Podcast
What's in a Song
This is a weekly podcast about the craft of songwriting hosted by Berklee College of Music Professor Scarlet Keys. She takes deep dive into the craft, technique and art of songwriting in conversations with eminent songwriters, producers, and other creatives asking questions only a songwriting professor would ask so listeners can walk away inspired and armed with clear and actionable tools and techniques they can apply to their songwriting.
- Music Interviews chart
- #56
- Episodes
- 90
- Releases
- Monthly
- Typical length
- 1 hr 3 min
- On air since
- 2021
- Latest episode
- 1 week ago
Episodes
90 episodes, newest first
-
48 min
Writing for film and t.v. with Kari Kimmel at Glow music group
Show notes
Today's guest is the owner of Glow Music Group, Kari Kimmel
In this episode, Kari talks about her journey as an artist and how she became to own one of the most successful licensing companies, how she champions real artists and what music supervisors are most often looking for.
Workshop Nov 13: Writing Better Songs: With Scarlet Keys
In this 2 1/2 hour workshop you will walk away with 12 tools to make you a better writer:
• 3 prompts
• 3 chord progressions
• 3 ways to write better melodies
• 3 lyric writing techniquesJoin the “What’s in a Song” community:
https://buymeacoffee.com/scarlet.keys
Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/
To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "What if it All Goes Right: Practicing Hope in the Hardest Times" featured on NPR and the Wall Street Journal:
https://www.amazon.com/What-All-Goes-Right-Practicing/dp/B0CTYVQ9Q8
Joe Bennett:
To learn more about forensic musicology and professor Joe Bennett: https://joebennett.net/
Mailing list:
Mixed by Peter Sykes: https://www.petersykesmusic.com/
Scarlet's website:
Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/
To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songwriting:
Scarlet's website:
Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/
To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songwriting:
-
33 min
Part 2 Taylor Swift "Ruin the Friendship" The music, Nashville tunings, copy right infringement
Show notes
In this episode Scarlet Keys is joined with Forensic Musicologist Dr. Joe Bennett. Joe breaks down the chords in this song and shares Nashville tunings for the guitar.
Joe gets granular in this discussion as he compares Lenny Kravit's "It Ain't over 'til it's over" with "Ruin the friendship" and clarify's what constitutes copyright infringement.
He talks about copyrighting your songs and how to protect your original work while still finding inspiration from songs you love.
Chord progression in "Ruin the Friendship:
D GMaj7/B Csus2 G5
Nashville tunings:
Need two sets of guitar strings
Take off the 4 thickest strings and replace with much lighter strings replace bass strings with much lighter strings.
Bass to treble change tuning to: BE are the same but others are an octave higher
How to copyright your songs and protect your work
work.Support this podcast:
https://buymeacoffee.com/scarlet.keys
Venmo: @scarlet-keys
Songwriting retreats:
• Star Island In person songwriting retreat: https://starisland.org/program/songwriting-intensive-the-art-of-the-song/Support this podcast:
Join the “What’s in a Song” community:
https://buymeacoffee.com/scarlet.keys
Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/
To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "What if it All Goes Right: Practicing Hope in the Hardest Times" featured on NPR and the Wall Street Journal:
https://www.amazon.com/What-All-Goes-Right-Practicing/dp/B0CTYVQ9Q8
Joe Bennett:
To learn more about forensic musicology and professor Joe Bennett: https://joebennett.net/
Mailing list:
Mixed by Peter Sykes: https://www.petersykesmusic.com/
Scarlet's website:
Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/
To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songwriting:
-
52 min
Part 1 Taylor Swift "Ruin the Friendship" - lyric techniques and the power of a great bridge
Show notes
In this episode, we talk about Taylor Swift's narrative and lyric techniques. We break down the bridge in the song "Ruin the Friendship" with a focus on lyrical techniques and a touch on melody. We talk about the power of a bridge and the alchemy this bridge has on the rest of the narrative.
