How Do You Find Your Own Voice as a Songwriter?
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “How do I find my own voice as a songwriter” you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common and important questions in songwriting, and the answer isn’t something you stumble upon overnight. Finding your voice isn’t about waiting for inspiration to strike. It’s about doing the work until something […]
Live First, Write Later: Why the Best Songs Come from a Life Fully Lived
There’s a simple truth that many seasoned songwriters eventually come to understand: The best way to write great songs is to live your life first. Sounds obvious, right? But in a world where we’re often told to hustle, grind, and constantly create, it’s easy to forget that songwriting isn’t just about sitting down with an […]
Why Everyday Language Is Great for Writing Lyrics
When it comes to writing lyrics that actually connect with people, everyday language is one of the most powerful tools you’ve got. It might not seem flashy or poetic on the surface, but when used well, it can cut deeper than any metaphor or clever rhyme ever could. Here’s why everyday language works so well […]
What George Orwell Taught Me About Songwriting
Every now and then, wisdom from outside the world of music echoes perfectly within it. I was recently reminded of one such gem from George Orwell (yes, the same Orwell who gave us 1984 and Animal Farm). He once wrote: “A scrupulous writer, in every sentence that he writes, will ask himself at least four […]
The Craft and the Compass: 5 Pro Tips for Writing a Great Song, Every Time
Songwriting can sometimes feel like trying to catch lightning in a bottle. Some days the muse whispers sweet nothings in your ear, and other days? Well, you’re just staring at the same four chords wondering if the magic has packed its bags and moved on. That’s why I always appreciate when someone takes the time […]
7 Reasons Why The More Songs You Write, The More Good Songs You Write
There’s a saying among seasoned songwriters that goes, “The more songs you write, the more good songs you write.” On the surface, it may sound simplistic, but beneath it lies one of the most profound truths about songwriting as a craft and a creative calling. Whether you’re just starting out or deep in the trenches […]
Crafting Conversational Lyrics: Making Songs Feel Like Real-Life Stories
Have you ever listened to a song and felt like the singer was talking directly to you—like you were overhearing a deeply personal moment or eavesdropping on an honest conversation? That’s the power of conversational lyrics. They pull you in, disarm your defenses, and make the message feel personal, intimate, and real. In a world […]
A Closer Look at 12 Fingerpicking Patterns That Elevate Your Songwriting
There’s something undeniably intimate about fingerpicking on an acoustic guitar. It’s like handwriting a letter in a world of typed text, each note shaped by touch, each rhythm a heartbeat. Whether you’re strumming by the fire or layering tracks in the studio, the way you move through the strings can be just as important as […]
How to Be the Ideal Songwriting Collaborator: What to Bring to a Co-Writing Session
Songwriting collaborations can be magical. When two (or more) creative minds come together, the possibilities for musical alchemy are endless—but only if each person comes in prepared. Whether you’re heading to your first co-writing session or your fiftieth, showing up with the right gear, mindset, and intention can elevate the process and tell your collaborator, […]
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, […]