award at 2025 Billboard Women in Music. As a solo artist Muni has two songs that hit #16 ("Hrs and Hrs" in 2022) and #20 ("Made for Me" in 2024) on the Billboard Hot 100 Charts.

As a songwriter, Muni has written or co-written multiple songs that charted on the Billboard Hot 100 Charts. She co-wrote the song “Timber” which was recorded by Pitbull, hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 Charts for 3 weeks. She has also written or co-written songs cut by Rihanna ("California King Bed" #37 on the Billboard Hot 100 Charts), Fifth Harmony ("Worth It" #12 on the Billboard Hot 100 Charts), Ariana Grande (“Imagine” #21 on the Billboard Hot 100 Charts), Kelly Clarkson (“Love So Soft” #47 on the Billboard Hot 100 Charts), Mariah Carey ("Infinity" #82 on the Billboard Hot 100 Charts), Selena Gomez (“Who Says” #21 on the Billboard Hot 100 Charts and many more.

“It's so amazing to see how Muni Long went on to beat artists that have hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 Charts like SZA and Chris Brown! So awe inspiring to see her evolving as a songwriter and vocalist. This shows that USA Songwriting Competition winners can run with the best in the music business today”, said Scott Ashley, VP of Artist Relations of USA Songwriting Competition and Amazon best selling author.

Another USA Songwriting Competition winner Wouter Kellerman, a talented South African flautist and composer won his third Grammy Award for Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album with his work "Triveni" alongside collaborators Éru Matsumoto and Chandrika Tandon. Wouter Kellerman won the first prize of 2017 USA Songwriting Competition in the Best Instrumental category.

The 67th Grammy Awards was held on February 2, 2025.

ABOUT USA SONGWRITING COMPETITION
USA Songwriting Competition has a long history of having winners getting recording and publishing contracts, have their songs placed on the charts as well as having their songs placed on film and television, and winning Grammy Awards.

Joanie Leeds, First Prize winner of the 2013 USA Songwriting Competition (Children's category) won a Grammy in the 2021 in the "Best Children's Music Album" category.

USA Songwriting Competition Honorable Mention winner (2017 Competition) and finalist (2018 Competition) Lucy Kalantari of New York, NY won a Grammy Award for Best Children's album at the 2019 Grammys.

Meghan Trainor (USA Songwriting Competition finalist) won Best New Artist in the 2016 Grammy Awards, making her the only winner in the top categories (Best New Artist, Song of the Year, Record of the Year, etc) of the Grammy Awards. Meghan Trainor hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 Charts, and debuting #1 on the Billboard 200 Album Charts. She has a total of 9 songs that have hit the Billboard Hot 100 charts as an artist.

Christopher Tinn (USA Songwriting Competition First Prize winner, Instrumental category in 2014, Finalist in 2010) won two Grammy Awards for his classical crossover album Calling All Dawns in 2011.

Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer (USA Songwriting Competition 2011 First Prize winner, Children’s music category) have earned two Grammy Awards for their recordings “cELLAbration: a Tribute to Ella Jenkins” in 2004 and for “Bon Appétit!” in 2005. Their CDs “Postcards” and “Banjo Talkin’” were both Grammy Awards nominated in the Best Traditional Folk Album category. They have received a total of 12 Grammy nominations so far.

2013 winner American Authors was signed to Island Records, and hit #1 on the Billboard Charts and went 6X Platinum.

In its landmark 30th year, the USA Songwriting Competition is currently accepting entries. For information on the 30th Annual USA Songwriting Competition, go to: https://www.songwriting.net

6 Cool Ideas to Help You Write Catchier Songs

jessicabrandon49@yahoo.com (Jessica Brandon) — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 19:27:53 GMT

by Scott Ashley.

Writing catchy songs is an important part of songwriting that resonates with your listeners. Catchy songs tend to be more memorable and stick in people's heads, which can help them gain more popularity and recognition. Additionally, catchy songs often have strong hooks and choruses that can help create an emotional connection with listeners, which is an essential part of engaging and connecting with an audience.

An important fact: if the listener doesn’t hear something they can latch onto they won’t remember your song. This is the tough part that you will have to work hard on it. Here are some tips.

1. Brainstorm catchy hooks: Focus on coming up with memorable; catchy hooks that will draw in your audience and make them want to keep listening. Consider playing around with different rhyme schemes, alliteration, and wordplay to make your hooks stand out. Example: think of a catchy melody that you can remember. Repeat over and over again to see if it sounds good. Or create, experiment and hum a melody and try to alter and make it better, repeat it again to see if it sounds nice.

"One unforgettable hook can be your song’s ticket to the top of the charts. But why stop at one, when multiple hooks can maximize your chances of success?" said Jason Blume, hit songwriter, cuts with Britney Spear, BackStreet Boys, the Oak Ridge Boys and more.

2. Write from experience: Write from your own experiences, stories from the past and present and focus on topics that you can relate to and have a passion for. Doing so will make your lyrics more honest and engaging. Did you just break up with a boyfriend or girlfriend? Try to write from that experience. The songs may surprise you!

3. Play with rhythm: Experiment with different rhythms and tempo changes to create interesting, dynamic songs. You can also add in percussion, vocal harmonies, and other elements to give your song more depth and texture.

4. Utilize song structure: Familiarize yourself with the different elements of song structure, such as the intro, verse, chorus, bridge, and outro. This will help you create songs that are more organized and structured. Also, read this related article: 5 truths about Songwriting

"There are so many ways to structure a song, but staying current is a good place to start writing hits. Listeners’ tastes change, and song structure usually reflects the changes", said Mark Cawley, hit songwriter with cuts ranging from Tina Turner to Wynonna Judd to The Spice Girls.