Support this podcast:
https://buymeacoffee.com/scarlet.keys
Venmo: @scarlet-keys
What members are saying:
"I've been in Scarlet's songwriting group since it began. I've learned so much from Scarlet, her guests, and from the other members. It's been an important part of my songwriting journey." - Neale Eckstein
I really have grown through your community. Here is a quote that captures my feelings ..... "Through lyric-writing practice, craft-focused feedback, and a supportive community of songwriters, I've become a stronger storyteller in song and gained confidence to share those stories with a wider audience." ... Joe Howell
"Scarlet was my first songwriting professor when I was a student at Berklee College of Music. I had never written a song before and left her class with a catalogue of finished songs and an immense love for the craft of writing. 10 years later, I'm now a professional musician, songwriter, and songwriting coach. Through the years, I have been encouraged by the wisdom and insight Scarlet has to offer. I'm not a morning person, but I look forward to the Friday morning sessions where I log on with my bed head, notebook, and cup of tea. The group offers a sense of community with other kind writers working on their art and finding joy in this world through music. The meetings are a positive start to my weekend and keep me inspired as I work on my various music projects. I am so fortunate enough to learn from Scarlet with her positive spirit and love for songwriting."
- Stephanie James
Songwriting retreats:
• Star Island In person songwriting retreat: https://starisland.org/program/songwriting-intensive-the-art-of-the-song/Support this podcast:
Join the “What’s in a Song” community:
https://buymeacoffee.com/scarlet.keys
Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/
To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "What if it All Goes Right: Practicing Hope in the Hardest Times" featured on NPR and the Wall Street Journal:
https://www.amazon.com/What-All-Goes-Right-Practicing/dp/B0CTYVQ9Q8
Joe Bennett:
To learn more about forensic musicology and professor Joe Bennett: https://joebennett.net/
Mailing list:
Mixed by Peter Sykes: https://www.petersykesmusic.com/
Scarlet's website:
Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/
To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songwriting:
-
10 min
Diagnosing a song
Show notes
In this episode we talk about the critical thinking skills of a songwriter and the puzzle of the song.
When your song feels like it's missing something or you might feel bored by your own song but don't know what to do to change it. After the song is written, it's important to know what to look for on how to make the song as effective as possible. I hope you will join me for my next online class to learn what to look for and the solutions that can make your song as impactful as possible.
Master class: "Diagnosing a song"
May 1st 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. E.T.
Cost: $45.00
Eventbrite sign up:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1988234179954?aff=oddtdtcreator
Submit song to be chosen for critique:
Send sharable google file of lyric or lyric doc to:
scarletvkeys@gmail.com
To sign up Venmo: @scarlet-keys
Songwriting retreats:
• Star Island In person songwriting retreat: https://starisland.org/program/songwriting-intensive-the-art-of-the-song/
Support this podcast:
https://buymeacoffee.com/scarlet.keys
Join the “What’s in a Song” community:
https://buymeacoffee.com/scarlet.keys
Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/
To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "What if it All Goes Right: Practicing Hope in the Hardest Times" featured on NPR and the Wall Street Journal:
https://www.amazon.com/What-All-Goes-Right-Practicing/dp/B0CTYVQ9Q8
Joe Bennett:
To learn more about forensic musicology and professor Joe Bennett: https://joebennett.net/
Mailing list:
Mixed by Peter Sykes: https://www.petersykesmusic.com/
Scarlet's website:
Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/
To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songwriting:
-
1 hr 29 min
Taylor Swift's Eldest Daughter break down with Guest forensic musicologist Joe Bennett
Show notes
Welcome back to a new season!
We are continuing on with the Life of a Show Girl interpreted with new up coming episodes.
Today, I am joined with Dr. Joe Bennett as we break down "Eldest Daughter" by Taylor Swift.
