Songwriter Insights: Nuts and Bolts Talk for Today's Music Biz

I was thrilled to have this second chat with my friend Sven-Erik Seaholm. Not only because he is  so knowledgeable on the music biz and  such a remarkable talent, but as you will hear is a generous and kind gentleman. In this episode we chat about songwriting and the ways he and I  come to writing a song, the discipline of songwriting, and why we do it. That conversation lead us to production and how a singer/songwriter or band should come into a studio. The ending conversation was fascinating; we had a real stroll around ‘Where is the music Biz is heading?’. I believe you as the listener will have as good a time listening as I had doing the show. A Note to Our Listeners Toward the end of 2015 it seemed to my partner Dave and me that after 36 episodes hosting Songwriter Insights that we were beginning to rehash ideas and were getting stuck in a repeating sound loop. But the truth upon reflection is that all of us engaged in the gift that music is, need to have the conversation continue; the conversation and the music business is always evolving. So we will now do one interview a month with remarkable people just as you have come to expect. If any of you know a special music person that I should chat with contact us and tell us why. Thanks for listening, we appreciate all of you! Your Host, Ken Lehnig Songwriters Insights Podcast Thanks for stopping by and listening. If you like this podcast please share with your friends, we’d really appreciate it!

Cory Wilkins, with his unique “Outlaw Riff Country” sound, recording artist and performer is destroying barriers and shattering expectations with his energetic live shows filled to the brim with kick-ass country-rock music and Cory’s trademark rebel humor. And Cory is just as entertaining off stage as he is while in front of his fans. How many blind guys have YOU seen sitting behind the wheel of a pick-up truck while going through the drive-thru at the local Dunkin’ Donuts? That is the kind of crazy s#@t this guy does! When he isn’t performing or writing songs, Cory likes to kick back with a beer while following his two favorite sports teams: the San Diego Chargers and Boston Red Sox. He is also an avid poker player having spent nearly two years playing professionally and has even competed in the World Series of Poker! What’s Covered * Why polishing your live show should be a priority, and is the investment worth it? * Building your community through fan relationships * How to focus your fan engagement on a personal level * Expanding on traditional methods of marketing * Periscope – how you can use this live-streaming app * Branding vs. Humanizing * Making the case for a connected and supportive music community Cory Wilkins Links CoryWilkinsMusic.com Amazon YouTube Twitter Facebook Page ReverbNation Thanks for stopping by and listening. If you like this podcast please share with your friends, we’d really appreciate it!

Criag Bartock is lead guitarist, producer and songwriter with the legendary rock band and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees Heart. Craig has worked and has written charted singles with some of the biggest names in popular music, including, Heart, Blondie, Aly and AJ, Brie Larson, Seal, Simply Red, Toni Braxton, Madonna, and Tina Arena. His credits also include a long list of TV and Movie music composition and scoring including shows such as Dexter, The Carrie Diaries, Brothers and Sisters, Alien Encounters, MTV’s The Alectrix, Burn Notice, Rachel Zoe Project, MTV Cribs, Sunset Daze, LA Ink, Access Hollywood, Dr. 90210, Valentine, and Reaper. Movies Elizabethtown and PS I Love You. Animation scores for Warner Bros ….The Animaniacs, Pinky and the Brain, Looney tunes, Nickelodeon, Hanna-Barbera. Craig’s TV appearances include Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Conan O’Brien, Jimmy Fallon, Ellen, Dancing With The Stars, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, PBS Soundstage, The L Word. VH1 Rock Honors, Fanatic Live From Caesars Colosseum, The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, and A&E Private Sessions. What’s Covered * Life on the road with Heart * Exciting performance news * How music recycles it’s relevancy over time * Music production styles over the years * How technology changed the way performances are recorded  * Technical perfection vs. being human * The charm of the live performance – flaws and all! Special Show Announcement: Coming up August 21 and 22 a two night concert series at the Hollywood Bowl with the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra. Check Heart’s web page or Hollywood Bowl for show details. Craig’s Links: CraigBartock.com HeartMusic.com cdbaby Twitter Facebook Page Linkedin Youtube ReverbNation Thanks for stopping by and listening. If you like this podcast please share with your friends, we’d really appreciate it!

