What makes a good song?

There are a lot of opinions on this topic and no one knows all the answers.  It is subject to many variables. I can give you some of the things I learned as a staff writer for many years.  This won't be an exhaustive list but it will help you get started.

1) Remember you're writing to 5th graders.
2) You must have a good memorable lyrical hook.
3) It also needs to have a musical hook that doesn't sound like everything else on the radio.
4) Be original!
5) Try to keep the song as close to three minutes as possible.
6) Get rid of throw away words like buts and I's etc...
7) The topic needs to be relatable to your audience.
8) Keep it interesting.

All of these sound simple to do but there is a lot more to song-writing. This is a good place to start. At AMP our goal is to take you as for as you want to go as a writer. Come join us and let us walk you the art of song-writing. myamp.org

Do you have what it takes????

So you think you have what it takes to penetrate that impregnable wall in music land? What if I said forget it? Keep your day job! You may be thinking what a jerk! You may be right. I can't count how many times people told me that on my journey. There was one person who always believed in me. That person was me. If you don't believe in yourself there's a good chance neither will others.

My belief is this; if you've truly got the gift you can't stop. It's in your heart, your soul and your bones. When GOD GIVES US GIFTS, He does not base it on what other's opinions are. If you got it, claim it, own it and use it. God will do the rest. There is no doubt that at times you will be discouraged, but you can't allow that to stop you if you truly believe in yourself. Remember there are no great people just ordinary people accomplishing great challenges. Three words--Grow thick skin.  Do not listen to the nay sayers, listen to the yea sayers!!!! So when you're about ready to give up remember this -- Don't stop before the miracle happens. It could be the miracle was waiting on you 5 minutes later.

Do you have a plan?

So you want to be a writer, maybe an artist, even a producer or publisher. What's your plan? Do you even have one? I'm sure you've heard the proverbial statement, (putting the wagon before the horse). Where is your horse? There's a myth that runs around the music business that says all you have to have is talent. If you believe that, let me know how that works out for you. Those days are gone. Actually they never existed. Yes some have gotten lucky. Would you prefer trusting luck, or having a well thought out plan? Have you ever heard the harder you work the luckier you get? Well, it's true!

One reason most people don't have a plan is they don't have enough information to form one. Knowledge is your ally. At AMP our goal is to create a custom business model for you so you can focus on your craft. We need to hear from you so we know what you need, not just what we think you need. Here is your opportunity to be a part of your success and to take action in your future! Come join us at AMP and partner with us in your career at myamp.org

We had another wonderful SONGwriters circle. We need your support to continue. Click here. http://www.justin.tv/amptv#r=-rid-&s=em

You can't handle the truth/A few good men

You can't handle the truth! A quote by Jack Nicholson from the movie A Few Good Men. Can you handle the truth? I can't tell you how many times I'm asked the question, how do I get my songs heard?  Are you ready for the truth? Not only is it tough, it's extremely tough. Why, you may ask? First of all there are literally thousands of writers and some of them with hundreds of songs trying to do the same thing you are. Then there's only a limited amount of publishers and producers etc. listening. So why even bother?

You have to ask yourself, are my songs good enough or could they be? I hope you answered yes. And if you did I have some good news. It is just as possible for you as it was for anyone else before you. First your songs have to be very good. Then you have to be willing to do the work to get there. If you're not willing to do the work to get there, don't even bother; it won't happen.

More good news! We are working very hard to develop a program for you to to make that happen. We will be launching our new website very soon. Stay tuned. For now check out our monthly web TV show -- at justin.tv/amptv