Lacking some creativity to keep writing?
If you’re like most songwriters, you probably have days where the creative juices just don’t seem to be flowing. Don’t worry, it happens to all of us! But when inspiration seems non-existent, there are a few things you can do to jump start your creativity. Here are six songwriting tips that will help get the ideas flowing.
1. Keep a notebook with you at all times
You never know when a great idea will strike, so it’s always good to have a way to jot it down quickly.
You never know when inspiration will strike – while commuting on the train, in the middle of a conversation with friends, or even during your morning shower.
And though it’s easy to think you’ll remember that genius line or catchy chorus later on, often those golden ideas can get lost in the rush of daily life. That’s why I always make sure to have my notebook handy, whether it’s tucked into the pocket of my jacket or sitting on my desk at home.
It may seem small and inconsequential, but having a way to quickly jot down ideas has been crucial for writing some of my best songs. So if you want to capture your best ideas before you forget them, make sure to keep a notebook by your side at all times. Or you can use your phone notes too!
Who knows – it could lead to your next hit!
2. Be prepared to record your ideas
Whether it’s with a simple setup or a full blown home studio, being able to capture your ideas as they come is crucial.
As a musician, recording my ideas is SO important. Whether it’s a melody that pops into my head while I’m taking a shower or lyrics that come to me during my morning commute, those little bits and pieces can really add up and turn into amazing songs.
And trust me, you don’t want to rely on your memory alone to capture them all. That’s why carrying around a recording device, iPhone voice memos is a must for me. A lot of my pop beats start at with just me humming an idea for a melody. 😂
It doesn’t have to be fancy – I used to just use the voice recorder on my phone. Now, I have a digital recording setup that’s more suitable for recording pop music demos. But regardless of the equipment, having the ability to capture those fleeting moments of inspiration has proven invaluable for my songwriting process.
So if you’re an artist or creator of any kind, make sure you’re prepared to record your ideas whenever and wherever they strike. You never know what gems you might discover.
3. Draw inspiration from other songs.
A great way to get the wheels turning is to listen to other songs and see what you like and don’t like about them. What makes them tick? How can you put your own spin on it?
When I’m stuck on a new song, I like to find inspiration in other musicians’ work. Not only do I listen for catchy melodies or clever lyrics, but I also pay attention to how the song is structured and produced. Maybe there’s a cool instrumental solo or a unique vocal harmony that I want to incorporate into my own piece.
And of course, it’s always fun to put my own spin on things – modernizing a classic melody or putting a new twist on common lyrical themes.
It’s definitely worth checking out what other artists are doing, as it can spark new ideas and motivate you to try something different in your own music. Plus, listening to new songs is just plain enjoyable!
So go ahead, give some other tunes a listen – who knows where it might take your composition process.
4. Get involved in other aspects of music-making
Sometimes the best way to jump start your creativity is to try something new altogether. If you typically write alone, try co-writing with another person. Or if you’re used to writing on guitar, try sitting down at the piano instead. This can introduce new perspectives and ways of approaching songwriting.
Don’t limit yourself to just writing either – try experimenting with different instruments or even exploring other aspects of music-making such as production or mixing.
Embracing new experiences can not only improve your creativity, but also bring a newfound excitement and passion to your music-making.
So go ahead, push yourself out of your comfort zone – who knows what unexpected surprises may arise.
5. Take regular breaks
It sounds counterintuitive, but sometimes the best way to get those creative juices flowing is to take a break from songwriting altogether! Go for a walk, watch a movie, read a book…do anything that will help clear your mind and allow fresh ideas to come in.
As a songwriter, it’s easy to get caught up in the constant grind of trying to come up with new ideas. But sometimes, the best thing you can do for your creativity is to take a break and focus on something else for a while.
Going for a walk or watching a movie can help clear your mind and give you some much-needed relaxation time. Reading a book can also inspire new ideas, as well as opening your mind to different perspectives and themes.
Trust me – I’ve tried it myself and have seen the benefits firsthand! Step away from the notebook and guitar for a little while. Your songs will thank you for it.
So next time you feel stuck in your songwriting process, don’t be afraid to step away for a bit and recharge your creative energy.
6. Don't be afraid to experiment
The beauty of songwriting is that there are no rules! So don’t be afraid to experiment with different techniques, instrumentation, etc., until you find what works for you.
When it comes to writing songs, there is no one “right” way to do it. So why not try out new things and see what suits your style?
Switch up your go-to instruments, try writing with a collaborator, or experiment with adding layers and textures to your tracks. And don’t be afraid to take risks – sometimes the most unexpected ideas can lead to your best work.
The beauty of songwriting is its versatility and limitless potential; so have fun and explore all the possibilities until you find the approach that truly resonates with you. Who knows, maybe your bold experiments will even inspire others to do the same!
Let your creative juices flow and see where they take you.
Conclusion:
Writing great songs doesn’t have to be hard—it just takes a little bit of inspiration and some elbow grease. By following these six songwriting tips, you’ll be well on your way to writing the next big hit!
And also, if you’re looking for some pop beats to get started on your next track, check out my beats!