Join Thinking Outside the Blocks
Where songwriters grow through steady structure and the support of community
As James Clear writes in Atomic Habits, “You don’t rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.”
We craved that system, so we built it in TOTB: a creative structure designed to help us actually write more songs and feel connected while doing it.
At the heart of TOTB is our monthly Block Busters Challenge, inspired by a thoughtful prompt and creative limitation designed to spark play, quiet your inner critic, and get you writing. Members who participate regularly often share that this monthly practice helps them build creative momentum and trust their instincts more deeply.
With 30+ years of experience as professional songwriters, we know what works. In TOTB, we share our tools for getting better at songwriting and enjoying the practice. We're here to inspire you, and help you unlock your best songs.
Our guest teachers and we have taught at MTSU, Berklee, SAE, The Songwriting School of Los Angeles, The Grammy Museum, and more.
We’ve released records independently and on major labels, written and performed with Ingrid Michaelson, A Great Big World, Joshua Radin, and more.
Our music has been heard in commercials for Cheerios, BT Infinity, Google, Facebook, and shows like Shameless, Charmed, Weeds, and more.Â
What do you get when you join TOTB?
- Monthly Block Busters Challenge—our signature song promptsÂ
- A private Slack community of songwriters sharing works-in-progress, feedback, wins, questions, and encouragement in real time
- Access to our library catalog of educational content (theory, rhythm, lyrics, production, etc.)
-Â Weekly creative goal-setting to help you define your dreams and move toward them
- Song feedback and co-writing opportunities
- Book Club + Song Challenge for extra inspiration
What some of our members have to say . . .Â
“I love TOTB! Writing regularly and having accountability has been key for me. It is so easy to feel motivated and inspired when surrounded by a supportive, creative, and diverse community of talented people." - Courtney Val
"Thinking Outside the Blocks has been a godsend. Not only do I learn a lot from their classes, I get pushed out of my comfort zone once a month and end up with a finished song of which I'm usually always proud." - Nate Huntley
“TOTB has been a wonderful companion in my songwriting journey. It’s been a place I can go to be among impassioned artists, a safe place I can share my work, connect with others, learn from others and grow. A place I can get unblocked and draw inspiration to write, and get unstuck from my own mental and emotional blocks. I most certainly have become a better writer and a better vessel for music by being a part of this society. So grateful to Bess & Allie for making this group possible.” - Natalie Forteza
