I am working on a new album of songs. I am taking it back to the old school Minneapolis Sound. Feel Good, Pop, Dance, Funk. I am working on quite a few songs right now. I wanted to share a new one I just sang and mixed today. It is called, “Law of Attraction” Check it out:
“Law of Attraction” written and produced by Chad Shank. ©2013 Chad Shank, Rowley Street Music, BMI
For 3 weeks, starting on October 18, 2012, I will be teaching a songwriting class in St Louis Park, MN. If you are a songwriter, this is a great, affordable course that will give you the inside scoop on how you can improve your writing. Here is the course description:
Are you a songwriter? Do you write lyrics? Do you struggle with writer’s block or not knowing what to write about? Want to write better songs? Join us for an in-depth look at what makes hit songs work, and explore topics like object writing, point of view, rhyme scheme, building contrast, and writing from your senses. Songwriting is a mix of craft and art. Many times it starts with inspiration to get a rough draft, but how do you make your song shine? You’ll leave with the tools to start writing better songs that touch people. Instructor Chad Shank is a songwriter and producer with over 15 years experience. His songs have been used on TV shows on MTV, CMT, HBO, Hallmark, WE TV, NBC, Discovery and others. No specific music skills are required. Open to students ages 16 and up. Bring a notebook.
This week I gave myself a songwriting assignment. I posted that assignment here. I started off following my own assignment pretty closely….but then the song kinda of took a few different turns. Mainly in the number of lines in the sections and where in the measures the melody starts. Anyway, what came out was the start of a song called, “Human.” It probably needs some work, but the whole point of these assignments and exercises is to keep myself writing. Not every song is going to be a smash hit, but even the not-quite-there songs are very important, because you don’t reach the gold without digging for it. So this is my songwriting ‘digging’ this week….. ~~ Chad
Human
by Chad Shank
He has beach blond hair with darker streaks
And he moves like a breeze across the beach
The sand sticks to his sweat
Beads of water on his skin
He’s free as the Caribean sun sets
Chorus:
He feels Human
In this place he likes to find his joy
Where he feels Human
Away from the stress
Away from the noise
He feels Human
Sometimes he paints to forget the pain
With a brush in his hand in a different state
Emotions on the page
Feelings in the scene
Art is what takes him away
CHORUS
Bridge:
He lets himself go
Lost in the taste, touch, sight, sound and smell
Where he can find himself
Find himself again
Chorus Repeats
Chords:
Verse: ||Cm |Cm |Ab |Ab |Cm |Cm |Fm |Fm ||
Chorus: ||Ab |Bb |Gm |Gm ||
Bridge: ||Bb Fm |Ab ||
©2012 Chad Shank
People usually understand the idea of a songwriting class, or seminar…but I find that, at first, my clients are a little confused by 1 on 1 songwriting lessons. They understand piano and guitar lessons, but maybe not quite songwriting lessons…..Doesn’t everyone know how to write songs? You just write. Well….yes and no. We all have been listening to songs since our parents played or sang us lullabies. Songs are not in short supply. We hear them all the time. We know what great songs sound like, so we can write them, right? You do hear them, but do you really know what is going on mechanically with the lyrics, melody and harmony that make it a great song?
In my songwriting lessons, it is my goal to share with you the knowledge and know-how to write better songs than you have ever written. Songs that people not only like, but LOVE. Songs that connect and get people emotionally….and maybe even financially invested in you. (Insert smiley faces and dollars signs)
How can I teach that? Well in my lessons, I break down songwriting concepts into very basic and fundamental theories and ideas. Some of those concepts are hidden in plain sight, we hear them subconsciously and don’t really know what is happening….but what if you DID know what was happening and could do it on purpose? THAT is what songwriting lessons are about. We will look at your current writing….or maybe you haven’t written yet, but want to know how. We will break it into very simple, yet powerful chunks and nurture your creative songwriter.
So right now I am offering anyone who emails me, and lives in the Minneapolis or the Twin Cities area a free 1 hour songwriting lesson/coaching session. Yes, I said, if you live in Minneapolis, I will meet with you in-person and give you a free 1 hour lesson/session. That is worth $60! —- WAIT….but what if I DON’T live in Minneapolis? Well for you guys, I am offering a free song critique. I will critique one of your songs and give you some pointers on how to make it better. That is a $20 value….FREE.
All you need to do is EMAIL ME. Also be sure to follow this site and sign up to get my email updates….I am working on booking some new songwriting classes, workshops, and I am working on some new songwriting E-Books!
~ Chad
I am starting to book 1 on 1 songwriting lessons and coaching for this summer. If you are in Minneapolis and the Twin Cities area, I host the lessons at my project studio in the west metro. If you do not live in Minneapolis, we can work out online lessons via phone, web, or skype.
Do you write songs, but they seem to be missing something, or not connecting with listeners? Do you struggle with how to finish or develop good song ideas? I can help you, no matter what level you are at by teaching you tried and useful techniques, theories and tools. It will help you grow as a songwriter.
Send me an email or give me a call at 612-454-0926 to book a session. ~~ Chad
It is official! C-Sharp Productions has landed in the pages of the April issue of More Magazine.
One of the editors interviewed me for a story they did on women who have followed a dream. They wanted to see how much it costs to go after all kinds of dreams. The dream I was asked about was recording a CD. C-Sharp Productions has been around since 1996 so I have helped all kinds of bands and artists record CD’s. I have worked with people on 1 song demos, all the way up to full CD’s.
So next time you are at a book store, look for More Magazine with Helen Mirren on the cover. It is the April issue. My little 15 minutes of national fame is on page 119. There is also a great photo and write up of jazz singer Sharon Rae North.
Please let me know if there are any music business topics you may want discussed on this blog. —- CHAD
