Inside Songwriting: Getting To The Heart Of Creativity

by Jason Blume

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-selling 6 Steps to Songwriting Success , returns with a book that has been called the musician’s version of Natalie Goldberg’s million-selling Writing Down the Bones .


Inside Songwriting presents 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. But Inside Songwriting also 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.

Genres: Music

176 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[Rajeev Singh · Rating 1 out of 5]

The low rating is largely due to the misleading title. Despite what it suggests, this book is almost entirely about the songwriting industry and not about creativity.

If you want to study and understand the craft of songwriting, then I'd recommend reading Pat Pattison's books. He focuses on the means and the methods of writing effective (communicative) songs.

With that in mind, if your goal is to become a professional pop music songwriter and you want insight into how one person achieved that goal, then this book may be a worthwhile read.

[Subrata Pal · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this book the author Jason bloom does not mention clearly the point to point guidance for writing a song but knee details about the music industry and how a lyricst journey from the beginning towards his successful career.

[Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

A close look at Jason's path and journey to a successful songwriter. Some good exercises and encouragement, but a somewhat dry look at songwriting from a commercial perspective. Even so, good lessons and short chapters that can help to lead you on your songwriting journey.