INSIDER SECRETS TO HIT SONGWRITING

The Hit Songwriter Accelerator is designed to fast-track your songwriting career by three to five years. It's based on the same framework and concepts I implement with the artists and songwriters signed to my publishing company and label. Think of yourself as a startup in the results economy—not the hourly economy. You're not paid for the time you spend; you're paid for the results you deliver. This course helps you focus on achieving those results faster by showing you what's expected at the highest industry levels and how to create top-tier, hit-worthy songs.

One of the key concepts I've integrated into this course is something I learned from Dan Sullivan's Strategic Coach program. It's about transitioning from a mindset of being paid by the hour to understanding the power of results. You're capable of doing work that is worth $10,000 or even $100,000 an hour. I've seen songwriters create million-dollar hits in under an hour, but what people often forget is that it took them 10 years of honing their craft to reach that level where their output can be so fantastic.

The goal of The Hit Songwriter Accelerator is to compress that timeline. Without this kind of course or a mentor guiding you, it's difficult to know exactly what's expected in the industry and how to hit those targets. In fact, as I run my own publishing company, Brill Building, and as I pay writers and artists advances with my own money, I’ve come up with a process to shortcut songwriter’s journey. In fact, itt’s become crucial now more than ever to cut out 3-5 years of your time with this proven process.

This course is designed to give you the inside track, showing you the level of excellence required and helping you shortcut your path to creating the standout songs that will define your career. We're here to push that creative power and accelerate your success right now.

The Hit Songwriter Accelerator course is unique because I'm not just a teacher and tbh, I’m not just doing this as a side hustle - or really to make money : )  I'm a music publisher with 30 years of experience signing and working, if I can say, with some of the biggest hitmakers in the world. While many courses offer theoretical knowledge or are taught by professors or armchair pundits, my course gives you direct access to real-world strategies from someone who's currently in the industry. If you wanted to learn how to become a millionaire, you'd want to take that course from someone who is a millionaire, not from someone making $50,000 a year teaching at a local college while not really having industry experience. It's the same idea here—you're learning from someone who's actively working with hit songwriters, producers, and artists at the highest level.

I've spent decades developing, signing, and working with hundreds of successful creators, and now, for the first time, I'm sharing the insider secrets, techniques, and strategies I've refined over those years. This isn't about learning outdated theory; it's about learning what actually works today, right now, in the music industry. I hope you find this exciting because it's a rare opportunity to access a level of expertise that's normally reserved for the people I sign and work with directly. Let's get you on the charts!

An "Annihilation Song" is a track so powerful that it obliterates the competition. It's not just another great song—it's the kind of song that redefines the standard, making everything else on the charts sound outdated and irrelevant. Think Billie Eilish's "bad guy"—when that song dropped, it didn't just perform well; it transformed the pop landscape, instantly making other artists in her space look old-fashioned and out of touch. This is the type of song that, in industry terms, gets the million-dollar push at major label meetings because it's undeniable.

In my course, we have a whole segment on this subject! We don't aim for "good" or "pretty good." We're shooting for songs that literally annihilate the competition, reset the bar, and make people stop in their tracks. If you're serious about achieving major success—whether you're a new artist or a songwriter looking to write for others—you need to create songs that make everyone else look tired and outdated. This songwriting course will teach you how to channel that energy and craft your own "Annihilation Song" that stands out, demands attention, and gets noticed by the industry's gatekeepers. You'll learn how to go beyond your comfort zone, using tools like the Hit Song Trinity and Firemaker parameters, to create songs that don't just compete—they dominate.

The cost of not having a coach or mentor is staying stuck in the same routines, doing the same things over and over, but expecting different results and with no real plan. Without the right guidance, many artists and songwriters end up wasting years of their careers, struggling to break through. It's like treading water—moving but going nowhere fast. My course is designed to save you three to five years of trial and error by providing the tools, expertise, and proven strategies you need to reach the next level faster.

When you don't invest in learning from someone, who's already been down the path - and learned all the mistakes so you don’t have to, you risk staying stuck, unsure of how to improve, and missing opportunities to elevate your music. Whether you're just starting out or you've already tasted some success, having a coach, like in these personally taught video modules, can help you break out of that rut and get back on a path to success. Instead of spinning your wheels, this course offers a clear roadmap to accelerate your progress and help you avoid the common pitfalls that hold so many artists back.

No matter where you are in your career—whether you're a new artist, a songwriter trying to get your first cut, or someone who's had success but needs help with the next step—there's something in this course for you. 

