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Songwriting

A collection of articles from the Disc Makers blog that relate to songwriting, including tips on the craft of songwriting as well as publishing and licensing advice.

listener hears an explicit song

Will an Explicit Song on Streaming Platforms Impact My Streams?

June 30, 2023April 21, 2025 Philip Kinsher

Do explicit tracks impact streaming numbers? Learn about explicit song distribution and how to maximize your streams. Read the post.

How to copyright a song (in 9 easy steps) Golden copyright symbol and notes. Intellectual property concept. Copyright of the music or song. Top view. 3d render

How to copyright a song (in 9 easy steps)

May 31, 2023April 19, 2025 Lauren Davish

Copyright laws protect creative and expressive works, such as music. Learn why and how you can copyright your music. Read the post.

couple singing along to a hook in a song

How to write a good song hook

May 22, 2023April 19, 2025 Scott McCormick

A good hook catches the ear of listeners. Find out how you can make a hook that will skyrocket your songs to success. Read the post.

music copyright — seven facts

Seven facts about music copyrights

May 17, 2023April 19, 2025 Bobby Borg

Getting a music copyright gives you specific protections so other folks can’t use your creative work without your consent. Read the post.

guitarist in front of a bridge at sunset

How to write a bridge for a song

May 4, 2023April 19, 2025 Scott McCormick

Should bridges have lyrics or be instrumental to make an impact? We’ve got tips for how to write a bridge for a song that matches your vision. Read the post

Pentatonix promo photo

Musical lessons: Six things I learned from Pentatonix

May 2, 2023April 19, 2025 Michael Gallant

Pentatonix — the groundbreaking, five-person a cappella group — enjoys widespread success due to their soul, skill, and creativity. Their music contains valuable lessons for indie artists of any genre. Read the post.

woman playing piano using the Phrygian mode

How to harness the power of the Phrygian mode

April 6, 2023April 19, 2025 Scott McCormick

If you’re writing a dark and brooding song, or you simply want to add something a little different, consider dipping into the Phrygian mode. Read the post.

country artist celebrating his great song

Who gets to decide if your songs are “great”?

March 15, 2023February 7, 2024 Johnny Dwinell and Brent Baxter

If listeners decide your music is great, then it is. Focus on writing and recording better songs and put out the best product you can. Read the post.

Add Sizzle With Secondary Dominant Chords

February 21, 2023April 19, 2025 Scott McCormick

In our continuing exploration of music theory and songwriting, we dive deep into secondary dominant chords, with examples from popular hits. Read the post.

Songwriting and writers block

Songwriting and writer’s block: 11 tips to help the songwriter get unstuck

February 4, 2023April 19, 2025 Michael Gallant

What do you do when you hit a wall when you’re writing a song? Here are tips from experienced songwriters to help you overcome writer’s block. Read the post.

four takes on big yellow taxi

Anatomy of a cover song: Four takes on “Big Yellow Taxi”

January 20, 2023April 19, 2025 Keith Hatschek

So you picked a cover song, now what? Rather than copying the original version note-for-note, the best covers typically take the essence of the original and reshape it, so that the performing artist makes the song their own while adding something special and recognizable to their repertoire. Read more.

teacher telling student about borrowed chords

Use Borrowed Chords To Add Drama, Depth, and Variety to Your Music

January 13, 2023April 19, 2025 Scott McCormick

Looking to spice up your chord progressions? Why not borrow a chord or two from a different mode or scale? Borrowed chords are a tried-and-true way to add an unexpected touch to songs. Read the post.

songwriters co-writing: split shares in a song

How Bands and Co-Writers Divide Percentage Shares in a Song

January 11, 2023April 21, 2025 Bobby Borg

What does copyright law say about your rights when an original idea is formed between two or more people? Here’s how some co-writers divide percentage shares in a song. Read the post.

guitarist playing diminished chords

Add zest with diminished chords

December 6, 2022April 18, 2025 Scott McCormick

While major and minor chords get all the attention, don’t neglect music’s lovely diminished chords. They can spice up your boring chord progressions and add drama to your songs. Read the post.

sailboat sailing the Southern Cross

“Southern Cross” — From unreleased leftover to enduring classic

September 21, 2022February 7, 2024 Scott McCormick

Here’s a fascinating look at how Stephen Stills took an unreleased leftover and turned it into the enduring classic, “Southern Cross.” Read the post.

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