#songwriting
#songwriting

15 Behind-The-Scenes Facts About Taylor Swift's "The Tortured Poets Department" That You Might Not Know

Taylor Swift worked on 'The Tortured Poets Department' for about two years while on tour, making it her longest album with 31 songs. [ more ]

www.npr.org

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Taylor Swift's 'Tortured Poets' is written in blood

Taylor Swift's 11th album, The Tortured Poets Department, focuses on her personal life and celebrity image, showcasing her self-expression over audience connection. [ more ]

country-music

www.amny.com

3 days ago

Life after Florida Georgia Line: Brian Kelley ready to reintroduce himself with new solo album | amNewYork

Brian Kelley, of Florida Georgia Line fame, will release a solo album, 'Tennessee Truth', featuring anthemic country songs influenced by rural living and good times. [ more ]

Metro Silicon Valley | Silicon Valley's Leading Weekly

1 week ago

Riley Green is 'Way Out Here' for San Jose Civic Show

Riley Green appreciates his career in country music and feels no pressure for a sophomore slump. [ more ]

Los Angeles Times

From hitmaker to historian: Why Ernest is reviving the sound of classic country music

Ernest commissioned matching pendants with Hardy and Morgan Wallen as a memento of writing songs together [ more ]

time.com

How Beyonce's Jolene' Cover Changes the Meaning of the Dolly Parton Classic

Beyonce releases album with a revamped version of Dolly Parton's Jolene

Parton and Beyonce collaborate on the track Dolly P with a supportive message from Parton. [ more ]

BrooklynVegan

Mike Kinsella breaks down new Owen album 'The Falls of Sioux' track-by-track

Mike Kinsella's 11th Owen album showcases evolved songwriting style with expanded sonic palette, maintaining emotional impact and honesty over two decades. [ more ]

Los Angeles Times

This is what Billie Eilish talks about when she's not promoting 'Barbie, Barbie, Barbie'

Billie Eilish talks about her exhaustion promoting her Oscar-winning song and teases a new album with more mature themes. [ more ]

Consequence

Maya Hawke announces new album Chaos Angel, release "Missing Out"

Maya Hawke announces new album 'Chaos Angel' with lead single 'Missing Out'.

The album explores themes of love, chaos, and redemption through the journey of a 'chaos angel'. [ more ]

Los Angeles Times

The best songs from Taylor Swift's 'Tortured Poets Department' double album

Taylor Swift surprised fans with 15 bonus songs titled 'The Anthology' after releasing 'The Tortured Poets Department', totaling 31 tracks across two albums. [ more ]

www.theguardian.com

Taylor Swift: The Tortured Poets Department review fame, fans and former flames in the line of fire

Taylor Swift's new album is not long-awaited but still eagerly anticipated despite her frequent releases in recent years. [ more ]

Consequence

Sheryl Crow on the Empathy, Joy, and Fear in New Album Evolution: Podcast

Sheryl Crow collaborated with producer Mike Elizondo to break away from her usual songwriting style towards a more cinematic approach.

Crow expresses pessimism about the current state of music and the challenge of breaking through in today's competitive landscape. [ more ]

Vulture

Diane Warren's Oscar-Losing Songs, Ranked

Diane Warren is a prolific songwriter with numerous Oscar nominations but no wins.

Warren's iconic love ballads defined the '90s and showcase her theatricality and understanding of the human condition. [ more ]

www.theguardian.com

Elvis was as pilled up as me!' Dan Penn on writing hits for Aretha, Otis, Dolly and more

Aretha Franklin's hit 'Do Right Woman, Do Right Man' was co-written by Dan Penn and became a classic.

Dan Penn wrote popular songs for artists like Elvis Presley but regrets that Elvis never recorded one of his songs. [ more ]

www.theguardian.com

In January, it was the most heard song on Earth!': the amazing story behind Murder on the Dancefloor

Murder on the Dancefloor by Sophie Ellis-Bextor was originally a spontaneous creation by Gregg Alexander in his blue Ford Mustang. It became a global hit years later.

New Radicals' single You Get What You Give, with almost 440m Spotify plays, was almost not the band's first release. [ more ]

www.nytimes.com

Tired of Being Quiet,' Sarah Jarosz Tests the Mainstream

Songwriting in Nashville is often done through professionalized co-writing sessions.