Songwriting retreats:
• Star Island In person songwriting retreat: https://starisland.org/program/songwriting-intensive-the-art-of-the-song/
Support this podcast:
https://buymeacoffee.com/scarlet.keys
Join the “What’s in a Song” community:
https://buymeacoffee.com/scarlet.keys
Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/
To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "What if it All Goes Right: Practicing Hope in the Hardest Times" featured on NPR and the Wall Street Journal:
https://www.amazon.com/What-All-Goes-Right-Practicing/dp/B0CTYVQ9Q8
Joe Bennett:
To learn more about forensic musicology and professor Joe Bennett: https://joebennett.net/
Mailing list:
Mixed by Peter Sykes: https://www.petersykesmusic.com/
Scarlet's website:
Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/
To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songwriting:
-
1 hr 18 min
Taylor Swift's "Father Figure" The break down with guest Forensic musicologist Joe Bennett
Show notes
In this episode, we break down Father Figure from Taylor Swift's record "The Life of a Showgirl".
In this episode we look at:
• The chord progression
• Melodic hooks
• Rhetorical devices
• Guitar voicings
• The stunning bridge and what the back ground harmonies are bringing to this section to make it so spectacular
• Phrasing
• Prosody
• Sign up for the Master class:The songwriting secrets of Taylor Swift Nov 18th:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1811786424969?aff=oddtdtcreator
Support this podcast:
https://buymeacoffee.com/scarlet.keys
Join the “What’s in a Song” community:
https://buymeacoffee.com/scarlet.keys
Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/
To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "What if it All Goes Right: Practicing Hope in the Hardest Times" featured on NPR and the Wall Street Journal:
https://www.amazon.com/What-All-Goes-Right-Practicing/dp/B0CTYVQ9Q8
Joe Bennett:
To learn more about forensic musicology and professor Joe Bennett: https://joebennett.net/
Mailing list:
Mixed by Peter Sykes: https://www.petersykesmusic.com/
Otto Gross: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMnxx19QD-vxD4wnYGTn3Jw
Scarlet's website:
Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/
To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songwriting:
-
1 hr 23 min
Taylor Swift's Opalite - break down
Show notes
Track32 on "The Life of a Showgirl" - Opalite
I'm back with Forensic Musicologist Dr. Joe Bennett
In this episode we look at:
• The chord progression
• Chord tensions
• Harmonic rhythm
• Borrowed chord
• Rhetorical device
• Production
• Direct modulationTo sign up with the virtual live master class "The Songwriting of Taylor Swift" with Scarlet Keys:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1811786424969?aff=oddtdtcreator
Joe Bennett:
To learn more about forensic musicology and professor Joe Bennett: https://joebennett.net/
Mailing list:
Instagram: @scarletkeysofficial
Become a member of the What's in a song songwriting community or become a supporter:
https://buymeacoffee.com/scarlet.keys
Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/
To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "What if it All Goes Right: Practicing Hope in the Hardest Times" featured on NPR and the Wall Street Journal:
https://www.amazon.com/What-All-Goes-Right-Practicing/dp/B0CTYVQ9Q8
To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songwriting:
Mixed by Peter Sykes: https://www.petersykesmusic.com/
Otto Gross: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMnxx19QD-vxD4wnYGTn3Jw
Scarlet's website:
Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/
To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songwriting:
Scarlet's website:
Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/
To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songwriting:
-
1 hr 23 min
Taylor Swift's "Elizabeth Taylor" - The break down
Show notes
Track 2 on "The Life of a Showgirl" - Elizabeth Taylor
I'm back with Forensic Musicologist Dr. Joe Bennett
In this episode we look at:
• The chord progression
• Chord inversions
• Tensions
• Harmonic rhythm
• Phrase lengths
• Melisma
• Writing from a title
• Melodic hooksTo sign up with the virtual live master class "The Songwriting of Taylor Swift" with Scarlet Keys:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1811786424969?aff=oddtdtcreator
Mailing list:
Instagram: @scarletkeysofficial
Become a member of the What's in a song songwriting community or become a supporter:
https://buymeacoffee.com/scarlet.keys
Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/
To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "What if it All Goes Right: Practicing Hope in the Hardest Times" featured on NPR and the Wall Street Journal:
https://www.amazon.com/What-All-Goes-Right-Practicing/dp/B0CTYVQ9Q8
To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songwriting:
To learn more about forensic musicology and professor Joe Bennett: https://joebennett.net/
Mixed by Peter Sykes: https://www.petersykesmusic.com/
Otto Gross: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMnxx19QD-vxD4wnYGTn3Jw
Scarlet's website:
Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/
To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songwriting:
-
54 min
Breaking down Taylor Swift's "The Fate of Ophelia" with Musicologist Joe Bennett
Show notes
This is the first of a 12 episode series where Berklee College of music professor Scarlet Keys talks about each song off of the new Taylor Swift album "The Life of a Showgirl" searching for clues and signature moves that Swift uses as a writer to write songs that resonate with millions of listeners and pack stadiums.