5. Simplify: Try to keep your lyrics as simple and concise as possible. Be mindful of how each word sounds and its impact on the overall flow of the song.

"One of the hallmarks of a great lyric is that it reaches out and grabs a listener immediately", said Cliff Goldmacher, hit songwriter with cuts ranging from Ke$ha, Lisa Loeb, Chris Barron and more.

6. Listen to other songs: Listen to different genres of music and observe how different artists are structuring their songs. You may get some inspiration there! Also read this related article: 7 Great Ways to get ideas for writing songs

So, try and experiment you may get your desired effect. Do not focus on being perfect, focus on getting better and tell yourself that it is OK for you to make mistakes. Sometimes through mistakes or unintended writing or humming, comes a great hook or Chorus!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Scott Ashley is a songwriter and graduate of the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston. He is a voting member of the Recording Academy (National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences). He is currently working as the Artist Relations director with the USA Songwriting Competition and IAMA (International Acoustic Music Awards). His book "How to Write Better Songs" hit #1 on the Amazon Best Seller Books Charts last year. Click here to purchase Scott Ashley's book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B5PLFGKX

For information on the 30th Annual USA Songwriting Competition, go to: https://www.songwriting.net

Think Like a Producer, Write Like a Songwriter

jessicabrandon49@yahoo.com (Jessica Brandon) — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 20:13:11 GMT

by Andrea Stolpe.

The approach to writing songs can look vastly different from person to person. Some of us jam with the band for inspiration, while others sit down at our DAW with parts already defined in our minds. For others, we prefer a quiet space, a guitar, and a few hours to drum up a groove and melody or lyric.

In the past few decades, the line between songwriter and producer has blurred. The affordability and usability of the modern DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) has made it possible for anyone with a song in their heart to play with musical ideas, regardless of technical understanding or musical fluency. Ideas and experimentation are now free to roam, untethered to a foundation of music theory or instrumental skill. Where the practiced musician navigates to Rome by map, the novice musician arrives by inspiration and awe. As someone with a music degree and decades of hair-pulling experience in the craft of songwriting, I’d prefer to wind up in Rome with equal amounts of both.

Regardless of how we approach songwriting, we all end up asking the same question when it comes to recording, “What production does this song need?” Instead of elevating the song, many of us songwriters see the production phase as a rat's nest of decisions that either neutralize or fail to capture the mystery we felt flow out of us during the writing phase. Even writers who start on their DAW often find their tracks more to their liking than their lyric or melodic ideas. With all approaches, bringing all the elements together is the grand regatta that keeps us sailing toward the horizon.

Production is an art form all to itself. And at the same time, critical listening can make a developing producer out of any one of us. We just need to learn what to listen for, and take every opportunity to practice applying what we’re learning to each new song situation.

I’m a firm believer that we know more about songwriting, and production, than we give ourselves credit for. When we lay down bar chords and a firm strumming pattern, we carry that feeling into the story we write. Instead of a song of uncertainty or grief, we write about ambition, determination, or injustice. That same sense for emotion traveling through music and lyric translates to production - if we let it.

One of the first questions any producer should ask themselves when staring down the barrel of an acoustic demo is “what inspired this song?” Within the answer to this question is the song’s character and emotional state. It is the job of the producer to further express that character, giving life to the words, chords, melody, and rhythms. As songwriters, we can let the options of production overwhelm us, imagining there is one ‘right way’ to accomplish this ultimate goal. But pizzicato strings aren’t the only way to signal danger lurking down the basement stairs. Sound carries emotion, depending on how we play or sing it.

This is where play is so important to the art of production. It’s the haphazard expression, guided by inspiration and unknowing that leads us to new and undiscovered territory. If our intent is to explore the various instrumentation we can use to express a song, we won’t be limited by sounds and choices we expect suit the genre or commercial expectation. At the same time, coloring completely outside the lines can launch our listener into interstellar space without a tether. Critical listening teaches us how to keep one foot within the familiar and relatable, and one foot in novelty.

Next time you’re listening to a mixed and mastered tune, pause and reflect on why the particular instrumentation was chosen to represent it. What you feel, not what you think, is what is important here. Why the verse remains sparse while the chorus explodes is a choice in production, one that much modern commercial music takes for granted. What the lyric expresses that results in the decision to keep the verse sparse and catalyze an explosive chorus is what brings the song to life. A song is a whole, living extension of the artist who embodies it, and every measure an opportunity to become more potently themselves.

If we’re wondering where to start in terms of production, simply start with ‘why.’ Why start with an intro, why omit it, why change key in the bridge, why bump the tempo up slightly, why slow it down, why change chords where we did and sing the high note we sang? Test choices you make by trying out their opposites: Make the intro too short or too long, test a tempo you believe to be too slow, resist the urge to sing up high. Anyone can add to a song unnecessarily. Production is the art of removing what is unnecessary. Hone your instincts by stepping out of the middle ground of musical and lyrical expression where your inner voice can be heard more loudly.

Big things are accomplished in small bits. Listen critically to a song a day from an artist you enjoy, pausing the recording frequently to support or counter the production choices you hear. Over time, you’ll find yourself more informed, and opinionated, and bursting with ideas around how to elevate your own songs with production.

Stay creative,

Andera Stolpe

This article is brought to you by Andrea Stolpe, a renowned, multi-platinum creative consultant whose methodology for songwriters and music artists has been taught worldwide.

Interested in learning more from Andrea? Download her free guide: The 5 Songwriting Tools the Change Everything