Music, Lyrics, and Life: A Field Guide for the Advancing Songwriter

When the Hits Hit the Fan is a book that combines the process of songwriting with humor and empathy, unraveling the mystery and science behind the rapidly evolving art of songwriting. It offers lessons and tools honed by Mike Errico over years of writing, performing, teaching, and mentoring, and is for songwriters, future content creators, music lovers, and all those who are curious about how popular art forms can touch us deeply. With 40,000 songs uploaded to Spotify daily and recording equipment cheaper than ever, the interest in how songs work has never been higher.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 256 pages
\n Publication date: 01 July 2021
\n Publisher: Hal Leonard Corporation
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When the Hits Hit the Fan is a captivating blend of humor and empathy that delves into the intricate world of songwriting, offering a comprehensive exploration of its mystery, science, and livelihood. It sheds light on the rapidly evolving art form while simultaneously revealing profound insights into the listeners themselves and the potential directions they may be heading. Drawing from his extensive experience as a writer, performer, teacher, and mentor, Mike Errico has crafted a book that serves as a valuable resource for songwriters, aspiring content creators, music enthusiasts, and anyone else eager to understand the profound impact of popular art forms.

This book can be likened to a literary tapestry, encompassing a diverse range of works that intersect with songwriting. It includes books that emerged as a result of the writing process itself, such as Alan Light's The Holy and the Broken and Jacob Slichter's So You Wanna Be a Rock and Roll Star. These books provide valuable insights into the creative journey and offer valuable lessons for aspiring songwriters.

Furthermore, When the Hits Hit the Fan explores the industry-related aspects of songwriting, delving into books like John Seabrook's The Song Machine and Derek Thompson's Hit Makers. These books offer a comprehensive view of the music industry, shedding light on the business, marketing, and production aspects that shape the songs we hear on the radio.

In addition to industry-focused works, the book also includes experimental love letters to the art form, such as Rob Sheffield's Dreaming the Beatles, David Byrne's How Music Works, and Oliver Sacks' Musicophilia. These books offer unique perspectives on the emotional and psychological aspects of songwriting, exploring the ways in which music can touch our souls and evoke profound emotions.

With the rise of digital platforms and the democratization of music creation, the landscape of songwriting has undergone significant transformation. The number of songs uploaded to Spotify alone reaches an astonishing 40,000 per day, and recording equipment has become more accessible and affordable than ever before. This has led to a surge in music creation, with educators taking notice and implementing music curricula. School of Rock franchises have expanded nationwide, offering comprehensive music education to aspiring musicians. Major universities have also scrambled to update their music curricula and provide courses that resonate with the interests and aspirations of their students.

The interest in how songs work has reached unprecedented heights, with people spending millions of hours on YouTube learning how to mix and master their music. This has created a thriving community of music enthusiasts who are eager to expand their knowledge and skills. When the Hits Hit the Fan serves as an invaluable tool for these individuals, providing them with the guidance and inspiration they need to find (and write!) material that matches their creative curiosity and pushes the boundaries of their artistic expression.

In conclusion, When the Hits Hit the Fan is a must-read for anyone who has a passion for songwriting, music, or the creative process. It offers a wealth of insights, lessons, and tools that will empower songwriters to unlock their full potential and create music that resonates with audiences on a profound level. Whether you are a seasoned songwriter or just starting on your creative journey, this book will be an invaluable resource that will guide you through the complexities of the art form and help you navigate the ever-evolving landscape of music.

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Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781493059874\n \n