Charlie Grant
About
Hi, I’m Charlie – a UK-born songwriter, musician, and mentor now based just outside Berlin.
Since signing my first publishing deal with EMI in 2005, I’ve written songs with and for artists like Simply Red, Melanie C, Michael Patrick Kelly, Marco Mengoni, LEA, Michael Schulte, and Colin Blunstone (The Zombies). My work has also been featured in global ad campaigns (Nivea, Mitsubishi, Samsung, Audi Quattro) and TV, including a World Cup anthem and the theme song for a Thomas the Tank Engine movie.
Over the years, I’ve put in my 10,000 hours across songwriting, studio work, and performance — honing the craft of melody, lyrics, hooks, chord progressions, structure, and arrangement. I’m also an experienced vocalist, guitarist, and bassist with a deep understanding of what makes a great studio or live performance.
But what really drives me is helping others grow.
I’ve mentored many up-and-coming writers and artists, and I love working one-to-one to help people find their voice and reach their potential. Whether you're just getting started or refining your skills for professional release, I’m here to support you in becoming the best songwriter you can be.
Let’s write something great together!
Teaching Style
I like to keep things personal, relaxed, and focused on doing - writing together, exploring ideas, and figuring out what makes a song tick. I'm big on structure and storytelling, and I love helping people shape songs that really go somewhere emotionally. I'm here to encourage and collaborate, but also to be honest when something could be stronger - whether that's tweaking a lyric, reworking a melody, or finding a better chorus. Most of all, I want sessions to feel inspiring, supportive, and fun.
Curriculum
My teaching is very hands-on and tailored to the individual. We’ll spend most of our time writing and refining actual songs rather than just talking about concepts. That could mean starting from scratch together, developing your own ideas, or working through something that’s not quite clicking yet. I aim to help you understand structure, lyric craft, melody, and emotional impact by applying those things directly to your work. We'll also talk through songwriting habits, creative blocks, and how to keep your ideas flowing. I give lots of encouragement, but I’m also honest and constructive when it comes to feedback — always with the goal of helping you get the best out of your songs.
Recommended Texts:
I don’t follow a fixed curriculum, but if you're looking for inspiration or something to support the work we do together, here are a few books I often recommend:
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Writing Better Lyrics by Pat Pattison
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How to Write One Song by Jeff Tweedy
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Tunesmith by Jimmy Webb
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How Music Works by David Byrne (for broader context)
I also often share playlists, lyric examples, or video links that relate to what we’re working on.
Credentials & Affiliations
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Signed to EMI Music Publishing (2005–2010)
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Signed to BMG Rights Management (2012–2017)
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Currently signed to Peermusic Germany (2018–2025)
These long-term publishing relationships reflect over a decade of professional experience writing and co-writing with and for artists, sync, and production music across international markets.