Customer Reviews

The Craft and Business of Songwriting

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
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The first Edition of the book, was a must read, now this 2nd Edition, updated with new information and current song references, is also a must read for everyone that writes songs. The most complete songwriting book, for beginning songwriters to the aspiring, to even pro writers will learn from the book. I often refer to it as "The Songwriters Bible", just full of information that we need in the world of songwriting.
I have been a Nashville Songwriters Association International coordinator in Charlotte for (6) years, and do at least one activity or read a quote from a hit writer or music professional in the book at every meeting. This book is years of songwriting seminars and workshops all in one. The reader will learn just like the title says, the craft and business from someone who knows what they are talking about, and has led workshops for some of the best songwriters of all time, including the awesome Diane Warren and several other hit writers. John Braheny made a difference with hit writers, with myself, and other songwriters that I have recommended the book to in the past 14+ years of reading the first edition, and now the 2nd edition. I recomend this as the very first book for every songwriter to read and study. If you know someone who writes songs, buy the book for them, and a copy for yourself. Buy a highlighter or two, to use when reading the book. ...Doak Turner
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One of my most basic problems when starting off as a songwriter, was the lack of background and knowledge on how to approach a new song. I am talking about your basic strategies and how to structure them into a final product. Where does one begin, what do you need to take into account, what to do first, how to approach rhyme, basic tips about melody, chords etc. I found this book to answer these type of questions in a simple and interesting way.

The author is obviously a specialist with a very good track record. He taught me how to analyse existing songs to expand my knowledge. No more do I just listen to music, I learnt the skill to expand my songwriting knowledge whilst listening to other songs on the radio or on CD.

I have learnt how to decide on a basic structure, how to approach the most important issue of finding a "hook" for your song and refining it to something useful. I have discovered that it is O.K. to rewrite songs, but I have learnt how to approach it. This book has taught me how to make songs more interesting and it has made songwriting a more interesting hobby for me.

I think the most important lesson from this book is how to grow from a songwriter that tries to express his/her own feelings to himself/herself and a few close friends, to someone who can express his deepest feelings in such a way that his song could be loved by millions and could become a commercial success. It also contain an abundace of valuable information on the industry and how to promote your music.

If I did not read this book I would have missed something for sure. If you are serious about songwriting you cannot go without this book.

The book, whether he's talking about the creative process or the nature of the business, is filled with snippets of humour that made me chuckle. John starts out with exercises and suggestions about how to get your creative juices flowing. He speaks of using his guidelines as "principles" rather than as "rules". After all, rules are made to be broken, right? Principles leave one much less constricted and guide rather than hem in. The book is designed with that in mind. There are examples and explanations about types of rhyme, different types of formatting for verses and choruses and even discussion about song dynamics such as changes in meter and density of lyrics. I'm only touching on a few of the *many* fine points raised. He even goes into details on different methods of writing music and talks about how to make the most of a collaboration along with the legalities involved. Mostly, the first section of the book dealing with the creation of the song itself, gets the reader *thinking*. I know from personal experience that I need exactly that when I'm sitting down to write. Where does one look for inspiration and what does one do with it once it's found? The second part of the book deals with the business - and that's where John's true mastery comes out in impressive detail. Having been involved in various parts of the business over a length of several years, he's very well suited to know what will work and what won't (though he's quick to admit there are exceptions to every rule). The business section deals with such gems as royalty questions, publishing issues, when and why to self-publish, how to choose a studio when making a demo and what you can get away with doing at home, and how to go about marketing your music. The bibliography even makes a very handy reference guide to trade magazines, songwriting organizations and other resources as well as many other books on the subject of songwriting. John addresses every point with his humorous, no-nonsense narrative and quite apart from being an extremely handy resource, it's a pleasure to read. I still don't believe he got all that information into one place. Talk about "bang for your buck"! This is a keeper I'll be going back to on a regular basis.

--Jodi Krangle ~ The Muse's Muse ~

Although this book isn't as comprehensive as others in the songwriting department, it presents information in a very concise and interesting format. It also has a comprehensive section (half the book) on the BUSINESS. It's a quick, easy read and definitely worth the price. But if you want to get serious about songwriting, you'll also need a book with more theory such as WRITING MUSIC FOR HIT SONGS.

This is the most comprehensive, well rounded book on the subject of songwriting by a man who is considered the formost authority by many. As founder of the Los Angeles Songwriters Showcase, John Braheny has earned the respect and admiration of the songwritng community at large.

What makes this book so powerful is John's unique ability to cover the craft of songwriting equally as in depth as the business end. Therefore, having this much information on both aspects of songwriting makes this my number 1 choice as a point of reference for all related topics. Think of this book as a very good investment if you wish to pursue songwriting as a career.

In this nearly end all, be all songwriters tome "The Craft and Business of Songwriting," John uses a down to earth, layman's style and demeanor to clarify and communicate the intricacies of this "oh so treacherous" road of Songwriting. He has paid our dues so you don't have to! John has the experience of a seasoned pro, the wisdom of a great master of the arts and a personality that makes him one of the Just Plain Folks of the first order! And I know Just Plain Folks! Buy this Book if you are serious about understanding your craft and your business! Brian Austin Whitney, Just Plain Folks International Songwriters Organization

I am a professional musician, songwriter and music educator at South Plains College. We have used John's book for our songwriting classes every semester for the past nine years and found it timeless in it's concepts, fundamentals and philosophy. It has helped students understand how to put their creative talents to practical use, and helped them understand the beauty, soul and timeless importance of the wonderful art of songwriting. This week, February 13-19, four of our former students have songs in the Billboard Top 20 Country Music Charts. Success speaks for itself.

The title pretty much says it,if you want to know the basics and its ideals for proper form or method for creating a sell worthy song then this will do it for you.It explains the main elements of the song,trimming needless words or even adding new refrains,chorus or verse to convey or get the feeling across.Shows examples of mistakes,that happen,remedies,and hit examples.More geared toward hit top 40,easy listening,adult comtemporary styles.One example that sticks in mind is Buck Owens,"Act Naturally"(earned him continuous moneys),boocoo airplay,and the trick was:keep it short and simple.

I couldn't believe the wealth of information contained in the book. A must read!!! This book should be a college course.

John's work in personally helping 1000's of songwriters as co-founder of LASS (Los Angeles Songwriters Showcase) give him a good handle on what make a song a hit.He sheds some light on an elusive goal of all would be successful songwriter.His writing style is personal and to the point. John is a songwriters best friend.