Question by Maggie:
Hi,
My songwriting notebook is filled with words and phrases and random thoughts & ideas are scribbled in the margins. I want to organize all my ideas & keep the similar phrases together so that when I write lyrics I can easily pick out the lines that are best. (What I mean by similar are different phrases have the same word or idea in them).
When I think about organizing, I get overwhelmed because I have so many random ideas and I don't know where to start. How can I keep all my stuff organized?
Thanks!
Answer:
Hello M,
If I were you, I'd start thinking about some features that are similar about your ideas and group them based on that.
I can think of two main methods of categorization at this moment:
1. Based on mood
2. Based on themes
Because your thoughts & ideas are probably very diverse, in some cases it might be difficult to decide which category some of them belong to. If that's that case, you could include these ideas in two categories - maybe cross referencing, i.e. writing a note next to them that they can also be found in another category.
1. If you decide to group your ideas according to mood, you could pick from the following categories:
• Amused
• Angry / Annoyed
• Apathetic / Depressed
• Ashamed
• Bittersweet / Cynical
• Determined
• Disappointed
• Flirty / Hot
• Grateful / Satisfied / Thankful
• Happy / Cheerful
• Jealous
• Lonely
• Optimistic
• Pessimistic
• Touched
2. If you decide to group your ideas according to themes, you could pick from the following categories (most of them are about love since the majority of hit songs are about this topic):
• Craving love
• Being in love
• Flirting / hitting on someone
• Partying
• Being jealous of someone
• Cheating on someone
• Breaking up
• Love fading between two people
• Beginning of a relationship
• Feelings about the concept of love
• Religion
• Society
• Nature of life
• Feelings about yourself, self-confidence issues
• Family & friends & loved ones
• Places you love / hate
• Making your dreams come true
Of course, you should leave out or add categories according to your needs and ideas.
If your songwriting ideas are on paper, you might also want to consider digitalizing them. There are some great pieces of notebook software, e.g. Evernote that you can synchronize with your PC/Mac/laptop/iPod/iPad. All of this for free!
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Songwriting Help
This songwriting help page was created to help you get on with your work.
▪ You're not sure how commercial your song is?
▪ Do you have a question about song structure?
▪ Aren't you sure which genre to write in?
▪ Do you doubt you have the skills needed for this profession?
▪ Are you looking for "the muse"?
▪ Do you have a problem with productivity?
▪ You're not sure why some songs are great and others are not?
▪ Do you have questions about the length of songs?
▪ Aren't you sure that you can be creative and original?
▪ Did you lose your enthusiasm?
▪ Are you curious how you can improve even more?
▪ Do you feel like you have no more great ideas left?
▪ Do you have a question about song structure?
▪ Aren't you sure which genre to write in?
▪ Do you doubt you have the skills needed for this profession?
▪ Are you looking for "the muse"?
▪ Do you have a problem with productivity?
▪ You're not sure why some songs are great and others are not?
▪ Do you have questions about the length of songs?
▪ Aren't you sure that you can be creative and original?
▪ Did you lose your enthusiasm?
▪ Are you curious how you can improve even more?
▪ Do you feel like you have no more great ideas left?
The songwriting process is very complex. Everybody reaches a point (or a lot of them) when they just feel like they can't go on. It's either because of lack of reliable information, uncertainty, fear or because they're in an unknown territory.
If you feel you need a little help with songwriting, don't hesitate to contact me!
Monday, January 30, 2012
Songwriters' Job Description and Necessary Skills?
Question by James:
Becoming a songwriter is my dream. But I'm not sure what a songwriter job involves exactly. What do songwriters do besides writing songs? What education or skills do you need to become a songwriter?
Answer:
About what songwriters do:
Songwriting is quite complex.
First of all, you have to write many songs :)
Besides writing songs, songwriters need to make demos. Because people who decide if they'd like to record your song will need to hear it in a form that is almost as good quality and finished as the ones you hear on the radio.
