The Sync Songwriting Workshop

Lesson # 1 – Great Songs Open Doors

126 Comments

  1. Teni Rane

    Hey, Eric – thanks. Looking forward to part 2. Have been studying sync for about an year now and absorbing all the info I can find 🙂 Love the example of the lyrics switch in the song to be much more personal and real to what we all have to work through as individuals.

    Reply
    • Eric Campbell

      Thank you for your comment Teni. I’m glad you’re soaking up all the info!

      Reply
    • F-M

      Great info! Thanks Eric!

      Reply
    • Jay

      Thanks Eric, that was masterfully presented!

      Congrats on all of your success!

      Fyi, the thing that really brought the message behind the presentation to light was the A/B song writing styles!

      Masterful, you are the best man!

      Thanks again
      J

      Reply
      • Eric Campbell

        Thanks Jay and thanks for letting me know that the example was helpful.

        Reply
        • Marcus

          Hi, Eric!

          This is encouraging.
          For a while, I had been creating mostly instrumentals.
          Then I started trying to create music with a mostly swagger, braggadocio lyric content, based on what I’ve heard in some music libraries.
          But recently I’ve been rediscovering more of my own voice and writing songs with lyrical content that I think are meaningful.
          It’s encouraging to hear you talk about going down this path.
          Thanks!

          Reply
          • Eric Campbell

            Thanks Marcus, I’m so glad you’re finding your way down the authentic path. I believe it will pay off.

        • Spirit 3:6

          This is really enlightening.

          Reply
          • Eric Campbell

            I’m so glad to hear that.

    • Jacci

      Really informative introduction and the example was very helpful!

      Reply
  2. Moe Hollis

    Lesson one broke down the basics of sync songwriting very simply. The lesson is engaging and easy to understand, Thank you for this opportunity and for sharing the knowledge you have, I’m so ready for lesson two!!!

    Reply
    • Eric Campbell

      Thank you Moe. Engaging and Easy to Understand is exactly what I was hoping for. Lesson two coming in a few days!

      Reply
    • Cole Engle

      Very cool to see the subtle differences that make a big impact on the songwriting side in your example

      Reply
      • Eric Campbell

        Thanks Cole. I’m glad it was helpful.

        Reply
  3. Patti~

    Thanks for the great song comparison breakdown!!!
    Looking forward to Lesson #2

    Reply
    • Eric Campbell

      My pleasure Patti. thanks for commenting.

      Reply
      • Kester

        This is great, thanks for this breakdown,,, looking forward to part 2

        Reply
  4. Raymond Byabazaire

    Thanks, Eric. Most informative. Yes, as I have found out, over several years, it’s extremely hard nailing exactly what sync clients want – in all their myriad needs. Looking forward to Lesson 2.

    Reply
    • Eric Campbell

      Thanks Raymond. Yeah, it’s tricky and the needs change but I’ll share what I know as I discover it.

      Reply
      • Kester

        This is great, thanks for this,,, looking forward to part 2

        Reply
      • Peace King

        The song comparison sold me considering this was only meant to demo the lessons demonstrated. I know for a fact that this is worth the time it took to make and whatever you charge is WORTH EVERY PENNY!!!

        Reply
        • Eric Campbell

          I appreciate that. I was fun to make and I’m glad it was helpful.

          Reply
  5. Anissa

    Hey, Eric – so glad I found this workshop!! Thank you for sharing examples of literal, on-the-surface lyrics vs more relatable lyrics. I’ve attended workshops that only discuss this in theory. I appreciate having small chunks of information that give attendees time to digest the info. Sometimes people add extra fluff that doesn’t help people who need practical steps. Looking forward to the remaining sessions!

    BTW, I was a huge fan of Greenleaf! Are you able to share which song(s) you contributed to writing? You just inspired me to re-watch it!

    Reply
    • Eric Campbell

      Hey Anissa. I’m glad to know the examples helped.

      For Greenleaf, look up the Season 2 Greenleaf Soundtrack on your preferred streaming service. I wrote tracks 2, 4, & 8.

