Welcome to Dear Songwriter, the podcast to help you confidently and consistently write and release your songs. In this episode, we're diving into something all too familiar for many songwriters: being stretched too thin. With the pressures of social media, content creation, and maintaining connections, it’s easy to lose focus on the main thing—writing your music.

Episode Highlights:

• Shiny Object Syndrome: We often feel pressured to follow every new trend, post daily on social media, or try new things in hopes of getting discovered. This can lead to burnout.
• My Solution: I introduce the MCC Prioritization Method, focusing on three areas: Music, Content, and Conversations. By honing in on these categories, you can focus your efforts and reduce overwhelm.

The MCC Prioritization Method:

1. Music:
   • My Struggle: I felt the need to constantly reinvent my sound, purchasing countless tools and feeling overwhelmed.
   • Solution: Stick to what works and improve. Build on the sound you're happy with, and focus on finishing your songs rather than chasing new ideas.
   • Next Steps:
     • Inventory your current skills and tools.
     • Create outcomes based on those tools.
     • Identify the next steps and new skills you'll need to grow.
2. Content:
   • My Struggle: I was posting across too many platforms and experimenting too much, which led to burnout.
   • Solution: Focus on content creation that feels natural to you, and choose one platform to start with.
   • Next Steps:
     • Pick a content type (writing, video, or audio).
     • Choose 1-2 platforms to focus on.
     • Determine a sustainable posting schedule.
3. Conversations:
   • My Struggle: I was engaging with too many people, from clients to collaborators, and it drained my energy.
   • Solution: Get clear on who you want to engage with and prioritize meaningful connections.
   • Next Steps:
     • Identify three groups of people you want to regularly engage with.
     • Set monthly conversation goals (e.g., reaching out to local artists).
     • Track your conversations to stay organized.

Call to Action:

• If you feel overwhelmed with your music journey, I’m here to help! Book a free Just Start Call to get clarity on your goals and create a personalized plan. Visit connorfrost.com/startcall to schedule a time.

Closing Thoughts:

When in doubt, refer to one of the MCC buckets—Music, Content, or Conversations. By focusing on these areas, you'll always have something to work on, and you'll never feel stuck. Take a step today and start building toward your songwriting goals.

Sincerely, Connor
Happy writing!

Episode Resources:

• Free Just Start Calls: connorfrost.com/startcall
• Join the Newsletter: connorfrost.com/vault

Be sure to follow the podcast for more songwriting tips and actionable advice!

Originally aired in 2022

Do you feel very “untrained” when it comes to your songwriting?

Do you feel like you just go based off of what’s in your head, but you’re not really sure what you’re doing?

I certainly felt that way when I got started.

A good way to learn is not only through listening to other artists’ songs, but through analysis.

But what does that even mean? And how would you go about doing that?

That’s exactly what I dive into, in this episode of “Dear Songwriter”.

Episode Title: Breaking Down the Costs of Producing Your Song

Episode Description: Dear songwriter, you've written a song and are ready to take it to the next stage—production and release. But when it comes to investing in your music, you're unsure where to start. What should you spend on? Who should you hire? How much is fair? These are common questions that every songwriter faces, including me.

In this episode, I share my recent experience producing a single, breaking down the exact costs involved. From hiring instrumentalists to mixing and mastering, I'll walk you through the investments I made to help you get a better sense of what to expect for your own projects. Whether you're thinking, "Wow, that's a lot," or "That’s not too bad," this episode will give you the clarity you need to make informed decisions about your music production budget.

Key Investments Discussed:

1. Hiring a Violin/Viola Player:
   • Investment: $255 (85/hr for 3 hours)
   • Why: I wanted a secondary voice in the production to complement the vocal melodies. Initially considering trumpet, I realized strings would better suit the song's overall vibe.
   • How: I worked with Godfrey, a past acquaintance, who provided remote live recordings.
2. Hiring a Cello Player:
   • Investment: $150 (flat rate)
   • Why: The song needed more "body" in the arrangement, particularly in the low/mid-range frequencies, which the cello provided.
   • How: Godfrey connected me with Tiger, a Brooklyn-based cellist who also recorded remotely.
3. Hiring a Drum Programmer:
   • Investment: $150 (flat rate)
   • Why: The song called for programmed electronic drums instead of acoustic ones. Despite attempting it myself, I recognized someone else could do it better.
   • How: I reached out to my friend Sam, who brought his expertise to the project.
4. Hiring a Mixing Engineer:
   • Investment: $350 (flat rate)
   • Why: Mixing is crucial to create the best blend of all recorded tracks. Given Sam's success with the drums, I entrusted him with the mixing as well.
   • How: We agreed on the rate, and I provided isolated tracks for each song element to begin the process.
5. Hiring a Mastering Engineer:
   • Investment: $150 (flat rate)
   • Why: Mastering is the final stage of production. I prefer to work with a separate engineer from the mixer to get a fresh perspective on the song.
   • How: I reconnected with Jason Livermore from The Blasting Room, whom I'd worked with before, and arranged for mastering.

