The Absolute Essentials of Songwriting Success: From Song Dog To Top Dog

The Absolute Essentials of Songwriting Success: From Song Dog To Top Dog
By Rand Bishop
(ALFRED)
[Rating: 4 stars]

According to author and hit songwriter Rand Bishop, a commercial songwriting career is viable for “anyone who possesses the following four basic qualities: a modicum of talent; a powerful impulse to write; the stick-to-it-iveness to conceive, construct, and re-work song after song, day after day; and, last but certainly not least, thick enough skin to survive the inevitable road blocks, poison darts, and disparaging responses that lurk along the jungle path ahead.” Bishop’s new songwriting book reads like a good John Grisham novel – quickly. It’s hard to put down because it contains so many nuggets of wisdom and insider knowledge, and never gets bogged down in long-winded theorizing or regurgitated facts. These stories and insights come from a fellow who has earned his stripes: Bishop has thrived as a publisher, record producer, major label recording artist and band member, engineer and A&R exec. Throughout, he draws on song psychology, autobiographical angles, mistakes, triumphs, defeats, and star-aligning moments to present an inviting treasure trove of practical advice that both aspiring and professional songwriters can apply to their careers in a flash and get noticeable results. Songwriters, this is well worth your time.