      Reply
  6. bob wright

    Great hearing the song example you presented, lyric changes really improved the track.

    Reply
    • Eric Campbell

      Thanks Bob. I’m glad that was helpful.

      Reply
  7. Vikramjit Banerjee

    Thanks for this lesson Eric, it gives me hope because I have a pretty sizeable catalogue of songs and all of these songs are honest and authentic to my feelings and not crafted for sync per se

    I would be lovely if you could share a link to tune in to the gospel song you did for Oprah.

    Thanks again
    Cheers from Calcutta India
    Tuki

    Reply
    • Eric Campbell

      Thanks Tuki,

      Honest and Authentic are definitely the way to go.

      For Greenleaf, look up the Greenleaf Soundtrack – Season 2, on your preferred streaming service. I wrote tracks 2, 4, & 8.

      Reply
  8. Niles

    Thank Eric I I watched that green leaf series and I do remember the music was very good! My question , will this
    Workshop apply to songs that really has no lyric?

    Reply
    • Eric Campbell

      Thanks Niles,

      For this workshop, the focus is on songs with lyrics.

      I’m considering doing a workshop around production and instrumentals in 2025. Let me know if that would interest you.

      Reply
      • Niles

        Definitely will! Hope to have a couple hit or two by then

        Reply
      • Patrick Coronado

        I’d also be interested. I didn’t originally start out as a lyricist so while I am practicing/learning songwriting, it’s certainly not my strong suit at the moment. I got instrumentals and arrangements for days though.

        Reply
  9. violet whimsey

    Love to hear about your success, thanks for sharing. I hope to be synced at least once somewhere – my songs are born out of pain but are beautifully cathartic. Do you release these as an artist on Spotify too? I’m curious if it’s important to hold on releasing songs as an artist, or if when you do, you should also drop “instrumentals” and “sped up” versions. I see some major top 40 artists doing that a lot which I think is so interesting that it’s in their catalog when it’s clearly for sync or social media opportunities versus for the listener

    Reply
    • Eric Campbell

      Thanks Violet.

      Whether or not to release is a personal choice. You can pitch songs whether they’re released or not.

      Reply
  10. Corey Dee

    Great insight as always, positive and encouraging. Thanks Eric, looking forward to the next one!
    I assume no login on this page?

    Reply
    • Eric Campbell

      No, no login required for these but the site will go away after a certain time so be sure to watch them as soon as they’re available.

      Reply
  11. Samar Newsome

    Great start and the example added a nice touch to really drive the point home. Looking forward to the rest of the course. Catchy hook even if it was just made up for this.

    Reply
    • Eric Campbell

      Thanks so much Samar. I appreciate that.

      Reply
    • Patrice Richmond

      Thanks for this first lesson! I appreciate hearing the clearer, more realistic vulnerability in the second sample song. It was also encouraging to hear how that ONE song opened to many opportunities for you! Reminding us to keep going, keep putting in the work, and conduct every opportunity with class and intention.

      Reply
      • Eric Campbell

        Thanks so much Patrice. I’m glad those examples where helpful.

        Reply
  12. MR

    Ok, Eric I’ve learned with song writing to have an effective song I need to show and not tell! Is sync similar do I need to tell more or is it still show, just don’t be specific? Thanks

    Reply
    • Eric Campbell

      Great question MR.

      Typically by ‘show’ they mean pointing to all the things going on externally to help describe the story.

      For sync it’s more helpful if you ‘show’ what’s going on INTERNALLY – which goes more to how you’re feeling.

      But ‘show don’t tell’ is still a good reminder to find the more emotionally powerful way to describe our feelings other than just simply stating it.

      Reply
  13. Matthew Harris

    Awesome Eric! Thank you for the insight you provided in this lesson. Very valuable indeed. Love the example to illustrate the differences between good and great writing for sync. Already hungry for your next lesson!

    Appreciate you sir

    Reply
    • Eric Campbell

      Thanks so much Matthew. I’m glad you’re hungry. Pt II comes in a few days.

