How different is songwriting from writing novels or short stories?
Surprisingly, they’re similar. Advice for aspiring songwriters mirrors that for fiction writers: don’t force it, be true to yourself, and keep creating. With a National Casino login, you can find inspiration in unexpected places. Here are ten tips from accomplished songwriters to help you elevate your craft.
Embrace the Process, Don’t Force It
The one thing somebody told me that helped me a lot was, ‘The A material lies beneath the B material.’ Embrace the process of gathering ideas and sifting through them to find the gems. Avoid rushing the creative process. If a song isn’t coming, switch to another activity and return to writing later. Free yourself from self-criticism in the early stages of creativity. Please don’t force the music into shape; let it guide you. Music usually comes quite quickly when I shut off the judge in my head. -Johnny Rzeznik (Goo Goo Dolls)
You can never honestly do your best. It’s a continuous process of striving for improvement. -Townes Van Zandt
Challenge Yourself
I advise writers to keep their minds sharp. I often find inspiration in the newspaper, asking myself, “How could I turn that into a song?” In the early ’70s, I had to write a song on a Friday for a British TV show that aired on Saturday. That kept me sharp. Every writer is different – everyone has their handicaps, assets, and needs. -Ray Davies (The Kinks)
Odd-time riffs are more accessible to be ‘vocally creative’ over. You can only sing one thing in a weird time signature, and it jumps right out at you. Straight-four riffs have been around so long that you can write the same song 500 times. -Chris Cornell (Soundgarden)
Avoid Cliches
Most songwriters want to sound deep rather than write genuinely meaningful lyrics. Talented writers turn clichés around to show thoughtfulness instead of reusing tired phrases. I try to avoid specific images that I feel have been done to death, such as:
- Weather and the elements. Rain, storms, clouds, snow. Enough with the rain prayers! If I hear one more, I’m going to lose it.
- Geography. Mountains, rivers, valleys, streams, oceans. Usually, someone crosses or climbs one or more paths to reach their love.
- Any mention of angels or hearts.
- Traveling from town to town with your baby, searching or running away.
- Use of the word ‘baby.’
- Gambling. Rolling of the dice in any way, shape, or form. Ace of spades, queen of hearts, etc.
- Weapons. Usually guns or knives.
Great writers initially wrote many clichés, but now they’re misused repeatedly. I’m guilty of some of them myself. I wouldn’t call myself a stellar writer, but I take pride in my proofreading skills. -Aimee Mann
Be Open to What’s Going on Around You
My news source for [songwriting] is everything. It has to be. It’s not just anything – it’s everything. I can’t ignore what people say in the world or on the streets. I now dislike the term ‘the streets’ because it’s become too commercial. Songwriters need a clear perspective – understanding your audience and their perspective, as well as historical context is crucial when making something meaningful for the future D (Public Enemy)
To create great work, exploring the same influences that inspired others is vital. For instance, aspiring songwriters should study various folk music and analyze its form and structure. -Bob Dylan
Let the Melody Guide You
What comes first? The melody, always. It’s all about singing the songs live in my head. They loop around. I’m old-fashioned about melodies and refrain from recording them on my Dictaphone immediately. If I forget all about it and it pops up later on, I know it’s good enough. I entrust my subconscious to take care of the editing process for me. -Björk
Final Thoughts
Songwriting is a lot like fiction writing. Both need authenticity, persistence, and creativity. By embracing the process, avoiding clichés, and staying open to inspiration from the world around us, we can craft lyrics that resonate. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned pro, these expert tips can help elevate your craft and make your music stand out. Keep writing, keep experimenting, and always let the music guide you.