Teen-aged jazz/soul superstar Avery Raquel joined us to talk about moving from covers of jazz standards to her own blend of jazz and soul to better connect with her audience. We talked about:

• Jazz standards by Chet Baker, Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald, and Frank Sinatra
• Listening to songs analytically
• Tension and release in a song (and how Avery is amazing at it)
• “Don’t bore us, get to the chorus” – or not?
• Co-writing with producer Greg Kavanagh
• Editing as part of your songwriting process
• Overcoming writer’s block
• Profanity in modern music

Listen to the show