You know that putting in the work is important, but what does that really mean for your life? Mike Meiers and guest Heather Taylor team up to give you three simple things to fall back on when you're feeling lost in the process. What are overwhelm, tiredness, or feeling unfulfilled telling you? It might be different than you think! Creating big songwriting goals for yourself also entails making some mindset goals and changes to the way you look at your schedule. Tune in for the three tips on progressing towards songwriting wins - at any point in your journey ..read more

One choice can change everything - the decision that you make ultimately boils down to willingness. Willingness to put in the work marks the beginning and end of your songwriting woes. What will you miss out on by trying? Absolutely nothing. Returning guest Josh Doyle and Mike Meiers argue that every ounce of effort you invest is worthwhile because it all contributes to discovering your process and uncovering the ease of creation. What will you gain by seeking expert advice? Find out for yourself. Don’t miss the opportunity to receive a song critique from SFG Coach Josh Doyle, someone who has ..read more

The finished product always sounds so flawless, so obvious, so easy, but behind the scenes of that creative project are blood, sweat, and tears—otherwise known as process and development over months and years. In today’s dynamic episode, Coach Josh Doyle returns to chat with Mike Meiers about the importance of putting in the work. As we learn the craft of production or songwriting, it’s easy to gloss over the details or simply ignore them, but paying attention to the minutiae is what will set you apart from the rest. The problem with quick solutions is that you’re competing with artists and ta ..read more

Doing something new can be scary, it’s why most people stay in their comfort zones. Mike and guest Seth Schaeffer from Behind the Act talk mindset, advancing towards goals, starting new ventures, and the difference in navigating the process or running away from it. In this episode, they tackle the fear of the unknown, the importance of seeking help, and the power of leaning into your strengths. They discuss the journey from perfectionism to unintentional growth, and the art of juggling different passions and talents. Pro songwriters have a process but what's it like before then? Mike and Seth ..read more

Songwriting is a craft that encompasses many different approaches and perspectives on what to develop and work on. In this episode, Mike Meiers and Madeline Finn begin by discussing which aspect of a song—music, lyrics, or melody—is the most important. You might be surprised at their answer. From foundational tips for lyricists to strategic frameworks designed to help melody makers overcome fears and boost confidence in their musical choices, this episode offers invaluable guidance. If you find yourself getting stuck in holding patterns with your songs, take half an hour to delve into the impo ..read more

Are you pursuing an unconventional or creative passion? This episode explores the challenges faced by all who venture into unique paths. When host Mike Meiers first set out to pursue music, even close people in his life thought he was nuts to try it; until he succeeded and got his first co-write, his first sync placement, his Emmy. Once the courageous ones start to achieve what they set out to, those awkward looks become looks of admiration.  What does it take to persevere in an unconventional career path? Tune into this week’s episode for an empowering discussion that encourage ..read more

Mike sits down with the extraordinary composer, John Lunn, known for his outstanding work on shows like Shetland, The Last Kingdom, and Downton Abbey. Mike dives deep into John's extensive background in both classical and pop music, exploring the intricate process of composing for television and film. Discover how John Lunn crafts music that seamlessly aligns with visuals, elevating the emotional impact of scenes. This episode unravels the mysteries of writing to picture, showcasing John's remarkable talent and insights. The conversation delves into his creative process, how he determines what ..read more

Join host Mike Meiers on a journey through the highs, lows, and revelations of the Songwriting for Guitar Podcast. From initial hesitations to unexpected growth, Mike shares the top five lessons he learned in reaching 100 episodes, and how they can relate and empower your music career. From a rigid NPR-like beginning to lively chats with industry icons, the show evolved, creating a warm environment for insightful conversations. Now in the most current form, our episodes offer tangible takeaways for musicians learning and growing their craft. As we celebrate this milestone, I invite you to emba ..read more

The infamous writer's block strikes again! Cue ominous drums, Duhn duhn duhhhn. It's a familiar struggle, an inevitable part of the creative process that can leave even the most seasoned songsmiths questioning their abilities. But there's a way out of this creative funk, and the path to renewed inspiration is within this episode. Hitting a creative wall is perfectly normal, a hurdle that some of the greatest songwriters have confronted on their journeys. The key to breaking free from this creative paralysis lies in building a toolkit of strategies that rekindle your muse, reignite your passion ..read more

Welcome to a special episode where we dive into essential insights on becoming a more confident and successful songwriter. In this conversation, we join Mike Meiers and Judy Stakee as they discuss the journey of gaining confidence in songwriting and offer valuable tips for songwriters of all levels. Judy Stakee, a renowned figure in the music industry, shares her wisdom and experiences gained from working with some of the biggest names in the business, including Sheryl Crow and Katy Perry.  Judy and Mike provide valuable insights into developing your own unique process and system to unloc ..read more