Sarah Jarosz's new album, Polaroid Lovers, features collaboration with Nashville songwriters and a departure from her usual acoustic sound. [ more ]

Independent.ie

Bernie Taupin on 'urban legend' of writing Elton John's Your Song in 10 minutes

'Your Song' remains one of Sir Elton's biggest hits.

Bernie Taupin and Elton John's collaboration is one of the most successful and prolific in modern music. [ more ]

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Pitchfork

6 days ago

Soccer Mommy to Play New Songs at Intimate Solo Concerts

Sophie Allison, also known as Soccer Mommy, is embarking on intimate solo shows to showcase new music with a focus on organic production. [ more ]

Consequence

4 days ago

beabadoobee announces new album This Is How Tomorrow Moves, drops "Take a Bite"

Beabadoobee's new album 'This Is How Tomorrow Moves' showcases personal and artistic growth, shifting from her typical bedroom recording to working with Rick Rubin at Shangri-La studio. [ more ]

www.theguardian.com

10 hours ago

I don't think it's going to do well': the Zutons on Valerie and Mark Ronson on covering it with Amy Winehouse

The song 'Valerie' by The Zutons was inspired by a makeup artist named Valerie Star who faced legal troubles. The lyrics were meant as a postcard to her, expressing concern and good wishes. [ more ]

consequence.net

1 day ago

Grace Cummings on New Album Ramona Being Inspired by Angel Olsen's Big Time: Podcast

Grace Cummings discusses her new album 'Ramona' and the inspirations behind it. [ more ]

Pitchfork

1 week ago

Dua Lipa: Radical Optimism

Dua Lipa's third album lacks the star power and hit rate expected, despite interesting ideas for songs. [ more ]

www.theguardian.com

1 week ago

Sia: Reasonable Woman review pop reduced to motivational poster

Sia's diverse career spans multiple genres, from pop star to hit songwriter for major artists, overcoming personal struggles and controversies. [ more ]

Bustle

The 13 Most Ruthless Taylor Swift Lyrics, From "Picture To Burn" To 'Tortured Poets'

Taylor Swift's songwriting showcases brutal honesty and ruthless storytelling, making her one of the most renowned writers of the generation. [ more ]

Bustle

The 13 Most Savage Taylor Swift Lyrics, From "Picture To Burn" To 'Tortured Poets'

Taylor Swift is primarily known for her exceptional songwriting and storytelling abilities, often presenting savage and brutally honest lyrics. [ more ]

Consequence

Waxahatchee on Tigers Blood and Modeling Her Voice After Michael Stipe: Podcast

Writing her latest album on the road, Waxahatchee's Katie Crutchfield explores the intersection of her artistic and personal lives. [ more ]

www.nytimes.com

St. Vincent's 10 (or, Actually 11) Essential Songs

Annie Clark (St. Vincent) is a talented artist known for her work ethic, creativity, and fascination with sound creation. [ more ]

www.theguardian.com

From Dylan to Ishiguro: can song lyrics ever be literature?

Kazuo Ishiguro's early songwriting helped him find his understated voice in fiction.

Various artists move between different forms of writing, blurring the lines between literature and lyrics. [ more ]

KQED

6 months ago

Willie Nelson's New Book Looks Back on 7 Decades of His Songwriting | KQED

Nelson started out as a poet and began writing songs at a young age.

His song 'Crazy' became a hit for Patsy Cline and boosted his career. [ more ]

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Washington Post

After rocking for 35 years, Teenage Fanclub turns reflective on 12th album

The latest Teenage Fanclub album maintains the band's signature guitar-driven sound while incorporating new elements like keyboards and harmonies. [ more ]

Pitchfork

Posthumous Johnny Cash Album Songwriter Announced, New Song "Well Alright" Shared

The new posthumous album 'Songwriter' by Johnny Cash features previously unreleased material recorded in 1993, stripped down to vocals and acoustic guitar, with musicians like Marty Stuart contributing. [ more ]

New York Post

Taylor Swift 'likes' post ranking exes - and Joe Alwyn as a dead 'Hunger Games' tribute

Taylor Swift liked an unofficial ranking of her exes and current boyfriend, with Travis Kelce on top and previous relationships at the bottom. [ more ]

Irish Independent

Taylor Swift's The Tortured Poets Department review: fans going to Dublin gigs have a new wealth of riches to look forward to

