♪ how to write a song ♪

Summary

In this engaging video, the artist shares their personal journey and insights into the abstract process of songwriting. They discuss how inspiration strikes unexpectedly and often begins with simple tunes or phrases. Emphasizing the individuality of songwriting, they explain their method of crafting songs, typically starting with a melody and refining lyrics over time. The artist highlights the emotional connection to their music, using songwriting as a means to process feelings rather than seeking external validation. Encouraging viewers to embrace their creativity, they invite aspiring songwriters to explore their unique expressions and share their own stories through music.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker often struggles with anxiety when drinking coffee, opting for tea instead for better vocal health during recording sessions.
• 🎶 Songwriting is a complex and abstract process that varies for each individual; there is no single right way to write a song.
• 📖 The speaker emphasizes that songwriting is akin to an art form, with each person's creative process being unique.
• 🔍 It's important to explore your own songwriting instincts and develop your style rather than trying to emulate others.
• 🧠 Many people create tunes and jingles in their heads without realizing it's a form of songwriting, which is a common and natural behavior.
• 📝 The songwriting process often starts with spontaneous ideas, which can come from anywhere, including everyday objects.
• 💡 The speaker highlights the importance of recording fleeting musical ideas on a phone to preserve inspiration for later development.
• 🧩 The detailed lyric writing phase can be labor-intensive, requiring careful consideration of word choices to fit the song's rhythm and meaning.
• 🌱 Songwriting takes time and practice; initial drafts might be rough, but refining them is crucial to creating a polished song.
• 🙏 Ultimately, songwriting serves as a personal outlet for emotions, with the speaker advocating for writing music for oneself rather than for external validation.

Q & A

How does the songwriter start the process of creating a song?

The songwriting process often starts with a small tune or idea that comes to the songwriter's mind, often unexpectedly. This initial melody or phrase can come from various situations, such as singing in the shower or making up random jingles for everyday objects.

What is the significance of the 'gut instinct' in songwriting?

Gut instinct plays a crucial role in the initial stages of songwriting. The songwriter trusts their intuition to produce melodies and lyrics quickly, often without overthinking. This instinctive approach helps the creative flow, leading to the rapid creation of the first draft of the song.

Why does the songwriter prefer to write songs without using an instrument?

The songwriter finds that using an instrument while writing stifles their creativity. They feel limited by chord progressions, which can result in more generic or uninspired songs. Writing without an instrument allows for more freedom and the development of unique melodies and structures.

How does the songwriter structure a typical song?

The songwriter often follows a common pop song structure: verse, pre-chorus, chorus, verse, pre-chorus, chorus, followed by a bridge and then a final chorus. However, they emphasize that there is no 'right' way to write a song, and this format is just a personal preference.

What tools or resources does the songwriter use when struggling with lyrics?

When stuck on a particular word or phrase, the songwriter uses tools like 'RhymeZone' to find rhyming words or near rhymes. Thesauruses are also helpful for finding words that fit the meaning and rhythm of the song, helping the songwriter refine their lyrics.

What does the songwriter believe about the relationship between songwriting and emotions?

The songwriter views songwriting as a way to process emotions. They write music instinctively as a form of journaling or self-reflection. Writing songs helps them understand their feelings better, often uncovering emotions they were unaware of until they put them into words and melody.

How does the songwriter view the concept of 'good' songs?

The songwriter doesn't believe in a strict definition of what constitutes a 'good' song. For them, a good song is one that has personal meaning. They believe that when music is created with authenticity, it will resonate with others, as humans share similar emotions and experiences.

Why does the songwriter believe that anyone can write a song?

The songwriter believes that songwriting is an innate skill that everyone possesses, even if they don't realize it. They argue that everyone makes up little jingles or tunes in their head, and that creative instinct can be expanded into full songs with practice and confidence.

What role does structure and pattern play in songwriting?

Structure and pattern help the songwriter transform random melodies and ideas into coherent songs. The brain recognizes patterns, and organizing the song into a familiar structure (like verse-chorus) helps listeners understand it as a 'song' rather than just random sounds.

How long does it typically take the songwriter to complete a song?

The songwriter typically writes the first draft of a song in a short amount of time, often in just a few minutes. However, refining the lyrics and ensuring everything fits perfectly can take weeks of analysis and reworking, as they carefully choose words and structure.