Best Bonnie Diaz Podcasts (2024)

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Kylie Rothfield on writing process, craft, what she learned from Alicia Keys about singing and stage fright 1:07:46

4h ago1:07:46

1:07:46

Send us a text 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 h…

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Songs with a message, writing from your life with Michael McDermott 1:02:43

15d ago1:02:43

1:02:43

Send us a text 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.keys https://michael-mcdermott.com/home Mixed by Peter Sykes: https://www.petersyke…

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What does AI mean for songwriters with award winning songwriter and Berklee Professor Ben Camp 1:12:24

27d ago1:12:24

1:12:24

Send us a text 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…

1
Creating metaphors with Pat Pattison 54:22

2M ago54:22

54:22

Send us a text 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…

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Madi Diaz on writing process, and the magic of co-writing 1:13:00

2M ago1:13:00

1:13:00

Send us a text My guest today is one of my former students singer/songwriter Madi Diaz Madi grew up in Pennsylvania where she was homes schooled by her mother and took piano lessons from her father at the age of 5. After high school, Madi was accepted to Berklee College of Music and met her first collaborator Kyle Ryan which led to her recording he…

1
What we can learn from Billy Eilish and Bonnie Raitt about great melodies 22:25

3M ago22:25

22:25

Send us a text In this minisode, I talk about writing melody and thinking of melody as the song's tone of voice. Auditioning melodies to make sure we pair the best notes with our most important words and the power of unstable notes in writing great melodies. To join my summer songwriting class "Writing Better Melodies" click here: https://www.event…

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Minisode: Making time for your art and the myth of inspiration 17:24

3M ago17:24

17:24

Send us a text "Inspiration is for Amateurs" "Don't be 'a writer' but instead be writing." - Faulkner "Just begin and the mind grows heated; continue, and the task will be completed!” ― Johann Wolfgang von Goethe To join the "What's in a Song" community membership: https://buymeacoffee.com/scarlet.keys Link to song from band Corner Boy "Morning Mor…

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Robert Ellis Orrall on writing with Taylor Swift, and writing process 1:08:33

4M ago1:08:33

1:08:33

Send us a text In this Episode, Robert Ellis Orrall talks about writing with Taylor Swift. What she was like as a young writer, how he set up the showcase that got her a record deal and shares two songs her wrote with Swift along with an original from his latest record. Upcoming workshop: Taylor Swift Master class this Tuesday May 28th: https://www…

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Will Kimbrough: Writing techniques, guitar voicings and so much wisdom 1:14:26

5M ago1:14:26

1:14:26

Send us a text My guest today s an American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer Will Kimbrough. As a producer, he has produced albums for Rodney Crowell, Todd Snider, Kim Richey, Garrison Star and Matthew Ryan to name a few. His songs have been recorded by Jimmy Buffett, Little Fear, Jack Ingram, and he has collaborated with Rosan…

1
Minisode - The impact and storytelling of NOUNS 17:52

6M ago17:52

17:52

Send us a text The storytelling effects of nouns. Mixed by Peter Sykes: https://www.petersykesmusic.com/ Otto Gross: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMnxx19QD-vxD4wnYGTn3Jw Scarlet's website: https://www.scarletkeys.com Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/ Scarlet's website: https://www.scarletkeys.com Scarlet's inst…

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Minisode: The song changing effects of good verbs 20:31

6M ago20:31

20:31

Send us a text In this minisode, I talk about the power of verbs and how they can do more than just their expected work but can help to tell your story, create characters and build metaphors. Mixed by Peter Sykes: https://www.petersykesmusic.com/ Otto Gross: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMnxx19QD-vxD4wnYGTn3Jw Scarlet's instagram: https://www.i…

1
Singer/songwriter Ingrid Saga on jazz, Joni Mitchell's influence, guitar tunings and process 56:06

8M ago56:06

56:06

Send us a text In this episode, Ingrid talk about her influences, meeting her producer and shares three songs from her upcoming album. She talks about writing in opening tuning and writing process. https://www.instagram.com/ingridsaga/?hl=en Mixed by Peter Sykes: https://www.petersykesmusic.com/ Otto Gross: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMnxx19Q…

