Songwriting Magazine Issue 31

Songwriting Magazine Summer 2023: the launch of our 31st issue coincides with the launch of a new membership programme

Savan Kotecha, Sophie B. Hawkins, Freya Ridings, Seafret, Kent Blazy, Ines Dunn, The Kooks, KT Tunstall, Calexico, New Hope Club

It’s a proud moment for Songwriting as we launch the Summer 2023 edition – the inaugural membership issue – of our digital magazine. The start of an exciting new adventure, to mark the occasion we’ve packed the mag with all the inspiration, information, tips and tricks that a songwriter could possibly need.

Gracing our cover is the pop songwriter supremo Savan Kotecha. Having written songs for global sensations such as Ariana Grande, One Direction and The Weeknd, not to mention working closely with Max Martin, Kotecha’s ability to craft memorable melodies that capture the hearts of millions is truly inspiring (and we’re saying nothing about his love of Dawson’s Creek).

Savan Kotecha: the cover star of Songwriting Magazine Summer 2023

Also in this issue, we learn all about Freya Ridings’ new album Blood Orange. Written on her beloved piano, with the help of her fans, it’s a triumphant record created during turbulent times. Also back, but from a much longer absence, is the 90s superstar Sophie B. Hawkins. We couldn’t let her return pass without stopping by to discuss her career and latest release Free Myself.

Three classic songs get the How We Wrote treatment. Up first is If Tomorrow Never Comes, with Kent Blazy recalling the debut song he ever wrote with Garth Brooks. We also have Ines Dunn on the creation of Mimi Webb’s pop banger House On Fire and Luke Pritchard of The Kooks on the enduring appeal of Naïve.

KT Tunstall: one of the Technique features in Songwriting Magazine Summer 2023

Getting technical… We glean a quartet of tips from Scottish sensation KT Tunstall, Will Lawton discusses how instrumental passages can elevate your songwriting, Rebecca Folsom gives your career a rocket boost with her trim tab moves, and The Little Unsaid’s Tim Heymerdinger reveals his secrets for long-distance success. As always, James Linderman helms the help desk and tackles your latest batch of questions.

There’s more (much more). New Hope Club’s Reece Bibby reveals his essential songwriting kit. Ashaine White deconstructs her latest grunge-soul creation. Joey Burns of Calexico espouses the virtue of good coffee and vinyl. Lemar goes through the songs on his new album. Seafret guitarist Harry Draper drops in for a quick chat. Elsewhere, we introduce a trio of rising talents: Siobhán Winifred, Pynch, and Samantha Lindo.

Throw in the latest gear, news, reviews and a whole lot more, and you have yourselves one bumper issue.

Find out how you can read this and all 30 of our back issues by subscribing to our membership programme at steadyhq.com/songwriting

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