*This episode originally aired on May 7th, 2024*

Dear songwriter,

Are you overwhelmed by the plethora of sounds and instruments you have at your disposal once you open up your Digital Audio Workstation (DAW)? I've been there too, and this episode is designed to be your friendly guide through the seemingly daunting terrain of music production. We're diving into the art of creating purposeful music with insights from my own journey from creating sounds to forging music with intention and precision.

You will be guided through a step-by-step process aimed at helping you make decisions about which instruments to use in your tracks and which ones to boot. Learn how to externalize and implement a mental checklist that brings clarity as you write, arrange, and produce your new songs.

Four Questions I Ask During the Demo Production Process:

1. What is the role of the instrument I’m adding?
2. What is the context for this instrument (AKA why is it even there?)
3. What is its relationship with the other instruments and voices?
4. Do I even need this instrument?

Take this chance to transform your DAW session from a daunting challenge into a playground of limitless potential!

Like what your hearing in the Dear Songwriter... podcast? Leave us quick review or 5 star rating on Spotify or Apple Podcasts!

Mentions and Links:

Social Media:

• Instagram: @connorlfrost

Songs/Artists:

• While My Guitar Gently Weeps - The Beatles

Digital Audio Workstations(DAWs):

• GarageBand
• Pro Tools
• Logic Pro

Podcasts:

• 108. Analyzing the Songwriting of The Beatles' George Harrison

Episode Summary (this was made w/ ChatGPT):

In this episode, we’re diving deep into the strategies and steps you need to take to get your music featured on music blogs, playlists, and more. I’m sharing a recorded masterclass originally created for my Songwriter Accelerator students—those working to turn their musical ideas into finished songs and take their first steps as artists.

Using examples from my experience with my band Dizzy Bats and my solo project Connor Lin Frost, I outline the actionable steps I took to gain press coverage and why it matters for your music career. From SEO benefits to building legitimacy, I cover the reasons why being featured can be a game-changer for your music journey. Spoiler: it takes more than just waiting for opportunities to come to you—you’ve got to do the grunt work!

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why Getting Featured Matters: The benefits of SEO, building legitimacy, and generating opportunities.
• Types of Features: Interviews, premieres, reviews, round-ups, and playlists.
• Essential Materials: What you’ll need to prepare, including album art, private streaming links, bios, and press kits.
• Crafting the Perfect Pitch: Tips for writing professional and engaging emails to music blogs.
• Real-Life Examples: I share email templates and past press features that worked for me.

Key Takeaways:

1. Optimize Your SEO: Getting featured increases your online visibility and helps potential fans find you.
2. Build Credibility: Press coverage can set you apart from other artists and showcase your professionalism.
3. Preparation is Key: Make sure you have professional photos, a polished bio, and streaming links ready to go.
4. Pitch Like a Pro: Personalize your emails, be concise, and include all requested materials.

Links and Resources Mentioned:

• SoundCloud: Create private streaming links for unreleased music.
• Dropbox/Google Drive: Use these for sharing high-quality images and press materials.
• Hype Machine: A platform to discover and connect with music blogs.
• Example email templates and press kits discussed in the episode.

Who This Episode is For:

Whether you're just starting your music career or prepping for your next release, this episode will give you the tools to build a stronger presence in the music world. Tune in for actionable advice and inspiration to help get your music heard by the right people.

Enjoy the episode and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review!

Episode Description:
As we close out the year 2024, it’s the perfect time for reflection. In this final episode of the year, I share a candid look back at the triumphs, challenges, and invaluable lessons I learned as a songwriter and artist. From releasing my first solo single to battling self-doubt, overcoming perfectionism, and confronting the realities of a creative life, this episode is packed with insights for any songwriter navigating their own journey.

Whether you’re celebrating successes or wrestling with obstacles, these 12 lessons will inspire you to keep creating, learning, and sharing your music with the world.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1. No One Owes You Their Time or Attention: Why your effort and passion don’t guarantee a reaction—and why that’s okay.
2. The Only Way to Figure It Out is to Do It: Overcoming the fear of starting and embracing the learning curve.
3. Talent Means Nothing Without Action: How natural ability can lead to overthinking and inaction—and why action wins every time.
4. Success Can Strain Friendships: Navigating the inevitable drift as your career grows and priorities shift.
5. The Pain of Inaction is Greater Than the Fear of Releasing Music: How to overcome the fear of what others think and finally share your art.
6. Impact Comes From What You Share, Not What You Plan: Why the songs you release matter more than the ones you only talk about.
7. Comfort Zones Become Uncomfortable Over Time: The importance of pushing boundaries and embracing growth.
8. Prioritizing Your Music Without Guilt: Giving yourself permission to invest time in your creativity every day.
9. Post-Release Disappointment is Better Than Regret: Why sharing your music—even if it doesn’t meet your expectations—is always worth it.
10. Comparison Paralysis is Counterproductive: How to focus on your unique path instead of justifying someone else’s success.
11. Perfectionism Will Hold You Back: Accepting that your early work might feel flawed in hindsight—and why that’s okay.
12. Whether Life is Meaningful or Not, Make Music Anyway: The ultimate reminder to do what you love, regardless of existential questions.

Why You Should Listen:
This episode is perfect for songwriters, musicians, and artists who are looking for real talk about the highs and lows of a creative career. If you’ve ever struggled with self-doubt, procrastination, or the challenges of pursuing your passion, this episode will resonate with you and remind you why you started in the first place.

Resources & Links:

• Listen to my new single Real Friends on Spotify
• Connect with me on Instagram: @connorlfrost

Thank you for being part of this journey in 2024. Here’s to a new year of music, growth, and creativity. See you in 2025!