Colleen Welsch
Why do you care about songwriting as a craft and why do you care about building the TERRA Community? What does it all mean to you?
I care about songwriting because quality matters. There's nothing more frustrating than putting time, effort, and money into a song that falls flat. I've listened to countless emerging artists, and bad or cliché lyrics will turn me off instantly. As for TERRA, this community has been transformative for me. When I first started in music, I knew absolutely no one in the scene. TERRA became the key that unlocked my creative network and helped launch my career. In a world where genuine community is increasingly rare, I want to give back exactly what was given to me.
Have you had a mentor in the past? How do you think that affects your perspective as a mentor?
Absolutely. I've been mentored and have also mentored freelance copywriters in my other business. Having a mentor is invaluable because it allows you to learn from someone who's already walked the path. Sure, I could have figured things out alone, but a mentor accelerates your progress by years. They help you see your blind spots and, crucially, teach you what questions you should even be asking when you're new to something.
What are you proud of in your songwriting and how can that help others build the same strengths?
I'm particularly proud of my ability to create interesting chord progressions and catchy toplines. I'm also proud of my lyrics, in which I always aim for simplicity and truth-telling. I focus on grounding listeners in a specific time and place, and expressing feelings that tap into universal human experiences. My goal is always to write something that makes people think, "Wow, that's exactly how I've felt."
What do you think your standout skills are for mentoring?
My standout skills are production, marketing, and entrepreneurship. I've been self-employed since 2017 and have over a decade of marketing experience. I understand how to hustle, create content, and make money. While I'm not a CPA, I'm also solid with the financial side of creative work. I can help artists not just create great music, but build sustainable careers.
What skills outside of songwriting would you like to share?
Beyond songwriting, I can offer insights into content creation, marketing strategy, financial planning for creatives, and the nuts and bolts of building a sustainable creative business. I've learned how to turn passion into a profession, and I'm eager to help others do the same.
How Much do you charge for an hour-long session?
$75