Tips for better songwriting
by Adam
(Chicago, Illinois)
The main idea for each tip is in all caps.
- If you feel a song coming out but you can't seem to start the lyrics, START THE SONG WITH A CONJUNCTION or something similar. Seriously. The ones I use the most are "and", "so", "now", and "well".
- Since the perfect hooks, choruses, and melodies always hit at unexpected times, be sure to always carry your cell phone or something else you can use to RECORD YOURSELF singing it.
- WHEN LISTENING TO SONGS whose style you want to duplicate, visualize yourself as the backup vocalist and CREATE ALTERNATE MELODIES that harmonize with the main melody.
- LISTEN TO LOTS OF DIFFERENT GENRES OF MUSIC. I write and play alternative rock, but I've found inspiration in blues, opera, dance, church music, and especially classical. If you find unique inspiration from mariachi music, it's totally worth all the ridicule you'll endure from your friends.
- Even if the rest of the song is in a minor key, I almost always will WRITE THE CHORUS IN MAJOR; it can leave a stronger impact.
- LISTEN TO ALL THE INSTRUMENTS IN A SONG, including the bass. Often a brilliant bass line, vocal harmony, or drum rhythm goes unnoticed by the average listener. Don't be afraid to build a song around that funky drum rhythm you keep beatboxing.
- Most importantly, SONGWRITING SHOULD NEVER BE FORCED. If you feel creative, go into songwriting mode and try to get something useful out of it. If not, don't write. I would suggest doing something interesting to start feeling creative. If you write rock music, go sprint down the block and back (which is a hundred times more fun in the middle of the night, on a street with no lights). However, remember to take your focus away from writing every once in a while. It keeps you refreshed, and the best ideas sometimes come when you're not even trying.
I know that was kind of long. Thank you for reading.
