Songwriting Process
What Makes the Perfect First Line in a Song?
In songwriting, first impressions matter. A song’s opening line is your handshake, your welcome mat, your spark, and it needs to be strong enough to stop a listener in their tracks, even if they’ve never heard the song before. But what exactly makes a first line perfect? What qualities compel a person to lean in, […]
Does Taking Longer to Write a Song Make It Better?
There’s a long-standing belief in the creative world that great art takes great time. The idea that the longer we labour over a song, the more valuable or meaningful it becomes. But as any songwriter who’s been at it long enough knows, the relationship between time spent and song quality is far from straightforward. So, […]
When to Listen to Your Inner Critic: Why the Best Time Is During Rewriting, Not Writing
In the songwriting process, there are two voices that accompany us at every step, the Creator and the Critic. The Creator is the dreamer, the explorer, the playful child who dives headfirst into the unknown, following instinct, emotion, and inspiration wherever they may lead. The Critic, on the other hand, is the observer, the analyst, […]
The Art of Addition and Subtraction: Which Songwriting Approach Works Best?
When it comes to writing songs, one of the biggest creative questions we face is this: Should I throw in every idea I can think of and trim the fat later?Or should I start with the bare bones and carefully build from there? It’s a battle between addition and subtraction — between creative overflow and […]
Songwriting Deadlines Aren’t the Enemy—They’re the Secret Weapon
Discover how deadlines can boost your songwriting productivity, crush procrastination, and help you finish more songs—fast. This article explores the often-overlooked benefits of incorporating deadlines into the songwriting process. Rather than stifling creativity, deadlines can act as powerful catalysts that sharpen focus, encourage experimentation, and enhance productivity. How Deadlines Drive Creative Momentum 1. Defeating ProcrastinationDeadlines […]
All Roads Lead To A Completed Song (Eventually)
Here is the truth that every songwriter needs to hear… If you’ve ever felt stuck in the middle of a song, second-guessed your creative choices, or wondered if you’ll ever finish the track you started months ago, you’re not alone. The good news? Every path you take in songwriting, no matter how winding, frustrating, or […]
Why Setting Limitations Is Good for Songwriting (And Why It Might Just Save Your Creativity)
When we think about creativity, we often imagine wide-open spaces. Limitless possibilities. The freedom to go anywhere, try anything, write whatever we feel. But here’s the catch—too much freedom can paralyze you. In the world of songwriting, that blank page can feel like a vast desert. And without some kind of signpost or path to […]
How to Write 10 Song Titles in 10 Minutes (And Why You Should)
Stop waiting for inspiration. Use this simple 3-step method to generate 10 powerful song titles in 10 minutes—and keep your songwriting flowing. Generating compelling song titles quickly is a valuable skill for songwriters seeking to enhance their creative efficiency. The article “10 Ways to Come Up With Song Titles Fast” from Speed Songwriting offers practical […]
Is It True That “The Best Songs Aren’t Written, They’re Rewritten?”
The statement, “In songwriting, the best songs aren’t written, they’re rewritten,” is more than a clever catchphrase, it’s an essential truth rooted deeply in the creative process. Let’s unpack this idea further and explore what makes rewriting such a powerful tool in crafting memorable songs. 1. The Myth of Inspiration Many people believe songwriting is […]
8 Ways That The 80/20 Rule Can Transform Your Songwriting Process
The 80/20 rule (also known as the Pareto Principle) suggests that roughly 80% of results come from 20% of efforts or inputs. Applying this to songwriting can offer clarity, boost creativity, and significantly enhance productivity. Here’s how the 80/20 principle can transform your songwriting process: 1. Focus on Your Core Strengths (20% Effort = 80% […]