1
Aidan Laprete on finding your sound and gibberish as a lyric writing process 1:04:56

9M ago1:04:56

1:04:56

Send us a text In this Episode I talk with singer/songwriter/producer/actor Aidan Laprete about Voice lessons, finding your sound, and producing. He walks us through writing melody takes - gibberish to find melodies, turning mumbles into words and making it make sense and shares guitar voicings to help you out of sonic ruts. Aidan is from Hawaii an…

1
Writing For T.V. and film and how a little bit of Woo woo can help us with Stuart Roslyn 1:16:03

10M ago1:16:03

1:16:03

Send us a text Stuart Roslyn is a composer, producer and musician specializing in original music for motion pictures and their trailers. He also creates unique soundscapes for network tv and big brand commercials. His career spans more than 20 years composing and producing many genres of music for the biggest names in entertainment. He is either di…

1
The songwriting of Taylor Swift - Two things we can learn from the craft of her songwriting 15:48

11M ago15:48

15:48

Send us a text In this episode, I share a little peak into the craft and poetry of Taylor Swift's songwriting. We look at her choice of chord progressions and one way in to one of her epic bridge sections as well as her use of metaphor. You will walk away with a few tools from the woman currently ruling the world that you can try in your own songs …

1
David Wilcox Part 2 34:21

12M ago34:21

34:21

Send us a text David Wilcox is an award winning and highly acclaimed American singer songwriter from Asheville North Carolina. His storytelling cuts deep into the soul and observes the human condition from both the nerve center and the outside looking in. He’s released more than 20 records and is famous for his thoughtful insights, humor and open t…

1
David Wilcox on inspired writing Part 1 1:03:49

1y ago1:03:49

1:03:49

Send us a text David Wilcox is an award winning and highly acclaimed American singer songwriter from Asheville North Carolina. His storytelling cuts deep into the soul and observes the human condition from both the nerve center and the outside looking in. He’s released more than 20 records and is famous for his thoughtful insights, humor and open t…

1
Part 3 Mark Simos: Reflecting on your writing and what you can learn from it 1:01:37

1y ago1:01:37

1:01:37

Send us a text In this episode, we break down co-writing and talk about reflecting back on process and what can be learned from taking pause and observing what went well and what you wish had gone differently making you a better writer and co-writer going forward. To purchase Mark's books: https://www.amazon.com/Songwriting-Strategies-360-Degree-Ap…

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Part 2 Hank Williams in Hell live co-write with Mark Simos 57:40

1y ago57:40

57:40

Send us a text In this episode of a two part series, Berklee Professor and Grammy winning writer Mark Simos and I try out his unique approach to writing using different chord configurations in a writing exercise he calls Hank Williams in hell. This is a live co-write so if you are curious about how people write songs collaboratively or want to expl…

1
Hank Williams in Hell exercise and live cowrite with Grammy winning songwriter Mark Simos 1:10:08

1y ago1:10:08

1:10:08

Send us a text In this episode of a two part series, Berklee Professor and Grammy winning writer Mark Simos and I try out his unique approach to writing using different chord configurations in a writing exercise he calls Hank Williams in hell. This is a live co-write so if you are curious about how people write songs collaboratively or want to expl…

1
Writing songs for film and t.v. with Grammy winning artist/producer Rich Jaques 42:48

1y ago42:48

42:48

Send us a text Today’s guest is grammy winning songwriter and producer Rich Jaques. Rich has had over 1500 songs placed on film and t.v. and is going to share today about his musical journey. Some key points: Follow the point of enthusiasm (follow your bliss) Finding your own path Notice what makes you excited Writing more impressionistically as no…

1
Will Dailey: Genius marketing, the importance of narrative for your art, finding your instrument 1:23:17

1y ago1:23:17

1:23:17

Send us a text On today's show, I have singer/songwriter Will Dailey. In this episode, Will shares some brilliant marketing ideas and talks about: Tools: Try cutting something in half the chorus the bridge a bar a line do something upsetting to your cadence Great advice on writing your best verse 2 Why songwriting is good for you even if it’s not y…

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Prince's recording engineer Susan Rogers on authenticity, getting your best vocal performance and her new book "This is What it Sounds like" 1:10:24

1y ago1:10:24

1:10:24

Send us a text Today I have Susan Rogers who many of you know as Prince’s recording engineer. Today we talk about her new book “This is what it sounds like” and who we are as listeners, what Prince used to ask her to prepare for his writing sessions and insight into writing songs that appeal to a wider audience. Some takeaways: Ask a non musical pe…

