Regular Columnists

Join our columnists for discussions about the creative process and business of writing songs. Ask them questions! Read a few music reviews or send in your own music to be reviewed. If you know of someone who would make a good columnist, please feel free to make a suggestion!

Music Life
Want to devote your life to your music, but the selling of your soul has your personal life in shambles?  Brian Donovan talks about how to make your creative life and your everyday life peacefully, and productively, co-exist.

Nothin' But The Truth
Written by Bronson Herrmuth, this column contains articles he has written about many facets of the music business, many of which focus on or directly relate to songwriting. In addition he shares one on one studio interviews that he conducts in Nashville with Music Row veteran songwriters, musicians, producers, artists and music publishers.

Songwriting Techniques and Theories
Kole is a professional Musician, Guitarist, and Instructor living in the Los Angeles area.  This column deals with all things pertaining to the topics like songwriting inspiration and composition techniques.

Engines of Creation
Alex Jasperse's column is a combination of lessons and articles designed to challenge the sonic touchstones to which so many guitarists chain themselves to. From practice techniques to questions about the multifaceted capacity of the guitar, these articles will explore the new ways to celebrate the advancement of the instrument.

Blue Collar Rockin'
With over thirty years experience as a local amp tech, studio musician, music teacher, songwriter,and performer, Mick Polich knows a thing or two about what it takes to survive in the music business at a local level. You, too, can benefit from Mick's monthly insights, stories, and tips on being an "old school rocker" in the ever evolving "new business" of pursuing your craft, even if you're a spouse with a family and a mortgage!

Adventures of a Songwriter
Jerry Flattum's column is based on his book, Bridge On Fire: A Holistic Journey In Song Creation, being published in 2005 by Publish America. For Jerry, songwriting is an adventure, and to get a song from creation to market is like crossing a burning bridge. Once you get to the other side...there ain't no turnin' back.  For more information, you can visit his website.

The Indie Guide to Music, Marketing and Money
Jaci Rae shares insights and information on how to make your mark and money in the music industry. Whether you're looking for a job in the music industry or trying to launch an indie or mainstream music career, this is the place to be.

The Brit File
This column will report on the activities and successes of Trevor Krueger as a songwriter and of other up and coming talent from the English side of the pond.

The Legal Score
Guy Betar's column will draw on his unique background as a specialist IP and business lawyer, and a composer and musician, to provide practical and useful legal and commercial advice to composers and musicians. His focus in exploring a range of topics of his choosing, and those raised by readers, will help the professionals and amateurs better understand their rights and how to protect and exploit them. Suggested topics and questions are welcome.

Sounding Off
Cheryl Mullen introduces us to talented artists and bands that we really do need to hear about.

The Shallow End
JJ Biener provides a hitch-hiker's guide through the vast ocean of Internet resources available to the independent musician/songwriter. The aim is to help you produce professional quality sound without getting in over your head.

Mary's Musings: Advice for the Independent Songwriter
Mary Dawson, author of the book, "How to Get Somewhere in the Music Business from Nowhere with Nothing," and instructor of songwriting and commercial music at Southern Methodist University, offers up her articles and advice on subjects near and dear to the independent's heart. Regular articles will pop up here but you are - of course - welcome to ask her questions of your own.