So, why keep doing the same things and expecting a breakthrough when you can get ahead now? Let me help guide you toward achieving your goals.

The best way to get signed is not by knocking on record label’s or music publisher’s doors. Nope. We’re going to flip those traditional scripts and approaches - simply because - it doesn’t work that way anymore. Instead of chasing down labels, you need to focus on making such incredible music and taking the right actions so that they come looking for you. 

Record labels today rely heavily on data, tracking what's hot and who's gaining traction (including live ticket sales!). Your goal should be to show up in their data streams and research reports by consistently releasing high-quality music, growing your fan base, and building momentum.

When you put in the effort to make your project undeniable, you'll reach a point where the labels are knocking on your door, not the other way around. I've outlined this approach in great detail in my 225-page book, How Do I Get a Record Deal? Sign Yourself!. This book gives you a step-by-step breakdown of how to take control of your career and create a situation where labels can't ignore you. It covers everything you need to know about standing out, attracting attention, and building leverage as an independent artist.

You can download the book for free at BenjaminGroff.com/Book and start working on a strategy that puts you in the driver's seat of your career. Let's get you on the radar of labels by focusing on what really matters: making music that's so good, they have to sign you.

Yes, I offer both personal and group coaching, although I provide these sessions selectively based on my availability and the specific needs of the artist or songwriter.

Personal coaching allows us to dive deep into your individual, unique challenges and goals, offering tailored advice that can accelerate your progress. This is truly one-on-one time, where we can focus on everything from songwriting and career strategy to questions about the music industry, release strategies or even discussing overcoming obstacles that might be holding you back.

I also offer group coaching, which can be a powerful experience, as it provides the chance to learn not only from me but also from your peers. Group settings often lead to creative breakthroughs, networking opportunities, and shared insights that can be invaluable as you grow in your career.

I don't open up coaching slots often, so when I do, it's something I approach with care, ensuring that those I work with are truly ready to take their careers to the next level. If you're interested in either personal or group coaching, you can find more details and availability at BenjaminGroff.com/Coaching. I look forward to helping you reach your goals!

With nearly a million new songs being released every week, it's no surprise that many artists feel overwhelmed and lost in the crowd. 

The lack of success often comes down to a combination of factors, and it's rarely just one thing holding you back. Maybe your sound isn't standing out—it could be that you're blending in with too many other artists and need to tap into what makes you unique. Or perhaps your songwriting, production quality, or collaborations aren't where they need to be.

And of course - there’s social media. You see, social media and having traction - in my opinion, often can drive what’s getting attention on the streaming platforms.  They want to invest those coveted playlists slots for artists who are already showing evidence of buzz and a following on line.

But it's not just about that either! A major piece of the puzzle is your mindset, belief system, and identity as an artist. Do you truly believe in your potential to succeed? Are you operating with the confidence and direction that it takes to break through? Often, it's these deeper elements that can hold you back from reaching the next level.

That's where my Hit Songwriter Accelerator course comes in, especially in Part 2 of the course. It's designed to help artists like you get unstuck by identifying and addressing both the creative and mental roadblocks. With over 30 video modules in this section, the course focuses on everything from songwriting hacks and production tips to mindset shifts that can transform your career. By cutting three to five years off your learning curve, this course gives you the tools to fast-track your success and stop spinning your wheels.

Why wait any longer? The answers and guidance you need are right here, ready for you to unlock. Check out BenjaminGroff.com/Accelerate, and let's get you on the path to more success.

Being authentic is not just important—it's essential for long-term success as an artist. If you're worried that your sound is too fringe, that your message might upset people, or that your style doesn't fit with what's trending right now, then you're counterintuitively, probably on the right track! 

Often, the artists who make the biggest impact are those who don't conform to what's popular. They push through boundaries (including their own), take risks, and stand out precisely because they don't fit into a predefined mold.

It can be tempting to want to fit in with the mainstream, to aim for the "juicy center" where things feel safe and commercially viable. But the truth is, the artists who inspire me the most, and the ones I've signed or worked with, are those who dare to be a little off-center. They're the ones challenging the status quo and creating something fresh. And sometimes, their unique sound ends up redefining what becomes popular—they change the game entirely, and their style becomes the new "juicy center."

So, if you're feeling unsure about your direction because it's different or unconventional, I encourage you to embrace it fully. Run toward those ideas, because that authenticity is what will set you apart and could very well be the thing that changes the music landscape.

