Finding the Universal in the Local: How to Write Songs That Connect and Stand Out
It’s said that the best songs are the ones that feel universal, they touch something in everyone, no matter who’s listening or where they’re from. But here’s the catch: if you chase “universal” too hard, you risk ending up with something vague, bland, or forgettable. So, how do you write a song that connects with […]
The Difference Between Forgettable and Unforgettable Songs In 7 Steps
Every now and then, I stumble across an article that feels like it’s handing you a map just when you thought you’d lost the trail. Cari Cole’s piece, 7 Steps to Writing Hit Songs That Stand Out, Win Awards & Gain Placements, is one of those maps, equal parts practical signposts and creative pep talk. […]
10 Everyday Activities To Keep Your Songwriting Muscles Warm
As songwriters, it’s easy to slip into the trap of thinking we should be writing a whole song every time we sit down. The reality is, that pressure can stop you from writing anything at all. The good news? Songwriting isn’t just about finishing songs, it’s about feeding your creative mind every day so you’re […]
How to Mine Your Dreams for Songwriting Ideas
If you’ve ever woken up from a strange dream and thought, “What was that all about?” well, there’s good news: that odd, half-forgotten tangle might hold your next songwriting idea. Dreams can be a goldmine for songwriters. They slip past your rational mind and your inner critic. They throw together memories, fears, desires, symbols, and […]
The KISS Principle: Why Simplicity Is So Important In Songwriting
When it comes to songwriting, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that more is better. More words. More chords. More layers. More cleverness. But often, the songs that hit the hardest, the ones people remember and sing for years, are built on simple ideas delivered well. This is where the KISS Principle […]
The Dreaded Deadline: A Songwriter’s Friend Or Foe?
Ask any songwriter how they feel about deadlines and you’ll probably see a wince. There’s something about putting a clock on creativity that feels backward. How can you force inspiration to show up on a Tuesday at 2 PM? And yet, many of the songs we love wouldn’t exist without the push of a looming […]
The Songwriting Pipeline: How to Finish More Songs (Without Burning Out)
One of the biggest struggles for songwriters isn’t starting a song, it’s finishing it. We’ve all got half-written verses, nameless chord progressions, and a graveyard of voice memos. And while those fragments might still hold magic, without a clear path to completion, they often just sit there. That’s where the Songwriting Pipeline comes in. It’s […]
Build Your Songwriting Ideas Bank (And Never Start From Scratch Again)
As songwriters, we know that inspiration isn’t always on tap. Some days, the words and melodies pour out effortlessly. Other days? Nothing but tumbleweeds and frustration. That’s where your Ideas Bank comes in. Think of it like a creative savings account, a personal stash of lyric snippets, song titles, melody lines, themes, and random thoughts […]
The 5 Essential Elements Of A Good Song, According To Tony Conniff
Every now and then, I come across an article that feels like someone’s taken the swirling thoughts in my head about songwriting and pinned them neatly to a cork-board. Tony Conniff’s The 5 Essential Elements Of A Good Song is one of those pieces. If you haven’t read it yet, I highly recommend you do, […]
How to Stay Consistent in Your Songwriting Process (Even When You’re Not Inspired)
One of the biggest struggles songwriters face (especially those juggling day jobs, families, or other creative outlets) is staying consistent. You might get a flash of inspiration, write a song you’re proud of, and then… nothing for weeks. So how do you make songwriting a regular habit instead of an occasional burst of creativity? The […]