#382: The Craft of Songwriting with Andrea Stolpe

Music Production Podcast

Andrea Stolpe is a renowned, multi-platinum creative consultant whose methodology for songwriters and music artists has been taught worldwide. A writer with 20+ years of experience in the music industry, Andrea has written for such artists as Faith Hill, Julianne Hough, and Jimmy Wayne. She has turned her experience into award-winning online courses and live events as well as numerous articles, books, and resources.

As one who has followed and learned from her for years, I really enjoyed speaking with Andrea. She shared lots of practical songwriting advice musicians from any genre can use. Andrea shared her story and how she continues to hone her songwriting craft. We spoke about the vulnerability and openness songwriting requires, as well as how to grow by working with collaborators.

Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube

Takeaways:

• Simplicity is key in songwriting, focusing on the core elements of melody, lyrics, rhythm, and chords.
• Focus on expressing yourself authentically.
• Write songs that have substance and meaning, rather than relying on cliches or low-hanging fruit.
• Collaboration and production can enhance a song's message and impact.
• Take the time to reflect on your songs and identify areas where they may need improvement or refinement.
• Feedback from others can be useful, but it is important for songwriters to stay true to their own instincts and not try to wear other people's ideas as their own.
• Specific details in lyrics can create a vivid and relatable experience for listeners, but it is important to find the right balance between specificity and universality.
• Songwriting retreats provide a supportive and collaborative environment for songwriters to connect with others, overcome creative blocks, and make progress in their writing.
• The creative process is a journey of exploration and reaction, and it is important to embrace both the creative and critical aspects of songwriting.
• Having the right tools and techniques can help songwriters overcome challenges and make their creative process more efficient and effective.

Links:

• Andrea's Website - https://www.andreastolpe.com
• Andrea's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/andreastolpeofficial/
• Andrea's YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@andreastolpe
• Download the 5 Songwriting Tools That Change Everything - Free PDF Guide: https://bit.ly/fivesongwritingtools
• Join Andrea Live at a Songwriting Retreat - (California dates still available for November 2024): https://bit.ly/4e4EvHA
• Brian Funk Website - https://brianfunk.com
• Music Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc
• 5-Minute Music Producer - https://brianfunk.com/book
• Intro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bit
• Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/podcast
• Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - https://brianfunk.com/store
• This episode was edited by Animus Invidious of PerforModule - https://performodule.com/

Thank you for listening.

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And don’t forget to visit my site https://BrianFunk.com for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs.

Brian Funk