Inside Songwriting

Book excerpt: His songs have been recorded by an incredibly diverse range of artists, including Britney Spears and both the Backstreet Boys and the Oak Ridge Boys. And when he’s not writing music for chart-topping artists, he writes best-sellers. Jason Blume, author of the best-selling6 Steps to Songwriting Success, returns with a book that has been called the musician’s version of Natalie Goldberg’s million-sellingWriting Down the Bones. Inside Songwritingpresents both inspirational stories of the author’s long, and sometimes difficult, climb to the top, as well as practical advice, valuable tools, and instructive activities that no accomplished or aspiring songwriter, singer, or musician should be without. It provides a richly detailed, no-holds-barred account of the author’s personal experiences (trying to make a go of it in the topsy-turvy music world), and offers inspiration and practical instructions on the techniques and raw artistry required to put a song together. Far from being a traditional “how-to,” each of the 60 short chapters in this book uses attention-grabbing anecdotes to relay valuable insights and important lessons. ButInside Songwritingalso offers much more; it provides a rare look at the business of songwriting from “both sides of the desk,” and offers aspiring songwriters what they need most—encouragement, comfort, and hope. • Follow-up to the best-selling6 Steps to Songwriting Success(0-8230-8422-1) • Author is an unflagging and influential advocate for his books, presenting songwriting workshops across the country as well as appearing on television and radio