Music is a part of human nature. While for some, writing and composing music comes more naturally than others, nothing is stopping you from putting your creativity to work.
If you’re just starting out writing your own songs, you may need some tips to get you started. Here are four pieces of advice for beginner songwriters.
Brainstorm Ideas
The first thing to do if you’re writing a new song is to find a starting point. If you’re unsure where to start, brainstorm some ideas, jot them down, and see which you like the best. It doesn’t need to be perfect, especially at first.
Writing is an iterative process, so you must be patient when developing new ideas. You can draw from your life, movies, books, or anything else that interests you. Create a list of concepts and go from there if you’re having trouble getting started.
Sometimes a song starts with a melody or chord progression, and other times it starts with a lyrical idea, and the melody and chord structure is written around it. Each artist has their own way of doing this, but no artist should feel they have to approach a song one way or the other. Some of the best songwriters have used both methods, depending on what was taking place creatively in their lives.
Record Yourself
When writing songs, it can be hard to separate yourself from your creations, especially if you’ve been working on them for a while. Knowing how your music sounds can be tricky if you aren’t actively recording your sessions for reference.
You can set up a home studio or rent a professional space if you don’t have enough room. For Texas residents, finding a recording studio space for rent in Houston will give you an idea of how your songwriting is shaping up.
Listen to Lots of Music
Songwriting doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Most top writers get inspired by the artists they listen to, allowing them to build on the trends and ideas that have come before. Listening to lots of music puts you in the right mindset and sparks your creativity.
No matter what type of genre you’re interested in, listening to music outside of your tastes can give you some insights into the music writing process. You can pull from anything that you love, allowing you to create something truly unique.
Additionally, you should listen to a lot of interviews with accomplished musicians and songwriters. They enjoy telling their stories and shedding light on their creative process.
Learn Music Theory
For many budding songwriters, the need to learn music theory is a common barrier to entry. While it’s not essential, music theory will allow you to consider the nuances of your work and give you insight into what works and what doesn’t.
With so much to learn, it can be challenging to know where to start, especially if you’re just starting. However, learning the basics of scales, chord progressions, and key signatures will give you a solid foundation for writing new music.
Stick With It, and Don’t Give Up
Songwriting seems easy, but then you realize that good lyrics, rhythm, and melody aren’t so straightforward once you get into it. You can’t simply smash them together without a second thought.
With these four pieces of advice for beginner songwriters, you’ll be putting out hits before you know it.