Solveig Whittle is the lead vocalist, lyricist, and business side of the pop/folk duo Solveig & Stevie, whose other member is studio musician and producer, Stevie Adamek. Stevie was originally signed by Scepter Records and then Columbia Records. Before beginning her songwriting and performing collaboration with Stevie in 2010, Solveig was the lead vocalist for the Seattle folk-pop band Shades of Red, which released two CDs, December Sunday  (2008) and Absolution (2011 – produced by Adamek). Solveig &  Stevie released their first CD together, Zombie Lover, in 2013, and their second CD, Fire and Other Playthings, in 2014. They also write and record music for events, for other musicians, and for television and film licensing. Their song Little Bird, from the Fire and Other Playthings album, was nominated in 2014 for an award in the Best Female Vocal category of the HMMAs (Hollywood Music in Media Awards). Solveig began performing in college singing cover tunes. As a tech marketer with various large tech companies in the 1990s, she sidelined in several corporate bands, including one of the first techie “Battles of the Band” ever held. While at Microsoft, Solveig played in a band with guitartist and software guru Jim Allchin. She has also collaborated on several songs with former Heart guitarist, now solo artist, Roger Fisher, who has a cameo appearance on Shades of Red’s Absolution album. Not content with being a hobbyist musician, Solveig is combining her marketing and business expertise with her love of music to make a name for herself as a thought leader in the world of indie music marketing. She regularly contributes articles on the music industry and music marketing to Hypebot and other music marketing and industry websites, blogs and podcasts. She also guest lectures to music students at the Art Institute of Seattle. What’s Covered * Why purpose matters * Defining your purpose and what you represent * How knowing who you are resonates with others * Be yourself to source your best work * Achieving your vision through incremental goals  * The magic of the “music zone” experience * Recognizing your talent through the eyes of others * Is your vision realistic and obtainable? * Defining your story Solveig’s Links Shades of Solveig Facebook Twitter LinkedIn YouTube Thanks for stopping by and listening. If you like this podcast please share with your friends, we’d really appreciate it!

Ashley “Bad Ash” Davis is an experienced Radio Personality, Commercial Voiceover Artist, Emcee, Music Journalist, Food & Travel Blogger, Yoga Instructor (RYT-200), Surf Instructor & Slackliner. Meet Ashley My name is Ashley Davis… also know as “Bad Ash”.  I was given this nickname while working as a Rock Radio Personality in Champaign, IL… it stuck.  I’ve worked for all kinds of radio stations (Top 40, AC, Hard Rock, Alternative & AAA) in Chicago, IL, Champaign/Urbana, IL & Asheville, NC.  Loved it, but after 10 years I needed to explore new options… I moved to Hawaii, where I did lots of yoga, surfed & learned to slackline.  While there I worked casually doing voiceover acting, writing album reviews & interviewing singer songwriters around the country, and did a lot of traveling.  Over the summer I taught surf lessons on the coast of North Carolina & traveled to Fiji where I received my certification to be a Yoga Instructor.  I love yoga, surfing, slacklining, acro yoga, traveling, eating, hiking, skydiving & just all around adventuring.  BadAshVoice.com is my outlet to tell everyone about crazy awesome life I lead. And, because (I think I left it out) I LOVE to talk! What’s Covered * Money opportunities for today’s artists. * Defining the whole artist package. * Adapting your skill and talent to change with the times. * Are talent shows and competitions relevant? * Why humility and gratitude are so important. * How your music genre allows fans to discover you.  * Discovering your niche by being authentic and defining your style. Ashley’s Links Bad Ash Voice Facebook Twitter Thanks for stopping by and listening. If you like this podcast please share with your friends, we’d really appreciate it!