      Reply
  14. Rammy

    It’s crazy how I have been seeming this shallow songwriting for a while and wanted to understand how to write better. Lyrics need to show not tell. Love this, I need the next one

    Reply
    • Eric Campbell

      Thanks Rammy. I’m glad you understand the value of authentic lyrics. Pt II comes in a few days.

      Reply
  15. Andre Watson

    Sounds great!! Can’t wait for lesson 2. I’m taking notes.

    Reply
  16. Sean C. Barnes

    Very informative!! didn’t realize a few changes here or there can make a break a sync song. I’m still learning to format Sync songs; I’m used to doing regular formatted songs.

    Reply
    • Eric Campbell

      Thanks Sean. Sometimes, little changes make a big difference. The actual structure of songs for sync is not much different than typical artist songs, it’s just that the content is more based on emotion.

      Reply
  17. Michael Bruce Miller

    Thank you for the practical example. I have found such lessons are rare in the 4-5 years I’ve been pitching music. Do you have any advice for those of us who lead rather uncomplicated lives? The kids are grown and doing well, the 8-5 job is stable, home life is comfortable… Every day is a great day here in the Midwest… I don’t have much angst to draw upon… Thoughts?

    Reply
    • Eric Campbell

      Good questions Michael. Without knowing more of your story, my instinct is to say “dig deeper”. Even in the best of circumstances, we all deal with anxiety or regret or doubt. As a parent, there’s worry about whether your kids are making the best choices or maybe it’s the responsibility of have to take care of parents.

      And if all that doesn’t stir anything, try looking to other’s people’s stories in your family (or even in books or on TV). There’s lots of drama everywhere

      Reply
  18. Liz Aday

    Inspiring, affirming, empowering and heartfelt Lesson#1. I have learned so much from Eric over the past year, but even better than that, I have felt encouraged to continue working and honing my skills in a new lane of my career which is the modern landscape of sync. There have been lots of downs to the ups on this hill but… Eric has fanned the flames and kept my eye on the prize while learning to become an efficient, effective self produced artist. I’m ready, on fire & excited for lesson #2!! let’s go!

    Reply
    • Eric Campbell

      Thanks so much for your heartfelt message Liz. I truly appreciate it. I’m on fire for you!!! Let’s go!

      Reply
  19. Alex Karanja

    Great presentation and introduction Eric. Looking forward to the next one.

    Reply
    • Eric Campbell

      Thank you Alex. Next one comes in a few days. Plus Live Q&A tomorrow.

      Reply
  20. Rohan

    This is authentic information. I say this as someone who is not a newbie, this is excellent truthful insight. Thank you Eric. Looking forward to more!

    Reply
    • Eric Campbell

      Thanks so much Rohan. I appreciate that.

      Reply
    • Lynda Dobbin-Turner

      Great job Eric! Looking forward to what comes next! Insightful and inspiring as your shares always are. Keep shining!

      Reply
      • Eric Campbell

        Thanks so much Lynda 🙂 I appreciate your constant support.

        Reply
  21. BodaciousThang

    Very inspiring! I love the song examples and the story about the Oprah series. Powerful stuff. Thanks so much Eric!

    Reply
  22. Mark Montanari

    All I can say is THANK YOU for sharing your knowledge with us Eric. I’ve learned so much from you and cannot wait to continue soaking up this series. All the best!

    Reply
  23. Fuzzy Daniels

    Very valuable information.
    I know you put a lot of time & hard work into The Sync Writing Workshop.
    I’m genuinely Thankful!!!

    Thanks so much for your time!

    Looking forward to more!

    Reply
  24. Tonyaa Rodgers

    Thanks for the lesson, Eric! The example was awesome and I also liked learning about other possibilities for songwriting. I appreciate you!

    Reply
    • Eric Campbell

      Thanks so much Tonyaa! I appreciate you as well!

