Benjamin Groff

16/07/2024

As a songwriter or artist, you're on a hero's journey. Just like Beatrix Kiddo training under the merciless Pai Mei in Kill Bill, your path to success requires relentless practice, expert guidance, and personal growth between creative sessions.

Many of us fall into the trap of thinking more co-writing or studio time automatically equals better results. But consider this: Would an Olympic athlete simply show up to competitions without training? Would a football team skip practice and expect to win the World Cup?

The truth is, your growth as a songwriter happens not just when you're writing but in the crucial moments between sessions. It's about intentionally leveling up your skills, expanding your musical vocabulary, and working on your mindset.

Here's what your hero's journey should include:

👉 Consistent practice: Dedicate time to honing your craft outside of co-writes and recording sessions.

👉 A curriculum: Create a structured plan for improvement, just as an athlete would have a training regimen.

👉 Mindset work: Visualize success, challenge limiting beliefs, and cultivate a growth-oriented identity.

👉 A mentor: Find your "Yoda"—someone who has achieved what you aspire to and can guide you along the path.

👉 Continuous learning: Study the greats, analyze hit songs, and stay curious about your art.

By focusing on these elements, you'll show up to each new writing session as an upgraded version of yourself. Instead of being the same songwriter you were 100 sessions ago, you'll bring fresh perspectives, enhanced skills, and renewed energy to your collaborations.

Remember, the music industry has changed. In a world where anyone can produce a track on their laptop, it's not just about raw talent anymore. It's about dedication to improvement and a willingness to do the work that others won't.

So ask yourself: Are you truly ready for that dream co-write or that call from a top producer? If the answer isn't a resounding "yes," it's time to recommit to your hero's journey.

As your guide on this path, I challenge you to create a growth plan for yourself. What will you do this week to level up? How will you make sure you're 1% better every day?

Your musical Mount Everest awaits. Are you prepared to make the climb?

To dive deeper into this concept and get actionable strategies for your songwriter's journey, check out my full article: https://www.benjamingroff.com/blog/heros-journey-as-a-songwriter-artist

09/07/2024

Your live show isn't just competing with other bands and artists—it's competing with Netflix, TikTok, and a hundred other choices for distraction and entertainment.

Are you merely "performing your songs well with barely any mistakes to get an obligatory lukewarm applause?" Or are you providing a show? It doesn't matter if you have full pyrotechnics or you're a simple singer-songwriter with a guitar providing an emotional connection through stories. The question is this:

Is there a "show" in your show? Is it entertaining?

My rule of thumb is that if you're merely performing your songs, as far as a "show" is concerned, then that is a fail.

Is your live show an event? Are you providing culture? Are you making an emotional impact? (Note: emotional impact can mean bringing "the feels" or inciting a mosh pit.)

Challenge yourself to be part of the 5% creating jaw-dropping, word-of-mouth-worthy experiences. Your future in this industry may well depend on it.

Check out more about the mythology of creating an unforgettable, unbelievable, and unstoppable live show, the word of which spreads like wildfire: https://www.benjamingroff.com/blog/why-your-live-show-sucks-pt-1-you-got-no-show-in-your-live-show

02/07/2024

Let's break some news to you, and I hope you're sitting down for this one.

Despite your best efforts to dodge a telemarketing gig or avoid that greeter job asking, "Hi, may I help you with anything?"—as a songwriter, guess what? You're in sales. Surprised? Let's dive into why this is a good thing.

As a songwriter or artist, every interaction is a sales moment. Whether it's a performance, meeting, cowrite, release, video, email, or pitch—it's all sales. You're selling yourself and your art, convincing a new fan they should care. Your success depends on how well you do this.

Convincing a new fan, persuading someone your song is perfect for a synchronization license, getting that Spotify playlist spot, conveying your idea convincingly in a cowrite session—all require sales skills.

Note: this isn't "selling out." It's showcasing your brilliance. Sales isn't just "buy my stuff." It's presenting your vision, persuading others to see it, and getting the deal you want. This applies to every aspect of life—even relationships and dating.

After 30 years in music, I've probably faced more rejection than anyone. Countless songs, cowrites, and pitches got shot down. The key? Don't take it personally. Sometimes it's a numbers game, and persistence pays off. It only takes one "yes."

