Dear Songwriter...

Written by: Connor Frost
  • Summary

  • A podcast to help you confidently and regularly write and release your music.

    © 2025 Dear Songwriter...
    Show more Show less
Episodes
  • 123. Two Key Production Decisions I Made in My Latest Single
    Feb 25 2025

    **these notes were created using ChatGPT**

    Episode Summary:
    In this episode, songwriter and teacher Connor Frost dives into two key songwriting decisions he made for his single Sit and Wait. Reflecting on post-release insights, Connor discusses the techniques that shaped the song and how you can apply them to your own songwriting.

    Key Takeaways:
    🎵 Melody Replacement: Connor removed a vocal melody in the second post-chorus and replaced it with a violin to give the instrument its moment and allow the listener to process the song’s storyline.
    🎶 Harmony to Melody Transformation: He transformed a background harmony into a main melody later in the song, using a technique of musical foreshadowing to build anticipation and enhance the emotional impact.

    Episode Breakdown:

    • Introduction to the episode and Connor’s approach to songwriting
    • Decision #1: Melody Replacement – Why and how he swapped vocals for violin
    • Decision #2: Harmony to Melody – The concept of musical foreshadowing
    • Song preview: Full playthrough of Sit and Wait
    • How you can use these techniques in your own songwriting
    • Invitation to book a free ‘Just Start’ call to discuss your songwriting goals

    Listen to the Full Song:
    Stay tuned until the end of the episode for a full playthrough of Sit and Wait.

    Want to Take Your Songwriting to the Next Level?
    Book a free ‘Just Start’ call with Connor Frost! Let’s talk about your songwriting goals and challenges to see if we’re a good fit to work together.
    📅 Schedule your call here: connorfrost.com/startcall

    🎧 Listen, learn, and keep writing!
    Until next time—happy songwriting!

    Show more Show less
    11 mins
  • 122. How Do I Book My First Live Event?
    Feb 11 2025

    **these notes were generated using ChatGPT**

    Podcast Summary:

    Episode Title: How to Book Your First Live Show
    In this episode, Connor Frost shares a live Q&A session from his Songwriter Accelerator Program. This conversation focuses on helping musicians like Lauren, a Chicago-based artist, navigate the journey of booking their first live show. Key topics covered include:

    • Starting Out: The importance of performing at open mics to gain experience and network with other local musicians.
    • Booking Shows: Three main approaches for securing a live performance:
      1. Contacting venues or promoters directly and discussing your potential audience draw.
      2. Organizing a night of music by coordinating with other local acts.
      3. Connecting with local bands to collaborate on shows and cross-promote.
    • Merchandise Strategy: Beginning with low-cost items like stickers and focusing on selling merch in person at shows to maximize sales.
    • Hosting a Release Party: Using a live performance as a release event and leveraging it as an opportunity to network with other artists. DIY setups, such as house shows, are also viable options.

    Connor encourages artists to be proactive, honest about their audience size, and patient when planning events, suggesting a three to four-month lead time when booking venues.

    Show Notes:

    Episode Title: How to Book Your First Live Show

    Host: Connor Frost
    Guest: Lauren Daly (artist, and student in the Songwriter Accelerator Program)

    Topics Covered:

    1. Getting Started: Why open mics are an essential first step for live performance experience and networking.
    2. Booking Strategies:
      • Contacting venues or promoters.
      • Organizing your own event with other local acts.
      • Collaborating with active local musicians.
    3. Merchandise Tips: When and how to start selling merch effectively, focusing on in-person events.
    4. Release Parties: Tips for planning and executing a release show, whether at a venue or a DIY house setup.

    Resources Mentioned:

    • Learn more about Connor’s Songwriter Accelerator Program and book a free call: ConnorFrost.com/startcall.

    Actionable Advice:

    • Start with open mics to gain confidence and meet other musicians.
    • When booking, be honest about your audience size (your “draw”).
    • Plan three to four months in advance for events.
    • Use release parties as both a performance opportunity and a networking event.

    Connect with Connor Frost:
    Website: ConnorFrost.com
    Instagram: @connorfrost

    Listen to Lauren's Music on Spotify and Apple Music:

    https://open.spotify.com/artist/6n81YafoFigO1FkNWINKpe?si=iLyD5iDSTMuwC23qrMFTlQ

    https://music.apple.com/us/artist/lauren-daly/1632831586

    Show more Show less
    9 mins
  • FROM THE VAULT: Four Questions I Ask During the Demo Production Process
    Jan 28 2025

    *This episode originally aired on May 7th, 2024*

    Dear songwriter,

    Are you overwhelmed by the plethora of sounds and instruments you have at your disposal once you open up your Digital Audio Workstation (DAW)? I've been there too, and this episode is designed to be your friendly guide through the seemingly daunting terrain of music production. We're diving into the art of creating purposeful music with insights from my own journey from creating sounds to forging music with intention and precision.

    You will be guided through a step-by-step process aimed at helping you make decisions about which instruments to use in your tracks and which ones to boot. Learn how to externalize and implement a mental checklist that brings clarity as you write, arrange, and produce your new songs.

    Four Questions I Ask During the Demo Production Process:

    1. What is the role of the instrument I’m adding?
    2. What is the context for this instrument (AKA why is it even there?)
    3. What is its relationship with the other instruments and voices?
    4. Do I even need this instrument?

    Take this chance to transform your DAW session from a daunting challenge into a playground of limitless potential!

    Like what your hearing in the Dear Songwriter... podcast? Leave us quick review or 5 star rating on Spotify or Apple Podcasts!

    Mentions and Links:

    Social Media:

    • Instagram: @connorlfrost

    Songs/Artists:

    • While My Guitar Gently Weeps - The Beatles

    Digital Audio Workstations(DAWs):

    • GarageBand
    • Pro Tools
    • Logic Pro

    Podcasts:

    • 108. Analyzing the Songwriting of The Beatles' George Harrison
    Show more Show less
    12 mins

What listeners say about Dear Songwriter...

Average Customer Ratings

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.