They are listening for literary devices, chord progression, ear worm, melodic hooks and theme.
Scarlet wrote the course "The songwriting of Taylor Swift" for Berklee College and Berklee online.
Today she is joined by Forensic musicologist Joe Bennett.
Each episode ends with a song prompt based on each song that you can try in your own writing.
Instagram: @scarletkeysofficial
Become a member of the What's in a song songwriting community or become a supporter:
https://buymeacoffee.com/scarlet.keys
Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/
To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "What if it All Goes Right: Practicing Hope in the Hardest Times" featured on NPR and the Wall Street Journal:
https://www.amazon.com/What-All-Goes-Right-Practicing/dp/B0CTYVQ9Q8
To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songwriting:
To learn more about forensic musicology and professor Joe Bennett: https://joebennett.net/
Mixed by Peter Sykes: https://www.petersykesmusic.com/
Otto Gross: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMnxx19QD-vxD4wnYGTn3Jw
Scarlet's website:
Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/
To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songwriting:
-
1 hr 3 min
It's never to late to become a songwriter with former Berklee College of music president Roger Brown
Show notes
About this weeks guest:
Roger Brown is an American businessman, philanthropist, and academic administrator and former president of Berklee College of Music. Brown is also the co-founder of Bright Horizons and founder and chairman of the Salt Lick Incubator. He is most recently a grammy nominated songwriter!!!
In this episode, Roger talks about becoming a songwriter later in life, writing the truth and retiring from Berklee and creating a company for emerging artists called The Salt Lick Incubator:
https://www.saltlickincubator.org/saltlicksessions
Become a member of the What's in a song songwriting community:
https://buymeacoffee.com/scarlet.keys
Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/
To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songwriting:
Mixed by Peter Sykes: https://www.petersykesmusic.com/
Otto Gross: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMnxx19QD-vxD4wnYGTn3Jw
Scarlet's website:
Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/
To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songwriting:
-
1 hr 4 min
From Buzz to Bond: Queen of PR Ariel Hyatt talks about how to create real fans
Show notes
Today, Ariel Hyatt introduces the concept of the Three Communities every artist must understand:
- **Ambient Fans** who are aware of you
- **Engaged Fans** who pay attention and interact
- **Superfans** who support, advocate, and stick with you over the long term.She talks about the power of the mailing list, gaining true fans and if you only have 10 min a day to market, how should you spend your time.
To sign up for Scarlet's virtual Metaphor class:
Monday Aug. 25th at 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. click here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1579585736459?aff=oddtdtcreator
About this week's guest:
Since the dawn of the digital music age, Ariel has helped thousands of artists across all
genres and career stages navigate the confusing and ever-changing music business with
greater ease and efficiency. Her passion, expertise, and intuitive guidance make her a
transformative force for musicians looking to accelerate their careers. Ariel’s greatest
strengths lie in making what feels overwhelming and complicated seem easy and digestible,
teaching, creating artist systems, and her relentless quest for learning.