Sneak Peek at Upcoming Investments: In the next episode, I'll detail the costs involved in promoting and releasing the single, including hiring a PR agency, creating album art, and running ads.

Conclusion: Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to how much you should invest in your music. I could have spent less or more, but I’m satisfied with the decisions I made and thrilled with how the song sounds. If you’re navigating these decisions and want to discuss your goals further, consider booking a free call with me to see if my mentorship could help you reach your goals.

How to Stay Connected:

• Free Call Booking: connorfrost.com/startcall
• Email: info@connorfrost.com
• Website: connorfrost.com

Closing: Thank you for tuning in! I hope this episode provided value and insight into the real costs of producing a song. Stay tuned for more in the next episode, and until then, happy writing!

Episode Description: Dear songwriter, ever told yourself you'd work on your music after work or school, only to find yourself too drained to start? You're not alone. Many of us struggle with finding the time and energy to focus on our craft. In this episode, I share insights from the second Green Mountain Songwriting Retreat, which took place from August 21st to August 25th, 2024. Attendees discovered how to tune out distractions and immerse themselves in the songwriting process, leading to not only the creation of great songs but also a truly transformative experience.

Join me, Conor Frost—a songwriter, artist, and professional songwriting mentor—as I break down the three key elements that made the retreat an optimal environment for creativity. I'll also give you tips on how to recreate this environment at home, so you can continue to grow as a songwriter.

Key Takeaways:

1. Create a Distraction-Free Environment:
   • At the retreat, participants were encouraged to unplug from technology, allowing them to focus solely on their music.
   • Consider finding a new, dedicated space for your songwriting at home. Temporarily abandon your phone, and immerse yourself in your creative process.
2. Use Writing Challenges to Spark Creativity:
   • We incorporated various songwriting prompts and challenges during the retreat, which helped attendees overcome writer's block and generate new ideas.
   • Try Googling songwriting prompts and pick the first one that catches your eye. Don’t overthink it—just go with what feels right.
3. Build a Community:
   • The power of community was evident during the retreat. Accountability and the presence of other talented creatives pushed everyone to elevate their game.
   • At home, find a friend to write with or join an online community. Set up regular check-ins to share your progress and stay motivated.

How to Stay Connected:

• If you’re interested in attending a future Green Mountain Songwriting Retreat and want to qualify for early bird pricing, send me an email at info@connorfrost.com with the word “retreat.”
• Join my Facebook group, “The Songwriters Vault,” at connorfrost.com/enterthebatcave for more tips and to connect with like-minded songwriters.

Conclusion: Remember, while we can’t always attend songwriting retreats or devote entire days to our music, implementing just one of these strategies can make a significant difference in your songwriting journey. Create that space, find that time, and channel your energy into your music—you deserve it.

Closing: Thanks for tuning in. I hope you found value in today’s episode. Happy writing, and talk to you soon!

Contact Information:

• Email: info@connorfrost.com
• Website: connorfrost.com
• Facebook Group: The Songwriters Vault - Join Here

Originally aired in 2023

Have you ever wondered how someone like me, who’s not super famous or even that well-known, can become a songwriting coach? Or what a songwriting coach even does? Or what philosophies they hold?

In this episode, I’m taking you back to an interview I did with Aaron Camp of the Heartland Author podcast who asked me a series of rapid-fire questions about who I am and what I do.

My name is Connor Frost, I’m a professional songwriting mentor whose helped hundreds of songwriters to write and release their first songs, and this is Dear Songwriter, the podcast to help you confidently write and release your music, so that you can live your most musical and creative life.

To claim your free video training “how to confidently turn your chord progressions into FINISHED songs”, head to http://www.connorfrost.com/videotraining1.

Show Notes for Episode: "Creating Your Own Opportunities: The Four Wheels of the Self-Reliant Songwriter"