Songwriters should also learn how to market themselves and shop around with their songs to increase the chance that someone will record them. So they need to network a lot.
Songwriters often co-write, too, because usually songs written by more than one person end up being better.
They should also deal with the business side and some of them have their own publishing company, so there can be some paperwork involved.
Another task is to copyright your songs before you make them public. Again, paperwork. But you can do it online too.
Songwriters also need to keep up to date with the trends (depending on what genre they write in) because most people don't want to hear 80's sounding songs on the radio today :)
About education:
You don't need formal education but some songwriters have a degree in Music and related fields. But I guess most of them don't. Songwriting is not just about being familiar with theory but rather practicing and experimenting a lot.
There are some skills songwriters need (if they don't have them all, they collaborate with other songwriters who complement their skills):
• Songwriting skills (write catchy lyrics, write music, put music and words together, know a lot about song structure, chords, verses, choruses, hooks)
• Record music (usually in a home studio)
• Knowledge of how the music business and publishing works
• Legal knowledge about songwriting, copyright, collaboration, publishing, etc.
• Play at least one instrument (usually guitar or piano)
• Be able to sing (not essential but if you can, you can save money when making demos)
• Music theory
• Good hearing (yes, you CAN develop your ears)
• Analyze current hits to see what works
Becoming a songwriter is my dream. But I'm not sure what a songwriter job involves exactly. What do songwriters do besides writing songs? What education or skills do you need to become a songwriter?
Answer:
About what songwriters do:
Songwriting is quite complex.
First of all, you have to write many songs :)
Besides writing songs, songwriters need to make demos. Because people who decide if they'd like to record your song will need to hear it in a form that is almost as good quality and finished as the ones you hear on the radio.
Songwriters should also learn how to market themselves and shop around with their songs to increase the chance that someone will record them. So they need to network a lot.
Songwriters often co-write, too, because usually songs written by more than one person end up being better.
They should also deal with the business side and some of them have their own publishing company, so there can be some paperwork involved.
Another task is to copyright your songs before you make them public. Again, paperwork. But you can do it online too.
Songwriters also need to keep up to date with the trends (depending on what genre they write in) because most people don't want to hear 80's sounding songs on the radio today :)
About education:
You don't need formal education but some songwriters have a degree in Music and related fields. But I guess most of them don't. Songwriting is not just about being familiar with theory but rather practicing and experimenting a lot.
There are some skills songwriters need (if they don't have them all, they collaborate with other songwriters who complement their skills):
• Songwriting skills (write catchy lyrics, write music, put music and words together, know a lot about song structure, chords, verses, choruses, hooks)
• Record music (usually in a home studio)
• Knowledge of how the music business and publishing works
• Legal knowledge about songwriting, copyright, collaboration, publishing, etc.
• Play at least one instrument (usually guitar or piano)
• Be able to sing (not essential but if you can, you can save money when making demos)
• Music theory
• Good hearing (yes, you CAN develop your ears)
• Analyze current hits to see what works
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Co-Writing vs. Writing Songs On Your Own
Question by Ruben:
I've heard that if you want to become a professional songwriter, you should collaborate. I've read this on this website too. But I'm not a social person. I love writing songs but I'm not good at working in a team. Others' opinions only disrupt my thinking process and I get much less creative than alone.
Is it really impossible to make it on your own?
Answer:
Hi Ruben,
No, it isn't impossible at all. I think your chances are higher if you team up with different other songwriters but if you work better by yourself, do it.
It's true that most songs at the top of the charts were written by more than one songwriter. However, these are just statistics. There are always exceptions and who says this exception shouldn't be you.
There are people who work much faster, more efficiently and creatively by themselves. If you're one of them, write songs on your own. There are/were several successful people who also prefer working this way: Adele, Einstein, Chopin, Steven Spielberg, J.K. Rowling and so on.
So don't worry if co-writing is not for you, it definitely doesn't exclude the possibility that you'll become an amazing and successful songwriter!