The album is a break-up record primarily targeting Matty Healy, with Swift's intense emotions fueling the songs. [ more ]

Consequence

Pearl Jam excited about making "more music" after "energizing experience" with producer Andrew Watt

Positive experience working with producer Andrew Watt energized Pearl Jam to want to make more music. [ more ]

time.com

Taylor Swift's Best Bridges, Ranked

Taylor Swift's song bridges showcase her storytelling and lyrical prowess, elevating songs from good to great. [ more ]

Bustle

These Taylor Swift Lyrics Prove She's The Queen Of "Tortured" Pop

Taylor Swift's song lyrics reflect deep emotions and vulnerability throughout her career. [ more ]

Vulture

4 weeks ago

Billy Idol Wanted More, More, More Anthems

Inspiration can strike unexpectedly, leading to the creation of iconic hits like Billy Idol's 'Rebel Yell'. [ more ]

Washington Post

Glitterer isn't a one-man band anymore. The collaboration suits Ned Russin.

Ned Russin started Glitterer as a solo project, proving his songwriting ability.

Glitterer's music reflects an intimate, reflective style with existential themes. [ more ]

Queerty

Before he came out, Elton John courted controversy with this song about a schoolboy crush

Elton John's impact as a prominent LGBTQ+ icon in music history.

Evolution of Elton John's public identification with his sexuality through his music. [ more ]

Slate Magazine

Ariana Grande's Latest Chart-Topper Turns the Controversy Into Jet Fuel

Max Martin and Robyn's initial success led to divergent paths in the music industry over two decades.

Max Martin surpasses John Lennon's chart records with 27 Hot 100 No. 1 hits as a songwriter in 2024. [ more ]

Pitchfork

Adrianne Lenker: Bright Future

Lenker's solo album is recorded straight to tape with raw, intimate moments reflecting spontaneity and impermanence.

The album captures a blend of folk rock outlines and negative spaces, embodying an aesthetic that aligns with Lenker's introspective, memory-evoking songwriting. [ more ]

ABC7 San Francisco

Purple Songs Can Fly helps young patients express themselves through music

Music therapy program at Texas Children's Hospital helps children with cancer express themselves through songwriting and recording.

Purple Songs Can Fly has produced over 3,000 original songs, providing a creative outlet for young patients. [ more ]

www.sbsun.com

Soulful singer Teddy Swims lets his guard down with new music

Teddy Swims aims for vulnerability in music and life

He gained recognition through cover songs before writing original material [ more ]

www.nytimes.com

On Deeper Well,' Kacey Musgraves Is Closer to Fine

Kacey Musgraves embraces contentment in her songwriting, focusing on small pleasures and personal connections.

She moves away from dark energy, embraces self-sufficiency, and celebrates maturity in her music. [ more ]

Pitchfork

Kacey Musgraves: Deeper Well

Kacey Musgraves's sixth album focuses on personal growth and self-improvement.

The album features references to astrology, therapy, and personal development themes. [ more ]

www.nytimes.com

Brittany Howard Sings Through the Pangs of New Love

Brittany Howard, the Grammy-winning artist known for powerful music, explores new dimensions in her solo career dedicated to her late sister.

Howard's latest album, What Now, delves into the themes of processing the past struggles and embracing new beginnings. [ more ]

www.theguardian.com

Artificial intelligence

It's terrifying': songwriter behind Robbie Williams hits out at AI in the music industry

AI in music industry raises concerns about replacing songwriters

Artificial intelligence can create music based on specific requests [ more ]

Futurism

Artificial intelligence

Lou Reed's Widow Resurrected Him as an AI, "Sadly Addicted" to Talking to It

Laurie Anderson uses AI chatbot modeled after late Lou Reed for conversations and songwriting.

Anderson acknowledges the absurdity of talking to AI mimicking her dead husband. [ more ]

Washington Post

Rocker Mary Timony is untamed

Music as a constant through life's upheavals

Metaphors of returning to the earth and solitude [ more ]

Pitchfork

Albert Hammond: Body of Work

Hammond's songs are widely popular through renditions by other artists.

Body of Work reflects Hammond's international influence and sentimental style. [ more ]

www.theguardian.com

Taylor Swift is related to Emily Dickinson, genealogy company reveals

Taylor Swift and Emily Dickinson are sixth cousins, three times removed, descended from a 17th-century English immigrant.