1
Paula Cole on her writing process, the books that have inspired her and what writing teaches her 1:16:16

1+ y ago1:16:16

1:16:16

Send us a text Grammy-winning artst Paula Cole has released seven solo albums of original songs. Cole has performed with icons in many genres of music, from Peter Gabriel to Dolly Parton, Herbie Hancock to Emmylou Harris, and Amy Lee of Evanescence to Burt Bacharach. Cole’s emotionally deep performances and her poetic, intelligent writing makes her…

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Finding a title for your song - Minisode 6:10

1+ y ago6:10

6:10

Send us a text In this short episode, I talk about starting with an idea or emotion and one of my favorite ways to find a good title for your potential song. Sometimes, an idea just needs a great hook to hang our song on. Announcing my 6 week songwriting course starting June 20th and my weekend workshop on the songwriting of Taylor Swift in July. C…

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Forensic musicologist Joe Bennett breaks down "If I were a fish" and talks about what constitutes copyright infringement 1:01:57

1+ y ago1:01:57

1:01:57

Send us a text In this episode, I talk with Dr. Joe Bennett First, we talk about what constitutes copyright infringement from the point of view of a forensic musicologist. Then, Joe dives into the analysis of "If I were a Fish" (pun intended) leaving everyone with some great new ideas to spark their songwriting. Dr. Bennett has been analysing and t…

1
Corook and Olivia Barton: Fame and the introvert and breaking down "If I were a fish" 54:30

1+ y ago54:30

54:30

Send us a text Today I am so happy to have Corook and Olivia Barton on the show. Corook is a multi-instrumentalist based in Nashville, Tennessee. they are signed to Atlantic Records, and thave toured with JP Saxe and Jukebox the Ghost. Today share my conversation with Corook and their partner artist Olivia Barton. We talk about instant fame and it’…

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Robert Gillies on writing hit songs, 2 rules for every co-write, finding the best tempo for your song, his fav home recording mic, 1:16:28

1+ y ago1:16:28

1:16:28

Send us a text Robert Gillies is a hit songwriter and artist living in Norway. In this conversation we talk about finding the sweet spot of tempo for your song The 2 rules to start every cowrite with Working with Charlie Puth His fav microphone for home recording How our road to success can feel like a guided experience How to be in service of the …

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Kieran Rhodes on being on America's Got Talent, the two chords he won't leave home without and what he learned from Randy Newman 1:06:09

1+ y ago1:06:09

1:06:09

Send us a text In this episode, I am talking with someone at the start of it all, Berklee student Kieran Rhodes. He shares his favorite songwriting tools that he learned from Billy Joel and Randy Newman, why his friends nick named him the V/V, his experience on being on America's Got Talent and the two chords he won't leave home without. He plays a…

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Vance Gilbert on how to be a great opening act, two great chords and his favorite vocal hack 1:20:21

1+ y ago1:20:21

1:20:21

Send us a text In today's episode, I talk with Folk artist Vance Gilbert on How to be a great opening act. Some show takeaways: Be yourself, you can be shy and confident, but be sure about what you’re doing Wood shed the music and rehearse so you are comfortable with your performance Work on your timing and all the things that go into a great perfo…

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Prince Charles Alexander: The Evolution of Hip hop 1:04:26

1+ y ago1:04:26

1:04:26

Send us a text In this episode, I am talking to Prince Charles Alexander about the evolution of hip hop music, production and rap. Prince Charles is a sought-after recording and mixing engineer whose clients include Mary J. Blige, Destiny's Child, Faith Evans, P. Diddy, the Notorious B.I.G., Usher, Boyz II Men, Brandy, Babyface, Sting, Aretha Frank…

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Singer Songwriter and Berklee Prof George Woods: ADHD as a songwriting super power and the emotion of music 1:09:22

1+ y ago1:09:22

1:09:22

Send us a text George Woods is an amazing guitarist, singer and songwriter and Berklee Professor. In this episode George shares how ADHD is a superpower for songwriters, what chords and melody bring emotionally. He writes a song on the spot and talks about what theory really is and plays his new single. http://www.georgewoodsmusic.com Scarlet's web…

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Kenny Werner Part 2: A meditation, more great insight and a live performance 49:23

