#songbuilders

This month we are honored to interview Jordan Lally.  Jordan is a singer/songwriter, best known for his work with his own alternative rock band Fiction 20  Down, Jordan has written and produced over 50 songs on 5 studio albums. As frontman for Fiction 20 Down (also known as "F20D"), Jordan has toured  throughout the United States, including appearances at festivals like California Roots, Millennium Music and others.  This guy is the real deal!

1. Tell us about your musical background, how you got into songwriting, and any current projects you have now.

I started my career in music as an audio engineer, recording & mixing for other artists, initially at a commercial studio and then eventually at my own independent studio. I'd always loved music, but the studio experience exposed me to songwriting at all different levels across various genres, and really ignited my own passion for songwriting. Currently my primary outlet for songwriting is my band F20D - a hybrid of rock, hiphop & reggae which def keeps things interesting as a songwriter. I'm also currently working on a more intimate singer-songwriter EP to be released under my own name. I say intimate cause I'm using light percussion instead of live drums, acoustics/ukulele/cello instead of electric guitar, etc. I'm also currently producing a few projects with other artists that I co-write a bit on.

2. What influences you as a songwriter?

My primary influence as a songwriter is my own life experience, and that of those close to me. I can't write about something that I haven't experienced or witnessed in some fashion. I don't lean too much on modern radio, except when it comes to maybe structure or tempo, things like that, but that's really getting into more production rather than songwriting.

3. What do you think about the current state of the music industry? Do you think it’s more difficult to build a career in music today than say 20 years ago?

Unfortunately nowadays it's less about the music, and more about image. That's how I'd sum up the music industry. It's not enough just to be a great band anymore. The waters are too muddied, everyone is releasing music, so you really need that image to be well thought out and fine-tuned in order to stand out.

I'd say it's probably easier nowadays to built a modest career as an indie artist, kinda like starting a small business, but on the flip side it's significantly more difficult to grow that small business into something more legitimate. It was easier to become a "rock star" back in the day, but now it's at least easier to scrap together a living as a working musician.

4. Who are some of your favorite songwriters right now?

My favorite songwriters of all time are Damien Rice and Bradley Nowell. Currently I'm not tuned in too too much, but clearly whoever's the songwriter in Imagine Dragons is doing something right! Bruno Mars and his team are some great songwriters as well!

5. If you haven't already, are you open to working with another songwriter or a team of songwriters?

I have certainly worked with other songwriters within my own band. And as a producer, I get the opportunity to co-write with artists as well. I would be open to any & all collaborations with other songwriters in small numbers, especially in the producer/songwriter dynamic. But if I'm being honest, the thought of working with a "team" of songwriters sounds like a bad idea to me... when you try to please too many people, the art gets lost. 

6. How important is outside opinions of your working songs?

I believe that nothing matters more than your own opinion. I have to personally love something I'm going to put my name on, otherwise what's the point? That said, objective perspective is invaluable. I have a stable of people who I shoot new songs to for feedback... some of the feedback I agree with, some of it I don't... but listening to their opinions helps me crystalize my own. The key is to be able to balance other's opinions with your own gut feeling. 

7. Do you think it would be beneficial to have an unbiased team of songwriters in the studio with you while you record music?

For a pop artist trying to appeal to everyone, sure. But for me, one or two co-writers, invested in the project as producers or performers, that would be perfect. Any more and I think you start to get into trouble. Too many opinions can quickly take any song to a point of diminishing return. Songwriting is about unique perspective. That unique perspective becomes watered down as you involve more people. Bring in a team of producers to oversee the production of an already completed song, now that makes sense to me. For a song to be relevant on radio it needs to be framed in whatever the current contemporary format is... multiple producers could help in that regard. But in my opinion, songwriting is best left to those intimately connected to the subject matter and the project itself.

8. What’s the most unique location you’ve ever written a song?

No where interesting really... shower, couch, tour van... basically anywhere there's idle time enough for inspiration to creep in. A few weeks back I wrote an entire song while mowing the lawn:-) I'm pretty excited about that tune, it's got alot of potential. I actually already started pre-production on it, and I'm headed into the studio with my bandmates in a couple weeks to record.

9. Fiction 20 Down won “Breakout Artist of the Year” and you were nominated as one of Maryland’s best songwriters at the Maryland Music Awards – congrats! What’s next for you and the band?

Thank you! We're taking a step back from touring and focusing on the production of a few singles we've put together. We're also in the midst of bringing in some new management, so we'll be spending some time with that transition. Beyond that, we've got some cool things on the horizon!

10. Any advice for a songwriter who is starting to make a go at a career in the music industry?

Welcome outside opinions, but at the end of the day, trust yourself. Anyone can learn to play guitar, or program a hiphop beat, but what separates you from the pack is your own unique perspective shaped by your personal experiences. Use that, it's your greatest tool.

Thanks to Jordan for the interview.  We’re wishing you much success with your music and career in this crazy business we all know and love!  Check out and listen To Jordan Here: YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, ReverbNation

This young lady was our third place winner (out of over 1,400 entries!) for the SongBuilder Studios songwriting contest.  She‘s an Annapolis favorite and the real deal.  A meaningful songwriter and a voice that will have you singing Hallelujah!  See what she has to say below about writing songs, opening for Andy Grammer and her thoughts on the music industry.