Swift references Dickinson in her songwriting, and fans have noticed connections between Swift's work and the poet's prose. [ more ]

Consequence

Crowded House's Neil Finn on How Being Asked "Would You Write a Song for These Kids?" Led to New Single "Oh Hi"

Neil Finn discusses Crowded House's new album Gravity Stairs and the inspiration behind their first single "Oh Hi."

The band aimed for more direct lyrics on the new album and collaborated with family members on the project. [ more ]

Pitchfork

Faye Webster: Underdressed at the Symphony

Faye Webster values privacy for herself and her dog, hinting at her protective nature.

Webster's latest album 'Underdressed at the Symphony' showcases a shift towards naturalistic songwriting and a more acoustic sound. [ more ]

Boston Condos For Sale Ford Realty

Boston

Has Anyone Ever Written Anything For You Boston Condos For Sale Ford Realty

Joe Walsh wrote a song 'Song For Emma' as a tribute to his daughter.

Stevie Nicks was deeply moved by Walsh's story and wrote 'Has Anyone Ever Written Anything for You.' [ more ]

www.nytimes.com

New York City

Eagles' Don Henley Testifies That Stolen Lyrics Were Deeply Personal

Don Henley and Glenn Frey followed a routine while writing songs

Pages of Mr. Henley's handwritten notes and drafts were stolen and became the center of a prosecution. [ more ]

Bustle

This Taylor Swift Theory About "The Bolter" Points To A Scandalous Woman

Fans speculate Taylor Swift's new song 'The Bolter' on her upcoming album is inspired by Lady Idina Sackville, known for her scandalous life in Kenya.

Swift often draws inspiration from historically significant women in her songwriting, connecting their stories to her own experiences. [ more ]

Harvard Gazette

Inside Harvard's Taylor Swift class - Harvard Gazette

Taylor Swift's lyrics are being studied alongside classic literature in a new English course.

Professor Stephanie Burt compares Swift's songwriting to Romantic-era poets, emphasizing the reflective qualities in her music. [ more ]

Queerty

Omar Apollo is feeling extra angry as he stuns in new fashion spread & teases upcoming album

Omar Apollo is embracing a more angry tone on his upcoming album.

He appreciates the attention but sometimes finds it overwhelming. [ more ]

London Jazz News

Eleonora Claps - new album '10pm'. Launch 22 March, Cafe POSK

Eleonora Claps draws inspiration for her music after her children go to sleep around 10pm.

As a drummer at heart, Eleonora Claps has transitioned into lead singing and songwriting. [ more ]

SFGATE

'I was on crystal meth': The origin story of Green Day's biggest hit

Billie Joe Armstrong reflects on the 30-year anniversary of Green Day's 'Basket Case'.

Armstrong admits to being on crystal meth when he wrote the lyrics to 'Basket Case'. [ more ]

english.elpais.com

The return of Billy Joel: What's a multimillionaire rock star doing, putting out a song 17 years after his last release?

Billy Joel performed at the Grammy ceremony with something old, something new, and something borrowed.

He released his first song in 17 years, performed a hit track from his 1980 album, and sang a duet with Olivia Rodrigo. [ more ]

www.amny.com

Chelsea Wolfe says witchcraft and sobriety informed her latest album | amNewYork

Chelsea Wolfe's album explores themes of witchcraft and spirituality, but the process of making it was a time of healing and relinquishing control.

Wolfe's songwriting process for her album involved embracing different genres, such as trip-hop, and working with a producer who transformed her rock-sounding songs. [ more ]

Washington Post

Mali Velasquez's lush, raw debut album is a portrait of grief

Mali Velasquez's debut album, 'I'm Green,' is a reflection of her navigation through young adulthood and the various forms of grief she has experienced.

The album is characterized by its color symbolism, with green representing something pure and good but also carrying a little bitterness. [ more ]

The Atlantic

The Grammys Belonged to Joni Mitchell

Joni Mitchell's performance at the Grammys solidified her timeless influence on music.

The Grammys showcased a significant representation of female talent and celebrated precise songwriting as emotional storytelling. [ more ]

Los Angeles Times

Billie Eilish wins Grammy for song of the year

Billie Eilish wins Grammy for song of the year.