Michael Brandvold is a music marketing consultant with over 25 years experience. Having launched Michael Brandvold Marketing to leverage his years of experience to provide digital strategy to large and small clients in the areas of online & social marketing as well as e-commerce and fan acquisition and retention. Gene Simmons of KISS first tapped Michael’s skills as a pioneering online marketing strategist to launch and manage all aspects of Kissonline.com’s multi-million dollar enterprise, including their ground-breaking VIP ticket program. Michael has also managed the online efforts for Accept, Narada Michael Walden, Jordan Rudess, SOiL, Tantric, Killer Dwarfs, Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal, Dream Theater, Andy Gibson, Alexa Carter, Greg Kihn, Little Caeser, Motley Crüe, Rod Stewart, Ozzy Osbourne, Madonna and Britney Spears to name only a few. Michael recently released his first ebook, KISS School of Marketing: 11 Lessons Learned While Working with KISS. He is also the founder and cohost of the following podcasts; The Music Biz Weekly, Rock Star Branding, Dropping The Needle and Three Sides of the Coin. He has cohosted and presented music marketing webinars and writes about his music marketing knowledge and experience on his blog at Michael Brandvold Marketing. What’s Covered * The Key ingredient for success in today’s music biz opportunities. * The right time to start building your fan base. * BYOB – Be Your Own Boss Why and when you should hire others to help you * Learning to take baby steps to build your fan list. * Staying positive * How to use online “Tools” to promote yourself. * Proactive methods to find your fans. * Do you need to spend money to make money? Michael’s Links Michael Brandvold Marketing Facebook Twitter Thanks for stopping by and listening. If you like this podcast please share with your friends, we’d really appreciate it!

Dave Good is an award-winning journalist and author. Originally from Ft. Worth, TX, he writes about music, pop culture, and American life. His life-long infatuation with music began in an unlikely place: Crawford High School, in East San Diego. There, he played sax with future jazz luminaries such as Carl Evans, Nathan East, and Hollis Gentry. After journalism school at SDSU, he found work in Top 40 and album-oriented rock radio for the next two decades, a period of time in which he also hosted KGB Rocks 10, a popular local music video show on ABC television. In the course of a media career that now approaches three decades, if placed end to end the number of words he has published thus far would stretch around the globe at least once. Currently at work on a book about rock and roll’s farm team and the unsung music heroes of San Diego past, Dave lives in La Mesa, CA. His book, Jukebox Confessions, is available through Amazon. What’s Covered * The influence of Music on Culture * How music defines groups within society * Music mirrors the culture of the time and historic events are marked by the music of the time. * Does technology contribute to music being more disposable? * Music has always been communal, is today’s technology now making it a private experience? * Live brick-and-mortar concerts vs. the digital experience  * Why publicity and marketing must respond to the new musical paradigm. Show Mentions Jukebox Confessions By Dave Good Dave’s Links San Diego Reader Facebook Twitter Thanks for stopping by and listening. If you like this podcast please share with your friends, we’d really appreciate it!

Carlos Castillo is a web designer, musicpreneur, music marketing strategist, live performance recordist, international road tripper, lap-steel player and Captain of the Schwilly Family. His mission at Schwilly Family Musicians is to help productive musicians earn a living with their creative output so they can focus on creating more music for the world to hear. In the early part of the century, Schwilly Family Musicians founder Carlos Castillo (Captain Schwilly) wreaked havoc across the Midwestern United States with a rag-tag group of young hippies under the self-inflicted banner of Schwilly Family. He and his friends staffed big festivals and toured with the Grateful Dead. Time went by and Carlos eventually drifted into corporate America, but he never forgot his musical roots and never stopped thinking about how to give back to the world of music that had opened his eyes to the universe around him. By 2012 Carlos had an epiphany. He quit his corporate job, bought some recording gear and a motorhome, and set out on a journey of self-discovery that led him all across the country. His mission then was to record and share as much local music as he possibly could and figure out how to make a living in the music industry. Over the next year-and-a-half Carlos recorded 225 bands, studied music marketing and learned about the modern music industry first-hand from everyone he met along the way. In mid-2013 he settled in Utah to focus on putting to use everything he had learned and join the revolution of the music industry by sharing what he had learned with the world and build the ultimate independent musicians resource. Schwilly Family Musicians was born. What’s Covered * Today’s Music Business – Something Old, Something New * The Musicpreneur * One secret word for achieving success * Pareto’s Principle * Why it’s important to understand your value * Outsource-Automate-Eliminate * Selective Social Media * Why performing “Covers” is a good thing! * Creating your Brand Identity Show Mentions Smart Online Musicpreneur The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss Left Over Salmon Hookaville Music Festival Carlos’ Links Schwilly Family Musicians Facebook Twitter Google+ Thanks for stopping by and listening. If you like this podcast please share with your friends, we’d really appreciate it!

