SONGWRITING MASTERCLASS

The first songs I wrote were pretty rubbish. However, I worked at it and eventually I must have got it right because I’ve sold hundreds of thousands of records around the world. I also studied the masters: Lennon/McCartney, Goffin/King, Bacharach/David, Todd Rundgren, Brian Wilson (who Todd must also have studied).

I have written songs that have been recorded by Celine Dion, Sheena Easton, Elkie Brooks. Hollies, The Searchers, Tygers of Pan Tang, Baby Ford, Colin Blunstone, Elaine Page, Chris Farlowe, Bruce Ruffin, Middle of The Road and others.

Now, looking at that range of artists tells us a couple of things. Firstly I have written for very broad range of styles. Secondly, many artists write their own songs so to be in with a chance my songs must surpass what they have been able to compose or what other writers are submitting. It’s not the same as being in a band and writing songs for it. Being what is called an ‘external writer’ is massively competitive.

So this Masterclass will explain how I did it. I’ll go through some of the songs above and explain their construction both musically and lyrically. My explanations will be partly theory, partly anecdotal and I’ll explain some of the tricks and techniques I use. The music theory side will not be too heavy and will be explained in layman’s terms. I’ll even let you hear bits of one of my earlier rubbish songs, explain why it’s rubbish and what I did to fix my approach to songwriting. I will also throw in some of the lessons I learned from the masters and I’ll provide insights and maybe a few laughs too.

Dates, venues and cost yet to be set. I'm just gauging interest for now. The Masterclasses may tie in with shows by my band.