Confessions of a Serial Songwriter Book Summary - Confessions of a Serial Songwriter Book explained in key points

Confessions of a Serial Songwriter summary

Shelly Peiken

Brief summary

Confessions of a Serial Songwriter by Shelly Peiken is a candid and inspiring memoir that takes readers on a journey through the music industry. It offers valuable insights and practical advice for aspiring songwriters.

Give Feedback
Table of Contents

    Confessions of a Serial Songwriter
    Summary of key ideas

    Personal and Professional Journey

    In Confessions of a Serial Songwriter, Shelly Peiken takes us on an intimate journey through her life as a professional songwriter. She starts with her childhood, where she discovered her love for music and songwriting. She then details her early career, the struggles she faced, and the price she had to pay for her passion for music, including sacrificing her education and financial stability.

    Peiken's story is one of resilience, and she shares how she navigated through the competitive music industry, honing her craft and finding success. She details her experiences with different record labels, producers, and artists, giving us a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process and the business side of the music industry.

    Collaborations and Hits

    One of the highlights of Confessions of a Serial Songwriter is Peiken's insight into the collaborative nature of songwriting. She shares stories about her collaborations with various artists and co-writers, including Celine Dion, Christina Aguilera, and Natasha Bedingfield. She also provides a glimpse into the making of some of her biggest hits, such as What a Girl Wants and Bitch.

    Peiken's anecdotes reveal the highs and lows of the creative process, from the initial spark of inspiration to the challenges of turning an idea into a chart-topping song. She emphasizes the importance of persistence, open-mindedness, and the ability to adapt to different musical styles and personalities.

    Struggles and Successes

    Despite her numerous successes, Confessions of a Serial Songwriter doesn't shy away from Peiken's personal and professional struggles. She candidly discusses the emotional toll of the industry, including dealing with rejection, self-doubt, and the constant pressure to produce hits. She also touches on the gender inequality prevalent in the music business and the challenges faced by female songwriters.

    However, Peiken's resilience shines through as she shares how she overcame these obstacles and continued to thrive as a songwriter. She emphasizes the importance of self-belief, perseverance, and a strong support system in navigating the highs and lows of a creative career.

    Impact and Reflection

    In the latter part of the book, Peiken reflects on the impact of her work and the evolving landscape of the music industry. She shares her thoughts on the digital revolution and its influence on songwriting and distribution. She also touches on the changing attitudes towards mental health in the music industry, drawing from her personal experiences.

    Peiken ends Confessions of a Serial Songwriter with a sense of gratitude for the opportunities and experiences her career has brought her. She acknowledges the role of luck and timing in her success while also underscoring the importance of hard work and perseverance.

    Final Thoughts

    In conclusion, Confessions of a Serial Songwriter is a compelling and insightful memoir that offers a rare glimpse into the life of a professional songwriter. Peiken's storytelling is engaging and her honesty is refreshing. Whether you're a music enthusiast, aspiring songwriter, or simply curious about the music industry, this book is sure to captivate and inspire you.

    Give Feedback
    How do we create content on this page?
    More knowledge in less time
    Read or listen
    Read or listen
    Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
    Find your next read
    Find your next read
    Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
    Shortcasts
    Shortcasts New
    We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.

    What is Confessions of a Serial Songwriter about?

    Confessions of a Serial Songwriter is a candid and insightful memoir by Shelly Peiken. Through personal anecdotes and behind-the-scenes stories, Peiken takes us on a journey through the music industry, revealing the highs and lows of her career as a songwriter. From working with legendary artists to navigating the challenges of the business, this book offers a unique perspective on the art of songwriting and the power of music.

    Confessions of a Serial Songwriter Review

    Confessions of a Serial Songwriter (2016) dives into the personal journey of songwriter Shelly Peiken, offering valuable insights and experiences for music enthusiasts. Here's why this book is a captivating read:
    • Peiken shares behind-the-scenes stories of hit songs and collaborations, giving a glimpse into the music industry's inner workings.
    • Readers gain insightful perspectives on the creative process and the highs and lows of a songwriting career.
    • The book's honest and engaging narrative keeps you hooked, ensuring an entertaining and enlightening read.

    Who should read Confessions of a Serial Songwriter?

    • Aspiring songwriters looking for inspiration and guidance

    • Music enthusiasts curious about the creative process behind hit songs

    • Individuals interested in the challenges and triumphs of a career in the music industry

    About the Author

    Shelly Peiken is a renowned songwriter who has written for some of the biggest names in the music industry. With a career spanning over three decades, she has penned hits such as 'What a Girl Wants' for Christina Aguilera and 'Bitch' for Meredith Brooks. Peiken's book, Confessions of a Serial Songwriter, provides an intimate look at her journey in the music business, offering a behind-the-scenes perspective on the art of songwriting. Her honest and engaging storytelling makes this a must-read for music enthusiasts and aspiring songwriters alike.

    Categories with Confessions of a Serial Songwriter

    People ❤️ Blinkist 
    Sven O.

    It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.

    Thi Viet Quynh N.

    Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.

    Jonathan A.

    Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.

    Renee D.

    Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.

    People also liked these summaries

    4.7 Stars
    Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
    37 Million
    Downloads on all platforms
    10+ years
    Experience igniting personal growth
    Powerful ideas from top nonfiction

    Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.

    Get started

    Confessions of a Serial Songwriter FAQs 

    What is the main message of Confessions of a Serial Songwriter?

    The main message of Confessions of a Serial Songwriter is the behind-the-scenes journey of a successful songwriter in the music industry.

    How long does it take to read Confessions of a Serial Songwriter?

    The estimated reading time for Confessions of a Serial Songwriter is a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.

    Is Confessions of a Serial Songwriter a good book? Is it worth reading?

    Confessions of a Serial Songwriter is a captivating insight into the music world, making it a compelling read for music enthusiasts and aspiring songwriters.

    Who is the author of Confessions of a Serial Songwriter?

    The author of Confessions of a Serial Songwriter is Shelly Peiken.

    What to read after Confessions of a Serial Songwriter?

    If you're wondering what to read next after Confessions of a Serial Songwriter, here are some recommendations we suggest:
    • Where Good Ideas Come From by Steven Johnson
    • The Art Of Non-Conformity by Chris Guillebeau
    • A Whole New Mind by Daniel H. Pink
    • Theory U by C. Otto Scharmer
    • The Design of Everyday Things by Donald A. Norman
    • The Innovator ’s Dilemma# by Clayton M. Christensen
    • The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
    • Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull with Amy Wallace
    • Think Like a Freak by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner
    • The Laws of Simplicity by John Maeda