Ariel’s firsthand experience with creative struggles shapes her mission to support artists.
Through her work as an author, podcaster, and course creator, she provides tools to help
musicians thrive. “Growing a music career has a science to it, but no one-size-fits-all map—
each artist’s path is their own.”
Her commitment to educating artists has taken her to over 70 conferences in 13 countries,
including SXSW, MONDO, Vivid Sydney, Hubspot Ignite, and Social Media Week New
York. She has also toured Canada and Australia, teaching marketing masterclasses to artists
and created multiple courses for top music industry colleges and universities.
She has written six books on PR, crowdfunding, and new media, including Music Success in
9 Weeks, Cyber PR for Musicians, Social Media Tuneup, Crowdstart, and The Ultimate Guide
to Music Publicity.
To purchase Ariel's latest book "From Buzz to Bond":
https://www.amazon.com/Buzz-Bond-Chasing-Lasting-Career/dp/0989521028/ref=sr_1_1?crid=22NAE6QT3T1O9&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.VFTjNuRgPLUT7N3qJGCJ0A.1BV3jiuiWdEXB0NWY2LobhOEdGy27dS1qRu9Xdg1ZtE&dib_tag=se&keywords=from+buzz+to+bond+ariel+hyatt&qid=1754959570&sprefix=from+buzz+to+bond%2Caps%2C126&sr=8-1On today's show I have PR expert Ariel Hyatt:
• The monthly membership:
https://buymeacoffee.com/scarlet.keys
Scarlet's website:
Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/
To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songwriting:
Mixed by Peter Sykes: https://www.petersykesmusic.com/
Otto Gross: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMnxx19QD-vxD4wnYGTn3Jw
Scarlet's website:
Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/
To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songwriting:
-
57 min
Imposter Syndrome (no more) with Dr. Jill Stoddard on the inner critic, the wise mind and so much more
Show notes
To sign up for the online songwriting in process class:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1376858744569?aff=oddtdtcreator
On today's show I have Psychologist Dr. Jill Stoddard
So much of what goes into a song is the psychology of the songwriter. Mindset is so important to the creative. Today, Dr. Stoddard talks about how to work with our inner critic, why we have it, how to focus on meaning even when your critique is loud. She talks about how important self compassion is to the creative and the wise mind. How persona can help an artist and so much more!
More about Jill:
To find Jill's book:
To join the weekly writing class:
https://buymeacoffee.com/scarlet.keys
The monthly membership:
https://buymeacoffee.com/scarlet.keys
Scarlet's website:
Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/
To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songwriting:
Mixed by Peter Sykes: https://www.petersykesmusic.com/
Otto Gross: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMnxx19QD-vxD4wnYGTn3Jw
Scarlet's website:
Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/
To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songwriting:
-
1 hr 31 min
Writing songs for Social Change with Multi grammy winning singer/songwriter Mark Simos
Show notes
In this episode, Mark Simos takes us through writing songs for social change, political protest, songs for that evoke empathy and songs of conscience.
We talk metaphor, point of view and the most effective way to handle this delicate topic.
We give you a song prompt and this episode is woven with songwriting crafts gems.
Spotify songs for social justice:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0PigbEAOxbwXOwvHFsq1vZ?si=cc729ee146d54003
To join the weekly writing class:
https://buymeacoffee.com/scarlet.keys
The monthly membership:
https://buymeacoffee.com/scarlet.keys
Scarlet's website:
Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/
To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songwriting:
Mixed by Peter Sykes: https://www.petersykesmusic.com/
Otto Gross: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMnxx19QD-vxD4wnYGTn3Jw
Scarlet's website:
Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/
To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songwriting:
-
47 min
Creative agility and writing process with hit songwriting Rodney Alejandro
Show notes
Upcoming classes:
To sign up for the April 5th workshop: "The songwriting of Taylor Swift":
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1252499231919?aff=oddtdtcreator
To support this podcast and membership:
https://buymeacoffee.com/scarlet.keys
Show take aways:
• Try writing a song using the words and rhythm of a nursery rhyme to try audio doodling in your melody.
