Songwriting
The Originality of the Song Comes From the Songwriter, Not the Song
As songwriters, we often find ourselves chasing originality like it’s some rare, mystical treasure buried beneath layers of chords and lyrics. We tinker with song structures, search for that one chord nobody’s ever used (good luck), or try to find the “newest” way to say something. But here’s something I’ve come to believe after years […]
When Doubt Creeps In: The Songwriter’s Secret Side Battle
Let’s be honest, there are days when writing a song feels like breathing, and then there are days when it feels like drowning. If you’ve been in the game long enough, you’ll know exactly what I mean. One moment you’re feeling creatively invincible, and the next you’re wondering if you’ve ever written anything worth hearing. […]
Let’s Make No Mistake About It… Songwriting Is Work
There’s a romantic myth floating around that songwriting is just a matter of sitting around, waiting for a lightning bolt of inspiration to strike. That a great song will just fall into your lap when the mood is right and the stars align. But let’s make no mistake about it: songwriting is work. Yes, it […]
How to Beat Songwriting Procrastination (And Why You’re Not Alone)
Let’s be honest, every songwriter I know (myself included) has danced with procrastination more than once. You sit down to write, strum a few chords, scribble a line or two… and then suddenly you’re thinking about doing the dishes or diving deep into a YouTube rabbit hole. Sound familiar? So when I came across this […]
What George Orwell Taught Me About Songwriting
Every now and then, wisdom from outside the world of music echoes perfectly within it. I was recently reminded of one such gem from George Orwell (yes, the same Orwell who gave us 1984 and Animal Farm). He once wrote: “A scrupulous writer, in every sentence that he writes, will ask himself at least four […]
The Craft and the Compass: 5 Pro Tips for Writing a Great Song, Every Time
Songwriting can sometimes feel like trying to catch lightning in a bottle. Some days the muse whispers sweet nothings in your ear, and other days? Well, you’re just staring at the same four chords wondering if the magic has packed its bags and moved on. That’s why I always appreciate when someone takes the time […]
7 Reasons Why The More Songs You Write, The More Good Songs You Write
There’s a saying among seasoned songwriters that goes, “The more songs you write, the more good songs you write.” On the surface, it may sound simplistic, but beneath it lies one of the most profound truths about songwriting as a craft and a creative calling. Whether you’re just starting out or deep in the trenches […]
A Closer Look at 12 Fingerpicking Patterns That Elevate Your Songwriting
There’s something undeniably intimate about fingerpicking on an acoustic guitar. It’s like handwriting a letter in a world of typed text, each note shaped by touch, each rhythm a heartbeat. Whether you’re strumming by the fire or layering tracks in the studio, the way you move through the strings can be just as important as […]
10 Ways That Songwriting Can Be Used As Therapy
Writing songs as therapy—often called “therapeutic songwriting”—can be a powerful tool for emotional healing, personal growth, and self-expression. Here are 10 ways songwriting can function therapeutically: 1. Expressing Deep Emotions Writing songs provides a safe space to express intense or complex emotions—sadness, anger, grief, anxiety—that might be difficult to articulate otherwise. It allows you to […]
Musician’s Guide to Clear a Sample For Songs
Learn how to clear a sample for songs legally with our comprehensive guide. Take the right steps for your music. The guide explains the essential steps and considerations for musicians who want to legally use samples of copyrighted music in their own songs. Sampling music involves incorporating snippets of another artist’s recording into a new […]