An artist with a good song who can sell will get that opening tour or DSP editorial playlist slot before you if you're not pushing your music. Even hiring a publicist means selling yourself to them first.

Take "sales" seriously. Change your mindset. Sales can buy you a house, put you on tour, and get you on coveted playlists. It's not about being pushy; it's about being passionate and knowing human nature.

Believe in your product. Be relentless. Put effort into sales. It's not just about talent—it's about selling that talent.

You can also flip the script. Sales can be exciting. It's how you'll achieve your dreams. Start now. Reach out. Build relationships. Provide value. Make compelling pitches. Take a sales course (or two)—I have.

You're not alone. I've struggled too, but I've learned to find excitement in the process. Sales will empower you, build your brand, and open opportunities.

So start selling. Start believing. Let's make sales cool and exciting for you in your own way.

Ready to dive deeper? Read the full article: https://www.benjamingroff.com/blog/sales-techniques-and-concepts-for-songwriters-and-artists

11/06/2024

How many all-time classic hits were ORIGINALLY created by randomly assembled teams of six or more writers? Virtually none.

The biggest smashes spanning decades were almost always crafted by consistent songwriting pairs or trios who developed deep creative chemistry over time—John Lennon and Paul McCartney, Carole King and Gerry Goffin, Elton John and Bernie Taupin, Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, Burt Bacharach and Hal David, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, and more.

Why might consistent collaboration produce so many iconic works? A few potential reasons to consider:

👉 Writing with consistent co-writers eliminates the pressure to fully form a song in a single session. With an ongoing partnership, you have the freedom to spend days or weeks polishing one transcendent chorus into a smash rather than rushing to complete serviceable songs.

👉 Writing with consistent co-writers fosters greater trust and vulnerability. You can take creative risks and be your quirky self with a consistent collaborator, unconcerned with putting on airs for a new writing partner each day.

👉 Writing with consistent co-writers allows momentum and flow to potentially build. The magic often doesn't strike until the second week or later of consecutive sessions, as rapport and comfortability deepen.

In today's "writing session culture" of bouncing from random co-write to co-write, these powerful advantages can be lost. We risk ending up with a bunch of "B+" songs few will remember rather than developing "A+" gems that define eras.

So if you're feeling stuck in a creative rut, you might consider taking a look at who you've created your most successful work with so far. Could you explore dedicating extended stretches of successive writing days solely with them? Convention pushes constantly chasing new collaborations, but the data suggests going all-in on your most fruitful existing partnerships—and sticking to that with consistency—may finally yield your masterpiece.

Once you've struck consistent magic, strategically layering in an artist or other top writer can potentially make the alchemy even more potent. But first, finding your ride-or-die collaborator(s) and investing deeply in that core relationship could be the unconventional path to timeless hits.

Read the full article for much more on recapturing the mindsets and environments that birthed the biggest songs in history: https://www.benjamingroff.com/blog/writing-hits-via-consistent-collaboration

How to write hits by finding consistent writing teams and collaborators! Check out how the best songs in history were made through long term collaboration.

04/06/2024

As creative professionals, we pour our hearts into crafting incredible music and art. However, having an iconic visual identity is just as crucial as your artistic talent.

Just look at legends like David Bowie, Prince, Elton John, and contemporary stars like Post Malone or marshmello. You immediately recognize them based on their signature looks. And while that might sound cheesy (like the last thing on your artistic radar)—it's certifiably true. Most huge, new, or well-known artists not only have a SONIC IDENTITY but also a VISUAL IDENTITY.

Their appearances are an extension of their art—eye-catching visuals that reinforce their unique artistic identities. A strong visual identity doesn't just make you more memorable; it allows your brand to transcend your work and become culturally symbolic.

When you nail your visual identity, you achieve a level of fame where (and this is a good test if you have a strong visual identity) people can literally dress up as you for Halloween. A perfect example—I signed LMFAO back in the day, and at the height of "Party Rock Anthem," the LMFAO Halloween costume was one of the top sellers—a full outfit with animal prints and bejeweled glasses.