• Write your chorus first
• Start a song with the chorus
• You need input for output: Go hear live music, new music, travel, try new things, read...ABOUT TODAY'S GUEST:
Rodney Alejandro
Grammy nominated artist/songwriter/producer Rodney Alejandro stands as a formidable polymath whose talents span an impressive array of roles both on stage and in the studio.
Renowned for his dynamic passion for music, Alejandro has excelled as a
musician, arranger, songwriter, producer, music director, executive, and educator,
establishing himself as a linchpin in the entertainment world.
In one of his eras, Alejandro dazzled audiences worldwide as the keyboardist and music director for the international pop band, The Script.His innovative arrangements transformed the band’s hits into captivating live experiences, weaving emotional
narratives that swung from exhilarating highs to poignant lows, leaving concert-goers spellbound.Alejandro’s illustrious career as a live performer includes collaborations with an array of music legends. From the Latin rhythms of Mañá, and Chucho Valdez y Irakere to the soulful strains of Stevie Wonder and Labrinth, to the rock prowess of Roger Daltry and Bunburry, his diverse collaborations have cemented his reputation as a versatile and sought-after talent.
Before joining The Script, he had already made a name for himself behind the scenes.His songwriting and production prowess has earned him accolades across multiple genres, including English, Latin, and Asian music markets. He has contributed to multiple Grammy and Latin Grammy nominated projects and earned a Billboard Latin Pop Album of the Year, along with numerous gold and platinum certifications.
In the studio, Alejandro's versatility shines through, with his fingerprints on projects ranging from R&B giants like Ray Charles and The Tempatations, to Latin superstars like Kumbia Kings and Olga Tañon, Zydeco royalty Sean Ardoin, and rock legend Sammy Hagar.
His contributions have spanned various projects showcasing his ability to adapt
and excel in diverse musical settings.
Alejandro’s talents extend to television and film as well, where he has composed and produced music for acclaimed shows such as "The Shield" (Golden Globe winner for Best Drama Series), “Thief,” and “The Ellen DeGeneres Show”(Latin Theme).His work has also enriched the soundtracks of programs like CBS’s “The Unit”, HBO’s “Pee-Wee Herman's Broadway Special” and “Smallville.”
His current era has been thirty plus years in the making. Although he initially deferred college to pursue a major record deal, he later attended San Jacinto Junior College, followed by Berklee College of Music, where he graduated summa cum laude with dual majors in Contemporary Writing and Production and Music Production and Engineering.
His commitment to learning continued as he pursued an Entertainment Business
Master’s of Science at Full Sail University, graduating as Valedictorian.
Alejandro’s dedication to education extends beyond his own studies. He has delivered masterclasses and speeches on performance, songwriting, and production at institutions around the globe. His contributions to the arts have been recognized by Berklee College of Music, which named him Alumnus of the Year in 2006, and The Recording Academy - TX Chapter, which honored him as Music Education Advocate&Scarlet's website:
Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/
To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songwriting:
-
1 hr
Music as medicine- The health benefits of listening to your favorite songs with Neuroscientist Dr. Daniel Levitin
Show notes
In this episode, I speak with Neuroscientist, author and musician Dr. Daniel Levitin on how music affects our health. From reducing cortisol to lessening the effects of Parkinsons and how we can use music as medicine! We talk science and his new book "I Heard there was a Secret Chord: Music as Medicine":
Daniel Levitin's music:
https://open.spotify.com/artist/7iRoKs96ka4AJPOA39VJj5?si=su7HYKBPT5y1LKw1ws5YfQhttps://www.daniellevitin.com/contact
Mixed by Peter Sykes: https://www.petersykesmusic.com/
Otto Gross: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMnxx19QD-vxD4wnYGTn3Jw
Scarlet's website:
Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/
To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songwriting:
Scarlet's website:
Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/
To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songwriting:
-
1 hr 1 min
Singer/songwriter Jesse Terry - Writing great melodies and crowd funding
Show notes
To sign up for the November 23rd virtual LYRIC WRITING WORKSHOP:
My guest today is New England based singer/songwriter Jesse Terry.