      Reply
  25. Ludmila Lembke

    Thanks for opening this up for everyone, Eric. I felt the verbal content here is close to what you shared previously on your other offerings and freebies, but the contrasting example was beneficial. After reading everyone’s comments, I am writing notes on some of the answers you provided, for example, to dig deeper into one’s emotions and, if there are none currently, to look for some in movies and books.
    I am also creating a playlist of your songs for the Greenleaf series. Perhaps you have one to share with course participants too?

    Reply
    • Eric Campbell

      Thanks for the feedback Ludmila. I agree the discourse here in the comments if really valuable.

      And stay tuned, I’ll be offering some additional song analysis in near future.

      Reply
  26. Lynda Starr

    Thank you for this lesson Eric! Looking forward to the next one. Loved the example.

    Reply
  27. Ifeanyi

    I felt the difference in the authentic song. The lyrics made me feel “comfortable”

    Thanks so much this video, waiting for the next.
    God bless you sir

    Reply
    • Eric Campbell

      Thank you for that feedback Ifeanyi. God bless you too.

      Reply
  28. Frankie

    Hi Eric, it’s Frankie from Australia, absolutely enjoyed listening to you. Lots of valuable information, Looking forward to the next lessons. You have fired me up bro. want to get back into sync writing cheers.

    Reply
    • Eric Campbell

      Hey Frankie. Thanks so much for that encouragement and I’m glad you’re fired up! Let’s go!

      Reply
  29. Rick Flahant

    It’s your explanation of authenticity and relate-ability that’s really got me thinking, Eric. Thanks very much for this!

    Reply
    • Eric Campbell

      Nice. I’m glad that explanation hit home for you!

      Reply
  30. Ollie

    Finally someone who gives examples! Thank you looking forward to seeing Part 2.

    Reply
    • Eric Campbell

      I’m glad the examples were helpful. Thanks Ollie.

      Reply
  31. Joiliyah MELODYGOD

    this was very insightful! The musical example you gave was game changing. It definitely helped me understand your thoughts on your approach better. Im looking forward to the next video

    Reply
    • Eric Campbell

      Thank you. I’m glad that was helpful. Next one launches in a few days.

      Reply
  32. David

    This is great. So I guess the secret of great sync songs is picking a generic theme and writing lyrics based on how you feel about that theme (that other people can easily relate to), plus instrumentals that match the mood. Thanks Eric

    Reply
    • Eric Campbell

      Thanks David. I wouldn’t say the theme should be ‘generic’ but rather there’s a group of themes that tend to usually work for sync. Apply everything else you said but apply it to the subset of themes that work for sync (I’ll talk more about this later).

      Reply
  33. Kandice Bell

    I’ve watched this like 6 times! Loved the example and I could tell the difference. Songs musts be relatable, vulnerable and have depth! Thanks so much.

    Reply
    • Eric Campbell

      I Love This!! Thanks Kandice. I’m so glad it’s helpful.

      Reply
  34. R. T. Freer

    I’ve been songwriting on and off for a few years, but really started digging into the craft last year. One thing I’ve noticed is that I think my instrumentals are great, but I’m not much of a singer, so I thought I was sabotaging my own work. The more I work and try to plan out who I want to be in the industry and what I want to do, I realized…maybe sync is for me! I love the craft, writing great lyrics, and structuring songs. I’ve had the most success in producing and arranging. I find it hard to stick to one genre, too.

    All that to say…maybe sync is for me! 🙂

    Thanks for the course Eric. Looking forward to learning from you!

    Reply
    • Eric Campbell

      I can relate to this. I’ve worked on my singing for many many years and I love doing it all (writing, producing and singing). But I also recognize some songs I write will really pitch better if I put another singer on it. I have to judge each on a case by case basis.

      Reply
  35. Jonathan Smith

    Great intro lesson, Eric! Thank you for sharing your experience and wisdom with us. Looking forward.

    Reply
  36. Irene

    Thank you Eric for a great first lesson. I have been writing for a while and had some cuts in the past, but I need to up my game and also the production. My goal is to start creating my own tracks, but I’m concerned about what kind of samples (if any) I can use and loops. I heard that they are all a no no in sync. Looking forward to lesson two.

