Songwriting Dos and Don’ts

A recent “Play For a Publisher” event featured Stacey Willbur, from Full Circle Music, sharing her feedback about 10 songs selected for the showcase.

The article, based on insights from a “Play For a Publisher” event with Stacey Willbur, VP of Publishing and A&R for Full Circle Music, highlights key songwriting tips shared during Episode 203 of the CLIMB podcast by Brent Baxter and Johnny Dwinell.

Songwriting Dos:

1. Create a Strong Opening Line: Start with something unique that immediately grabs attention, avoiding clichés like “I woke up this morning.”
2. Craft Interesting Titles: A fresh and intriguing title can capture attention even before the song is heard.
3. Polish Your Chorus: Aim for a catchy, memorable chorus that sticks with listeners.
4. Simplify When Needed: Balance complex verses with simpler, singable choruses to create relief for the listener.

Songwriting Don’ts:

1. Avoid Monotonous Melodies: Ensure the chorus melody is distinct and offers a lift from the verse.
2. Don’t Fear Rewrites: Rewriting is a common and valuable process among professional songwriters.

Additional Tips:

• Get to the Chorus Quickly: Avoid long, overly detailed verses that delay the hook.
• Experiment with Simplicity: Less can often be more, especially in the chorus, to make it more impactful.

For deeper insights and real-world examples, the full podcast is recommended.

Source: Songwriting Dos and Don’ts