Sven-Erik Seaholm has been known to wear more hats than a Macy’s mannequin. As a result, he has acquired a number of inter-related skills. These include the writing, recording, producing and arranging of original music for his albums and soundtracks, independent journalism, graphic design, photography and web site development. Seaholm’s production work has garnered San Diego Music Awards for Best Producer 2003, 2005 & 2006 Best Local Recording (Via Satellite “Wake Up Heavy”), Best Blues Album (Buddy Blue “Pretend It’s Okay”) Best Americana Album (The Coyote Problem’s “Wire” & “California”) and contributed his production talents to anther SDMA winner for Best Acoustic Album (Carlos Olmeda “Sensitive Groove). He produced Michael Tiernan’s “Jumping In”, which received an LA Music Award for Best AAA Album. Another LA Music Award winner was The Morning Riot, who’s Seaholm produced debut album received one for Independent Punk Album of The Year. Erik is also a familiar singer/songwriter name to fans of great Southern California music. His dynamic performances and rich catalog of original songs have kept his name on the fertile San Diego music scene’s A-list for years.  Seeking new challenges and opportunities, Sven-Erik Seaholm relocated to Mountain Green, Utah in 2015. What’s Covered * What it means to ‘respect the room’ * Learn to be a servant to the song * Maximizing strengths and weaknesses as a producer * The single most important thing before booking studio time * Valuable benefits to beginning with small projects * Combining authentic, spontaneous performance with technical skills * How doing your research before entering the recording studio will save you money * Why you “The Songwriter” deserve a big pat on the back! Show Mentions ‘The Sexy’ “The Sexy” is my latest and best, a soul-inflected “Pet Sounds”, featuring 13 killer songs! — Sven-Erik Seaholm Visit INDIEGOGO and check it out! Sven’s Links Kitsch & Sync Production ReverbNation Facebook Twitter Thanks for stopping by and listening. If you like this podcast please share with your friends, we’d really appreciate it!

Rebeca Randle has proven that with a combination of physical gifts, study, and hard work, dreams can come true. Rebeca has made her life’s work revolve around working with the human voice. As a professional performer and entertainer, she currently composes and performs with her husband, David Randle as Rebeca and David. Rebeca has had a varied and successful career, doing everything from recording publishing demos for A & M Records and Warner Bros. to recording for TV and film with numerous commercial projects for TV and radio as a SAG AFTRA actress. Rebeca also performed up and down the state of California for her personal recording career which included seven releases, several of which delivered International radio airplay, performances at the Temecula Hot Air Balloon Festival with the Mamas & Papas, street fair performances with Switchfoot and a host of others. Even with this busy schedule Rebeca always found the time to lend her amazing voice to southern California churches every Sunday for 20 years. Rebeca has trained all types of singers, from beginners to music award winners. She not only helps professionals master their craft, but also teaches singing enthusiasts how to get the most out of their voice, from becoming a great “shower singer” to singing in a choir or stealing the show on Karaoke night. What’s Covered * Rebeca’s Journey – A life lesson * Knowing the right opportunities * Can singing be taught? * The many components to training the voice * Fifteen minutes a day * Why is Connected Tone important? * How training your voice broadens your styling and interpretation * Five essential skills every performing vocalist should master * Gesturing * Believe in yourself Show Mentions Soul of Yoga Rabeca’s Links Singing Lesson Expert Rebeca and David Facebook Twitter Linkedin Thanks for stopping by and listening. If you like this podcast please share with your friends, we’d really appreciate it!

