I Wish I Knew THAT About Songwriting

Jamie Karl Coupe, Emily Tallman and Callum Mirams

Are you a songwriter? Are you obsessed with the detail and depth of your favourite songs? Are you mad enough to take a dive into the world of songwriting?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you are reading the right pixels. We offer tips, techniques, theories, and all the practical information you need when starting out as a songwriter.
Our dream is that no songwriter, regardless of experience, ever feels lost or alone again.
Hosted by Jamie Karl Coupe and Callum Mirams, we bring you in-depth interviews with songwriters, producers, managers, artists, and professionals from all over the world.
Our promise is to keep things practical, informative and throw in a few laughs and stories on our journey with you to becoming better songwriters.
We love hearing your demos, answering your questions and comments on the show! Don't be shy, send them in!
We are here to help, not hinder.

Hit us up at: iwishiknewthatpod@gmail.com

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Episodes

Live From Los Angeles: The One, The Only Dr of Synths, Reece Canyon!
01-04-2024
Live From Los Angeles: The One, The Only Dr of Synths, Reece Canyon!
In this episode, Reece and Jamie talk about: - Reece reflects on the importance of collaboration in the creative process, highlighting how working with others can bring fresh perspectives and ideas. - They discuss the significance of having someone specialized in certain areas, such as songwriting or production, to enhance the quality of the final product. - The conversation touches on the concept of the "father wound" and its impact on self-esteem and worthiness, emphasizing the gradual process of healing and self-improvement. - Reece shares his journey of self-discovery and pursuit of greatness in music, emphasizing the importance of not underselling oneself and aiming for the highest possible outcome. - Jamie reflects on his experiences of learning from others and applying those lessons to his creative endeavors. - They discuss the challenges of self-doubt and fear of failure, highlighting the importance of pushing through discomfort to reach new levels of achievement. - The conversation shifts to the significance of building relationships and finding supportive collaborators in the music industry. - Reece and Jamie express gratitude for the opportunity to work together and reflect on the positive impact of their collaboration. - They share insights into the creative process and the joy of exploring new musical territories together. - Reece and Jamie reflect on the meaningful connections forged through music and collaboration. - and more. Reece’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reece_canyon --------------- Donation link: paypal.me/jamiekarlcoupe Book a free consultation call with Jamie Jamie's Instagram Get your song reviewed: send an MP3 or download link to ⁠iwishiknewthatpod@gmail.com⁠ Join the Discord family! ⁠https://discord.gg/v5XRSKAeqX⁠ Use our affiliate links to these SONG CHANGING resources. • Writing Better Lyrics ⁠https://amzn.to/45NxOWy⁠ • Murphy’s Laws of Songwriting ⁠https://amzn.to/44xTWmK⁠ • The War of Art ⁠https://amzn.to/45tHLbW⁠ • The Go-Giver ⁠https://amzn.to/3EigbST⁠ Edited and mixed by Tiki Horea ⁠tikihorea.com
My Battle With Resistance, How To Overcome Writer’s Block and Why It Took Me 7 Months To Read The War Of Art!
18-03-2024
My Battle With Resistance, How To Overcome Writer’s Block and Why It Took Me 7 Months To Read The War Of Art!
