Songwriting – ‘at the heart of great music’
Songwriting is a quarterly online magazine aimed at songwriters and at fans of song-led music – of all genres. We take advice from successful artists, producers and musicians to provide you with tips, techniques, ideas and inspiration to keep the music flowing, from writing lyrics and melodies to advice on how to promote yourself and your songs. Plus you’ll find interviews with big names, rising stars, and behind-the-scenes songwriters who will share their wisdom. Download the Songwriting app now…
Latest Articles
14/10/2019
Interview: Tim Burgess
We got to know the Salford-born singer-songwriter who you’ll recognise as the frontman of British indie rock band The Charlatans…
10/10/2019
Interview: Howard Jones
A defining figure of mid-80s synth-pop, Howard Jones reflects on his venerable career 35 years after his sudden transatlantic success…
06/10/2019
Five minutes with… P.P. Arnold
Five decades after becoming a 60s icon, the first lady of soul talks about returning with an adventurous new album…
04/10/2019
Song Deconstructed: ‘Being’ by Johanna Amelie
The alt-pop Berliner reveals the inspiration, lyrics, music and recording of her brand new release – a song about boundaries…
03/10/2019
On The Stereo #52
Here’s our latest playlist, championing new songs from The Frampton Sisters, Miranda Lambert, The Cigarettes, Little Scream and Kevin McGuire…
01/10/2019
Discover: Topic Records
On its 80-year anniversary, we explore the scene, icon and players associated with the oldest independent label in the world…
29/09/2019
How I wrote One Direction’s ‘Little Things’ by Fiona Bevan
The Suffolk-born singer-songwriter explains how she and Ed Sheeran made the little song that gave 1D another UK No 1…
27/09/2019
Song-by-Song: ‘Come Back’ by Emma Frank
The Brooklyn-based avant-garde folk artist details the creation of each track from her latest album, revealing a rollercoaster of emotions…
25/09/2019
On The Stereo #51
Our team reviews a collection of new releases from Old Dominion, The Darkness, Mariama, Jack And Tim and Sun Bloom…
23/09/2019
Song Deconstructed: ‘The Water’ by Gabriella Cilmi
The Australian singer-songwriter explains how The Doors, Scientology documentaries and two chords went into the making of her latest release…
21/09/2019
Five minutes with… Kelsea Ballerini
The two-time Grammy Award-nominated songstress from Tennessee talks about her new single ‘Homecoming Queen?’, her forthcoming album and UK audiences…
19/09/2019
How I wrote ‘Zombie’ by The Cranberries’ Dolores O’Riordan
Before the Irish band’s singer tragically died in 2018, she told us how this classic 90s rock song was created…
18/09/2019
How I wrote ‘Elusive’ by Scott Matthews
The Wolverhampton singer-songwriter reveals how his debut single earned him a tour with Foo Fighters and an Ivor Novello award…
17/09/2019
Interview: Charles Esten
With a UK tour just around the corner, the country star and actor takes us through a lifetime of songwriting…
15/09/2019
Fender revives its 60s 12-string classic guitar
Arriving in 1965, the Electric XII was aimed at folk-rock musicians and it can be heard on ‘Stairway To Heaven’…
14/09/2019
How I wrote ‘Connected’ by Stereo MCs’ Rob Birch
The frontman explains how their most famous song is a long and winding tale of riots, London buses and underpants…
12/09/2019
On The Stereo #50
We’ve been getting excited by new music from James McArthur, Jason Tyler Burton, Andy Brown, Forty Elephant Gang and Chase…
09/09/2019
Leslie Stevens’ Songwriting Survival Kit
Whether it’s her sketchbook, guitar or an open mind, these are the essential items the LA-based singer-songwriter can’t do without…
08/09/2019
Unsigned Only announces winners of annual contest
Anna Wolf has been crowned the winner of 2019’s Unsigned Only music competition, becoming the first South African to win…
06/09/2019
Songs In The Key Of… Wilco
With a comprehensive new book about Jeff Tweedy’s band on the horizon, its author walks us through 12 essential tracks…
04/09/2019
Introducing… Gethen Jenkins
The former marine has embraced outlaw country and his debut album is one of the year’s most exciting new offerings…
03/09/2019
On The Stereo #49
The team’s track selection process unearths some absolute gems from Maybe April, Crash Adams, Serafina Steer, Marc Bianco and Molly-Anne…
01/09/2019
How I wrote ‘Silence Is Easy’ by Starsailor’s James Walsh
The indie band’s frontman on creating their two-chord, Phil Spector-produced hit single, and how easy it is to sing drunk!…
31/08/2019
Oasis podcast offers eye-witness accounts of seminal album
Contributions from friends, fans, musicians and the band’s inner circle shine a light on the chaotic genius of ‘Definitely Maybe’…
30/08/2019
Song Deconstructed: ‘Die To Be With You’ by Eli Musser
A true student of popular music, this New York songwriter invites us to learn a thing or two about love…
27/08/2019
How I wrote ‘She’s So Lovely’ by Scouting For Girls’ Roy Stride
The pop-rock band’s frontman explains how their debut hit took two years of tweaking and “dicking around on the piano”…
26/08/2019
Dear songwriter (are you done waiting?)
In her latest letter, regular columnist Francesca de Valence encourages you to get writing, every day, and keep on writing…