It’s about everyone succeeding in the business…and it’s working together. — Sherrene Wells Sherrene Wells is a dynamic and tireless promotion and artist public relations representative for Independent UK Record Label Fat Hippie Records based in Aberdeen, Scotland. She’s incredibly effective in using social media to create awareness and a buzz for her clients. Her client list includes artists Terry McDermot, Colin Clyne, Craig John Davidson, Amy Sawers, The Lorelei, Gerry Gablonski & The Electric Band, The Ruckus, Miss Lucid, Deadfire, DearJohn, Ray Brower and many more. In this episode Sherrene shares her tips for developing your web presence and growing your fan base through relevant social media. What’s Covered * Social Media and The Publicist * Should you have a publicist and why? * Business expense or career investment * Discovering your fans and where they hang out * Radio’s relevance for today’s indie artist * One fan at a time * Making your fan connection * Defining success * The value of connecting with others * Self-Promotion is Key * Identify your right social media Watch Terry McDermott May 30, 2015 Live at Captain Toms KPX TV Show Mentions KPX TV Fat Hippie Records Captain Toms Facebook Terry McDermott & The Bonfires Colin Clyne Sherrene’s Links Facebook Twitter Linkedin Thanks for stopping by and listening. If you like this podcast please share with your friends, we’d really appreciate it!

I would love it if all the students could have a shift in mindset. I don’t know why this is…I don’t know where it came from, but there is something with the arts that people believe that if you didn’t come out of the womb singing and sounding good, or if you’re not innately a songwriter that it’s just not meant to be. That’s untrue, all of those things are teachable skills. — David Randle David Randle is a musician’s musician, songwriter, teacher, producer, and performance coach. During the 70’s David was a member of the Brain Police the flagship act for James Pagni Productions. The band opened for Cream, The Who, Jefferson Airplane, Steppenwolf, Buffalo Springfield, Eric Burdon and the Animals, The Byrds and more. David studied classical guitar and developed a signature style using an ever present and recognizable weaving of interesting guitar performances. After leaving active playing he owned a successful music instrument store but the creative call was too great and he returned to performing in a duo with his wife Rebecca. Currently David coaches developing artists in improving their songwriting, performance and recording skills and as a record producer. What’s Covered * A holistic approach to successful songwriting and musicianship * How many cooks in the kitchen? * Recognizing your sacred cows * Realigning ‘The Arts’ mindset * Enhancing your creativity * Develop your own style by deconstructing others * Finding your voice * Be authentic – Know who you are * Remain true to you while allowing opportunity to present itself * DIY or Major Label * Self Promotion Tips Memorable Show Quotes Sometimes creativity takes the form of taking a germinal idea that came from somewhere else, not out of yourself, and doing improvements or modifications or extensions to it. Don’t give up just because your number hasn’t been called yet. If you’re staying authentic and you have something to say…there’s still an opportunity. — David Randle David’s Links David Randle Producitons Guitar Lesson Expert My Songwriting Coach Facebook Twitter Linkedin Thanks for stopping by and listening. If you like this podcast please share with your friends, we’d really appreciate it!