1- Tell us about your musical background, how you got into songwriting, and any current projects you have now.

Even though I’ve always loved music, I didn’t start until high school when I first signed up for guitar classes. Even though I was seriously awful at it, I made a bet with my dad that I could write a song and perform it at the school talent show that was coming up. It was terrifying, but I loved being on stage so I continued with music after that. For the past few years, I’ve been playing solo throughout Maryland, but I just started my own band which has been a great experience.

2- What influences you as a songwriter?

For me, songwriting is all about telling the story, so a lot of my songs are influenced by my personal experiences or pieces from other people’s lives. Especially while working on my last album, I noticed that it was a lot easier for me to write songs about love or heartbreak. Those are the songs I have always connected best with, so I would say that’s absolutely influenced the type of artist and writer I’ve become.

3- What do you think about the current state of the music industry? Do you think it’s more difficult to build a career in music today than say 10 years ago?

The great part about the music industry, in my opinion, is that it’s never going to die off. There are always going to be new styles and artists because music is an important part of our culture. Having said that, I do think it’s more difficult to build a career in some ways. While we do have a lot more online media resources to get publicity, today’s industry is so saturated with artists that it takes a lot more to get noticed.

4- Who are some of your favorite songwriters right now?

John Mayer, Paolo Nutini, Hozier, Grace Potter

5- If you haven't already, are you open to working with another songwriter or a team of songwriters?

I’m definitely open to working with other songwriters and musicians. I think that sometimes we can get stuck in the habit of writing the same types of songs, whether they all sound the same or are written about the same topic. And for some people that works. But when I take the time to sit down with other people it forces me out of my comfort zone and makes me analyze my work.

6- How important is outside opinions of your working songs?

I think that getting outside opinions when I’m starting a new song is really important. I always play new songs for my parents and my roommates at college − they’re basically my test audience. I like hearing the feedback to know if I should continue with an idea or go a new direction before I play it live.

7- Do you think it would be beneficial to have an unbiased team of songwriters in the studio with you while you record music?

For sure. I love playing music for my family and friends because it gives automatic feedback, but it’s not always as critical as I need. With an unbiased team of songwriters someone could assess my songs from a different point of view –lyrics, melodies, etc. If a song sucks, than it sucks. I’d rather someone tell me and help brainstorm before I take the time to record everything.

8- What’s the most unique location you’ve ever written a song?

A lot of my best writing happens in the shower and the car. I think that’s pretty common for most musicians, but I’m sure it seems weird or unique to other people.

9- Congrats on opening for Andy Grammer, what was that experience like?

It was great! First off, Andy Grammer and his band were really down to earth which made the experience a lot less stressful. Second, it was really incredible to perform on a stage in front of a crowd that had so much energy. One funny part of the night was when I climbed up on a set of closed bleachers in my dress and heels, and ended up getting stuck. I didn’t get to meet Andy when he came around to introduce himself but luckily he stuck around for a while after the show.

10- If you could collaborate with anyone right now, who it would it be?

It would absolutely, without a doubt be John Mayer. He writes the types of songs that I could listen to on repeat and never get sick of. I would love to experience the process he goes through when he’s putting together a new song.

Thanks to Jocelyn for the interview.  We’re wishing you much success with your music and career in this crazy business we all know and love!   Listen To Jocelyn Here: YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/jfarolife FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/jfaromusic Twitter:

https://twitter.com/jfaromusic

  ReverbNation:

1- Tell us about your musical background, how you got into songwriting, and any current projects you have now.

I come from a very musical family. My older brother has been playing drums for as long as I can remember and my older sister is a singer/songwriter who plays piano and guitar.  After learning guitar, I began experimenting with songwriting, and it just fell into place.

2- What influences you as a songwriter?

My influences vary, as I'm constantly influenced by whatever my current situation may be. It changes from day to day, and it's hard to exactly pinpoint those influences as my songs are pretty much all written in a day where the only influence was what mood I was in during that time.

3- What do you think about the current state of the music industry? Do you think it’s more difficult to build a career in music today than say 10 years ago?

I think the current state of the music industry is very difficult. Even though social media exists now a days, it is still very hard to get discovered because many people are trying to do the same thing online.

4- Who are some of your favorite songwriters right now?

Ed Sheeran, Coldplay, Sam Smith, and John Mayer are some of my favorite songwriters.

5- If you haven't already, are you open to working with another songwriter or a team of songwriters?

Yes, I would be open to working with another songwriter, as it could be more effective for a song. I have yet to try combine thoughts with another to create a song.

6- How important is outside opinions of your working songs?

I always appreciate constructive criticism, it helps me to reevaluate what others may prefer with my music.

7- Do you think it would be beneficial to have an unbiased team of songwriters in the studio with you while you record music?

I think I might prefer someone who is slightly biased and honest, to help make the song the best it could be.

8- What’s the most unique location you’ve ever written a song?

I've never completed a song in a unique location, but am always inspired to jot down lyrics at any given time.

9- Your YouTube channel has over 36,000 subscribers. What do you attribute your success on that platform to?

I try to pick covers that I enjoy, or that are currently popular.

10 - Where do you see yourself in two years?

In two years I hope to have a fan base big enough that allows me to tour.