Episode Summary: In this episode, Connor Frost, a seasoned songwriter, musician, and songwriting coach, shares valuable insights on how songwriters can stop chasing external opportunities and start creating their own. Drawing from personal experiences and hard-learned lessons, Connor breaks down a strategy for using your music as a vehicle for success by focusing on self-reliance and proactive steps.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Reality of Music Opportunities:
   • Many songwriters spend significant time searching for opportunities like contests, record labels, or festivals, but often find these paths elusive or out of reach.
   • While engaging in these activities can be beneficial, relying solely on them may not be the most effective use of your time and energy.
2. Connor’s Personal Journey:
   • Connor reflects on his experience with Sloth Trap Records and the realization that he needed to take control of his music career.
   • The lesson learned: It’s not about finding opportunities but creating them through your own efforts and initiatives.
3. The Four Wheels of the Self-Reliant Songwriter:
   • Wheel 1: The Accountable Artist
     • Take full responsibility for your success and failures.
     • Avoid blaming external factors and focus on what you can control and improve.
   • Wheel 2: The Songwriting Spy
     • Break down larger goals into smaller, manageable missions.
     • Focus on achievable tasks that you can accomplish now, rather than getting overwhelmed by the big picture.
   • Wheel 3: The CEO of Creativity
     • Optimize your time by making smart investments in your career, whether it’s paying for services or hiring help.
     • Understand that you either invest time or money, and make decisions that lead to quicker and more efficient results.
   • Wheel 4: The Forever Student
     • Embrace continuous learning and remain humble about your craft.
     • Be open to feedback, learn from mistakes, and constantly seek to improve your songwriting skills.
4. How These Principles Create Opportunities:
   • Being the accountable artist means taking control of your career trajectory.
   • The songwriting spy encourages daily progress through small, achievable tasks.
   • The CEO of creativity helps you efficiently manage resources and generate results.
   • The forever student ensures that you’re always evolving and learning from your experiences.

Call to Action:

• Free Song Consult: Take a step towards your songwriting goals today by sending Connor an unfinished voice memo of your song. Receive feedback on what’s working, what needs improvement, and next steps. Visit http://www.connorfrost.com/freesongconsult for more details.

Closing Thoughts: Connor Frost encourages listeners to realize that they are in control of their songwriting journey. By adopting these four principles, you can create your own opportunities and drive your music career forward.

Thank you for tuning in, and happy writing!

Intro:

I received the first mix for my new song, from a Mixing Engineer the other day.

And after doing this for almost two decades now, I have a much better understanding of what to listen for in a first mix.

But that wasn’t always the case…

Back in 2009, I received the first draft of my band’s first album, and thought to myself…

“I think this sounds good?”

It was a weird feeling…I felt like I should have said more, but I just didn’t know what I didn’t know.

And I didn’t know how to communicate any thoughts that I did have.

It wasn’t until I racked up these experiences that I realized…

I lacked important knowledge and skillsets to listen, analyze, and communicate.

So I’m going to break down the lessons I’ve learned, by sharing the three main elements I listen for, in a first mix…

#1 - volume level of the vocals

Songwriters and singers, myself included, have a tendency to want loud, (or at least “louder”) vocals.

It’s only natural - you work hard on writing meaningful lyrics; you want those words to come through, you want people to relate to the message of your song.

But proceed with caution…

Because the relationship of vocals to instrumentals in a mix, is like salad dressing to greens.

If your dressing simply sits on top of your salad, when you take that first bite, you may only taste the dressing…

Instead of tasting the combination of dressing with greens that makes a salad delicious.

And your vocals are no different.

So when I get that first mix back, I pay special, close attention to this relationship between vocals and instrumental -

AKA are the vocals “sitting on top of” the instrumental? Or are they blended in?

And you’ll see my note in the below email I sent to my mixing engineer, that I felt that the vocals were a little “hot” (“loud”)…

AKA I felt like the blend I was looking for, wasn’t there yet.

#2 - volume level and presence of the kick drum, snare drum, and bassline

A conventional rhythm section is made up of the drums and bass.

And more specifically, the kick drum and snare drum, or whatever sounds are being used to represent that, provide the pulse.

So the relationship between the kick drum, snare, and bass, is crucial.

If those parts aren’t working with each other…(for example, if one of those pieces is drowning out the other two)…

Then that may need to be addressed.

#3 - energy level of key transitions

Songs are made up of “big moments”.

And how you transition into and out of those moments, is crucial.

Now, it’s important to note that these transitions and “big moments”, and how they work with each other, should be addressed during the actual songwriting process.

You can’t fix a songwriting issue with a production or mixing solution, after all.

However, it’s important that the mixing engineer enhance, and outline those transitions.

So you’ll see in the below email, I include a note about the second chorus “losing energy”.

This will be an important adjustment - as there is a feeling of energy building in that section that I want the listeners to feel.

What You Can Do with this:

There are other elements to listen for when you get that first mix back from your producer/engineer.

But these are the three I would suggest honing in on, at the very least.

Especially if you are new to this experience.

I would encourage you to practice “active listening”, not only to your songs, but to other artists’ tunes.

Start to pay attention to these relationships between vocals and instrumentals, and start to identify “big moments” in these songs.

Conclusion:

As always, I hope you found value from this episode.

Happy Writing,

Connor

Book a free call - http://www.connorfrost.com/startcall

Originally aired in 2022 - episode 11

So you've released that album, single, or demo, and you're ready to play your first show.

James Cross of the Bandhive podcast, walks us through the easiest and most practical way to book your first show.

Links:

Linktree

SleekBio

Listen links

Bandhive site

Road Ready