Music is an art…making money from it, succeeding in it, lasting in it, is a business. — Bobby Borg Bobby Borg is a former Major label, independent, and DIY recording/touring artist with over 25 years experience. A graduate of Berklee College of Music with a BA in Professional Music, and UCLA Extension with a certificate in Marketing Management and Project Management, he serves as a music business educator at Musician’s Institute in Hollywood and at the University of Los Angeles in California, and he also arranges educational programs with institutions overseas. He is the author of Billboard Books best-seller The Musician’s Handbook: A Practical Guide To Understanding The Music Business and Music Marketing For The DIY Musician. What’s Covered * The Art and The Business * It starts with a vision * Know your final destination * Learning to compromise * The challenge of “Doing it Your Way” * SWOT Analysis * Leading the pack * Selling Out vs. Buying In * Know your strengths and weaknesses * Finding and embracing your identity * Pay attention and fill the need * DIY on a low budget * A Guide to getting valuable feedback * 12 Revenue Streams from 1 song in under 1 minute Memorable Show Quotes Being aware of your external environment and not just caught up in your artist ego is an important part of being a working musician. DIY implies Do It Yourself and that means rolling up your sleeves, being proactive and trying to attract attention of those that can help you by first helping yourself. Your music is a business, so try to identify precisely what it is and what you’re doing. — Bobby Borg Bobby’s Links BobbyBorg.com Twitter Facebook YouTube Instagram Get Bobby’s Book — Music Marketing for the DIY Musician   Thanks for stopping by and listening. If you like this podcast please share with your friends, we’d really appreciate it!

It’s all about the vibe! At the end of the day everybody wants to feel good and important, and that they’re making a difference. — Alan Sanderson Alan Sanderson is a Grammy award winning recording engineer/producer and the current owner/operator of Pacific Beat Recording Studio based in Southern California. Alan has been involved in all types of recording and mixing projects ranging from music to major film and television productions. He has worked in and set up state of the art recording facilities in Southern California, New York, London, San Francisco, Zurich, Rio de Janeiro and Namibia. Sanderson has earned 11 RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) Gold and Platinum awards with artists such as The Rolling Stones, Elton John, Michael Jackson, Fleetwood Mac, to name a few. What’s Covered * Turning your song into a great recording * Making “just” a record vs. recording a record * Why you should always be open to suggestions * Recording Mick & Keith * The key to getting great results in the recording studio * Let it go! * When are you ready for the professional recording studio * Beyond recording your record – what next? * Create your opportunities by getting yourself “out there” Alan’s Links AlanSanderson.com Pacific Beat Recording LinkedIn Facebook Thanks for stopping by and listening. If you like this podcast please share with your friends, we’d really appreciate it!

I believe in the new age of music. You, as a songwriter and artist, can carve out your own path to success. Your perspective is something to be celebrated. –Judy Stakee The Judy Stakee Company is a full-service artist development and entertainment company that develops the minds, bodies and souls of artists and songwriters to achieve the career of their dreams. By encouraging songwriters to develop a greater sense of self, The Judy Stakee Company inspires artists to create their best works while providing the proper tools for navigating the music industry. Through focused coaching in a supportive community, you will be challenged to evolve your experiences and communicate your story in the form of song. With over 30 years of experience as an executive in the music industry, Judy will equip you with the insight and tools to fully develop your career. As Senior VP of Creative at Warner Chappell Music for 20 years, she signed and worked closely with many of today’s most acclaimed artists: Grammy-award winner Sheryl Crow, Katy Perry, Michelle Branch, Gavin DeGraw, Jewel and Joy Williams, among others. Her experience with developing producers and multi-platinum songwriters (John Shanks, Wayne Kirkpatrick, Scott Cutler, Anne Previn, Kevin Kadish, Franne Golde, Jamie Houston, Matthew Gerrard, Robie Nevil, Tim James and Ben Glover) helms across all areas of the industry. Judy is a true champion of the songwriter who recognizes talent with both her ears and eyes. What’s Covered * The importance of having a coach * Allowing creative failure * Having a place to fall down * Finding who you are and what you want to say * It starts with the song * The 3 components – Voice, Melody and Lyric * The artist is the business * Body, Mind and Soul – Getting to the next level * Putting yourself first * Committing to the journey * Genre vs. Description * What a Music Supervisor looks for in film and TV Mentioned The 2015 “I Create Music” ASCAP Expo The premier conference for songwriters, composers and producers. April 30th through May 2nd at the Loews Hollywood Hotel in Los Angeles.