Before I introduce him I wanted to let you know that on Saturday Nov. 16th I am offering a virtual 3 hour songwriting workshop. There are a few spaces left and you can sign up through the show notes or on my website at http://scarletvkeys.com
This workshop will be very process oriented focused on lyric writing.
You will be doing a lot of small writing exercises to sharpen your lyric writing skills. We will work on metaphor, avoiding cliche’s and literary devices used by some of the best writers.
Today we will talk about his writing process, crowd funding an album with your super fans and some of the reasons he writes such beautiful melodies. He’s going to play a few song off of his new record Arcadia, released Oct. 4. And this might just be his best record yet.
It’s rooted in rhythmic rock & roll and sharp songwriting, Arcadia marks a turning point in Jesse Terry's career. It's the seventh original album from an award-winning musician who's spent much of the past decade on the move, playing 150 shows annually, bouncing between solo performances and full-band gigs. Arcadia captures both sides of that musical personality, finding room for amplified anthems one moment and intimate moments the next, showcasing just how wide Terry's reach can be. Arcadia is layered with dueling electric guitars, stacked vocal harmonies, and heartland hooks, all supplied by instrumentalists like Ethan Ballinger (Miranda Lambert, Lee Ann Womack), Ross McReynolds (Katie Pruitt, Becca Mancari), Sam Howard (Molly Tuttle, Joy Williams), Juan Solorzano (Ruston Kelly, Parker Millsap), and Danny Mitchell (Rodney Crowell, Anderson East). It's a big, bold sound — the sort of record that begs to be played in the car, windows rolled down, driving down the fast lane toward some new horizon. At the center of that sound is the craft Terry has been sharpening since his years in Nashville, back when he composed songs for others as a staff writer on Music Row. A grand-prize winner of the John Lennon Songwriting Contest, Terry established himself as a top-shelf.
Jesse's new record: https://open.spotify.com/album/5lpXAMZDC4hqAU0t2AV29Z?si=SpFXPTHsSL-BidKeOtVbgg
https://www.jesseterrymusic.com/
Become a podcast member:
Join the "What's in a Song" membership community:
https://buymeacoffee.com/scarlet.keysMixed by Peter Sykes: https://www.petersykesmusic.com/
Otto Gross: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMnxx19QD-vxD4wnYGTn3Jw
Scarlet's website:
Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/
To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songwriting:
Scarlet's website:
Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/
To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songwriting:
-
1 hr 8 min
Kylie Rothfield on writing process, craft, what she learned from Alicia Keys about singing and stage fright
Show notes
In this episode, I talk with singer/songwriter Kylie Rothfield.
She shares what she learned about singing and stage fright from Alicia Keys. We talk about what she learned from writing with some of the best writers in Nashville, song craft, process and so much more. This was a good one!
Pre save Kylie's single coming out Sept. 27th here:
https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/kylierothfield/never-loved-somebody
https://www.instagram.com/kylierothfield/
When one hears Kylie Rothfield‘s voice, there is no denying the timeless, raw sense of emotion in her delivery. Crafting songs that combine elements of soul, blues and pop, Kylie’s music is unique, honest, and expressive. Although her vocal ability is undeniable, she is also an accomplished self-taught guitarist, sponsored by Epiphone guitars and fully capable of supporting her captivating live show as a solo acoustic performer or with a full band. It’s no wonder she caught the ears of Alicia Keys, who described her as “a blossoming, powerful flower with so much heart, so much talent, so much emotion and vocal power”.
