Skip to content
Disc Makers Blog
  • Music Business
    • Disc Manufacturing & Design
    • Free Guides
    • Music Business & Music Management
    • Music Industry News
  • Music Marketing & Promotion
    • Crowdfunding for Musicians
    • Social Media for Musicians
    • YouTube & Music Videos
  • Performance & Rehearsal
    • Booking Shows & Touring
    • Live Performance
    • Musical Equipment & Gear Reviews
    • Singing Tips
  • Recording & Mastering
    • Audio Recording
    • Film and Authoring
    • Home Studio
    • Audio Mastering
    • Studio Gear
  • Songwriting
    • Music Licensing, Copyrights & Publishing
    • Songwriting tips
  • DISCMAKERS.COM

music influences

four takes on big yellow taxi

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

January 20, 2023January 20, 2023 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.

collage musicians who died in 2022

Musicians who died in 2022

January 4, 2023January 5, 2023 Andre Calilhanna

2022 may not have been the bounce-back year we had all hoped for, and sadly, we saw too many beloved musicians — icons and up-and-comers alike — pass on to the great afterparty in the sky. Read the post.

a new songwriter trying her hand to start writing songs

How to start writing songs

November 14, 2022January 13, 2023 Scott McCormick

Have you got the music in you and want to start writing songs? Here’s a no-nonsense primer to getting your songwriting career started. Read the post.

singing bassists

Who says it’s impossible to sing and play bass?

October 21, 2022October 21, 2022 Scott McCormick

Being excellent at your instrument takes a lot of work, and being a stand-out vocalist is rare, indeed. But combining the two? Let’s learn from 10 singers who also play bass. Read the post.

sailboat sailing the Southern Cross

“Southern Cross” — From unreleased leftover to enduring classic

September 21, 2022September 22, 2022 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.

songwriting tips and advice

Songwriting tips: Insights and advice on the craft of writing a song

September 15, 2022October 14, 2022 Disc Makers

We’ve posted songwriting tips that cover music theory, the use of interesting chords, lyric writing advice, and ways to channel creativity. Read and enjoy.

A Hard Day's Night and London Calling covers

Mystery chords: “A Hard Day’s Night” and “London Calling”

August 26, 2022August 26, 2022 Scott McCormick

Ever sit down to learn a song and find that no matter what chord you play, it’s just not right? We investigate two mystery chords in two classic songs. Read the post.

Allen Woody with Gov't Mule

When the bassline makes the song

July 20, 2022July 25, 2022 Michael Gallant

There are lots of examples where the bassline is the prominent part of the song. This driving blues track from Gov’t Mule rages atop a super-dense bassline that propels the song. Read the post.

Dave Smith, the godfather of MIDI

Dave Smith: The Godfather of MIDI

June 17, 2022June 17, 2022 Michael Gallant

Music technologist, inventor, and synthesizer creator Dave Smith died on May 31, 2022. His innovations will continue to shape music for years to come. Read the post.

Paul McCartney onstage

After the Beatles: Paul McCartney’s basslines

June 10, 2022June 10, 2022 Keith Hatschek and Robert Bassett

The genius of Paul McCartney’s basslines never wavered, but his choices as a bass player post-Beatles show his focus was ever more on the song and serving the vocal melody. Read the post.

a look at Paul McCartney’s basslines

The genius of Paul McCartney’s basslines

April 26, 2022April 26, 2022 Keith Hatschek and Robert Bassett

Paul McCartney’s basslines are an integral part of the Beatles’ evolution from world-beating pop band to musical pioneers. We identify just what McCartney did to make his parts stand out from what other bassists were doing at the time. Read the post.

guitarist playing a song with one chord

Can you write a song with just one chord?

March 9, 2022March 10, 2022 Scott McCormick

While it might be difficult to keep a song interesting if you limit it to one chord, it can help create tension, highlight your lyrics, or drive a hypnotic groove. Read the post.

musicians who died in 2021

Musicians who died in 2021

January 5, 2022January 3, 2023 Andre Calilhanna

In addition to all the heartache last year wrought, the list of notable musicians and producers who died in 2021 is extensive, with notable innovators, groundbreakers, and icons joining their departed brethren at the eternal post-gig party. Read the post

music instrument

How to choose the right music instrument for you

December 30, 2021December 30, 2021 Michael Gallant

In a music instrument marketplace flooded with high-quality options, determine your needs, do your research, and trust your gut. Read the post

trans-siberian orchestra

What all musicians can learn from the Trans-Siberian Orchestra

December 16, 2021December 16, 2021 Michael Gallant

The symphonic metal mashup of “Carol of the Bells” and “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” holds lessons that can elevate music of any genre. Read the post

  Older posts

Newsletter Signup

Recent Posts

  • young women buying CDs

    Want to double your merch and CD sales? Here’s how to do it.

  • home recording studio mic in red wash

    Acoustics and your home recording studio

  • four takes on big yellow taxi

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

  • vocalist in the studio

    Choosing the right microphone to elevate your productions

  • teacher telling student about borrowed chords

    Use borrowed chords to add drama, depth, and variety to your music

Disc Makers Resources

The Disc Makers Audio Catalog
Making a Great Master
The Home Studio Handbook
How To Make More Money With Music - The Complete Guide

Resources

Disc Packages & Vinyl
Services
Help
Pricing
Free Resources
1-800-468-9353

Connect on Social

  • Join us on Facebook
  • Follow us on Twitter
  • Join us on YouTube
  • Follow us on Instagram
© Disc Makers Blog. All Rights Reserved.