About the Book
Composer, songwriter and educator Dr. Richard Niles explains his unique system in "SONGWRITING - The 11-Point Plan". The book, written in Niles' trademark amusing style, is informed by his career spanning 40 years working with artists such as Paul McCartney, James Brown and the Pet Shop Boys. His songs have been recorded by Ray Charles, Tina Turner, Leo Sayer, Deniece Williams, Randy Brecker, Kid Creole and Spike Milligan.The 11-Point Plan is a proven system to write effective songs. It lets the writer's imagination, emotion and intellect work together to produce compelling work, time after time - by design, not by guesswork. Each Point of the Plan is interdependent - a system of checks and balances. The book is filled with insights, tips and techniques. There are also challenging songwriting exercises designed to develop your skills, developed from a lifetime of teaching."Richard Niles is a savant with a sense of humor to match. His writing is insightful, educational and downright hilarious!" Dee Bramble (Songwriter/producer American Idol, David Bowie, Whitney Huston, Faith Hill)"When you are talking musical pedagogy, Richard Niles is the Daddy. He explains the mechanics of music better than everyone else... Not only does Niles know what he's talking about, he imparts his knowledge with clarity and certainty." The Times (London)
About the Author: "Niles is one of the best composer/arrangers around and a truly exciting musical force." 20 x Grammy winning artist Pat Metheny Dr. RICHARD NILES' career spans TV & film, pop, R&B, rock and jazz as a composer, producer, songwriter/lyricist, arranger, conductor, BBC broadcaster, recording artist, author and educator. He has contributed to over 40 hits. Records featuring his work have sold over 250 million copies worldwide. For his work across many genres, Sound On Sound magazine called him "the most versatile man in modern music". He has lectured at USC, CalState, Brunel University, Leeds College of Music, The Academy of Contemporary Music, The Institute of Contemporary Music Performance, The Royal Northern College of Music, The Orange County School of Arts, The Musician's Institute and The Berklee College of Music. Niles's songs have been recorded by Ray Charles, Tina Turner, Leo Sayer, Deniece Williams, Randy Brecker, Clive Griffin, Kid Creole, Hamish Stuart and Spike Milligan. His professional credits include work with: Paul McCartney, Ray Charles, James Brown, Lulu, Leo Sayer, Michael McDonald, Tears For Fears, Randy Brecker, Cher, Pet Shop Boys, Mariah Carey, Dusty Springfield, Joe Cocker, Was Not Was, Tina Turner, The Troggs, Paul Carrack, Jane Monheit, Grace Jones, Kiri Te Kanawa, Kylie Minogue, Bob Mintzer, Deniece Williams, Pat Metheny and Bob James. Niles has written music for film & TV and worked as Musical Director on many series. He has composed and produced music for over 100 TV commercials. A BBC broadcaster for 20 years, he wrote and produced many acclaimed music documentaries. Niles has released 3 albums as leader and 2 albums with his jazz-fusion orchestra, BANDZILLA. He has published 6 books on music and contributed articles to many magazines. His newest album "BANDZILLA RISES!!!!" featuring Niles songs is available at www.bandzilla.net and from Amazon.