Episode 47 Martin Sutton: Hit Songwriter, Producer and The Songwriting Academy
Martin Sutton is a multi-platinum British songwriter, record producer, mixer, multi-instrumentalist, programmer, and songwriting coach and mentor living and working in the United Kingdom. He has worked with many major artists worldwide including LeAnn Rimes, Céline Dion, Backstreet Boys, Olivia Newton-John, Gary Barlow, Mike + The Mechanics, K-pop superstars Super Junior, The X Factor and American Idol winners, and more! He is also the founder of The Songwriting Academy with an incredible faculty of industry professionals all under one roof! The Songwriting Academy provides students with courses that provide the skills, guidance, contacts, and advice to further anyone's career in the music industry.
Even though Martin grew up in Norfolk in England, which he notes as not being much of a musical hotspot, he still had music and a love and passion for it in his blood. He talks about that and how he got into music and songwriting, and also discusses the Songwriting Academy and how it is unique in what it offers, his Clubhouse rooms and what they have to offer, what a successful collaboration is to him, what kind of music he grew up on and who influenced him, what the very first record was that he ever purchased, how success doesn't mean the same thing to everyone, the importance of finding the appropriate balance between lyrics and melody, how he tries to do everything that he does as a songwriter and as a creator with authenticity, and so much more!
This conversation with Martin is a great one for anyone who wants to take their career in music and songwriting to the next level. Andy had such a great time chatting with Martin and hopes that listeners will enjoy listening in! He would be very appreciative if you would help build the community by sharing this podcast with friends and fellow musicians and lovers of music! A great review would also be very helpful and appreciated!
Show Highlights:
[0:10] – Andy gives us some information about today's guest, Martin Sutton.
[1:23] – Martin describes his Clubhouse rooms and what they offer.
[4:01] – Andy and Martin chat about what Nathan East said about the influence of the hang and collaborating.
[6:44] – Martin describes where he grew up and how he got into songwriting.
[8:05] – We discover who some of Martin's musical influences are and how Martin has always loved melancholy songs.
[10:17] – Martin discusses his growing years as a songwriter, citing Donovan, Simon & Garfunkel, James Taylor, and Joni Mitchell as some of his biggest influences.
[11:49] – Martin talks about his prior publishing deal with Universal Music.
[13:51] – Martin stresses the importance of relationships and who you work with.
[16:07] – Martin reveals how and why he established The Songwriting Academy.
[19:00] – Martin describes the planning process behind the Songwriting Academy.
[21:59] – Martin describes the Songwriting Academy as a unique experience and explains what makes it unique.
[25:02] – We learn about some of the most common mistakes that songwriters make according to Martin.
[27:16] – Martin asserts that songs need to have contrast between sections rather than be too linear.
[29:09] – Martin emphasizes the importance of sequential repetition in music.
[31:30] – Martin argues that there are certain actions that songwriters can take to strengthen a song.
[34:44] – Martin comments on how to deal with insecurity as a songwriter.
[37:50] – Martin reveals three questions that he asks himself in order to help curb his tendency to compare himself to other songwriters.
[40:20] – Whenever Martin creates music, he says, he does so for the right reasons, and he delineates what those reasons are.
[41:18] – Andy and Martin enthuse over the cathartic element of writing songs and the joy that can be found in it.
LINKS & RESOURCES
The Songwriting Academy - Website
The Songwriting Academy - Instagram
The Songwriting Academy - Facebook
The Songwriting Academy - YouTube
Clubhouse Group: @martinsutton
Clubhouse Group: @thesongwritingacademy
Mentioned in this Episode:
The Music Makers - Episode 46 Nathan East: Premier Bass Player with Over 2000 Recordings!
Olivia Newton-John – "Pass It On"
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The Music Makers podcast theme song was written and produced by Andy Kushner with help from the rhythm section and horn players of the band, SoundConnection.
Sponsor: Kushner Entertainment
Check out Andy's Other Podcast:The Wedding Biz
