Writing songs can be an especially difficult process to master. It is a personal and vulnerable experience, that requires practice and time to develop the necessary skills and knowledge. Songwriters often feel like they are at a loss with their words and may experience different levels of creativity and inspiration throughout a single day. However, this does not mean that there is no room for improvement and growth. There are various useful strategies you can incorporate into your routine to get better. Today we will cover nine key techniques, that will ensure you are on the right track in your songwriting journey.
Set Up A Writing Schedule
Writing new songs takes a great amount of creativity and concentration, regardless of your experience. Because of this, it is important to stay organized and accountable by creating a writing schedule that fits into your routine. Another factor you need to consider is your own psychology and biology. For example, you may find that you are most productive and can easily come up with new ideas in the morning. Alternatively, you may be a night owl, who prefers to work during the late hours of the day. You will need to determine what works for you and build a songwriting schedule based on your preferences.
Find A Writing Studio
To improve your concentration and ensure you deliver the best results possible, you may consider booking a writing room. For instance, the world’s largest creative studio, known as PIRATE.COM can provide you with the ideal environment to maximize your time and finish your next songwriting project. Take advantage of the writing rooms available with 24/7 self-service access and professional equipment to support you in the process. You will be able to explore your talent and creativity at your own pace, ensuring you stick to your songwriting goals every time. There is also flexibility to book in advance to secure a popular studio or just a few minutes beforehand.
Consider Co-Writing
Nowadays, the most liked songs are often written by more than one person. This is why co-writing may be a strategy that you can use to expand your knowledge and expertise. Co-creating a song with someone else will expose you to new ideas and songwriting techniques you may not have though of before. It is a great way to learn something new and apply it into your own routine. Simultaneously, other songwriters may adopt some of your strategies. As a result, the song will be finished more quickly and could appeal to a wider audience due to the different perspectives involved.
Try Journaling
When you are writing a new song, it is crucial to connect with your emotions and express your thoughts fully. It may be beneficial to dedicate some time outside of writing songs to journaling and reflecting on your feelings. This will improve your self-awareness and emotional intelligence, allowing you to make the lyrics of your songs flow. When you journal, you should not put any pressure on yourself to deliver a particular result. Instead, give yourself freedom to record your thoughts and use them to craft your new song. Experiment with these creative songwriting prompts to help you get started.
Rework Existing Songs
Sometimes it might be helpful to look at what has been done already and focus on retelling the same stories from your own perspective. The most important aspect to remember is to place your personal signature on songwriting and reinvent existing work using your unique approach. In addition, if you are struggling to find your niche, you can try deconstructing songs that you love. It can be helpful to examine them closely and establish what it is that appeals to you about them. Analyzing the chords and lyrics can guide you in understanding what resonates with you.
Ask For Feedback
When you are trying to improve, listening to other people’s perspectives is essential. There might be professionals in your network that are willing to offer their time and provide feedback on a particular piece of work. If you don’t know anyone in the music industry, this should not stop you from asking for honest feedback. Playing your songs to family and friends can be another great solution to receiving constructive criticism. You may also post on popular forums and get some inspiration on themes, genres and topics to try in the future.
Switch It Up
Mixing up your songwriting styles will help you expand your talent and skills further. If you take a look at your own playlist, you will most likely find a variety of genres, themes and beats. You can take the same approach with your songwriting and ensure you keep evolving. For example, it might be useful to mix up your topics, as well as your pace and even genres. This may help you uncover new possibilities for creativity and increase your understanding of the music industry. Be sure to stay up-to-date with news and trends by following the latest music blogs.
Take Breaks
Creative processes such as songwriting require a lot of brain power. If you do not take enough breaks, you may undermine all the efforts you have put into your work. Whenever you notice that your thoughts are not flowing as normal, it is best to take a break to recharge and come back to your project refreshed. Progressing in the music sector involves a number of difficulties many professionals face. It is common for songwriting to become stressful sometimes. This is why setting aside time for relaxation will ensure you take care of your mental health.
Let Go Of Fear
Finally, it is crucial to give yourself permission to write music the way you want. You should not be afraid to showcase your work even if it involves deeper feelings you have not shared before. Although it is normal for songwriters to worry about people’s opinions of their songs, letting go of these worries will set you up for success. To help you become more comfortable, you can start by sharing your work with someone you trust. Remember that if you limit your capabilities because of fear, you are unlikely to explore your talents to their fullest potential.
Article by Born Realist