The Songwriter’s Study Trap (And How to Escape It)

The other night, my wife and I were watching an old Doctor Who story, Full Circle (Tom Baker era—my favorite).

Halfway in, I started laughing. Not because of the vintage effects or clunky dialogue, but because I realized this story is a perfect me...

When songwriters talk about what’s holding them back, the answers usually look outward:

• “The industry’s too saturated.”

• “No one wants new music.”

• “I just need the right person to hear this song.”

But after years of coaching artists, writers, and producers, I’ve seen something dif...