    Reply
    • Eric Campbell

      yeah, samples are tricky. You can’t use anything that’s unauthorized. And even with royalty free loops like Splice, you have to be careful. If you use those, I recommend modifying the sample so that it becomes uniquely yours. That’s a little easier for percussion than it is for melodic loops.

      Reply
  37. Art

    This is great. I know for me personally, I definitely value you showing me the difference between when I THINK I am doing what you teach, from what I am actually doing! Thank you so much Eric!

    Reply
  38. Mike Bankhead

    Good example. That first set of lyrics was definitely pretty vapid…

    Reply
  39. Teddy Burgh

    Eric,
    This is wonderful. I really, really appreciate you sharing your experience and knowledge. There aren’t many who be willing to do this. As you know, the sync licensing game can be brutal, frustrating, and at times, downright discouraging. However, it’s this kind of specialized, encouraging info that we need to hear sometimes. Looking forward to the next one.

    Reply
    • Eric Campbell

      Thanks Teddy. I really appreciate that feedback.

      Reply
  40. Chad Gridley

    Really cool and insightful stuff Eric! I love that the focus is all around the craft of great music making. I’m wondering what advice you would give to someone like myself who composes almost exclusively instrumental music. I know there is a huge need for quality and engaging instrumental pieces, but how would you suggest we apply the same advice of this lesson regarding making standout and emotionally provocative pieces without the use of lyrics.
    Thank you for providing this great information and shedding some light on this exclusive and mystifying industry

    Reply
    • Eric Campbell

      Thanks Chad. The context shifts a bit for instrumentals but the strategy is similar – avoid the typical generic things you hear on reality tv and go for high bar instrumentals that you might hear in Google / iphone ads or other commercials from premium brands that value high end music. Remember that arrangements differ from song arrangements so study that as well.

      But also, don’t discount creating hi end tracks for artists that write hi value sync songs – that’s always a need.

      Reply
  41. Marcus Manderson

    Always inspiring hearing about your journey. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  42. Corey William Schneider

    Great start to the series, Eric! Can’t wait to watch all the future parts. I’ve made some great connections through CTRL Camp and look forward to making more.

    Reply
    • Eric Campbell

      Thanks Corey, I’m so glad to hear that CTRL Camp is helping you find your team of collaborators.

      Reply
  43. Norman

    Thank you for sharing your knowledge & giving us the opportunity to learn Sync business. God bless you Eric…Hope we get to work together in the future

    Reply
  44. Jack Stanton

    Thanks Eric, this is really great info and very encouraging

    Reply
  45. Johnny Lundy

    Wow what great information

    Reply
  46. WISDOM Ibe

    hi eric I’m really new to sync licensing and I have been watching your video courses thank you for your great work in helping independent artist make a difference with their music. I wanted to ask is we would get guidance on how to write. I’ve written a couple songs but have no professional training. do you think i can make it?

    Reply
    • Eric Campbell

      My coaching is mostly about improving your songwriting in order to get sync placements. But there’s lots of teaching out there on more general songwriting techniques. I recommend browsing youtube (search ‘songwriting technique’ or ‘songwriting lessons’ etc) to find some teachers that resonate with you.

      Reply
  47. Varnia Henry

    Thank you Eric for sharing your experience and knowledge about Songwriting for Sync licensing. Congratulations on your success thus far!

    Reply
  48. Brandon Sause

    Love this! And it echos what everyone I trust in this industry says.

    BE AUTHENTIC

    Thanks for always sharing gems. Showing a before/after sketch was especially helpful.

    Reply
  49. David

    Thanks Eric! The Jekalyn Car version of your song is amazing! Wow. Very moving. I’m impressed. Looking forward to the rest of your virtual mentoring.

    Reply
  50. William Smith

    Great information Eric and thanks for sharing your story! I think a lot of sync licensing educators forget that part. We all have different paths and it’s great to hear the variety of experiences folks have to their success. It helps others imagine their own success.

    Reply

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