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From Inspiration to Composition: The Art of Songwriting

by with No Comment Songwriting

What is songwriting?

Songwriting is the art of using music and lyrics to create songs. It involves writing lyrics that convey a message or tell a compelling story and then composing a melody to accompany said lyrics. It could be done by an individual or a group of songwriters and in different genres, including pop, rock, country, hip-hop, soul, and others.

It is a creative process that requires a combination of technical skills, e.g, the knowledge of musical theory and song structure, and artistic skills; such as the ability to express emotions and ideas through words and music. Successful songwriting often involves regular collaboration between writers, producers, musicians, and in some cases, the audience, to create a product that resonates with listeners.

There is no one “right” way to write a song, as the process often varies depending on the individual songwriter and how they connect to their creative self.

Here are some general steps that could be helpful for you as a songwriter:
  1. Start with an idea or inspiration. This could be based on a moment in time, a story, a feeling, a phrase, or a musical riff. Write down your initial thoughts and brainstorm ways to develop them into a full song.
  2. Use a working song title. You could start with an idea of what you want the song title to be, and then build your lyrics and sound around it.
  3. Choose a structure for your song. Common structures include verse-chorus-verse, A-B-A-B, and intro-verse-chorus-verse-bridge-chorus. Decide on the structure that works best for the message and mood of your song.
  4. Write the lyrics. You could start with a hook or catchy phrase to grab the listener’s attention, and then build the rest of the lyrics around it. Infuse vivid imagery, allegories, metaphors, and sensory language in bringing the lyrics to life.
  5. Compose the melody. Experiment with different chord progressions, rhythms, and melodies until you find a combination that fits the mood and message of your lyrics.
  6. Arrange the song. Decide on the instrumentation and arrangement that will best showcase your song. This could involve adding drums, bass, guitar, piano, or other instruments, as well as vocal harmonies or other effects.
  7. Practice and tweak. Once you have a draft of your song, practice performing it and listen to feedback from others. Revise and refine your song until you feel confident in the final product.
  8. Demo or record the song. Record a demo of your song to share with others, or work with a producer to record a professional version of the song.
  9. Work with the feedback you get. Bear in mind, not everyone will see the vision that you do, but take what works from the multitude of advice you get. It could be the bridge between you and your Grammy.

These are not hard and fast rules. All you have to do is to let your creativity and emotions guide you as you create a song that is uniquely yours.

Songwriters oftentimes try and fail to find inspiration to write new songs, and it’s not just you! Life happens.

Here are a few tips to help you fine-tune your songwriting process and improve your inspiration and composition skills.
  1. Listen to a variety of music: Listening to different genres and styles of music can help you gain inspiration and broaden your creative horizons. You can analyze the song structures, chord progressions, and melodies of your favorite songs and see if you can incorporate some of those elements into your songwriting.
  2. Keep a notebook or voice recorder handy: Inspiration could strike at any moment, as such, it’s important to capture your ideas when they come to you. Keep a notebook or voice recorder with you at all times so you can jot down lyric ideas, melodies, or chord progressions as they waft to you.
  3. Practice often: As with any other skill, songwriting requires practice. Make out time to write every day, even if it’s just for a few moments. Set achievable goals for yourself, such as writing one new song per week or completing a verse and chorus each day. Decide what works for you.
  4. Collaborate with other songwriters: There’s something cool about iron sharpening iron. Collaborating with other creatives can help you gain new perspectives and ideas. Working with someone else can also help you overcome writer’s block and get unstuck when you’re feeling low.
  5. Regular commune with nature: Nature has the best gifts- from the sights to the sounds and smells, there’s a new song waiting to be born.
  6. Experiment with different approaches: Don’t be afraid to try new approaches to songwriting. For example, you could start with a melody and build lyrics around it, or write lyrics first and then create a melody to match- your call. You could also try writing from a different perspective or style than you’re used to.
  7. Seek feedback: It can be helpful to get feedback on your songs from other musicians, songwriters, or music tutors. They may be able to offer constructive criticism or suggestions for improvement.
  8. Keep learning: Read books, take online courses, attend workshops, or work with a mentor to continue developing your skills. There is always something more to learn about the art of songwriting.

Songwriting for you could be about finding release or about making a statement, letting the world see who you really are. For another person, it could be an avenue to connect with themselves in a meaningful and intimate way. I for one I’m pretty partial to conscious music.

I once wrote a song after a particular blackout in my area. Disconnected from my e-devices, I reached into myself to find some meaning and found the words flowing seamlessly- a consciousness of who and why I was. It was an absolute masterpiece.

There are a thousand and one songs to be written about heartbreaks and love found, you could even write a song with no words like Beethoven.

Listen to the news, and see what’s happening outside, with people’s cultures, religions, and beliefs. Go to concerts. Social media is also a great source of inspiration. Reach into yourself and find those words.

You’ve got this!

 

 

 

 

why hiring a songwrit

Why Hiring A Songwriter Could Be The Best Investment You Make For Your Music Career

by with No Comment Songwriting

Vanessa had always been passionate about two things in life – fashion and music. As a teenager, she would dress up in her mama’s dresses and strut around the house, pretending to be a model. And whenever she heard music playing, she would dance, skip and sing along, simply getting lost in the rhythm.

As she became older, her love for music only intensified. At this time, she’d begun to design her clothes and perform at local talent shows. Her unique style and soulful voice soon caught the attention of many, and before long, she was playing at bigger venues, building a fan base.

But as much as she loved what she did, the pressure of constantly creating new music while staying on top of the fashion trends began to take its toll. She found herself struggling with burnout, unable to come up with any new ideas or inspiration for her music.

