Songwriting can be an exhilarating process when everything clicks into place, but more often than not, it’s easy to get bogged down in time-wasting habits that stall your progress.
The article, “The 3 Biggest Time-Wasters in Songwriting (And How to Avoid Them),” outlines common pitfalls in the songwriting process and offers actionable strategies to overcome them.
- Overthinking the Lyrics: Many songwriters get trapped in a cycle of perfecting every line, which stifles creativity. Instead, it’s recommended to write quickly without self-editing and revisit the lyrics later for refining. This approach captures raw emotion and reduces time lost to over-analysis.
- Chasing Inspiration: Waiting for inspiration can be a trap, as it is often inconsistent. The article suggests setting a regular writing schedule and using prompts to build a habit of creativity. Consistent practice, even without inspiration, helps generate momentum and improves songwriting skills.
- Trying to Do Everything at Once: Attempting to handle lyrics, melody, chords, and groove simultaneously leads to overwhelm. A structured approach—starting with a title or theme, followed by melody, and then lyrics—allows each element to develop without pressure, making the songwriting process smoother.
These strategies encourage simplicity, consistency, and a step-by-step approach, which can help songwriters produce higher-quality work efficiently.
Source: The 3 Biggest Time-Wasters in Songwriting (And How to Avoid Them) – Speed Songwriting
