#368: Write Better Music Through Storytelling w/ Jeff Leisawitz

Jeff Leisawitz is a musician, producer, coach, college songwriting professor, and author. His new book The Magical Impact of Storytelling explores how creatives can connect with their audiences and produce more meaningful work with effective storytelling.

It was great to have Jeff back on the Music Production Podcast to discuss how we can use storytelling to make better music. We talk about how writing about the specific helps illuminate the universal. Jeff shares famous stories that have helped hit songs connect with listeners. We discuss dealing with the inner critic and the concepts of The Golden Repair, The Hero's Journey, and Head, Heart, and Hands.

Takeaways

• Storytelling in music has the power to create emotional connections with listeners.
• Specific details in storytelling can make a story more relatable and memorable.
• Balancing the specific and the universal in storytelling can create a deeper emotional impact.
• Limitations and experimentation can lead to unique and creative musical experiences.
• Being vulnerable and authentic in expressing emotions through music is essential.
• Accompanying songs with stories of their creation can add depth and interest to the music.
• Having a unique story and perspective is crucial for musicians to stand out in a saturated market.
• The Hero's Journey can serve as a template for creating compelling narratives in music.
• Embracing imperfections and using them to create something beautiful can add depth and character to music.
• The inner critic can be seen as a collaborator rather than an adversary, providing valuable feedback and pushing for improvement.

Listen on Apple, Spotify, Google, YouTube

Links:

• Jeff's Site - https://jeffleisawitz.com
• The Magical Impact of Storytelling - https://amzn.to/3QNSCYJ
• Complementary Coaching Session with Jeff - https://jeffleisawitz.com/coaching/
• Not F*ing Around - https://amzn.to/3QJyqXS
• Jeff's YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYewSq3WO-mEy3JwcOuHedQ
• Jeff's Music - Electron Love Theory - https://electron-love-theory.com
• Jeff's 1st Appearance on the Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/blog/jeff-leisawitz
• Rolling Stone AI Song Went Viral - https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/suno-ai-chatgpt-music-soul-of-the-machine-1234992365/
• Brian Funk Website - https://brianfunk.com
• Music Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc
• 5-Minute Music Producer - https://brianfunk.com/book
• Intro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bit
• Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/podcast
• Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - https://brianfunk.com/store
• This episode was edited by Animus Invidious of PerforModule - https://performodule.com/

Thank you for listening.

Please review the Music Production Podcast on your favorite podcast provider!

And don't forget to visit my site https://BrianFunk.com for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs.

Brian Funk