1+ y ago49:23

49:23

Send us a text In this episode, I talk with Grammy nominated composer and award winning pianist, educator and author of the best selling book “Effortless Mastery” and “Becoming the Instrument” in part two of a great conversation. Find a place to sit and listen towards the end of the podcast for the meditation and then enjoy a live performance from …

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Kenny Werner on Effortless mastery and being the instrument 46:15

1+ y ago46:15

46:15

Send us a text In this episode, I talk with Grammy nominated composer and award winning pianist, educator and author of the best selling book “Effortless Mastery” and “Becoming the Instrument”. Here are some episode takeaways: You don’t move forward unless you practice Let your arms defy gravity Sate of presence of mind The body is the instrument t…

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Eric Roberson: Finding ideas all around you, Saying no to doubt 1:17:03

1+ y ago1:17:03

1:17:03

Send us a text On today's show, Eric Roberson is back!! Eric is a 2x Grammy Nominated Singer/Songwriter/Producer/Artist/Entrepreneur. Winner of the 2012 Soul Train Music Award For Independent Artist Of The Year. Widely regarded as the "King Of Independent Soul/R&B". He was on Jimmy Fallon's show "That's my Jam" and has a new book out "Lessons". Her…

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Grammy winning Writer and producer Cliff Goldmacher: The purpose of the chorus, saying less with more and bringing everything you can to the table 1:11:24

1+ y ago1:11:24

1:11:24

Send us a text Today I have Grammy winner and producer Cliff Goldmacher. Cliff has a catalog of over 1,000 songs and writes with and for artists across multiple genres. He has written a #1 single on the jazz charts, a song on a GRAMMY-winning album and multiple songs featured in major movie releases and national advertising campaigns. Some of his s…

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Alliteration, internal rhyme and a deep dive into craft with Hit writers Monty Powell and Anna Wilson 1:05:24

2y ago1:05:24

1:05:24

Send us a text In this episode, I talk with award winning singer/songwriter Anna Wilson and Golden Globe and Country Music Hall of Fame nominee, hit songwriter and producer Monty Powell. This power duo have written songs for Keith Urban, Lady A., Reba McEntire, Rascal Flatts and too many more to mention. This is a master class in lyric technique! T…

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Award winning artist and Berklee Professor Susan Cattaneo on the power of Metaphor 1:24:49

2y ago1:24:49

1:24:49

Send us a text In this episode Berklee Professor and artist Susan Cattaneo shares the magic of songwriting and breaks it down offering some wonderful ideas on how to use metaphor. With her powerful voice, captivating melodies and finely-crafted lyrics, Susan Cattaneo is one of Boston’s most respected singer/songwriters and educators. Susan won the …

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Grammy winning writer, drummer and producer Tom Hambridge on avoiding cliches and the power of rhythm in your writing 57:23

2y ago57:23

57:23

Send us a text Tom Hambridge is an American rock, country, and blues, producer, songwriter, musician and vocalist. Hambridge has received two Grammy Awards, an ASCAP award, seven Grammy nominations, seven Boston Music Awards, and has been inducted into the Buffalo Hall of Fame. In this episode, Tom talks about his influences, how being a drummer in…

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Matt Rollings: Grammy winning producer, arranger and piano player extraordinaire on being a master player 1:37:12

2y ago1:37:12

1:37:12

Send us a text Master piano player Matt Rollings Matt has played on countless records for artists such as: Wynonna Judd, Lyle Lovett, Shania Twain, Trisha Yearwood, Leonard Cohen, Mark Knofler, Dixie Chicks, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Billy Joel, Steve Martin, Bruce springsteen, Toy Story 4 Randy Newman and Christ Stapleton. Matt has produced many arti…

1
Hit Maker Justin Tranter - on writing with and for Imagine Dragons, Dua Lipa, Kelly Clarkson, Justing Bieber, and Lady Gaga, shares writing tips, technique and all the things!! 1:22:12

2y ago1:22:12

1:22:12

Send us a text Justin Tranter is one of the most successful pop songwriters of our time. Tranter has co-written with Julia Michaels, and written songs for artists such as Britney Spears, Gwen Stefani, Linkin Park, Kelly Clarkson, Selena Gomez, Justin Bieber, DNCE, Kesha, Imagine Dragons, Fifth Harmony, 5 Seconds of Summer, Ariana Grande, Lady Gaga,…

