Home > Pop Music > Page 2

Tag: Pop Music

Subconscious Songwriting with Mike Nilles

Guitarist and songwriter Mike Nilles has a secret method for writing melodies: dreaming them up! In episode 17 of Composer Quest, Mike and I swap stories about our dream-inspired songs. We also talk about a few of the groups Mike has played in over the years, from his 70s St. Paul band Smart Alex, to an Italian blues band, to his latest project, The Badinovs.

Read more

Songwriting Inspiration with Paul Spring

Paul Spring was destined to be a poet, being raised in a family of English professor parents, and now having six brothers and sisters who are also English teachers. In this episode of Composer Quest, we get to hear live renditions of four new story songs Paul has been working on, from the hilarious "Type II Diabetes" and "St. Cloud Traffic" to an edgy but thoughtful song trying to make sense of the tragic Newtown, Connecticut school shooting. We also talk about Paul's self-titled album and the very personal stories behind it. I think it's the most moving talk we've had on the show, so a special thanks to Paul for sharing his music and stories.

Read more