Whelp! I’ve got creative block

As days turned into weeks, and weeks into months, she became increasingly frustrated and discouraged. She toyed with the idea of giving up on her music altogether, convinced she had lost her spark.

It all changed one day when she stumbled upon a songwriter in her aerobics class. With his soft but firm nature, Lucas had built a reputation for helping musicians get through creative blocks.

At first, she was hesitant to share her struggles with a stranger, but Lucas immediately put her at ease. At the next dance class, they talked for hours about music, life, and everything in between. And as they spoke, Vanessa slowly began to feel a renewed sense of energy and purpose.

With his guidance, she gained a fresh perspective on her music. She realized that she didn’t need to constantly reinvent herself or chase after the latest fads. All she needed to do was be true to herself and tell authentic stories through her music.

And so, she whipped out her pad and pen and began writing again. Her songs were infused with raw emotion and honesty so much that her fans were blown away by her depth, wondering where the fresh burst of inspiration came from. Before long, she was back on stage, fueled with newfound confidence and passion—converting true fans.

A brief history of songs

Songs are as old as the dawn of time, from the birds chirping in the skies to the sound of a child hitting two cups together. They most likely emerged as a way for people to express themselves in a more structured and organized way than just through rhythmic sounds and vocalizations.

The earliest songs were simple chants or melodies that were repeated over and over, often with lyrics or poetry added to convey a message or tell a story. These songs were then passed down orally from generation to generation and served as a way to preserve cultural knowledge and history.

As human societies developed and became more complex, so did the structure and function of songs. In many cultures, songs became an integral part of religious or spiritual practices, as a way to communicate with the divine or express devotion. Songs also became a way to express love, romance, fear, and other emotions, and were often performed in social settings such as weddings and other celebrations.

Over time, different genres and styles of songs have developed, ranging from folk to classical music, soul music, pop, and more. Today, music continues to be a powerful form of expression and communication, with numerous artists and musicians creating new songs and styles that reflect the diverse cultures and experiences of humanity.

I like to see music as the language of the universe, sometimes without lyrics or defined rhythm. Through songs, we are connected, across continents, countries, borders, and dialects. It is no wonder that a person can listen to a song, the words of which they absolutely don’t understand, and still relate to it on a primordial level.

In the bid to churn out great songs, however, artists sometimes lose their mojo and are unable to find the inspiration to create, just like Vanessa. This often results in a deep sense of dissociation and dissatisfaction within them. With the help of skilled songwriters, however, they can pick themselves up and find their rhythm.

Songwriters typically have different creative processes they use to find the inspiration to write songs.

Here are a few popular songwriters.

  1. Taylor Swift – Taylor Swift is known for her confessional songwriting style. She often writes about life experiences and uses personal details to create relatable lyrics. No body, no crime on her Evermore album is a typical murder mystery. It keeps you on your toes as you follow the story intently. Taylor collaborates with other songwriters and producers to create her music.
  2. Max Martin – Max Martin is a Swedish songwriter and producer who has written hit songs for artists like Britney Spears, Taylor Swift, and The Weeknd. Martin is known for his focus on melody and structure, making sure that the chorus is memorable and the verses build up to it. In his words, “I want to be part of every note, every single moment going on in the studio. I want nothing forgotten, I want nothing missed.”
  3. Adele – Adele is known for her soulful, emotional songwriting style. She often writes about heartbreak and uses her powerful voice to convey raw emotion. According to her, ‘the secret is to talk about what moves you.’ She often collaborates with other songwriters and producers and is very involved in the creative process.
  4. Ed Sheeran – Ed Sheeran is known for his storytelling songwriting style. He often writes about his own life experiences and uses vivid imagery to create compelling lyrics. He also films his writing process. Sheeran typically starts with a guitar riff or chord progression while using a loop pedal to create layered sounds and harmonies. He has written songs for a number of pop artists.
  5. Billie Eilish – Billie Eilish is known for her unique, atmospheric sound and dark, introspective lyrics. According to her, her synesthesia inspires much of her creative process. She often collaborates with her brother, Finneas, who produces her music and co-writes her songs. She also uses a lot of production techniques, like sampling and manipulating sounds, to create her distinctive sound.

A songwriter can help you, particularly if you are experiencing writer’s block or struggling to come up with new ideas for your music.

Here are a few ways a songwriter can assist you.

  1. Provide a fresh perspective: Sometimes, all it takes is a new set of eyes or ears to help you see your music in a new way. A songwriter can offer fresh ideas and perspectives on your existing work, helping you to take your music in new directions.
  2. Collaborate on new material: Working with a songwriter can be a great way to co-write new songs and expand your creative horizons. Collaborating with someone who has different strengths and perspectives can lead to new and exciting musical ideas.
  3. Help with song structure and lyrics: If you’re struggling with the structure of your songs or finding the right words to express your ideas, a songwriter can offer guidance and support. They can help you with everything from structuring your verses and choruses to polishing your lyrics and ensuring they flow smoothly.
  4. Provide feedback and critique: A songwriter can also provide constructive feedback on your existing work, helping you to refine your skills and improve your craft. They can offer honest critiques of your music, lyrics, and overall style, and help you identify areas for improvement.

Working with a songwriter can be an invaluable resource for any musician or songwriter looking to improve their skills and take their music to the next level.

Just like with any type of creative writing, songwriting is muscle memory. And like Vanessa, consulting with a songwriter can help you realign with your music goals.

Need help writing a song?

Get in touch HERE.