However, cultivating a dynamic visual persona is about more than just costumes and gimmicks. It's about embodying the essence of your artistry, your brand, and culture (what you stand for) through your appearance. Bowie's kaleidoscopic fashion statements. Prince's audacious masculine-feminine looks. Bruce Springsteen's salt-of-the-earth blue jeans, white T-shirt, and Fender Stratocaster guitar aesthetic. These images resonated because they were authentic.

You don't have to be traditionally beautiful to have an iconic look. It's about tapping into your most extraordinary, expressive self. Peaches taught us radical self-expression through wild costumes and in-your-face sexuality. And, of course, Daft Punk and deadmau5 used robot helmets to create mystery and intrigue.

Having a distinctive visual identity helps you stand out in our endlessly distracted world. In the social media scroll, you only have split seconds to make an impression. An iconic look instantly communicates your unique essence to fans. It's the difference between blending in and being unforgettable.

Lean into what makes you compelling, and build a look as daring as your talents. Your visual identity is the exclamation point to your artistic vision. It punctuates who you are, sharpens your brand, and lets the world know you've arrived as a true original worth paying attention to. The world is waiting to be stunned by the complete vision of your artistry!

21/05/2024

Whether you're a songwriter or artist yearning for more elevated collaborations or a manager or publisher striving to create those opportunities, we're all on board with our clients and "getting them in better rooms" philosophy. However, is this really the path to success?

The idea that simply accessing more prestigious writing circles is not really the solution, in my opinion. The truth is far more empowering: the key to unlocking the world's most coveted rooms lies in relentlessly becoming a better version of yourself.

Let's start with a metaphor from Berklee College of Music. Students audition for a four-digit rating indicating their musicianship level. I know because I had a mediocre Berklee rating. These "ratings" govern which elite ensembles you can access. You can't simply wish your way into elite circles; you need to develop the skills and value to merit entry.

The music industry operates with its own invisible "rating system" based on a writer's accolades, hits, and reputation. Case in point—the viral video of college-aged Michael Pollack seamlessly joining Billy Joel onstage to perform "New York State of Mind." My bet? Pollack knows hundreds of hit songs inside out, allowing him to naturally have the vocabulary needed to create today's hits to lead those elevated rooms.

The harsh truth is, if a writer's unspoken "rating" doesn't align with the room you seek for them, they'll likely find themselves out of place—and even if they get that session, they may not even be invited back.

So how does a songwriter increase their "rating?" Through relentless self-improvement:

👉 Expanding their songwriting vocabulary by studying the greats, dissecting what makes hits tick, and embodying and modeling that language.

👉 Strengthening their beliefs and dismantling limiting narratives that sabotage their potential.

And for managers or publishers—consider facilitating this path for your artists and writers. Support their mindset work, not just the writing itself.

Will this guarantee instant entry to the "better rooms" for everyone? No. But it forges the skills, unshakable self-belief, and sense of belonging that inevitably creates new opportunities. Those who commit to this path stand apart, equipped with the value, mindset, and self-worth to thrive in any circle.

To frame this another way: I'd much rather have one of my writers take a day to work on learning, dissecting, and modeling a hit and working on their beliefs and identities than, say, picking up another random co-write.

The question I ask is, are you doing "the work" to elevate yourself? Do you have a curriculum?

I've shared more actionable strategies in my full article. Because the world's most coveted rooms don't always go to the best songwriters—they ultimately go to the best who are continually striving to become better versions of themselves: https://www.benjamingroff.com/blog/we-need-a-better-you

Learn how to get into bigger hit songwriting rooms and collaborations by improving your value as a songwriter via "doing the work" and building your value. Get the plan.

14/05/2024

As an artist, one of the most valuable assets you can build is your email list.

Your fans' email addresses are pure gold—allowing you to communicate directly with your biggest supporters and potential customers anytime, anywhere.

The stats back it up. Email marketing consistently outperforms social media when it comes to driving sales and engagement. While social platforms come and go (RIP MySpace!), email remains a reliable constant.

That's also why Jack Conte built Patreon, so artists can maintain that one-on-one fan interaction. For example, remember back in the Facebook days when your social media post would reach all of your fans? Now, you actually have to pay for that extra "boost." Thanks so much Mark.

But back to email. Let's look at a case study from one of music's most innovative minds— Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails (my favorite).

