Creative songwriting involves the process of writing and composing original music and lyrics for a song. The creative process includes a combination of artistic vision, musical knowledge, and discipline. Songwriting can be a challenging but yet rewarding pursuit that allows songwriters to express themselves and connect with others through their music.
Songwriting is therefore a highly personal and creative process that varies greatly from one songwriter to another. Though not every songwriter follows the same blueprint when they create music, there are some common elements when it comes to crafting a song.
Common Elements to Songwriting
While there is no set formula to create a song, here are a few common steps to get you started if you are new to songwriting:
Start with an idea: Begin with brainstorming ideas for your song. You can draw inspiration from your own life experiences, observations of the world around you, the things that get you emotional, and even inspiration from books, news or movies can be the firestarter for songwriting.
Write down your ideas: Once you are sure what you want to write about, start by jotting down your ideas for lyrics, melodies and chord progressions. You can use freewriting techniques, prompts, or seek help from a co-writer (maybe someone more experienced) to help you get started.
Experiment: Play with different melodies and chord progressions. Experiment and have fun to find the ones that best support the lyrics and convey the desired mood or emotion of your song.
Keep an open mind: Be open to changing and refining your song as you go along. Don’t be afraid to make changes or to seek feedback from other songwriters or industry professionals.
Don’t Take Yourself Too Seriously
Taking yourself too seriously in songwriting (or any other endeavour) can become a hindrance to the creative process. It can lead to self-doubt, insecurity, and a fear of failure. All of these emotions can end up stifling creativity and prevent a songwriter from fully expressing themselves.
Moreover, songwriting is an art form. Just like any other art form, it requires a certain degree of vulnerability and authenticity. If a songwriter is too focused on being “perfect” or “serious”, they may be less likely to take creative risks - which includes being honest and vulnerable in their lyrics and melodies.
On the other hand, if a songwriter is able to let go of their ego and embrace the creative process with a sense of fun and playfulness, they may be more open to new ideas and more willing to take creative risks. This can lead to more authentic and memorable songs.
Overall, it’s important for songwriters to find a healthy balance between taking their craft seriously and having fun in the creative process of songwriting.