Songwriter | Lyrics & Melody

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I'm currently working on commissioned songwriting for a musical-theater production while continuing to write and release original music as Kyle Rogan. It's been great getting to work on larger collaborative projects alongside my own music, and I'm always open to discussing new songwriting opportunities that are a good fit!

Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?

A: I think people sometimes assume that writing a song and producing a finished recording are the same thing. They're actually two different skill sets! My specialty is writing lyrics, melodies, and chord progressions. I can provide reference demos and recordings when needed, but full-scale production and orchestration aren't my primary services. I've worked with some wonderful producers, and I love being able to focus on the songwriting itself.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: I usually start by asking what you're looking to accomplish and what you already have to work with. Are we starting from scratch? Do you have lyrics that need a melody, or music that needs lyrics? What's the intended use for the song, and what kind of deliverables are you looking for? From there, I like to clarify the budget, timeline, revisions, and ownership expectations so we're both on the same page before getting started. I'm pretty flexible in how I work, but I think clear communication upfront makes the whole process smoother and more enjoyable for everyone!

Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A: Don't be afraid to reach out, even if your project is still in the early stages! Some clients come to me with an almost-complete song, while others have little more than an idea. The most helpful thing is to communicate what you already have, what you're hoping to accomplish, and what you need from the person you're hiring. Before starting, make sure you're both clear about the deliverables, timeline, revisions, and ownership terms. And don't underestimate the importance of finding someone you genuinely enjoy working with. Skill matters, but communication, reliability, and collaboration can make a huge difference in the experience!

Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?

A: I've been writing original music for over 20 years. I started out writing and releasing my own songs, eventually putting out several albums and singles as an independent artist under my name, Kyle Rogan. Along the way, I began writing professionally for other artists and clients through SoundBetter. I've worked on everything from individual lyrics and topline melodies to complete original songs, including commissions for musical-theater productions. I still release my own music while taking on selected songwriting projects for clients, and I love that each opportunity brings something different to the table.

Q: What type of music do you usually work on?

A: My background is primarily in singer-songwriter, folk/acoustic, indie pop, and pop-rock music. I've also written original songs for musical-theater projects, which has been a really enjoyable part of my songwriting work.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: My background in professional improv and acting has shaped how I approach songwriting. I love working from a client's starting point, whether that's a theme, a word, an image, a story, or an existing piece of music. Sometimes a simple prompt is all it takes to get things moving! I start by understanding what you're looking for, discussing the scope and deliverables, and making sure we're on the same page. From there, I get to work, communicate throughout the process, and incorporate feedback within our agreed revisions. I'm a quick writer, but I also want to make sure the finished work accomplishes what you hired me to do.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: I'm a fast writer. Quick turnaround has consistently been one of the things clients appreciate about working with me. But I think what makes that especially valuable is that I'm also easy to work with. I don't get defensive about feedback, and I'm happy to collaborate and make adjustments within the agreed scope. I take my work seriously, but I don't take myself too seriously. I want the process to be efficient, enjoyable, and ultimately successful for the client.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I love wit, depth, imagery, and storytelling. When I get to bring all those elements together, I'm a happy man! But ultimately, my goal is to make the person I'm working with shine. I want to understand what you're trying to communicate and help you communicate it effectively through lyrics and melody. It's your project and your vision. I'm here to bring my songwriting experience, creativity, and perspective to the table while keeping that vision at the center of our collaboration.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: As a songwriter, a guitar, a computer, and a good cup of coffee will get me pretty far! For recording, my home studio includes a Universal Audio Apollo Twin interface, AKG C214 and Shure SM57 microphones, an M-Audio Keystation 49es MIDI keyboard, Logic Pro, Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro headphones, and sound curtains to help control room reflections. I can record vocals and acoustic guitars, including direct-input guitar when appropriate, and create reference demos for songwriting projects. My focus is on providing clean, dependable recordings and making the collaboration process as easy as possible for my clients.

Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?

A: Tyler Joseph (Twenty One Pilots): His ability to blend raw emotion, quick wit, and vivid imagery into his songwriting has always impressed me. Rob Thomas (Matchbox Twenty): I'm constantly amazed by his ability to write memorable, accessible songs. So much of his catalog feels like it could stand on its own as a single. Barenaked Ladies: I could fanboy about these guys forever. But beyond the music, I admire their longevity. They've been making music for over 30 years, maintaining their identity, and continuing to enjoy what they do without needing to chase the mainstream. That's something I really respect.

Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.

A: Most of my client work involves writing original lyrics, vocal melodies, and chord progressions. Sometimes I'm building a song from scratch; other times I'm writing lyrics to an existing melody, creating melodies for supplied lyrics, or helping bring an unfinished song together. I've also worked on larger musical-theater projects. I love collaborating with other songwriters and helping people get their ideas across the finish line. Clients often appreciate my quick turnaround, honest feedback, and easygoing approach. I take the work seriously, but that doesn't mean we can't have some fun along the way!

Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?

A: My promise is simple: I'll listen to what you're trying to accomplish, communicate clearly, and work hard to deliver something you're excited to use. I'm easy to work with, I take the quality of my work seriously, and I genuinely want you to succeed. And hopefully we'll have some fun along the way!

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I love the variety! Every client brings something different to the table, whether it's a fully formed idea or just the beginning of one. Getting to work with different people, tackle new challenges, and contribute to projects I might never have pursued on my own keeps things interesting. But one of my favorite parts is when a client is genuinely excited about what we've accomplished together. That's a pretty great feeling, and a big reason why I love doing this.

Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?

A: I think Tyler Joseph and I would have a ton of fun working together. I love his combination of wit, emotional depth, and willingness to experiment with different musical styles. I have a feeling we'd spend plenty of time goofing off while making some killer tracks along the way!