In July of 2015, Kylie signed a publishing deal with Terrorbird Media and Elephant Lady Records/Kyle Andrews. Together, they had 5 placements on national television in their first year together (NBC, E!, ABC, MTV).
In September of 2016, Kylie was selected to be on The Voice (NBC). She was chosen by Alicia Keys, who coached her throughout the season, and carried her through to the Top 20 Live Shows in November. Her performance of "Hound Dog" in the knockout rounds garnered attention by many media outlets and was called the "dark-horse breakout performance of the season". Guest advisor Faith Hill said “Kylie absolutely blew me away. She interprets songs like a true artist and she could sing ANYTHING”
She has over 1 million combined streams on Spotify & Apple Music from recent independent releases and was recently featured on NBC's Songland S2 (06/08/2020), working with Ester Dean, Ryan Tedder, and Shane McAnally to pitch a song she wrote to Tony and Grammy-winning artist Ben Platt.
Most recently, in 2024 Kylie signed a management deal with Arianna Soto and a record deal with new label, DVG Records. She is currently in the process of recording a full-length album that is set to be released in spring 2025.
Become a podcast member:
Join the "What's in a Song" membership community:
https://buymeacoffee.com/scarlet.keysMixed by Peter Sykes: https://www.petersykesmusic.com/
Otto Gross: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMnxx19QD-vxD4wnYGTn3Jw
Scarlet's website:
Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/
To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songwriting:
-
1 hr 3 min
Songs with a message, writing from your life with Michael McDermott
Show notes
In this episode, singer/songwriter Michael McDermott talks about writing process, writing from your life and shares new songs off his two new albums dropping Sept 13th.
Join the "What's in a Song" membership community:
https://buymeacoffee.com/scarlet.keyshttps://michael-mcdermott.com/home
Mixed by Peter Sykes: https://www.petersykesmusic.com/
Otto Gross: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMnxx19QD-vxD4wnYGTn3Jw
Scarlet's website:
Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/
To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songwriting:
-
1 hr 12 min
What does AI mean for songwriters with award winning songwriter and Berklee Professor Ben Camp
Show notes
Today I have Berklee Professor Ben Camp on the show discussing AI
We talk about where it is now and what it means for songwriters in the future. We talk ethics, creativity, originality, works that are derivative and Ben takes a song we wrote together years ago and puts it through AI to demonstrate some of the current possibilities AI offers creatives.Ben Camp has taught songwriting to over 2,000 students at Berklee College of Music, and is a gold record awarded writer and producer. Ben's songs have amassed over 100 million streams, appeared in film and TV on networks like MTV, CBS, NBC, and more. They have written singles for Brice Fox, Tiesto, Victoria Justice, Sam Feldt, and others. Ben has been following the developments in AI for over a decade, and you can find their interviews about AI + Music on NPR, Al Jazeera, and others.
To support this podcast or to join our Membership: https://buymeacoffee.com/scarlet.keys
Mixed by Peter Sykes: https://www.petersykesmusic.com/
Otto Gross: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMnxx19QD-vxD4wnYGTn3Jw
Scarlet's website:
Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/
To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songwriting:
-
54 min
Creating metaphors with Pat Pattison
Show notes
In this episode, Pat Pattison, author of "Writing Better Lyrics" walks us through step by step of how to find metaphors. This is the exercise I gave to writer Madi Diaz that she talked about in the previous episode.
Pat talks about the difference between simile and metaphor for songwriters, passing metaphors and central metaphors and takes us through a song by Eli and Fur and Gillian Welch.
Mixed by Peter Sykes: https://www.petersykesmusic.com/
Otto Gross: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMnxx19QD-vxD4wnYGTn3Jw
Scarlet's website:
Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/
To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songwriting:
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