If you're ready to accelerate your path as an artist or songwriter, I dive even deeper into this concept in my Hit Songwriter Accelerator course. With over 30 years of experience in the music industry, I've seen firsthand how authenticity leads to long-term success, and I'm here to help you fast-track your journey. Check out BenjaminGroff.com/Accelerate, and let's bring out the real you!

Building a long-term music career is all about perseverance and staying committed to your craft, even when things seem tough. Many of the artists and songwriters I've worked with experienced their biggest breakthroughs just when they were about to throw in the towel. It's that ability to keep going—believing in yourself and your music—that often makes the difference between success and giving up too soon.

A great example is a friend of mine who was doing everything right, working with amazing artists, and achieving success that most people would be thrilled with. But he still hadn't landed that one big hit. He was at the point of considering whether to keep going - like really, a few months away from just throwing in the towel. And then, out of nowhere, a song he had written two years prior went viral and became the #1 song on the Billboard Hot 100. It's stories like these that reinforce the idea that success can sometimes be just around the corner, even when things feel stagnant.

The saying "it's darkest before the dawn" holds true in this industry. Longevity isn't just about talent—it's about resilience and believing that your moment will come. If you truly feel like music is your calling, then you've got to stick with it, even during the tough times, because breakthroughs often happen when you least expect them.

For more long-term career strategies and insights on navigating the ups and downs of the music business, check out my blog at BenjaminGroff.com/Blog. Stay committed, and your persistence will pay off.

The longest I've ever pitched a song was 17 years! That song was eventually recorded by the incredibly successful K-pop group TVXQ. Can you imagine holding onto a song for that long, continuing to believe in it, and pitching it over and over again until the right artist finally recognizes its potential? It wasn't an easy process, but it just goes to show that perseverance is key in this industry. And in this case - it was actually a song I wrote!

Some of you reading this might not even be 17 years old yet, and the idea of waiting that long may seem daunting. But if you truly believe in a song's power, you've got to stick with it. Sometimes, all it takes is the right timing and the right artist to make your song come to life. So, don't be discouraged if it doesn't happen right away—just keep pushing, keep pitching, and trust that a great song will eventually find its place.

For more insights and strategies on how to get your songs recorded by top artists, I've created a course called Insider Secrets to Hit Songwriting, where I share everything I've learned over my career about pitching songs and getting them noticed. You can check it out at BenjaminGroff.com/Secrets.

The truth is, personal growth and development never really stop! Even after years of experience and success in music, my opinion is it's essential to keep learning, growing, and discovering more about yourself. Personal growth is an ongoing process, not something you "finish" once you reach a certain level. It plays a huge role in your creative and professional success as a songwriter or artist.

Personally, I still actively pursue new courses, engage in personal development work, and find ways to better myself—both in and out of music. In fact, continually evolving is part of the reason for long-term success. It allows you to stay in tune with yourself, find new inspiration, and push your creative boundaries. Plus, it's a rewarding and enjoyable process when you embrace it.

At the end of the day, if you want to reach your full potential and sustain the success you're dreaming of, ongoing growth is crucial. It's about uncovering more of who you are and using that awareness to enhance your art. If you want to dive deeper into mindset and personal development, you can explore more at BenjaminGroff.com/Mindset.

Hands down, that would be Ryan Tedder. I signed Ryan to his first publishing deal back in 2006 or 2007. Even before any of his big hits had come out, it was clear that he had an unshakable belief in himself. From the moment I met him, you could tell that he saw himself as a massive hit songwriter and artist. That wasn't just confidence—it was a deep-rooted belief in his identity and abilities. And it wasn't just talk; he carried that mindset into everything he did. He knew that he was going to succeed, and that belief became a self-fulfilling prophecy as his career took off.

Looking back, in my opinion, I can see how Ryan's strong mindset and belief system played a huge role in shaping his career trajectory. It's one thing to have talent, but it's another to fully believe that you are the person capable of achieving greatness. That kind of certainty in yourself fuels the hard work, perseverance, and resilience needed to make it in the industry.

Bottom line: believing in yourself is absolutely critical to your success. The mindset you bring to the table can often be the deciding factor between making it and falling short. Ryan is a perfect example of how a powerful belief in your own potential can help you reach your goals.

Your environment is absolutely crucial to your success. There's a great story about a family of world-class chess masters—a husband and wife—who were both at the top of their game. When they had a child, that child also grew up to become a world-class chess master. Was it just pure talent or natural ability? Or was it the fact that the environment this child grew up in made being a chess master feel completely normal?