If you have doubts about making it on your own, I recommend a very interesting book that I've read: Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking
by Susan Cain. It's about being introverted in a world where extroversion is preferred everywhere. You'll be proud of wanting to work alone after the first few chapters :)
Is it really impossible to make it on your own?
Answer:
Hi Ruben,
No, it isn't impossible at all. I think your chances are higher if you team up with different other songwriters but if you work better by yourself, do it.
It's true that most songs at the top of the charts were written by more than one songwriter. However, these are just statistics. There are always exceptions and who says this exception shouldn't be you.
There are people who work much faster, more efficiently and creatively by themselves. If you're one of them, write songs on your own. There are/were several successful people who also prefer working this way: Adele, Einstein, Chopin, Steven Spielberg, J.K. Rowling and so on.
So don't worry if co-writing is not for you, it definitely doesn't exclude the possibility that you'll become an amazing and successful songwriter!
If you have doubts about making it on your own, I recommend a very interesting book that I've read: Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking
by Susan Cain. It's about being introverted in a world where extroversion is preferred everywhere. You'll be proud of wanting to work alone after the first few chapters :)Monday, January 23, 2012
Best Songwriters' Forum?
Question by Mike:
What are the best songwriter forums where I can network, have my songs reviewed, get encouragement, learn and possibly find collaborators / co-writers? Can you help me find a good one?
Answer:
Hello Mike,
There are three forums for songwriters I can highly recommend. You can find great people on all of them. If you participate in one or all of these forums, I'm sure you'll find all the mentoring, support and learning opportunities you want.
• The first one is the TAXI Forum. It's a forum maintained by the independent A&R company TAXI but it's not only for TAXI members. You'll find many budding and successful songwriters there. Among other things, you can discuss business matters, technology & production, get your songs reviewed by peers or find collaborators there.
• Another great forum is called Just Plain Folks Forum. Participants include some very enthusiastic musicians and songwriters. You'll find discussions about songwriting, music, the music industry, mentoring, success stories, networking, feedback, music video feedback, and some threads for other arts and hobbies like acting, cooking, gardening and more.
• The Muse's Muse Songwriting Message Board is another great and busy one. You can ask for song or lyric feedback, take part in regular contests, find co-writers, participate in creativity games and have discussions about recording, the music industry and much more.
What are the best songwriter forums where I can network, have my songs reviewed, get encouragement, learn and possibly find collaborators / co-writers? Can you help me find a good one?
Answer:
Hello Mike,
There are three forums for songwriters I can highly recommend. You can find great people on all of them. If you participate in one or all of these forums, I'm sure you'll find all the mentoring, support and learning opportunities you want.
• The first one is the TAXI Forum. It's a forum maintained by the independent A&R company TAXI but it's not only for TAXI members. You'll find many budding and successful songwriters there. Among other things, you can discuss business matters, technology & production, get your songs reviewed by peers or find collaborators there.
• Another great forum is called Just Plain Folks Forum. Participants include some very enthusiastic musicians and songwriters. You'll find discussions about songwriting, music, the music industry, mentoring, success stories, networking, feedback, music video feedback, and some threads for other arts and hobbies like acting, cooking, gardening and more.
• The Muse's Muse Songwriting Message Board is another great and busy one. You can ask for song or lyric feedback, take part in regular contests, find co-writers, participate in creativity games and have discussions about recording, the music industry and much more.
Monday, January 16, 2012
What Do All Hit Songs Have In Common?
Question by DJ:
Is there some kind of a "recipe" for writing a hit song?
Answer from Eszter (HitJerker-Songwriting.com)
Hi DJ,
There isn't a "recipe" for writing a hit song. If there was one, everybody would be writing hit songs.
However, there are characteristics that most current hits share. And the more of these you include in your songs, the more likely you are to write a potential hit song.
