Recently I have had the opportunity to host a songwriting workshop and I must say it was quite the experience! One of the many highlights was seeing the different songs people created and their way of phrasing things. It was a blast watching their lyrics come to life in the studio. Even I learned something and that is, there is no one single process/format for writing.
Though I already had that idea, it was driven home by discussing and watching everyone do their own thing. There are great tips and tools but at the end of the day, it is an individual thing one must explore. Even then, when you do find what works, it is important to note that at times it may be useful to try different things. Writing is an emotional thing and how we all express our emotions is different. Maybe one likes to just write in silence and then bring it to life with music after or another likes to listen to the music that provokes that emotion and write off of that, however you choose it is really up to you. But I do feel as though it is an important skill that any artist looking to pursue music should look into, even if you feel you can’t write.
It could be said if you have vocal cords you can sing and the same could be said about writing. If you have ever felt any kind of emotion then you are equipped to be a writer. Sometimes it just takes believing in yourself and picking up the pen that makes it happen. I am often surprised by those who say they are not writers but then come up with some of the best stuff. I can speak from experience when I say sometimes it takes time to really hone in on your skills.
Not only can songwriting be a great way to express your feelings but it is also looked highly upon in the music industry. It can be a great way to make your way into a label and the labels will welcome you with open arms if you have a great product to offer. You could approach them as a songwriter and then make your way in and create different connections so when you are looking to launch yourself as an singer they are there. You could also go in as a singer /songwriter and approach it that way. For the label they need songwriters for the artist they already have and if you are approaching it as both singer/songwriter it is one less thing they need to worry about and there is money to be made as a songwriter! There was a recent article out in which Jesse J talked about having paid her rent for three years, yes you read that correct THREE years, off of writing “Party in the USA”! And she is not the only one! Lady Gaga, Keri Hilson, Kesha and many more have started off as songwriters and than became the mega stars they are today.
So for those questioning their ability and thinking they are not a songwriter, my advice to you would be, just write! Check out different articles about songwriting and start to play. A lot of times singers are trying so hard to write a “hit” that they drive themselves crazy. So don’t worry about always having to write a hit sometimes just have fun and let go. Who knows, it could turn into the next big song!
I had the opportunity to see Christina Perri in a small live show and I was able to ask her a question and since it was fresh off the workshop I asked her what her songwriting process was. She said that part of her process was just to write even if it is no good, you just need to write! So there you go! JUST WRITE!
If you’re someone that has written hundreds of songs and are looking for a place to share them or if you’re brand new to songwriting and looking for a place to start then join our monthly online songwriting circle on the first Wednesday of every month from 7:00 to 8:00PM EST! Click here to sign up!