This story illustrates a powerful concept: when you're surrounded by excellence, it becomes the standard. For songwriters and artists, the same idea applies. If you can place yourself in an environment where having hits on the charts, getting playlisted on Spotify, or working with top producers is just "normal," you start to internalize those expectations. Success begins to feel like a natural outcome rather than a distant goal. That shift in mindset can be incredibly powerful.

By aligning yourself with people and environments where success is the norm, you elevate your own creative and professional potential. You start to expect more from yourself, and those expectations become your reality. So, think about how you can create or seek out an environment where success feels inevitable. Whether it's collaborating with successful people, surrounding yourself with high-achieving peers, or immersing yourself in a creative community that inspires you—your surroundings can play a huge role in shaping your trajectory.

If you're looking for ways to accelerate your growth as a songwriter, I offer a program, The Hit Songwriter Accelerator. It's designed to help you fast-track your career by three to five years, aligning you with the right mindset, people, and tools to thrive. Learn more at BenjaminGroff.com/Accelerate!

A songwriting accountability partner is a game-changer when it comes to staying on track with your goals. Have you ever set a goal—maybe to write more songs or finish a project—only to see it slip away after a few weeks or a month? An accountability partner can help prevent that from happening. This person could be a friend, a collaborator, or even a family member. Their role is to regularly check in with you, making sure you're accomplishing what you've set out to do. In turn, you do the same for them, creating a mutual support system.

Having someone who knows your goals and keeps you honest about following through can make a huge difference in your productivity. It adds a layer of commitment because you're no longer just accountable to yourself—you're accountable to someone else. And when someone's rooting for you and checking in on your progress, you're much more likely to stay focused.

Another method of accountability is to share your goals publicly. For example, you could post on social media and say, "This month, I'm going to write four new songs and post them here!" By making your commitment public, you put yourself on the hook, and people will notice if you don't follow through. The pressure of knowing others are watching can be a powerful motivator to help you meet your goals.

These are just a couple of ways to keep yourself accountable and boost your productivity as a songwriter. If you're serious about moving your career forward, I've created a course called The Hit Songwriter Accelerator, designed to help you fast-track your success by three to five years. For more details, head over to BenjaminGroff.com/Accelerate. Let's get you where you want to be!

Yes! The notion that you need 10,000 hours to master a skill or in this case songwriting is simply not true. While the 10,000 hours rule suggests that mastering any skill requires years of practice, I've seen countless hit songwriters reach success in far less time with the right tools and guidance. From my experience working with hundreds of hit songwriters over the past three decades, it's clear that you can fast-track your progress without spending years and years trying to "figure it out."

Through my Hit Songwriter Accelerator course, I've designed a program that can eliminate three to five years of time from your development as an artist or songwriter. This course is all about providing you with insider knowledge, techniques, and strategies that help you achieve success faster. You don't have to go through the same long, winding journey that others have if you're focused, working smart, and aligning yourself with the right opportunities and mentorship.

So, while the 10,000 hours rule applies in certain contexts, hit songwriting doesn't have to be one of them. With the right guidance, you can leap ahead and position yourself for success much sooner. If you're ready to accelerate your growth, you can learn more about the course at BenjaminGroff.com/Accelerate. I'd love to help you fast-track your career!

This one is a red pill moment - if you choose to believe. A great hook isn't just about having a memorable melody—it's really about the rhythm of the melody. It's the way the melodic rhythm interacts with the lyrics and grabs the listener's attention that makes a hook truly stand out. Just like a great lyric, a great melodic rhythm has to pop, be fresh, and feel different. It's not enough for the notes to sound good; the rhythm needs to spark something and pull the listener in immediately.

Think of it this way: a strong melodic rhythm is what gets stuck in someone's head after they hear the song. It's that infectious quality that makes people remember and hum the tune. It should feel unexpected, catchy, and even a bit bold—something that makes your song stand out in a sea of music. When a hook really works, it's because it has that special rhythmic twist that listeners haven't quite heard before, and that's what makes them want to hit repeat.

If this idea resonates with you and you're looking to dive deeper into what makes a hit song, I cover this and many more strategies in my course, Insider Secrets to Hit Songwriting. Drawing from my 30 years as a music publisher and my experience working with hundreds of hitmakers, this course is packed with practical tips that can help you level up your songwriting. Ready to learn more? Head to BenjaminGroff.com/Secrets for all the details!

Yes! One of the best songwriting hacks I can share is stockpiling your future inspiration. This means putting in the work now to set yourself up for future creative sessions. Start keeping a song title diary, where you jot down any interesting ideas or phrases that come to mind. Also, create folders where you store your unfinished beats, melody snippets, and partial song starts. By organizing your ideas ahead of time, you're building a treasure trove of material to pull from when you're ready to write.

