What do you do when you hit a wall when you’re writing a song? Here are tips from experienced songwriters to help you overcome writer’s block.
The article from Disc Makers Blog, titled “11 Songwriting Tips to Overcome Writer’s Block,” offers practical advice for songwriters struggling with creative blockages. Authored by Michael Gallant, it emphasizes the inevitability of writer’s block in the songwriting process and provides eleven strategies to overcome it, based on insights from experienced songwriters.
- Start with a Title: Finding an intriguing title can set the direction for the entire song, as suggested by Tommy Marolda, a renowned songwriter. He recommends looking at magazines or poetry titles for inspiration, and adapting phrases to make them unique.
- Look and Listen Everywhere: Being observant in everyday situations can provide unexpected lyrical ideas, as noted by Natalie Gelman, an independent singer-songwriter.
- Carry a Notebook or Voice Recorder: To ensure no idea goes unrecorded, carrying tools for documentation is crucial.
- Keep Unfinished Ideas: Saving snippets of work can be valuable, as they might fit perfectly into future projects.
- Write a Lot: Regular writing fosters comfort with the songwriting process and self-acceptance of the outcomes.
- Identify Your Own Clichés: Recognizing and avoiding overused ideas can pave the way for originality.
- Keep Your Inner Critic at Bay: Overcoming self-criticism is essential for creativity to flow freely.
- Ask for Help: Collaboration can provide new perspectives and help complete challenging pieces.
- Write on a Secondary Instrument: Using an instrument you’re less familiar with can lead to fresh musical ideas.
- Take a Break: Stepping away can provide the necessary distance to overcome creative ruts.
- Use Your Favorite Artists for Inspiration: Playing along with favorite songs can spark new ideas without directly copying material.
This summary encapsulates the essence of the article, highlighting the importance of flexibility, openness to inspiration, and persistence in the songwriting process.
Source: 11 Songwriting Tips to Overcome Writer’s Block | Disc Makers
