Music Production Podcast #398: At Home Songwriting with Chad Shank
Apr 9, 2025
Chad Shank, a songwriting teacher and music producer at Berklee Online, shares his wealth of knowledge on crafting authentic songs. He discusses innovative techniques for overcoming creative blocks and the vital role of collaboration in songwriting. The conversation touches on balancing emotional expression with lyrical simplicity and the impact of sensory imagery in capturing listeners' hearts. Chad emphasizes the importance of embracing one's unique voice and offers valuable insights into nurturing creativity in a supportive community.
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Early Inspiration
- Chad Shank's interest in music production stemmed from seeing Janet Jackson perform with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis.
- He was inspired by their behind-the-scenes role and wanted to learn how to create music like that.
Emotion-Driven Music
- Emotion is paramount in music; every decision in writing and recording should support the intended emotion.
- Listeners connect with concentrated emotion, so focus on that rather than trying to impress.
Specificity and Universality
- Go deep and narrow with emotions in songwriting, not wide and shallow.
- Specificity makes songs universal because listeners insert themselves into the specific details.
