Episode Summary:
In this episode, Connor Frost breaks down the process of transforming a single lyric idea into a fully realized, release-ready song. Using his latest track Real Friends as a case study, Connor shares the step-by-step process, key insights, and lessons learned along the way. Whether you're an experienced songwriter or just starting out, this episode is packed with actionable tips to help you craft your next hit.

What You’ll Learn:

1. The Journey: How Connor turned the concept of "What is a real friend?" into a full-fledged song.
2. The Process: A seven-step framework for taking a lyric idea to a completed song, including:
   • Crafting a clear concept.
   • Defining the narrator and ideal listener.
   • Structuring your verses and chorus.
   • Building a roadmap for the rest of the song.
3. Lessons Learned: What Connor wishes he had done differently in Real Friends and how you can avoid similar pitfalls.
4. Implementation Tips: Practical advice to streamline your own songwriting process.

About Connor Frost:
Connor Frost is a musician, international touring artist, producer, and professional songwriting mentor. Since 2019, Connor has helped hundreds of songwriters confidently write and release their first collection of songs. He has toured internationally, opened for renowned bands, and been featured in American Songwriter.

Highlights of Connor’s Story:

• Transitioning from a middle school teacher to a full-time musician.
• Touring internationally in places like China and Taiwan.
• Helping clients achieve milestones, from publishing deals to hearing their songs played in public.

Key Takeaways for Songwriters:

• The importance of defining your song’s narrator and ideal listener.
• Why understanding your listener’s struggles and language can make your lyrics more relatable.
• Tips for avoiding common songwriting mistakes, like spending too much time setting the scene or missing opportunities to build impactful outros.

Connor’s Seven-Step Framework:

1. Develop a one-sentence concept for your song.
2. Define the narrator’s perspective and your ideal listener.
3. Flesh out your concept into a chorus.
4. Outline your verses with clear settings, transformations, and details.
5. Use stream-of-consciousness journaling to develop lyrics.
6. Create a structure or roadmap for your song.
7. Flesh out the remaining sections and finalize your melody and chords.

Want to Work with Connor?
If you’re ready to take your songwriting to the next level, Connor offers personalized mentorship programs. Learn how to find your unique songwriting sound, streamline your writing process, and build your career as an artist.

📞 Book a Free "Just Start" Call: connorfrost.com/startcall

• Step 1: Book your time to speak directly with Connor.
• Step 2: Identify your struggles and leave with clear strategies.
• Step 3: Discuss mentorship opportunities tailored to your goals.

🎶 Listen to Real Friends: (Link available above or below this episode).

Connect with Connor:

• Website: connorfrost.com
• Instagram: @connorfrost
• Podcast: Dear Songwriter

Enjoy the episode?
If you found this breakdown helpful, leave a review and share this episode with fellow songwriters. Your support helps us bring more valuable content to creators like you!

Dear Songwriter! In this episode, originally released on June 29th, 2023, we're analyzing Sia's empowering song "Unstoppable" from her album "This is Acting," released in 2016. This mid-tempo track showcases intriguing songwriting choices that align with contemporary pop music trends. Join me as I explore three key insights from this song, including the concept of an "elevated prechorus," the incorporation of a "postchorus," and the effective use of vivid metaphors in the chorus.

Discover how Sia's songwriting techniques contribute to the overall impact of "Unstoppable" and see if this can apply to your own musical creations!

Mentions and Links:

Sia - Unstoppable
Sia - This is Acting
Green Day - Redundant
Dear Songwriter: 3 Things We Can Learn from Green Day’s “Redundant”
Dear Songwriter: What We Can Learn about Songwriting from Pearl Jam’s “Jeremy”
Pearl Jam - Jeremy

Episode Summary:
Are you focused on making money from your music? Who isn't? In this episode, host Connor Frost takes a step back from the usual "how to make it big" advice to explore the real value of being a musician—experiencing meaningful, life-changing moments that money can’t buy. Connor shares two powerful stories from his own journey as an independent artist and gives you practical steps for embracing your music as a vehicle to connect with the world and others in ways that will last a lifetime.

Key Points Discussed:

• Why Experiences Matter More Than Money:
  Our society often fixates on financial success, but as a musician, the journey is full of experiences that are worth far more than a paycheck.
• Story #1: The Best Show I Ever Played in Taipei, Taiwan
  Connor shares the story of an unforgettable night performing in Taipei—an experience made possible not by a hefty budget, but by taking a chance and putting his music out there.
• Story #2: A 25th Birthday Invitation
  After a quiet show in Pennsylvania, Connor's band gained a loyal fan, Amanda, who later invited him to perform at her birthday party—a unique opportunity that reinforced the value of genuine connections with listeners.
• Two Major Reframes for Artists:
  1. Planning is Overrated: Sometimes, the best moments happen when you let your music guide you instead of trying to control every outcome.
  2. Seek Experiences First, Money Second: Focusing on genuine connections can often lead to unexpected opportunities, including paid ones.

Actionable Steps to Create Your Own Memorable Experiences:

1. Put Yourself Out There
   • Attend an open mic, reach out to other artists, or release a song you’ve been holding back.
2. Nurture Connections
   • Keep in touch with the people you meet—building relationships can lead to lifelong supporters and surprising opportunities.
3. Embrace the Journey
   • Repeat steps one and two and let go of rigid planning. Embrace every unique, unexpected, or even strange opportunity that comes your way.

Follow Along with Connor’s Music Journey:
Connor is documenting his single release process in his newsletter, with his upcoming single dropping on December 13th. Get unfiltered insights by subscribing at connorfrost.com/vaultpodcast.

Listener Invitation:
If this episode resonated with you, Connor would love to hear from you! Leave a review, or shoot him a DM on Instagram at @ConnorLFrost to share your thoughts or your own experiences in music.