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Guitar teacher to the stars Ellen Britton on How not to suck 1:01:26

2y ago1:01:26

1:01:26

Send us a text Ellen Britton is an amazing guitarist and songwriter who has toured with many huge acts and appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Late Night with Conan O’Brien, The View, The Rosie O’Donnell Show, and The Today Show. As a teacher, she has worked with Brandi Clark, Pam Tillis, Mickey Guyton, Carly Pearce, Little Big Town and so …

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Chris DuBois: Hit songwriter and publisher shares writing strategies, Song outlines, inspiration and music biz 1:26:00

2y ago1:26:00

1:26:00

Send us a text Chris DuBois is a songwriter and music publisher based out of Nashville. He is co-owner of Sea Gayle Music with business partners Brad Paisley and Frank Rogers. Sea Gayle is one of the most successful independent publishing companies in all of music. In 2010 and 2011, Sea Gayle was named ASCAP Country Publisher of the Year. It was th…

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Charlie Worsham: Writing great lyrics, playing your best guitar and being vulnerable and saying yes!! 1:15:01

2y ago1:15:01

1:15:01

Send us a text Charlie Worsham won the ACM award for best acoustic guitar payer in 2022, is signed to Warner Bros. and is a master session player, multi instrumentalist, songwriter and tours with Dierks Bently. In this episode, Charlie shares his journey of moving to Nashville, getting a record deal, and being a side man for major acts. He shares t…

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Hit songwriter Jason Blume on Writing unforgettable melodies, techniques from the hits and creating your own luck 1:52:17

2y ago1:52:17

1:52:17

Send us a text My guest today is hit songwriter Jason Blume. He was Brittany Spear's first co-writer and has gone on to have more than 50 million album sales with singles on Billboard’s pop , country and R&B charts with songs recorded by Britney Spears, the backstreet boys, the oak ridge boys, K-pop and J-pop artists and many more. His songs have a…

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Ruby Rose Fox: Performance anxiety, how to handle it and how to connect with your audience 1:11:00

2y ago1:11:00

1:11:00

Send us a text Multi award winning singer/songwriter Ruby Rose Fox shares her new app for musicians called Muscle music . Ruby has taught at Yale and Emerson and shares her techniques to help you understand the mechanisms that drive anxiety so you can learn to live in a dynamic body that unconsciously dysregulates for our safety and survival. Inste…

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Sam Robbins: Finding your unique sound as a singer, how to hit that high note, making a great living as a singer/songwriter 1:18:44

2y ago1:18:44

1:18:44

Send us a text Sam Robbins is an award winning singer/songwriter who recently won the Kerville Folk festival and appeared on "The Voice". Today, Sam plays three of his original songs and breaks down the process. Episode take aways: Great advice on finding your unique sounds as a singer: sing like you talk How to hit that high note: Yell the note, t…

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The Healing power of songwriting and the power of vulnerability with music therapists Suzanne Hanser and Heather Woods 1:02:52

2y ago1:02:52

1:02:52

Send us a text In this episode, I talk with Dr. Suzanne Hanser. Founding Chair Emerita and Professor of Music Therapy at Berklee College of Music. Suzanne is President of the International Association for Music & Medicine and Past President of the World Federation for Music Therapy and the American Music Therapy Association. She teaches a course fo…

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Singer Songwriter Jesse Ruben: Performance technique, his favorite chords and Creative PR 1:52:56

2y ago1:52:56

1:52:56

Send us a text Jesse Ruben is a Singer songwriter and a master performer. In this episode, he shares performance techniques, how to connect with your audience, his favorite chords and advocating for yourself and finding innovative ways to get your music out there and so much more: Writing songs that people reach for, that effect their lives. What h…

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Swedish artist Matilda Gratte (Elma) on touring with Ed Sheeran and Zara Larson, writing great songs with common chords and being true to yourself 1:03:53

2y ago1:03:53

1:03:53

Send us a text Matilda Gratte is one of my unforgettable former students from Sweden. She tours with Zara Larson and Ed Sheeran as a back ground singer and is an emerging singer/songwriter herself. In this episode, we talk about writing great melodies over common chords, adding tensions to those chords, touring with artists, and being true to yours…

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