In this episode Jamie opens up and talks about his own personal struggles with resistance and why it’s so insidious to a songwriter, and creatives at large. And also why it took him so long to READ The War Of Art.  It’s not pretty, it’s not easy, but there is not a more satisfying, unifying, liberating feeling than when you WRITE that song and bring into the world something that previously did not exist, very often from your own trauma and heartache. Pain to gold! So tune into this week’s episode to find out more about how Jamie thinks about resistance, writers block and the journey of a creative.  ---------------Book a free consultation call with Jamie: https://calendly.com/jamiekarlcoupe/60minJamie's Instagram: @jamiekarlcoupeJamie's Website: jamiekarlcoupe.comGet your song reviewed: send an MP3 or download link to iwishiknewthatpod@gmail.com Join the Discord family!https://discord.gg/v5XRSKAeqX If you feel like supporting the show, you can grace us with a donation to keep the wheels turning, we would TRULY appreciate the help; https://www.paypal.me/jamiekarlcoupe?locale.x=en_GB Or you can use our affiliate links to these SONG CHANGING resources. We would all love you even more and every little helps. Writing Better Lyrics https://amzn.to/45NxOWyMurphy’s Laws of Songwriting https://amzn.to/44xTWmKThe War of Art https://amzn.to/45tHLbWThe Go-Giver https://amzn.to/3EigbST
Meeting John Mayer and Learning What Success Really Means: Red Monk
11-03-2024
Meeting John Mayer and Learning What Success Really Means: Red Monk
In this episode, these two wonderful dudes, Pablo and Jamie, talk about: - How Pablo's childhood discovery of jazz records sparked his love for music. - Meeting John Mayer while being a Berklee student. - Despite facing challenges like divorce and relocating, Pablo persevered in his musical journey. - Transitioning from commercial music to producing jazz and house music brought Pablo fulfillment. - Pablo shares insights on the power of embracing pain as a source of inspiration for songwriting. - The importance of taking action to fuel creativity and overcome obstacles. - Pablo's passion for making music for film and producing documentaries reflects his diverse interests. - The role of daily practices like stream-of-consciousness writing in nurturing creativity. - Reflecting on the journey of self-discovery and finding fulfillment in music. - Advice for aspiring songwriters to embrace life experiences and turn them into songs. - The impact of Pablo's music on listeners worldwide and his journey towards self-fulfillment. - Acknowledgment of Pablo's positive spirit, resilience, and commitment to his craft. - and more. Red Monk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redmonkofficial --------------- Donation link: paypal.me/jamiekarlcoupe Book a free consultation call with Jamie Jamie's Instagram Book a free call with Emily Emily's Instagram Get your song reviewed: send an MP3 or download link to ⁠iwishiknewthatpod@gmail.com⁠ Join the Discord family! ⁠https://discord.gg/v5XRSKAeqX⁠ Use our affiliate links to these SONG CHANGING resources. • Writing Better Lyrics ⁠https://amzn.to/45NxOWy⁠ • Murphy’s Laws of Songwriting ⁠https://amzn.to/44xTWmK⁠ • The War of Art ⁠https://amzn.to/45tHLbW⁠ • The Go-Giver ⁠https://amzn.to/3EigbST⁠ Edited and mixed by Tiki Horea ⁠tikihorea.com
How I Wrote A Great Song in 25 Minutes for Acuna, and How You Can Too!
04-03-2024
How I Wrote A Great Song in 25 Minutes for Acuna, and How You Can Too!
It’s not every day that songs fall out of us like divine gifts, but today was one of them. I’ve been working with Acuna, from Brazil for a number of years now. He’s a fantastic underground Drum and Bass DJ/Producer.  We’ve been trying to find time to work on more projects together and he sent me a track just before I made my way out to LA at the start of this year.  We often talk about setting aside time in order to write songs, so that’s just what I did. I didn’t plan to write the song this quickly but when given strict boundaries it’s funny how our creative brains can work.  In this episode I take you behind the scenes of what happens when I write top lines and I dive into the details of how I like to go about the creative process. We talk lyrics, structure, imagery, melodies and I stumble across something pretty cool regarding how I like to write melody.  Sending love from Mexico as I post this!  ————— Book a free consultation call with Jamie: https://calendly.com/jamiekarlcoupe/60minJamie's Instagram: @jamiekarlcoupeJamie's Website: jamiekarlcoupe.comGet your song reviewed: send an MP3 or download link to iwishiknewthatpod@gmail.com Join the Discord family!https://discord.gg/v5XRSKAeqX If you feel like supporting the show, you can grace us with a donation to keep the wheels turning, we would TRULY appreciate the help; https://www.paypal.me/jamiekarlcoupe?locale.x=en_GB Or you can use our affiliate links to these SONG CHANGING resources. We would all love you even more and every little helps. Writing Better Lyrics https://amzn.to/45NxOWyMurphy’s Laws of Songwriting https://amzn.to/44xTWmKThe War of Art https://amzn.to/45tHLbWThe Go-Giver https://amzn.to/3EigbST
What Every Artists Needs To Know Before They Step Into The Studio: Insights From My Wonderful Friend And Nashville Producer Kara Greskovic
26-02-2024
What Every Artists Needs To Know Before They Step Into The Studio: Insights From My Wonderful Friend And Nashville Producer Kara Greskovic
In this episode podcast, Kara and Jamie talk about: - Understanding the different stages of music production: from songwriting to mastering. - The collaborative nature of the production process and the role of producers in enhancing songs. - Challenges faced in production, such as reconciling creative vision with technical constraints. - Importance of pre-production and the creative experimentation phase. - The significance of quality songwriting and its impact on the production process. - Balancing artistic vision with technical refinement in the editing and mixing stages. - The role of communication and self-awareness in navigating the production journey. - Insights into vocal recording, comping, and the meticulous editing process. - Acknowledging the effort and skill required to achieve professional-quality music production. - The podcast host's reflections on the multifaceted role of producers and the dedication required in the music industry. -and more Kara's Instagram Kara's website --------------- Donation link: paypal.me/jamiekarlcoupe Book a free consultation call with Jamie Jamie's Instagram Get your song reviewed: send an MP3 or download link to ⁠iwishiknewthatpod@gmail.com⁠ Join the Discord family! ⁠https://discord.gg/v5XRSKAeqX⁠ Use our affiliate links to these SONG CHANGING resources. • Writing Better Lyrics ⁠https://amzn.to/45NxOWy⁠ • Murphy’s Laws of Songwriting ⁠https://amzn.to/44xTWmK⁠ • The War of Art ⁠https://amzn.to/45tHLbW⁠ • The Go-Giver ⁠https://amzn.to/3EigbST⁠ Edited and mixed by Tiki Horea ⁠tikihorea.com
Navigating Life, Music, and Well-being with Luni (Beats By Luni)
12-02-2024
Navigating Life, Music, and Well-being with Luni (Beats By Luni)
In this episode of the podcast, Jamie engages in a deep and enlightening conversation with the incredibly talented and inspiring Luni. A multi-faceted artist, musician, and entrepreneur, Luni shares her journey through life, music, and the pursuit of well-being. - Luni delves into her personal experiences and how they shaped her understanding of the crucial role well-being plays in one's life. - The significance of seeking support and building a community for growth and healing. - Acknowledging the impact of therapists, coaches, and counselors on personal development. - Luni emphasizes the importance of authenticity and vulnerability in building connections. - Sharing personal anecdotes and realizations about the value of opening up to others. - Discussing the connection between addiction and the need for genuine human connection. - Luni reflects on her journey from hyper-independence to realizing the importance of a supportive community. - Highlighting the role of community, whether small or large, in personal growth. - The significance of finding individuals with whom one can be completely authentic and vulnerable. - Luni talks about her unexpected journey into running retreats and the synchronicities that led to this venture. - The inspiration behind creating a retreat space for women in the music industry. - Navigating life's challenges, embracing change, and the power of intuition in making life-altering decisions. - Reflecting on the challenges of being a single mom and navigating life's rollercoaster. - Balancing productivity, self-care, and unproductive moments for overall well-being. - Luni's