If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a blank page, guitar in hand, brain full of static, you’re not alone. I’ve been there more times than I can count, flicking through chord progressions like they’re TV channels, waiting for the muse to show up like it’s fashionably late to the session again.
That’s why I want to share something I found recently that’s well worth your time: a smart, no-fluff article over at SpeedSongwriting.com titled “Songwriting Routine Hacks.”
The piece digs into something we songwriters often overlook: the role of routine in creative flow. Not the rigid, boring kind that feels like a school timetable, but a flexible, musician-friendly system that gets you writing more often and with less friction.
What’s This Article Really About?
At its core, the article explores how routines act like mental shortcuts that lower the resistance between you and your next song. It’s not about forcing creativity, it’s about setting the stage so it shows up naturally, more often.
Here are a few takeaways I found especially helpful:
- Start small, stay consistent: Instead of waiting for a two-hour window of inspiration, the article suggests building a short, daily ritual. Even 15 minutes can create surprising momentum.
- Remove friction: Have your tools ready. Keep your guitar within reach. Open your DAW project before you pour your coffee. The less you have to decide, the easier it is to do.
- Link your writing to habits you already have: The author suggests pairing your songwriting with something you already do, like writing lyrics right after your morning coffee, or jamming while dinner simmers.
- Keep it simple, but make it sacred: Treat your routine like a warm-up before a gig. It doesn’t need to be grand. It just needs to be yours.
The article treats routine less like a strict system and more like a garden path. You don’t have to build it all at once, but if you step on it each day, it eventually leads somewhere beautiful.
My Take: Inspiration Follows Ritual
Over the years, I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) that songs don’t just appear out of thin air, they emerge out of habits, like steam off a hot road after rain.
I used to think inspiration came first, and discipline followed. These days, I see it the other way around. Show up at the same place and time often enough, and your creativity learns to meet you there.
What I like most about the Speed Songwriting article is that it doesn’t pretend there’s only one “right” way to do things. Instead, it offers a few simple hacks you can try, adjust, and make your own.
Go Have a Read
If you’ve been struggling to stay consistent with your songwriting or if you’re just looking to write more songs with less stress, this article is worth a few minutes of your day. You’ll walk away with some practical ideas you can put into play right now, no overhaul required.
Read the full article here: https://speedsongwriting.com/songwriting-routine-hacks/
Let me know what you think. Have routines helped your writing? Do you have your own hacks that work for you? I’d love to hear what your creative rituals look like.
Most importantly, keep showing up. The songs are waiting.