Back in 2008, in the midst of the digital music revolution, Reznor took the unheard-of step of giving away the Nine Inch Nails album Ghosts I–IV for free. Yeah, I know—the audacity! But here's the genius part: in exchange for the free music, fans had to hand over their email addresses. It was a small "admission fee" that granted Reznor access to direct communication with new and existing fans.

And the return on investment? Absolutely insane. I mean, just think how much one email is worth over the life of a fan—to share information on new releases, tours, merchandise, etc. No paid advertising needed—just send an email.

You can also do the same for your fans' cell phone numbers. Just remember to provide value in exchange.

So start building your email or cell phone list today if you aren't already. Or you could just trust that TikTok, Meta, etc., will be around forever—and that they'll always do the right thing by you. I think you know the answer there.

07/05/2024

Ever notice how the best creative ideas often strike at inopportune times? (3 a.m., anyone?) While burning the midnight oil might feel somewhat glamorous, being chronically sleep-deprived is not a recipe for long-term success.

The truth is, quality sleep is the ultimate strategy for musicians, songwriters, and industry professionals. Consider it the foundation for operating at full capacity: focus, creativity, and mental clarity.

The good news is that you can improve your sleep without sacrificing your creative edge, i.e., 7–8 hours of quality sleep (monitoring REM and deep sleep). Not all sleep is created equal!

I've been a proponent of biohacking (optimizing one's health through science and experimentation). The following tweaks are just a few "go-to" hacks presented in my latest post:

☀️ Morning Ritual: Exposure to sunlight within an hour of waking, aiming for twenty minutes of direct sunlight (without sunscreen—gasp!) to kick-start your circadian rhythm. Bonus points for pairing this with meditation for a double dose of serenity. If you can catch the sunrise—even better.

🌙 Nighttime Blue Light Minimization: Reduce blue light exposure after the sun goes down. Late-night screen time disrupts your sleep cycle. Invest in blue light-blocking glasses or download applications like f.lux or Iris to minimize blue screens in the evening. Why? The blue light signals to your retina that it's still 12 p.m.

🛏️ Create a Sleep Sanctuary: Your bedroom should be a haven for sleep. Ensure cave-like darkness (cover LEDs with electrical tape), cool temperatures (around 65 degrees Fahrenheit), and limit EMF exposure (power off devices completely if possible).

For advanced sleep hacks:

⌚ Track Your Sleep: Monitor your sleep quality by wearing a sleep tracker to analyze your sleep cycles and observe how the changes you make impact your rest. I prefer the ŌURA ring.

🌎 Earthing: Some individuals swear by grounding mats that connect you to the Earth's magnetic field, promoting better sleep.

🔌 EMF Protection: For the ultimate technology detox, consider an EMF-blocking system, or unplugging your WiFi router at night. That is—unless you think your DNA constantly being pinged by 25+ WiFi routers in your building is cool.

By prioritizing sleep hygiene, you might be surprised at how quickly sleep aids become unnecessary. You might agree that a well-rested individual is a more productive, creative, and unstoppable force in the music industry. Explore the resources linked in the post to delve deeper into the science of sleep and how it can impact your musical journey: https://www.benjamingroff.com/blog/sleep-hacks-for-songwriters-music-executives-and-everyone-else-too

(This post and article are not medical advice—just some information on what I'm doing!)

Sleep is important! Check out my top sleeping tips, including ways to track your sleep and make personal environment changes for creative energy.

30/04/2024

Today's post tackles a tough but crucial topic: haters. We've all encountered them – those seemingly omnipresent trolls leaving snarky comments. But here's the surprising truth: a healthy dose of haters might be exactly what your music career needs.

Think about it this way. If everyone simply "likes" your music and finds it "pretty good," you're blending into the background. In today's saturated market, unremarkable just won't cut it.

Here's why a passionate response (positive or negative) is a good sign:

✔️ You're Making a Statement: When your music sparks a reaction, it means you're creating something unique and different. That's how you build a die-hard fan base – the kind who truly connect with your sound.
✔️ Standing Out From the Crowd: Forget chasing trends and analyzing charts. Make music that you feel, music that resonates with your core audience. Authenticity trumps imitation every time.
✔️ Fueling the Fire: Remember Howard Stern? His haters were also some of his most engaged listeners, inadvertently promoting his show. Negative comments, while disheartening, can also spark conversation and spread awareness.