thoughts on looking back at life with gratitude and embracing the ups and downs. - and more. Luni’s Instagram: @just.luni Luni’s email: unicorn@beatsbyluni.com Luni's website: beatsbyluni.com --------------- Book a free consultation call with Jamie Jamie's Instagram Get your song reviewed: send an MP3 or download link to ⁠iwishiknewthatpod@gmail.com⁠ Join the Discord family! ⁠https://discord.gg/v5XRSKAeqX⁠ If you want to support the show, use our affiliate links to these SONG CHANGING resources. We would all love you even more, and every little helps. • Writing Better Lyrics ⁠https://amzn.to/45NxOWy⁠ • Murphy’s Laws of Songwriting ⁠https://amzn.to/44xTWmK⁠ • The War of Art ⁠https://amzn.to/45tHLbW⁠ • The Go-Giver ⁠https://amzn.to/3EigbST⁠ Edited and mixed by Tiki Horea ⁠tikihorea.com
Unlocking Creative Potential: A Conversation with Michelle and Alex from The Inscape Studios
29-01-2024
Unlocking Creative Potential: A Conversation with Michelle and Alex from The Inscape Studios
In this episode, Jamie engages in a deep and insightful conversation with Michelle and Alex from The Inscape Studios. Learn about their journey, experiences, and the philosophy behind Inscape Studios. - The story behind the inception of The Inscape Studios. - Explore the concept of creating a supportive and collaborative space for musicians and artists. - Understand the importance of community and how The Inscape Studios aims to reshape the music industry. - Michelle and Alex discuss their approach to the emotional dynamics within a studio setting. - Delve into the vulnerability of the creative process and how it affects the outcome of a song. - Gain insights into the unique dynamic of a male-female collaboration and its impact on the creative space. - Explore the technical aspects of songwriting, including lyricism, melody, and production. - Michelle and Alex share valuable lessons they wish they knew about the craft when they started. - Touch on the significance of simplicity and the pitfalls of rushing the creative process. - Discuss the competitive nature of the music industry and the need for a supportive community. - Michelle and Alex emphasize the importance of positive criticism and self-love in the creative journey. - Learn about The Inscape Studios' vision for the future and their commitment to fostering a healthier music industry. - Jamie reflects on the key takeaways from the conversation, emphasizing the need for collaboration and community in the music world. - Michelle and Alex express their excitement for future endeavors, including expanding The Inscape Studios and building a thriving artistic community. --------------- Book a free consultation call with Jamie: ⁠https://calendly.com/jamiekarlcoupe/60min⁠⁠ Jamie’s Instagram⁠⁠ Jamie’s Website⁠ The Inscape Studios' Instagram The Inscape's podcast interview with Jamie Get your song reviewed: send an MP3 or download link to ⁠iwishiknewthatpod@gmail.com⁠ Join the Discord family! ⁠https://discord.gg/v5XRSKAeqX⁠ If you want to support the show, use our affiliate links to these SONG CHANGING resources. We would all love you even more, and every little helps. • Writing Better Lyrics ⁠https://amzn.to/45NxOWy⁠ • Murphy’s Laws of Songwriting ⁠https://amzn.to/44xTWmK⁠ • The War of Art ⁠https://amzn.to/45tHLbW⁠ • The Go-Giver ⁠https://amzn.to/3EigbST⁠ Edited and mixed by Tiki Horea ⁠tikihorea.com
The Greek German Goddess of Everything That I Am Terrible At. Irini Mando on Music Creation, Promotion, and Making Real Connections
08-01-2024
The Greek German Goddess of Everything That I Am Terrible At. Irini Mando on Music Creation, Promotion, and Making Real Connections
In this epic episode, Irini and Jamie talk about: - Irini's journey into music and songwriting - challenges and evolution in Irini’s writing process - the art of toplining and collaborative songwriting - navigating the dynamics of a songwriting session - the importance of emotional authenticity in songwriting - the impact of environment and energy on songwriting - the challenges of working with different artists and sessions - the role of vulnerability and openness in songwriting - the importance of selecting the right people in your studio - the evolution of studio environments - creating a comfortable and welcoming studio space - the impact of the environment on work quality - dealing with negative energy and stress in the studio - the