Recommendations for music-related books (and films?) like Geoff Emerick's "Here, There and Everywhere"? [more inside]
posted by aielen on Aug 10, 2009 - 8 answers

How often are the stories of a comic, novel, play, TV series, movie, or song conceived by the writer's friend, relative, acquaintance, neighbor, mailman, dog, etc? [more inside]
posted by TheSecretDecoderRing on May 28, 2009 - 14 answers

What old or traditional songs has Bob Dylan bogarted for his own use? [more inside]
posted by malapropist on May 22, 2009 - 26 answers

Help me write a sample-based song! I need the names of films or other places from which I can grab audio that includes characters called "James Anderson", "Jimi", "Mr Anderson" or similar. Explanation inside! [more inside]
posted by Cantdosleepy on Apr 24, 2009 - 21 answers

There's a beautiful, beautiful summer pop song I heard maybe five years ago, that supposedly either won a songwriting competition or came close, and now I can't find out for the life what it was - please help. [more inside]
posted by Ash3000 on Mar 20, 2009 - 4 answers

Songs with great codas? [more inside]
posted by minkll on Feb 26, 2009 - 47 answers

Anyone remember this segment?: A few years ago I heard a radio essay (probably on NPR) about the process of getting a country song written and recorded. The reporter wasn't a songwriter by trade, but he had written a silly-ish song for the purposes of trying to get it published. [more inside]
posted by pipti on Nov 16, 2008 - 6 answers

How do you home songwriters keep yourselves organized? How do you keep yourself motivated? [more inside]
posted by toekneebullard on Jun 25, 2008 - 12 answers

Does a basic, online "Web 2.0" app exist for creating music notation? [more inside]
posted by anthom on Jun 3, 2008 - 3 answers

Where can I find something like Mefi Music, but more... critical? [more inside]
posted by tmcw on May 3, 2008 - 5 answers

Is the ability to write good lyrics to music something one can learn or pick up, or is it something you have to be born with? If it is the former, can you give me some tips, or at the very least direct me to some books or websites that might be of use? [more inside]
posted by Effigy2000 on Feb 28, 2008 - 17 answers

I can make music. How do I make songs? [more inside]
posted by squidlarkin on Jan 6, 2008 - 19 answers

I have a huge mental block when it comes to writing songs that is the direct result of being ridiculed or sometimes even punished by my father when I was little. It's so bad that even when I try, a little voice in my head screams, "no, no, no!" and I just shut down. Freewriting is great, but I need to be able to ignore that voice even when I'm writing thoughtfully and paying attention to conventions like rhyme, rhythm and melody. I have plenty of ideas, but I need help learning how to get them out onto paper. Any ideas? [more inside]
posted by freshwater_pr0n on Dec 27, 2007 - 21 answers

Should I transcribe what I'm hearing in my head? How? (And should I see a shrink?) [more inside]
posted by RobotHeart on Nov 7, 2007 - 13 answers

DissectingArtFilter: I'd like to start to understand how certain (in my eyes, fantastic) lyrics are devised. Specifically, Stephen Malkmus's lyrics, as a part of Pavement. For instance, Gold Soundz. I can pick out some slant rhymes, and certain other techniques but can't figure out how they work in the context of the entire piece. I know that melody plays a huge role in making the song what it is, but sort of focusing on the lyrics part - any words of wisdom. (and yes, I'm possibly writing lyrics for my band at some point)
posted by tmcw on Jun 10, 2007 - 5 answers

Singer / songwriter looking for producer / arranger / multi-instrumentalist type for a serious collaboration over the internet. I have given up on the people in my hometown: is there a site that would help me find a musical partner anywhere else on this planet, someone who doesn't mind not being able to meet face-to-face? [more inside]
posted by dinkyday on May 17, 2007 - 9 answers

I've had music in my head all of my life. I don't play any instruments (yet). Where do I begin? [more inside]
posted by Danila on May 3, 2007 - 13 answers

Which rap / hip-hop song has the most writing credits?
posted by ejoey on Feb 26, 2007 - 9 answers

Where are some good places for an aspiring performing songwriter to live? Not so much looking to sweep the pop music world as I am looking to find a spot on the long tail. But I've been thinking it might be helpful to look for locations where there are sizable audiences of people who regularly choose live but thoughtful music as an entertainment option and artists and venues that oblige them. [more inside]
posted by weston on Jan 26, 2007 - 25 answers

Asking for a buddy: Any good places to upload original music to? [more inside]
posted by Gilbert on Oct 12, 2006 - 10 answers

How do I make a (portion of a) living as a songwriter? [more inside]
posted by cortex on Aug 28, 2006 - 10 answers

How does a musician learn to write better lyrics? [more inside]
posted by junkbox on May 19, 2006 - 17 answers

What is the absolute cheapest, simplest, lowest-to-the-ground, home audio recording system I can set up? [more inside]
posted by Miko on Feb 6, 2006 - 13 answers

New Year's resolution: Pursue a songwriting residency. Ever done one? How was it? [more inside]
posted by ZenMasterThis on Jan 3, 2006 - 5 answers

Guitarists (and other musicians), how did you make your move from player to songwriter? [more inside]
posted by skallas on Sep 6, 2005 - 22 answers

I recorded a solo album, the first recording I've done since the dissolution of my old band after 8 1/2 years. It's a typical breakup album, in the sense that most of the songs are in some way connected to the relationship I had with my ex-girlfriend, the breakup, or my life since. Should I put a dedication in it for her? [more inside]
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane on Feb 28, 2005 - 20 answers