How Future Rockstar Jen C, Writes Her Music

by Jen
(Indianapolis, Indiana, America)

I started writing music when I was nine. But, I didn't become real serious about it until I was twelve. Being twelve, I hadn't had much life experience, I just kinda wrote whatever came in my head. But, unlike most people, I usually start with the first verse. Unless, I've got an incredibly good idea for a chorus. As I reached middle school, I fell in love with a boy who didn't even know that I existed. I'd write songs about how much I cared about him or how I knew he really liked me. But, I later found out the horrible truth that he hated me and thought I was weird. After that, most of my tunes became angry and outspoken. I think most of writing art comes better to you when your frustrated. Eventually I did heal. And just focused on writing music about me. I do, sometimes, still write angry tunes about him. But, not as many as usual. I keep the songs I write all together because it's like a journal. I can go back and look at all the stuff that's made me happy and that made me mad or sad. I used to write everyday just to get some practice on it. I still do that sometimes. Or I'll write when I'm bored or having an emotional or nervous breakdown.

Do I start with music or lyrics first? It depends. If I have a great lyric idea, I start with lyrics and figure out a tune later. Or, sometimes I'll be messing around on my guitar and I'll play a riff and I'll be like "Dude! That sounds cool." And in that case, I'll start with music first. If I come up with both at the same time, then I just got lucky.

When I write, sometimes I'll just sloppily write down lyrics and not really think about them. Sometimes it comes out okay, but if I read it again and it sounds cheesy or doesn't keep with the beat, I change it around a bit.

I make my songs stand out because we all have a unique voice as a writer. No one has the exact same voice or view on things as you do. So, I just write what's in my head or my heart, and the lyrics are strange. Sometimes so strange to the point where you may actually have to live inside my head to understand them fully. And, I play with the distortion on my guitar, and give it special effects.

My best tip would be to use metaphors, similes, or if you want to, just straight forwardly say what you have to say. And just write what's in your heart, songwriting is like therapy in a way. It gives you a chance to heal and recuperate.