In this series, Mike Reid talks about his experience in songwriting and how to grow as a songwriter.
Alongside each video is a PDF with lessons in a very easy-to-follow format, featuring notes and key points to follow.
INTRODUCTION
Mike Reid introduces himself and his experience as a songwriter.
WHAT MAKES A SONGWRITER SUCCESSFUL
The keys to being a successful songwriter and how to get there
FINDING INSPIRATION
Getting in search mode for the songs in you
INSPIRATION BEHIND:
“Stranger In My House”
A song is like a movie you make.
INSPIRATION BEHIND:
“I Can’t Make You Love Me”
Sometimes new songs come from the news.
THE CREATIVE PROCESS
Making sacred space a habit – and a way of seeing the world
THE WRITING PROCESS
Getting from imagination to articulation via song structure, rhyming and beautiful mistakes
MENTORSHIP AND COLLABORATING
Learning from your betters and betting on yourself
REVISING & FINISHING
Good writing is rewriting until it's done.
CASE STUDY:
“Always Gonna Be You”
Being true to your own voice while putting words in other peoples’ mouths
CASE STUDY:
“She’s In Love With The Boy”
Patiently honor what’s nagging you about a song.
CASE STUDY:
“Everywhere”
Tension and release in melodies and the anatomy of this song
CASE STUDY:
“I Can’t Make You Love Me”
Marrying lyric to music and the blessing of happy accidents
MIKE’S FINAL THOUGHTS
Writing is choosing and writing chooses and chases you.