Of course, there's a balance to be struck:

❌ Don't Obsess Over Every Comment: A few negative remarks don't mean everyone hates your work. Use comments as a general compass, but don't let them dictate your direction.
❌ Learn and Adapt: If you see a recurring negative comment, there might be a grain of truth there. Use it as a chance to refine your sound, not a reason to abandon it entirely.
❌ Focus on Your Fans: While haters can be a good sign, remember: it's your fans who fuel your success. Keep creating music that resonates with them, and the haters can keep on hating.

Bonus tip: Check out Seth Godin's "Purple Cow" for a game-changing perspective on creating remarkable music.

Keep creating, keep pushing boundaries, and embrace the haters as a sign you're on the right track. They might just be your biggest (unintentional) fans.

23/04/2024

What's the one essential ingredient found in 97% of all huge hits across genres and eras? The special sauce that artists like Drake, Nirvana, and the Spice Girls have all tapped into, whether intentionally or not?

It's the "God Particle" power of melodic rhythm.

In my opinion, as humans, we're hardwired to lock in and be attracted to infectious, repeating melodic rhythms (the rhythm of the phrases the vocalist sings). It's primal - coded into our DNA from ancient drum circles, chants, and ritual dances. The first "hits" were literally played on logs or drums.

On a human evolutionary scale, "music" as we know it today is actually a fairly new thing in our 200,000+ year existence. But those punchy, cyclical, and infectious rhythms are the pure life force that first gave music meaning to our ancestors, including communication. And the biggest songs today, from hip-hop to rock to pop to country to *insert any genre here* are simply plugging into that same intrinsic rhythmic power.

Just look at a song like "Smells Like Teen Spirit" - its massive impact stems from the distinct vocal rhythms (one rhythm per section repeated over and over) that make up the verse, pre-chorus, and chorus. Those simple repeating phrases burrow deep into your neural pathways.

If you're interested in going deep to leverage the unescapable science of melodic rhythm to etch unforgettable hooks, then check out my latest article for the full breakdown. And remember, a great hook is a great rhythm first and a great melody second: https://www.benjamingroff.com/blog/hit-songwriting-secret-melodic-rhythm

Find out the secrets to writing hit songs via this songwriting course. Melodic rhythm is the #1 songwriting tip that can instantly elevate your songs. Learn now.

16/04/2024

Who is your tribe? 🤔

When it comes to finding new fans for your music, it's NOT about going for the lowest common denominator or following trends.

It's about making incredible, remarkable music that's true to YOU. It's about finding your first 1,000 TRUE fans and giving them multiple ways to discover and share your authentic art.

Today - no matter what type of music you do or how fringe it is - there's a corner of the DSPs, the internet, and the socials for you where that tribe lives.

Whether you're into darkwave hip-hop goth, polka country, or a sound reminiscent of the 80s Sunset Strip-meets-trap, lean into your unique calling.

So... Who is your tribe? And how are you connecting with them through your authentic music?

Lastly, can your digital voice and what you're posting on the socials be as authentic, fringe, unique, and original as your music?!

09/04/2024

How do the best songwriters and artists become the best? In my opinion, a big reason comes with their "song vocabulary," which is always expanding. This is compared to most songwriters who just recycle a limited vocabulary, and thus, plateau. 📉

The very best hitmakers (especially the historical greats) are walking songbooks. They've studied the classics that have come before them. I mean, it's pretty obvious that to be a great filmmaker (Quentin Tarantino is a perfect example) or a great author, you need to devour the great works that have come before you. Ingest them, make them part of your DNA, model those greats, and then make that vocabulary your own and elevate your game.

It's no surprise (to me) that the greatest songwriters and musicians are eternal students. They incessantly study and assimilate the techniques of the legends who came before them, exponentially expanding their creative vocabulary.

Just take a look at Billy Joel, who was recently spotted effortlessly playing pitch-perfect renditions of songs across genres, from Chuck Berry to Elton John, at a hotel bar. If he wants to write a classic like "New York State of Mind," he'll model Ray Charles (fact). Billy is a lifelong pupil of the songwriting tradition.

