Songwriting For Guitar Podcast

You know that putting in the work is important, but what does that really mean for your life? Mike Meiers and guest Heather Taylor team up to give you three simple things to fall back on when you're feeling lost in the process. What are overwhelm, tiredness, or feeling unfulfilled telling you? It might be different than you think! Creating big songwriting goals for yourself also entails making some mindset goals and changes to the way you look at your schedule. Tune in for the three tips on progressing towards songwriting wins - at any point in your journey.

One choice can change everything - the decision that you make ultimately boils down to willingness. Willingness to put in the work marks the beginning and end of your songwriting woes. What will you miss out on by trying? Absolutely nothing. Returning guest Josh Doyle and Mike Meiers argue that every ounce of effort you invest is worthwhile because it all contributes to discovering your process and uncovering the ease of creation. What will you gain by seeking expert advice? Find out for yourself. Don’t miss the opportunity to receive a song critique from SFG Coach Josh Doyle, someone who has put in the work and emerged with six-figure songs. Visit https://www.songwritingforguitar.com/critiques to book at a special price.

The finished product always sounds so flawless, so obvious, so easy, but behind the scenes of that creative project are blood, sweat, and tears—otherwise known as process and development over months and years. In today’s dynamic episode, Coach Josh Doyle returns to chat with Mike Meiers about the importance of putting in the work. As we learn the craft of production or songwriting, it’s easy to gloss over the details or simply ignore them, but paying attention to the minutiae is what will set you apart from the rest. The problem with quick solutions is that you’re competing with artists and talent from all over the world who are putting in the work and doing the difficult things. So, it's time to ask yourself: What does putting in the work look like, and how can you continue to improve your process? Visit songwritingforguitar.com for more career changing tips and songwriting resources.

Doing something new can be scary, it’s why most people stay in their comfort zones. Mike and guest Seth Schaeffer from Behind the Act talk mindset, advancing towards goals, starting new ventures, and the difference in navigating the process or running away from it. In this episode, they tackle the fear of the unknown, the importance of seeking help, and the power of leaning into your strengths. They discuss the journey from perfectionism to unintentional growth, and the art of juggling different passions and talents. Pro songwriters have a process but what's it like before then? Mike and Seth share their insights and lessons learned. Find Seth at https://www.youtube.com/@behindtheact

Songwriting is a craft that encompasses many different approaches and perspectives on what to develop and work on. In this episode, Mike Meiers and Madeline Finn begin by discussing which aspect of a song—music, lyrics, or melody—is the most important. You might be surprised at their answer. From foundational tips for lyricists to strategic frameworks designed to help melody makers overcome fears and boost confidence in their musical choices, this episode offers invaluable guidance. If you find yourself getting stuck in holding patterns with your songs, take half an hour to delve into the importance of intentionality and a growth mindset, so you can work towards crafting unforgettable songs. Book your song critique with Madeline! www.songwritingforguitar.com

Are you pursuing an unconventional or creative passion? This episode explores the challenges faced by all who venture into unique paths. When host Mike Meiers first set out to pursue music, even close people in his life thought he was nuts to try it; until he succeeded and got his first co-write, his first sync placement, his Emmy. Once the courageous ones start to achieve what they set out to, those awkward looks become looks of admiration. What does it take to persevere in an unconventional career path? Tune into this week’s episode for an empowering discussion that encourages individuals to embrace their unique passion, break free from societal expectation and be amongst the supportive community of artists and musicians.

Mike sits down with the extraordinary composer, John Lunn, known for his outstanding work on shows like Shetland, The Last Kingdom, and Downton Abbey. Mike dives deep into exploring the intricate process of composing for television and film. Discover how John Lunn crafts music that seamlessly aligns with visuals, elevating the emotional impact of scenes. This episode unravels the mysteries of writing to picture, showcasing John's remarkable talent and insights. The conversation delves into his creative process, how he determines what works for a particular scene, and the art of scoring for diverse genres. Listeners are treated to an exclusive peek into John Lunn's world, as he generously shares his time and expertise. Previously featured on the Insider's Track Sync Membership, John Lunn returns to provide an even deeper understanding of his creative journey. For anyone aspiring to comprehend the intricacies of composing for TV and film, Episode 101 is a must-listen. Learn more about writing for film and tv in The Insiders Track

Join host Mike Meiers on a journey through the highs, lows, and revelations of the Songwriting for Guitar Podcast. From initial hesitations to unexpected growth, Mike shares the top five lessons he learned in reaching 100 episodes, and how they can relate and empower your music career. From a rigid NPR-like beginning to lively chats with industry icons, the show evolved, creating a warm environment for insightful conversations. Now in the most current form, our episodes offer tangible takeaways for musicians learning and growing their craft. As we celebrate this milestone, I invite you to embark on your own creative endeavors, bringing your authentic self to the table and enjoy the ride. Visit songwritingforguitar.com for free resources or share your thoughts by leaving a review of the podcast. Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey! Leave a five star review then screenshot your review and send to support@songwritingforguitar.com to be entered to win a custom SFG Kyser capo!