This hack is all about preparation. Instead of waiting for inspiration to magically strike in the moment—something that doesn't always happen on command—you've already done the groundwork. When you sit down for a writing session, you can dive right into your saved ideas, giving you a head start. This way, you're not scrambling or feeling blocked, hoping that inspiration will fall from the sky. You'll have a collection of ideas ready and waiting, which can lead to more efficient and productive sessions.

Isn't that exciting? This hack can significantly streamline your creative process and make songwriting feel less daunting. I have tons more tips and resources available in my Hit Songwriter Accelerator course. It's designed to help artists and songwriters like you fast-track your career by three to five years. If you're ready to take your songwriting to the next level, check out BenjaminGroff.com/Accelerate.

It all comes down to what I like to call the "hell yeah" feeling. When you've got a great song start—whether it's a title, concept, beat, or melody—you should feel an undeniable surge of excitement. It's that moment where you know, without question, that you've stumbled upon something special. For me, it's almost a physical reaction: I get tingles in my nose or shivers down my spine. That's when I know I've hit on something worth pursuing.

I also call it “being on top of the gold.” 

If you're just kind of lukewarm on an idea, it's just not the one to be your “song seed.”  If it’s a B minus idea to begin with- do you think you can really get a song better than a B minus? 

You don't want to spend your time working on something that feels "pretty good" or like it might turn into something. Those ideas are fine, but the real magic comes from the ones that make you think, "This is going to be great." When you start with a "hell yeah" idea, the chances of that song turning into something amazing are so much higher than if you begin with an idea that you're unsure about.

This approach will help you focus your energy on the ideas that are truly worth your time. So, save yourself from chasing after mediocre concepts and instead prioritize those moments when you feel a surge of excitement. If this resonates with you, I've got a lot more insights and techniques like this in my Hit Songwriter Accelerator course. The course is designed to shave three to five years off your career development and help you get to your goals faster. Excited to get started? Head over to BenjaminGroff.com/Accelerate.

The inner voice hack is all about recognizing and overcoming that little voice in your head that can show up when you're on the verge of a brilliant idea. Sometimes, just as you're about to dive into something unique or groundbreaking, your mind starts telling you, "That's too weird" or "People might not get it." This reaction is actually a survival instinct that goes way back to prehistoric times. Back then, if you came up with a strange or risky idea in your tribe, it could lead to rejection or even being cast out. Over time, this response became hardwired into our DNA, designed to keep us safe by avoiding risk or anything too "out there."

But here's the hack: when that inner voice speaks up, it's often a signal that you're onto something really important. Instead of backing away from those moments, you need to push forward and lean into the discomfort. Those are the ideas that can set you apart and lead to something innovative. Some of the biggest and best songs come from taking risks and trusting those unconventional instincts, even when your brain is trying to play it safe.

This is just one of the many songwriting hacks I teach, focusing not only on the technical aspects but also on how your belief systems, mindset, and identity as an artist influence your creativity. If you're interested in learning more, including other uncommon hacks for hit songwriting, check out my course called The Hit Songwriter Accelerator. It's designed to help you break through these mental blocks and expedite your success. Eager to begin? You can learn more at BenjaminGroff.com/Accelerate.

You can actually write hit songs without ever touching an instrument by using a technique I call "writing in your mind's eye." This method taps into the power of your imagination and subconscious, allowing you to create songs mentally before you even sit down with your guitar, keyboard, or computer. Here's how it works: close your eyes, and picture a radio in your mind. But this isn't just any radio—it's a hit song radio. Imagine tuning into it and letting a fully finished song play from start to finish in your head. It's almost like the song already exists, and all you have to do is capture it as soon as you can.

For me, this technique works really well right before I fall asleep, when my mind is relaxed and open to creative ideas. It's an exciting and powerful way to harness your brain's natural supercomputer to create music, without being distracted by external tools or environments. You're giving your subconscious the freedom to piece together melodies, rhythms, and lyrics in a more intuitive way. After that, all you need to do is wake up and bring the song into reality by recording it or writing it down.

If this sounds intriguing, I have even more songwriting hacks like this in my course, Insider Secrets to Hit Songwriting. In the course, I unpack 30 years of experience working with over a hundred hit songwriters, sharing the tools and techniques that can accelerate your songwriting journey. Ready to explore more? You can find out all the details at BenjaminGroff.com/Secrets.