Some features of most songs currently on the charts:
• Average length of intro: about 5-15 seconds
• Tempo: between 90-130 bpm
• Length: 3.5-4 minutes
• Subject: love
• Structure: Verse 1 - Pre-Chorus - Chorus - Verse 2 - Pre-Chorus - Chorus - Bridge - Chorus
• Singer: male
Of course, to write a hit song, you don't have to stick to these. And if you do, it doesn't guarantee success. This is just to give you a basic idea of what hit songs have in common these days.
Is there some kind of a "recipe" for writing a hit song?
Answer from Eszter (HitJerker-Songwriting.com)
Hi DJ,
There isn't a "recipe" for writing a hit song. If there was one, everybody would be writing hit songs.
However, there are characteristics that most current hits share. And the more of these you include in your songs, the more likely you are to write a potential hit song.
Some features of most songs currently on the charts:
• Average length of intro: about 5-15 seconds
• Tempo: between 90-130 bpm
• Length: 3.5-4 minutes
• Subject: love
• Structure: Verse 1 - Pre-Chorus - Chorus - Verse 2 - Pre-Chorus - Chorus - Bridge - Chorus
• Singer: male
Of course, to write a hit song, you don't have to stick to these. And if you do, it doesn't guarantee success. This is just to give you a basic idea of what hit songs have in common these days.
Monday, January 2, 2012
Music Creating Software
Question by Sharon:
I know nothing about reading music or how to write music or anything like that.
I have a cappella lyrics that I can sing a cappella too, but I would like to have these lyrics to have background music so I can sing them with music behind me.
Is there such a software package out there that I can buy where I can sing into a microphone and record my voice singing the song and how I want it to sound, and then have the software listen to my song and actually pick up the melody or maybe the rhythm and put the notes in automatically so that maybe somebody with a guitar or piano can play the music background while I sing the song? I don't know how to explain it. But I cannot read music, I don't play an instrument so I am at a loss for how to put my lyrics to music.
Any help would be Greatly Appreciated. I would buy the software if it could do that as I know nothing about writing music or anything.
If you can help me I would appreciate it very very much.
Thank You,
Sharon Hurkmans
Answer:
Hi Sharon,
I understand what kind of software you mean but as far as I know it hasn't been invented :( The closest I know is called Band in a Box. This software creates background music to chords you enter. You can choose the instruments, style, tempo, etc. But to enter those chords you need a little music theory knowledge. You might at least want to learn how to make chords. Don't worry, it's really easy. And if you'd like to write songs, you'll need to learn music theory sooner or later anyway.
Another option is to find a songwriting partner(s). They could write music to your lyrics and/or you could write lyrics to their music. Most hit songs are collaborations so if you'd like to become a professional songwriter, finding co-writers is another thing that's advisable to do.
I know nothing about reading music or how to write music or anything like that.
I have a cappella lyrics that I can sing a cappella too, but I would like to have these lyrics to have background music so I can sing them with music behind me.
Is there such a software package out there that I can buy where I can sing into a microphone and record my voice singing the song and how I want it to sound, and then have the software listen to my song and actually pick up the melody or maybe the rhythm and put the notes in automatically so that maybe somebody with a guitar or piano can play the music background while I sing the song? I don't know how to explain it. But I cannot read music, I don't play an instrument so I am at a loss for how to put my lyrics to music.
Any help would be Greatly Appreciated. I would buy the software if it could do that as I know nothing about writing music or anything.
If you can help me I would appreciate it very very much.
Thank You,
Sharon Hurkmans
Answer:
Hi Sharon,
I understand what kind of software you mean but as far as I know it hasn't been invented :( The closest I know is called Band in a Box. This software creates background music to chords you enter. You can choose the instruments, style, tempo, etc. But to enter those chords you need a little music theory knowledge. You might at least want to learn how to make chords. Don't worry, it's really easy. And if you'd like to write songs, you'll need to learn music theory sooner or later anyway.
Another option is to find a songwriting partner(s). They could write music to your lyrics and/or you could write lyrics to their music. Most hit songs are collaborations so if you'd like to become a professional songwriter, finding co-writers is another thing that's advisable to do.
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