Join Thinking Outside the Blocks:Â 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.
Each month, we gather for live workshops, feedback sessions, and writing prompts that help us stay inspired and in motion.Â
Are you feeling stuck or alone in your songwriting practice?Â
You don't need to be.
We're here to inspire you, help find your people, and unlock your best songs.
Join TOTB!
What do you get when you join TOTB?
- A community of songwriters like you, showing up and practicing together
- Monthly Block Busters Challenge—our signature song promptsÂ
- Access to our library catalog of educational content (theory, rhythm, lyrics, production, etc.)
-Â Weekly creative goal-setting to help you define your dreams
- 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
"Not only has TOTB made me step out of my own little box, this supportive community has become a haven for my songwriting addiction. I have been amazed at the wealth of resources they give, and I truly feel enriched in my songwriting goals. Don’t miss out, you can meet your future friends and co-writers this way too!" - Susie Maddocks
With 30+ years of experience as professional songwriters, we know what works. We want to share our tools for getting better at songwriting and enjoying the practice.
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.
