Songwriter Tips

1. Hooks

Another obvious one that many people don't always think of. You have a particularly interesting point of a song? Use it. Build on it. It's not always a case of following a story or theme in a linear way - if there's something that really grabs you, work around it and its appeal. You don't have to lose the theme completely - you're just approaching it in a more unique way.

2. Old ideas

This is where writing on paper, as opposed to a computer, comes in very useful. Rather than shaking your head and deleting a line which doesn't seem to fit, put a small line through it. Later, when you're brainstorming, you can look back over the 'mistakes' and find a way to reincorporate them into the song in a creative way. You don't need always need fresh content!

3. Learning from others

There's a reason these people are famous. Look at their songs, their style. Don't be afraid to mix it with your own. All artists have at some point got inspiration from others, the trick is to be creative and make something that is different. Just don't outright copy it! Even if you're not an experienced songwriter, it's a simple matter of breaking down a song and looking at what you consider to be the best points. Mixing two styles and throwing in your own touch? That's creative genius.

4. Being in the right mindset

Most people will have an environment which they can work better in, and achieve better inspiration from. If you have had a bad day at work, climb over a pile of junk to get to a cluttered desk and hope to make things better with a song, a masterpiece isn't very likely to break out. Unless, that is, you're writing about how much you hate your job! Put yourself in a place which most inspires the song you are trying to write. Even if you are writing an unhappy song, you will want to focus on that situation.

Enjoy yourself when you write a song. If it makes you unhappy (when writing a 'happy' song), or you pressure yourself too much, you will inevitably lose the motivation you once had - think back to why you started writing the song.

5. Feel good about yourself

This is something people greatly underestimate. If you live an unhealthy lifestyle, don't exercise, and don't look after yourself, you will suffer emotionally. It's more likely you will write a good song if you have the focus and energy which comes from being healthy, and getting plenty of sleep. You will be surprised at the difference it makes!

So there you have it (for now anyway), there are more tips in the featured lenses at the bottom of the page, or if you wish to jump in and master the art of songwriting in greater depth, visit my Songwriter Tips website.