Regular Columnists

Join our columnists for discussions about the creative process and business of writing songs. Ask them questions! Read a few music reviews or send in your own music to be reviewed. If you know of someone who would make a good columnist, please feel free to make a suggestion!

Viva La Voice!
A new column offering practical, positive, enlightened advice for creatives of the singing, songwriting and public speaking genres from author and Broadway singer/composer Beth Lawrence!

Dan's Tin Pan Alley
Take your songwriting craft to the next level with tips from pro songwriter Dan Rivers.  You’re not that far away from those great songs and you’ve probably written some already. Find out now how to get them heard and make them as important to the listener as they are to you!

Your Band Is A Virus! Online & Viral Marketing Strategies For Indie Bands
Ready to get serious about online promotion? Well, stop spamming people on Myspace and get ready to build your press section!  James Moore, the author of "Your Band Is A Virus!" gets down to the nitty gritty with tried and tested strategies geared towards gaining press, interviews, reviews and coverage for independent musicians. With the proper attention and effort, your press section should rival your favorite bands.

SONG is a Four-Letter Word
Share the inspired, challenging and sometimes hilarious ride of a 40-something chick singer/songwriter trying to embrace the fact that the thing she does best - writing songs - will send her either straight into the poor house or the lion's den or quite probably both.   One part confessional and one part "Don't Try this At Home", Jennifer Haase tells it like it is as well as celebrates all that this creative life pursuit will become.

Living the Dream: An Artist's Survival Guide
Have you ever wanted to quit your job and make a living making music? Randy Young has spent most of his adult life making a living from making music. His column is based on his 20 plus years in many different areas of the music business - from performance and songwriting to production and publishing. Each article provides practical advice on how to get your music and career on track and keep it there.

Biz Talk
Straight forward, candid discussions about all things related to the music industry. From how to book a gig, to the top 10 things A&R Representatives look for when signing new talent. Guitarist, Producer, A&R Representative Cyrus Rhodes takes you inside the Music Industry, and puts everything into perspective.

The Songcrafter's Coloring Book
Based on the groundbreaking "Songcrafters' Coloring Book", Bill Pere's column will provide techniques and insights on the craft and business of songwriting that will have you looking at things in entirely new and exciting ways.

Rhythm Without the Blues
Vibraphonist, percussionist and composer Paul Babelay, aka "The Vibe Guy," shares tips and experiences to help songwriters,instrumentalists and vocalists with all things musical - especially rhythm. Whatever the genre, whatever your ability in music technology or your level of musicianship -- these tools and concepts will inspire and improve your song writing and musical skills.

Music Career Success
Artist development specialist Draven Grey helps you develop key elements to your music career’s success.

Tom Hess Guitar Lessons
Tom Hess, a professionally touring guitarist and recording artist, gives you useful tips on how to be a better guitarist and how to use your guitar skills to better advantage in your songwriting.

Hypnotic Audio Secrets
Grammy Award winning engineer Khaliq Glover aka Khaliq-O-Vision reveals insider tips and secrets from over 25 years of working with the world’s top recording artists.  Khaliq wants to pass on what he has learned about what makes music "hypnotic". A select few people know the secret - that there ARE things that you can do to make your music IRRESISTABLE. Advertisers know these tricks, and so do the stars.  Learn how to inject your recording, songwriting, and lyrics, with the subtle things that compel people to PAY ATTENTION - and they won't even know why. Learn Hypnotic Audio Secrets.

Nothin' But The Truth
Written by Bronson Herrmuth, this column contains articles he has written about many facets of the music business, many of which focus on or directly relate to songwriting. In addition he shares one on one studio interviews that he conducts in Nashville with Music Row veteran songwriters, musicians, producers, artists and music publishers.

Songwriting Techniques and Theories
Kole is a professional Musician, Guitarist, and Instructor living in the Los Angeles area.  This column deals with all things pertaining to the topics like songwriting inspiration and composition techniques.

Blue Collar Rockin'
With over thirty years experience as a local amp tech, studio musician, music teacher, songwriter,and performer, Mick Polich knows a thing or two about what it takes to survive in the music business at a local level. You, too, can benefit from Mick's monthly insights, stories, and tips on being an "old school rocker" in the ever evolving "new business" of pursuing your craft, even if you're a spouse with a family and a mortgage!

Sounding Off
Cheryl Mullen introduces us to talented artists and bands that we really do need to hear about.

Mary's Musings: Advice for the Independent Songwriter
Mary Dawson, author of the book, "How to Get Somewhere in the Music Business from Nowhere with Nothing," and instructor of songwriting and commercial music at Southern Methodist University, offers up her articles and advice on subjects near and dear to the independent's heart. Regular articles will pop up here but you are - of course - welcome to ask her questions of your own.