To stay on the Billy Joel thread, seek out a YouTube video of hitmaker Michael Pollack from 2013 playing note-for-note perfect "New York State of Mind" with Billy himself. It's no surprise that Michael is on top of his hitmaking game.

If you want to elevate your craft from amateur to elite, you need to adopt a beginner's mindset and constantly learn from the masters. Dive into their chord progressions, melodic rhythms, lyrical phrasing, and production insights. Transcribe them, transpose them into new keys, and purposefully infuse those techniques into your own work.

Then, model them. Yes, model the greats.

Also, a note to most songwriters out there. This is the work that 99% of your competition isn't doing.

Interested in my personal system for rapidly expanding your songwriting vocabulary to become a more creative, unique hitmaker? Then click the link to read my full article outlining the "Songwriting Vocabulary Expander" approach used by legends: https://www.benjamingroff.com/blog/songwriting-vocabulary-expander-how-to-become-one-of-the-best

If you want to learn songwriting, check out this cool songwriting exercise to expand your vocabulary. Learn not just to write a good song but a hit!

02/04/2024

I first got introduced to Dan Sullivan's work at an Abundance Hub conference through Peter Diamandis (Elon Musk's partner in SpaceX). Dan took the stage and received a standing ovation from the entire room. I was like, "Who is this 70+-year-old guy?" 😲

Dan spoke for 10 minutes about his latest concept, "Who Not How." He emphasized that the great movers and shakers of the world are not great "how-ers" but great "who-ers." They understand the importance of leveraging the "who" component.

Later that weekend, as fate (or the quantum realm) would have it, I ran into Dan and subsequently became his client.

If you want to learn more about "Who Not How" and how it can apply to you as a songwriter or artist, I've provided a link to the full article where I discuss the concept in detail.

Discover how you can 10X your results in your music career: https://www.benjamingroff.com/blog/who-not-how

Stop figuring everything out yourself (the

26/03/2024

Your big release day has come and gone...now what? 🤔

Are you moving on to "the next" release, or are you just getting started on relentlessly marketing and promoting what you've already created?

I came across a great quote from Ryan Holiday, the author of "Perennial Seller." Ryan emphasizes that the same level of love, originality, creativity, and outside-the-box thinking you put into creating your art should be applied to MARKETING it.

Unfortunately, many artists believe that the promotional work ends after the release week or month. They get burned out from the buildup and are eager to move on to the next thing because, let's face it, that's always more fun. However, by doing so, you could be leaving massive untapped success on the table, despite all the time and effort you've already invested!

In this epic guide of over 3,000 words, I'll share 50 proven post-release music marketing strategies to maximize your music's potential and keep the momentum raging. You'll discover tactics such as:

👉 Releasing alternative versions of your biggest songs (remixes, acoustic, different languages, sped up, slowed down, etc.).
👉 Treating your amazing five-year-old song like a new release! Resubmit it to new playlists and run ad campaigns targeting new demographics. Chances are, 99.99999% of the world hasn't heard your song yet.
👉 Creating video tutorials that pull back the curtain on your creative process.
👉 Exploring new and emerging promotional platforms.
👉 Essentially, doing everything you did to support the release, all over again.

Plus, I'll share inspirational stories of how slow-burning tracks transformed into raging hits, such as Lizzo's "Truth Hurts," which exploded nearly three years after its initial release. I'll even share a personal story of how one of my songs reached No. 1 after sitting on the shelf for 17 (!) years.

The truth is, your biggest songs and releases may not always be the newest ones. Sometimes, your most valuable asset is the work you've already poured all your energy into, even if it didn't perform well initially. This guide will equip you with a relentless promotional mindset and a game plan to ensure your best material gets heard.

(Note: This philosophy only applies to your VERY BEST songs that you genuinely believe in. Let's be real, there are some lukewarm releases and bombs that deserve to be bombs, LOL.)

Whether your last release fizzled or soared, this guide is a must-read for artists, musicians, and songwriters who are committed to extracting the maximum impact from their art. And even MORE SO if your song was already a proven hit! Lean into continually marketing, creating new stories, and generating energy for your winners!

Click through to dive into all 50 strategies: https://www.benjamingroff.com/blog/50-post-release-music-marketing-strategies

50 Top Music Marketing Tips! Find out what to do after your music release, from free music promotion to additional music submissions. Free - Learn more.