importance of being present and focused - the magic of being fully engaged in the creative process - the power of songwriting camps and collaborative creativity - the struggles of promoting music in difficult times - the challenges of marketing and promoting music - the journey of self-discovery as an artist - the importance of listening and understanding in songwriting - and more. --------------- Book a free consultation call with Jamie: ⁠https://calendly.com/jamiekarlcoupe/60min⁠ ⁠Jamie's Instagram⁠ ⁠Jamie's Website⁠ Book a free call with Emily: calendly.com/emilytallman⁠ Emily's Instagram Get your song reviewed: send an MP3 or download link to ⁠iwishiknewthatpod@gmail.com⁠ Join the Discord family! ⁠https://discord.gg/v5XRSKAeqX⁠ If you want to support the show, use our affiliate links to these SONG CHANGING resources. We would all love you even more, and every little helps. • Writing Better Lyrics ⁠https://amzn.to/45NxOWy⁠ • Murphy’s Laws of Songwriting ⁠https://amzn.to/44xTWmK⁠ • The War of Art ⁠https://amzn.to/45tHLbW⁠ • The Go-Giver ⁠https://amzn.to/3EigbST⁠ Edited and mixed by Tiki Horea ⁠tikihorea.com
Emily's Helpdesk #12: End of 2023 and Future Plans
26-12-2023
Emily's Helpdesk #12: End of 2023 and Future Plans
The twelfth episode of Emily’s Helpdesk is the 2023 New Year’s Special! Emily and Jamie talk about: - Writing funny songs - Cliches and when they’re useful - Singing in different accents - Interpolation - Sonic symbolism - Writing and singing with conviction - Touching the listener - When preparation meets opportunity - Podcast plans for 2024 - and more. Jamie’s Top 3 Artists for 2023: Rage Against The Machine - Evil Empire Stromae - Multitude Sam Hunt Emily’s Top 3 Artists for 2023: Foo Fighters - But Here We Are Phoebe Bridgers - Stranger in the Alps, Punisher Taylor Swift - Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) Songs reviewed: Stu Neil - Man in Red Stu Neil - Xmas, Don’t Forget Me Birdie Padilla- You Understand --------------- Book a free consultation call with Jamie: ⁠https://calendly.com/jamiekarlcoupe/60min⁠⁠ Jamie's Instagram⁠⁠ Jamie's Website⁠ Book a free call with Emily: calendly.com/emilytallman⁠ Emily's Instagram Get your song reviewed: send an MP3 or download link to ⁠iwishiknewthatpod@gmail.com⁠ Join the Discord family! ⁠https://discord.gg/v5XRSKAeqX⁠ If you want to support the show, use our affiliate links to these SONG CHANGING resources. We would all love you even more, and every little helps. • Writing Better Lyrics ⁠https://amzn.to/45NxOWy⁠ • Murphy’s Laws of Songwriting ⁠https://amzn.to/44xTWmK⁠ • The War of Art ⁠https://amzn.to/45tHLbW⁠ • The Go-Giver ⁠https://amzn.to/3EigbST⁠ Edited and mixed by Tiki Horea ⁠tikihorea.com
Emily's Helpdesk #11
18-12-2023
Emily's Helpdesk #11
*we had some issues with some of the audio for this episode, our apologies!* In the eleventh episode of Emily’s Helpdesk, Emily and Jamie talk about: - Genre blending - Juxtaposition of opposites - Repetition - Covering songs in a creative way - How not to write for sync - Tips for writing lyrics - Prosody - Sonic symbolism - When to keep your demo vocals - “You don’t have to get ready if you stay ready.” - Maximizing memorability - Tried and true writing methods - Geniuses - Writer’s block and ways to get out of it - also, don’t beat yourself up - Getting over demoitis - Getting vocals to sit in the mix - What does an EQ do? - The Max Martin Four - and more. Songs reviewed: - Nmesomachi Lies Prod By Weplaybeat - Jay Rence - Electric Feel - Jamie Karl Coupe (!!!) - Sick Of Us - Troy Pendergraft - Suspicious - Christine Passig - How Strong (demo 2) Lesson time: Mixing vocals --------------- Book a free consultation call with Jamie: ⁠https://calendly.com/jamiekarlcoupe/60min⁠ ⁠Jamie's Instagram⁠ ⁠Jamie's Website⁠ Book a free call with Emily: calendly.com/emilytallman⁠ Emily's Instagram Get your song reviewed: send an MP3 or download link to ⁠iwishiknewthatpod@gmail.com⁠ Join the Discord family! ⁠https://discord.gg/v5XRSKAeqX⁠ If you want to support the show, use our affiliate links to these SONG CHANGING resources. We would all love you even more, and every little helps. • Writing Better Lyrics ⁠https://amzn.to/45NxOWy⁠ • Murphy’s Laws of Songwriting ⁠https://amzn.to/44xTWmK⁠ • The War of Art ⁠https://amzn.to/45tHLbW⁠ • The Go-Giver ⁠https://amzn.to/3EigbST⁠ Edited and mixed by Tiki Horea ⁠tikihorea.com