Eilish's song adds emotional depth to the film 'Barbie'. [ more ]

Vulture

Sing Us a New Song, You're Billy Joel, Man

Billy Joel releases his first piece of original music in nearly two decades

Joel explains his decision to stop writing songs [ more ]

www.theguardian.com

Ed Sheeran asked us for work experience then drank all our beer': Nizlopi on making JCB Song

The author and John started writing songs together at a young age.

Ed Sheeran was a fan of the author's band and wanted to work with them. [ more ]

Independent.ie

Conchur White shines on his debut album, while The Smile takes us within orbit of the Radiohead mothership

Conchúr White's debut album Swirling Violets is exceeding expectations and impressing listeners.

The album features slow-burn songs that creep up on listeners and have a lasting impact. [ more ]

New York Post

Billy Joel to release first new music in decades with pop song 'Turn the Lights Back On'

Billy Joel will release a new pop song, titled "Turn the Lights Back On," on Feb. 1.

This will be Joel's first single with words since 2007's "All My Life," as he retired from songwriting in 1993. [ more ]

Washington Post

Pinkhouse is evolving but can still evoke early-20s ennui

The song '13th Street' by Pinkhouse feels sincere and explores the universal experience of early adulthood.

Max Fillion is responsible for songwriting and lyrics on the EP 'Vanity Project,' but is joined by drummer Brandon Breazeale and bassist Nick Cervone in bringing the songs to life. [ more ]

Consequence

Winter shares Origins of new song "the lonely girl": Exclusive

Winter debuts a new song titled 'the lonely girl' that incorporates '90s nostalgia and various styles of music from that era.

The song was inspired by the concept of 'verticalization,' which explores how memories and feelings can transport us to different points in our lives. [ more ]

Pitchfork

Marika Hackman: Big Sigh

Marika Hackman's new album, Big Sigh, is the result of slowly piecing songs together over the last few years and finding the confidence to helm production for the first time.

The album features a mix of different styles, with songs ranging from electro-pop-rock hybrids to acoustic ballads.

Hackman's songwriting on Big Sigh is incisive and venomous, with sweet melodies paired with venomous couplets. [ more ]

Pitchfork

The National's Matt Berninger and David Letterman Discuss Depression, Songwriting, and More

Matt Berninger discusses depression and the challenges of being a public figure

Berninger's writing process and the meaning behind the lyrics of 'Smoke Detector' [ more ]

The Village Voice

Connie Lovatt on Neil Young's 'Hitchhiker' - The Village Voice

Neil Young's album 'Hitchhiker' had a profound impact on the author's songwriting journey.

The consistency and energy in each song on the album is remarkable and unexplainable. [ more ]

Advocate.com

Brandy Clark, Kelly Clarkson Perform 'Dear Insecurity' With Stunning Harmonies

Country star Brandy Clark is praised as the greatest songwriter of our generation by Kelly Clarkson.

Clark is nominated for six Grammy Awards for her self-titled album. [ more ]

www.theguardian.com

Shane MacGowan, Pogues songwriter and Irish music legend, dies aged 65

Shane MacGowan, lead singer of the Pogues, has died at the age of 65 following a long period of ill health.

MacGowan sought to bring the power of Irish folk music to the rock scene and frequently wrote about Irish culture and nationalism.

His dedication to his craft earned him the Ivor Novello songwriting inspiration award in 2018. [ more ]

Vulture

Dolly Parton on the Most Prolific and Invigorating Music of Her Career

Dolly Parton rejected her Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nomination but later accepted her induction and recorded a rock album.

Parton's career is defined by her songwriting and her ability to tell stories through her songs. [ more ]

english.elpais.com

I expected to be killed off by AIDS at an early age': The very long story of The Magnetic Fields and their masterpiece

Stephin Merritt released the album 69 Love Songs in 1999, which was hailed as a masterpiece.

Many of Merritt's recent works have been received more discreetly compared to his breakthrough album. [ more ]

HuffPost

Billie Eilish Thought She Hit Her 'Peak' Before Dropping This Grammy-Nominated Song

Billie Eilish felt uninspired before creating the song 'What Was I Made For?' for the 'Barbie' soundtrack.

Eilish thought she had hit her peak and couldn't write anymore before her brother helped her with the song. [ more ]

Metro Silicon Valley | Silicon Valley's Leading Weekly