The infamous writer's block strikes again! Cue ominous drums, Duhn duhn duhhhn. It's a familiar struggle, an inevitable part of the creative process that can leave even the most seasoned songsmiths questioning their abilities. But there's a way out of this creative funk, and the path to renewed inspiration is within this episode. Hitting a creative wall is perfectly normal, a hurdle that some of the greatest songwriters have confronted on their journeys. The key to breaking free from this creative paralysis lies in building a toolkit of strategies that rekindle your muse, reignite your passion, and empower you to overcome the songwriter's block that threatens to stifle your creative process. Tune into and explore these five key techniques to navigate through the dry spells with ease. The more you apply them, the less likely you are to find yourself trapped in the same unproductive patterns. For those serious about improving their songwriting, join The Songwriting Survival Guide to learn how to navigate the path to success and avoid common pitfalls. It all starts this weekend October 27th-29th. www.songwritingforguitar.com

Welcome to a special episode where we dive into essential insights on becoming a more confident and successful songwriter. In this conversation, we join Mike Meiers and Judy Stakee as they discuss the journey of gaining confidence in songwriting and offer valuable tips for songwriters of all levels. Judy Stakee, a renowned figure in the music industry, shares her wisdom and experiences gained from working with some of the biggest names in the business, including Sheryl Crow and Katy Perry. Judy and Mike provide valuable insights into developing your own unique process and system to unlock the emotional content in your lyrics and melodies as well as the keys to success in this industry. They also discuss the importance of self-love, embracing your vulnerabilities, and the perpetual learning that is essential for growth. Conversations like this one can help get you on a path to change your entire energy around songwriting. It's time to unlock your potential and make 2024 a year of musical triumph. Join the "Songwriting Survival Guide" event now and get instant access to the first two modules on "5 Lyrical Pitfalls" and "Shredding the Guitar Rulebook". Click to learn more here. https://www.songwritingforguitar.com/songwritingsurvivalevent

Join Mike Meiers and Steph Trivison in this awesome podcast episode where they talk about the journey of going from live gigging into commercial production, and prove even though it’s not easy, it’s totally doable. Discover Steph's background and the extraordinary path she traversed to become a powerhouse in the music production scene. Tune in as they discuss the challenges, triumphs, and pivotal moments that propelled her into the world of sync licensing, where Steph's expertise shines. If you're passionate about music, the creative process, and the exciting world of production, this podcast is a must-listen. Steph Trivison has shared stages with Grammy-winner Jack Antonoff, American Authors, Robert Randolph, and Eisley. Her innate charisma even landed her a role in a McDonald's commercial as well as the voice and theme writer of the Care Bear “Dare to Care”. Her music has been featured on Amazon Prime, The Grammy Awards, The Golden Globes, ESPN, BBC, the Life is Strange video game series, and more. Steph's versatility extends to crafting podcast themes, audiobook scores, and collaborating on projects for television, film, and books.

Don't miss out on the chance to supercharge your music career through sync licensing. There's never been a better time to invest your time in learning the process. This exciting episode is cut from a live session hosted by Mike Meiers at the Austin Music Foundation. In this hour-long deep dive into the world of sync, Mike shares invaluable insights on how to kickstart your journey as a songwriter in today's music industry. Sync licensing isn't a sprint; it's a marathon that requires dedication and self-investment. Mike firmly believes that every songwriter should know the rules of the game. Far too often, talented songwriters miss out on opportunities because they weren't prepared. Tune in to gain the knowledge you need, ensuring that when the opportunity knocks, you'll be ready to seize the biggest paycheck of your career. Pre-order Mike's book, "The Songwriting Guitarist" www.songwritingforguitar.com/preorder

In the world of short form viral videos and online courses, why would someone create a physical book as a teaching tool? C.O.O., Heather Taylor, asks the hard hitting questions in this week's Songwriting for Guitar Podcast episode. Pre-Order your copy of "The Songwriting Guitarist" here before Sept. 26th: https://www.songwritingforguitar.com/preorder With your physical copy, you'll receive an audio book download that includes a bonus Author's Notes as well as an official Resource page with audio clips to follow along and improve!

Welcome to part two! Now that you've completed the first hour of your co-writing session (following our previous episode, "Co-Writing, The First Hour"), you've gained insights into how to maximize that initial hour by focusing on building a strong connection with your co-writer and ensuring certain steps are addressed. In the second hour, you may encounter two distinct paths. It may have gone well, and you're now prepared for what comes next, or it may not have gone as smoothly, leaving you wondering about the next steps and how to communicate that. By the end of this episode, you'll have a clear understanding of what the second hour could look like in either scenario. Regardless of the outcome, perseverance is key! I hope you explore co-writing further and continue to embrace its challenges and remarkable results.

