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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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!