Introduction Let’s face it: for Singer / Songwriters and other creatives, dealing with technical issues can be a nightmare. We just want to log on, tune in, and create. Nothing is more frustrating than getting into the zone, only to be interrupted by the blue screen of death, or some other ominous error alert. All […]
Author Archives: Eric
Englishman in New York – Chords and Theory
A great song that isn’t too difficult to play. Originally released in 1987, back when NYC was a very interesting (and more dangerous) place to live. It’s in the key of Bm, and switches to it’s Relative Major of D. Scroll down to the bottom to understand the music theory behind the song. Chords Verse […]
How to Copyright an Unpublished Work / Song
Why Copyright an Unpublished Work / Song? Why copyright a song (with the U.S. Copyright Office) before you release it to the public (publish it)? Because sometimes you might want to sell the song to another artist, or show it to producers. You still want to protect your work, yet at the same time aren’t […]
How Long Does it Take To Write a Song?
Introduction Rome wasn’t built in a day. People don’t achieve greatness the same day they’re born. Songs can, but it’s rare. The great songwriters of modern music have taken years to finish great songs sometimes, per their own admission. I recently listened to some of my unreleased songs after not hearing them for 6 months, […]
Copyrighting Songs in Different Countries
Intro As someone who writes songs in different languages (namely English and Spanish), I was wondering whether I should register my Spanish-language songs with INDAUTOR in Mexico (Mexico’s Institute of Authors Rights), since those songs I’d mostly be promoting within Mexico, and possibly working with Mexican music producers. I’m based in the US, so wasn’t […]
Song Analysis – Sade – The Sweetest Taboo
Chords i7 | v7 | iv7 | v7 Bbm7 | Fm7 | Ebm7 | Fm7
Best Portable Audio Recorder
Best Portable Audio Recorder (That won’t break the bank)
39 Creative Gift Ideas for Musicians and Music Producers
Introduction If you’re like me, thinking of a gift idea for a loved one can be quite draining around the holiday season (or birthdays). It can be really frustrating, especially if that person doesn’t know what they want… OR you might want to surprise them with something really special. I made this list asking my […]
How to Shoot Cinematic Video with an iPhone
1.55x or 1.33x, for Cinematic Video? I decided to go with the Sandmarc 1.33x for the iPhone XS. One of my favorite 90’s movies, Leon the Professional, was shot with a 2.35 : 1 aspect ratio, and according to Richard Lackey, a 1.33x anamorphic lens will result in a 2.39 : 1 aspect ratio. Comparatively, […]
Best (Cheap) Lighting Setup for Recording Videos (Covers, Livestreaming, Etc.)
Part of my own plan is to record myself playing acoustic guitar and singing, both my original songs and covers, to post to YouTube / Instagram / etc. Also, to pay the bills, teaching online (with a webcam) is necessary. Good lighting offers more professionalism and a better experience for the student in this situation. […]