In the world of songwriting, collaboration can lead to the best results. It has the power to transform your creative process and elevate your songwriting to new heights. But, most people shy away from co-writing because of its challenges and the unknowns. In this episode, Mike Meiers delves deep into the heart of the process and that pivotal first hour which can set the tone and pace of the entire write. Whether you're a seasoned songwriter or just starting to dip your toes into the co-writing waters, this episode is packed with insights to make your collaborative journey smoother and more fulfilling. Tune in to elevate your creative process and redefine your understanding of co-writing so you can start off on the right note!

Why do some people get great gigs and others can’t get a feature at an open mic? In this episode, we argue that your guitar playing is in fact the gateway to consistent and better paying gigs. Picture this: You’re a songwriting guitarist who can play solo or accompany a singer, are playing covers and originals that keep audiences energized and paying attention. Why? Because your guitar playing is truly capturing the vibe of the songs and moving the set list along. Plus, people you don’t know are coming to your shows AND you’re getting hired on a consistent basis and are the go-to person for their yearly great paying opportunities. That’s what Brian Belonzi has done. He was able to lessen hours at his day job and start taking on more consistent and better paying gigs, all due to using his guitar and song knowledge to present professionally. Brian's not just a live performer - he's also an accomplished songwriter, having written music for both artists and sync placements on TV shows like CBS's "Young Sheldon" and HULU's "Cruel Summer." And as a guitar coach at SFG, Brian specializes in the Songwriting for Guitar methods. He's passionate about sharing his knowledge with aspiring musicians and helping you improve your guitar skills. Tune into this week’s episode and get inspired to leverage your own skills to write better songs and perform better live. You can sign up here for a session with Brian to up your guitar game! https://calendly.com/brianb1/30min?back=1&month=2023-08

Mike hasn’t always geeked out on books. In school it wasn’t what interested him at all, but now as an entrepreneurial musician, he reads like crazy! Why? Because he’s found books that have completely engaged his mind and unlocked transformation in his life and his career. Amongst the many stand out books, there are a clear top five that would be most appropriate for musicians like you, wanting to reaching another level in your mindset, productivity, and commitment. Joining the conversation is guest and C.O.O. Heather Taylor to help reveal Mike’s top five books. If you’re looking for that next breakthrough and amplification to your creative potential, this episode is a must listen. Book Recommendations & Amazon Links Book 1: The Gap And The Gain Book 2: Big Magic Book 3: Anatomy Of A Breakthrough Book 4: High Performance Habits Book 5: Who Not How Growth Day App

Dive into the world of influencing with Seids! Driven by a genuine passion to make musicians' lives easier, she introduces her followers to exciting tech innovations that make production and music creation more accessible to the public. You may already be familiar with her through social media posts where she teaches about Logic Pro, new plugins and production tips. Unlike those who paint a picture-perfect image, Seids keeps it honest, relatable, and educational. Mike Meiers and Seids share a passion for entrepreneurship, discuss the changing landscape, and reflect on lessons learned from being in the public eye. With three years of dedicated daily posting, Seids has gained tremendous insights. She fearlessly embraces feedback, comments, and challenges that come her way. Her experiences will inspire you and give you the courage to unleash more of your own entrepreneurial and musical spirit onto the world. In this episode, Seids offers practical advice and strategies to help you navigate tricky moments, reminding us that whatever we do, we won't receive unanimous love or hate. Neither of which should stop us from enjoying the process. In an ever-evolving landscape of social media and entrepreneurship, tune in to this episode to empower yourself on your own journey!

This episode is like a double shot of espresso. Mike Meiers and Music Supervisor, Jess Gramuglia bring a dynamic energy that will keep you engaged from start to finish. Filled with insights, Jess shares her experiences in the industry, the big highs, the excitement and the challenges. She’s proof that dreams you never thought you'd achieve can in fact become your reality. This episode explores topics ranging from the balance between appreciating a great life and navigating hustle culture without burning out; what’s required to check off your goal list; why the energy and passion you bring to the table matters; and why she sees a shift in culture as necessary for our happiness in the industry. Music supervisors, like Jess, are “simply people doing a job” who care a great deal about great music and the musicians creating it. This conversational episode just proves it! Don't forget to screenshot and send us your 5-star review before August 18th to be entered in the raffle. Your feedback is invaluable and helps us continue to bring you fantastic content!

An inspiring and empowering episode for anyone who finds themselves in pursuit of a dream but trapped in a cycle of doubt. Tune in as we dive into the extraordinary story of Chelsea Nettleton, an incredible songwriter and budding producer who has taken control of her direction and career. Ever wondered if the stars need to align perfectly for you to pursue your musical dreams? Chelsea's journey will shatter that notion. Despite facing challenging circumstances, she’s refusing to give into excuses and doubts. Chelsea shares her personal journey of overcoming self-imposed limitations and embracing her true potential. As one of my top coaching students for the past six months, Chelsea generously opens up about her process, successes, failures, and why she highly recommends having a mentor and coach for anyone ready to take their music seriously. Chelsea's relentless pursuit of growth and improvement in her songwriting process will ignite a fire within you as well! Discover how she turned her life around and took bold actions to propel herself forward. Her story will resonate deeply if you've ever doubted your own potential or felt discouraged along your musical path.