Jesse Weekshttp://jesseweeks.typepad.com/my_quest_to_write_a_hit_s/My quest to become a hit songwriter.enSat, 21 Jan 2012 18:19:32 PSTTypePad http://www.typepad.com/noMy quest to become a hit songwriter.Productive Januaryhttp://jesseweeks.typepad.com/my_quest_to_write_a_hit_s/2012/01/productive-january.htmlJesse WeeksSat, 21 Jan 2012 18:19:32 PSTtag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00e5501044ce8833016760e78673970b

I count myself lucky to have met drummer/writer/producer Max Roach in late 2011 at a local music networking meeting "BS Fridays".

In the last few weeks we've pumped out some songs which are currently being pitched all over the place including some big name artists.

We work well as a team as I focus on lyrics/melody while Max engages in creating serious drum programming chops and digital instrumentation.

Check out a new demo "Yesterday" on my Soundcloud page. The tune features a great up-and-coming singer named "Elijah".

]]>I count myself lucky to have met drummer/writer/producer Max Roach in late 2011 at a local music networking meeting "BS Fridays". In the last few weeks we've pumped out some songs which are currently being pitched all over the place...2011 Radiostar Contesthttp://jesseweeks.typepad.com/my_quest_to_write_a_hit_s/2011/12/2011-radiostar-contest.htmlJesse WeeksTue, 27 Dec 2011 09:55:48 PSTtag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00e5501044ce883301543907ba35970c

I won the 2009 Radiostar contest when it was more of a song contest, they have since changed the contest to be more like a talent contest where the artist/band is a larger piece of the puzzle than just the song.

I recently had the pleasure of working with a great pop/rock band called "Eleven Past One".  They have entered this years contest and need online votes before Jan 16th.  Support me indirectly through supporting them :)  Go to this link, page 8 in the right column to vote for "Eleven Past One".  Thx & Happy New Year !!

ElevenPastOne

]]>I won the 2009 Radiostar contest when it was more of a song contest, they have since changed the contest to be more like a talent contest where the artist/band is a larger piece of the puzzle than just the...Nashville in Novemberhttp://jesseweeks.typepad.com/my_quest_to_write_a_hit_s/2011/12/nashville-in-november.htmlJesse WeeksThu, 08 Dec 2011 15:40:11 PSTtag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00e5501044ce8833015394377122970b

Great time in Nashville last month! So cool to be in a city that places such a high value on songwriting.

Dan Hodges Music Publishing hooked me up with some great writing sessions including:

Jennifer Aden (wrote a #1 song for Blake Shelton)

Rick Ferrell (wrote a #1 song for Tim McGraw)

Michael Gresham & Jill Spencer of Brand Music Group

Jonathan Whittle and Billy Dawson @ Rukkus Room studios

Kenneth Duncan

& last but not least Angie Broberg.

IMG_1713
Left to right: The talented Jonathan Whittle, the lively Billy Dawson (aka Sawyer) and yours truly

Here's a rough worktape of a song we started called "My Kinda Crazy".

My Kinda Crazy

IMG_1658 IMG_1652  IMG_1647 IMG_1653





 

]]>Great time in Nashville last month! So cool to be in a city that places such a high value on songwriting. Dan Hodges Music Publishing hooked me up with some great writing sessions including: Jennifer Aden (wrote a #1 song...Great time in Nashville last month! So cool to be in a city that places such a high value on songwriting. Dan Hodges Music Publishing hooked me up with some great writing sessions including: Jennifer Aden (wrote a #1 song...Great time in Nashville last month! So cool to be in a city that places such a high value on songwriting. Dan Hodges Music Publishing hooked me up with some great writing sessions including: Jennifer Aden (wrote a #1 song...October Writing Updatehttp://jesseweeks.typepad.com/my_quest_to_write_a_hit_s/2011/10/october-writing-update.htmlJesse WeeksFri, 28 Oct 2011 15:23:17 PDTtag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00e5501044ce88330162fbfce1c5970d

IMG_8122

My "Risky Business" episode has come and gone and now I'm back to the grind of writing.

Today I attended a great music industry networking event called "BS Fridays". It was started by Barb Sedun of EMI publishing.  Great turnout today and I was happy to make some excellent contacts.

I'm currently looking for beat programmers with a knowledge of mixing to collaborate with on some new tunes. Please send referrals my way!

And on the note of beat programming, here's something I came across recently.

Singer/songwriter Barry Manilow says that he fears the art of songwriting is being lost to the computers and drum machines of the new music technologies. Admitting that he is very involved in the "machinery and the technical ways of making music these days," he nonetheless urges the younger generation to turn off the machinery and truly commune with the art of crafting a song. "... what I miss are well-written songs with great ideas, wonderful lyrics, beautiful rhymes and wonderful melodies," he told FOX411's Pop Tarts. "I don't hear that anymore; I feel very angry about that. People are making great records because of all the technical abilities... I tell these young people to turn off the drums and all that stuff, and ask themselves is there a melody and lyrics there? Can you just sing it there with a guitar or are you locked into all these machines? I don't think they do."

I agree and disagree. Some current pop songs lack melody and meaningful lyrics but there are also some awesome songs out there right now. The reality is that people will continue to use the newest technology to create new sounds. As songwriters, there will always be a need for amazing musicians, lyrics and melody but I say bring on the drum machines. Lets make it all work together because I think that's what the audience wants.

]]>My "Risky Business" episode has come and gone and now I'm back to the grind of writing. Today I attended a great music industry networking event called "BS Fridays". It was started by Barb Sedun of EMI publishing. Great turnout...My episode of "Risky Business" with Brett Wilsonhttp://jesseweeks.typepad.com/my_quest_to_write_a_hit_s/2011/09/my-episode-of-risky-business-with-brett-wilson.htmlMusicJesse WeeksSat, 01 Oct 2011 17:20:55 PDTtag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00e5501044ce8833015435814986970c

Over the summer I filmed an episode of Risky Business along with my Dad and Brett Wilson from Dragons Den.

It is scheduled to air once again on SLICE tonight (Sat) at 9pm

For more info on my episode - check here!

W.-brett-wilson

]]>Over the summer I filmed an episode of Risky Business along with my Dad and Brett Wilson from Dragons Den. It is scheduled to air once again on SLICE tonight (Sat) at 9pm For more info on my episode -...nonadult