How to write a song: songwriting tips & process from top artists
When it comes to crafting hit songs, some advice from those who have already made it to the top can be invaluable. In this post, we'll share videos from 8 world-famous artists, each with their unique tips on songwriting.
These artists have all figured out how to get on the Billboard charts within the past decade, and their insights can guide you in creating your song.
In addition, we've included the top 10 tips for songwriting to help you with your music making process.
Eight music industry titans share their tips for writing songs:
H.E.R. Shares Method for Writing Lyrics
H.E.R. talks about her spontaneous approach to songwriting, letting the music dictate the direction of the song.
"There is no plan. We're just going with it. We're letting the music dictate what feels right. We're letting the music take us to whatever place that it's supposed to go"
-H.E.R.
John Mayer Reveals His Songwriting Process
John Mayer explains his method of matching musical and lyrical ideas, ensuring they fit together perfectly.
"It's like matching socks. One sock is the music. One sock is the lyric...the lyric and the concept...
Its a very mathematical process actually - of taking an idea...taking a musical idea, comparing with a verbal idea, lyrical idea, you keep going, you keep going...at some point you've either written something amusing or a lot of times I'll just blurt something out, and I'll go...oh that's a thing...
When the music sounds like the lyrics, and the music and the lyrics together sound like the idea, and the music and the lyrics and the idea sound like the singer, then you got a song."
- John Mayer
The Weeknd's Method for Writing Hits
The Weeknd discusses how his life experiences influence his songwriting, providing a rich source of material.
"I felt like I've experienced enough even before my career started in my, at that point my 21 years of living.
And I say this a lot, I have enough experience to write the rest of my catalogue I feel. And continue whatever story that is that I'm telling"
- The Weeknd
Charlie Puth's Step-by-Step for writing a song
Charlie Puth shares his process of starting with a melody and quickly building chords around it.
"I have this like melody in my head that I want to start with, then I'll put the chords underneath the melody. I want to just get this down before I forget it. "
- Charlie Puth
SZA on How to Write an Album
SZA describes her freestyle approach to songwriting, driven by emotions and chords.
"Honesty usually comes from the moments that you're not thinking about.
And because I freestyle like 95% of my work, its all kind of just coming from like a feeling place, like wherever I feel, whatever these chords make me feel etc., and then I just speak my piece over that."
- SZA
The-Dream on Writing for Beyonce
The-Dream talks about the quick, mood-driven process of writing some of his biggest hits.
"Usually those songs that take a small amount of time are usually the bigger ones because you're not thinking about it, it's just a mood.
I had no idea I had already been calculating what Beyonce should say to everybody if you were Beyonce...
You're in a relationship with a guy and you want him to commit. So how do I make this coffee table conversation?...
So I come up with this brilliant idea, if you like then you shoulda put a ring on it."
- The-Dream
Taylor Swift's Top Songwriting Tips
Taylor Swift emphasizes the importance of capturing ideas as soon as they come to her.
"I just get really in it when I'm writing a song and I dissapear into my phone, because my phone is where I keep my notes and where I edit.
No matter where I am, 4 in the morning or in the middle of the of a conversation, I'll get an idea, and have to record it into my cell phone
I record it onto the phone and then I come back to later and like see if I want to expand it into a whole song."
- Taylor Swift
Top 10 Songwriting Tips:
1) Start with an Idea:
Every great song begins with an idea. Think about what you want to convey and how you want your listeners to feel. This could be a personal experience, a story, or a concept. Learning how to write a song starts with a strong foundation.
2) Develop a Hook
A catchy hook can make your song memorable. Focus on creating a strong, repeatable phrase that will stick with your audience. Remember, a hook is key to good songs.
3) Write Meaningful Lyrics:
Lyrics are the heart of your song. Make sure they are relatable and convey your message clearly. If you're wondering how to write lyrics, start by jotting down your thoughts and refining them. Even simple lyrics, if meaningful can leave a lasting impression.
4) Create a Melody:
A good melody complements your lyrics and enhances the overall feel of the song. Experiment with different tunes and find one that fits your theme. Understanding how to write music and melodies is crucial.
5) Use Song Structure:
Understanding song structure is vital as well. Most songs follow a pattern of verses, choruses, and bridges. This helps in keeping the song organized and engaging. Learning how to make a song with a strong structure can make a big difference.
6) Incorporate Emotion:
Infuse your song with emotion. Whether it's joy, sadness, or anger, conveying emotions through your music will connect you with your audience.
7) Experiment with Chords:
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different chord progressions. This can add depth and variety to your song.
8) Seek Feedback:
Share your song with others and get their feedback. This can provide new perspectives and help you improve.
9) Revise and Refine:
Don’t settle for the first draft. Revise your lyrics and melody until you’re satisfied with the result.
10) Practice Regularly:
Like any other skill, songwriting improves with practice. Write regularly to hone your craft and develop your unique style. Writing songs frequently will help you get better.
Additional Tips:
- Write a Song Title: Crafting a compelling song title can set the tone for your entire song. Ensure it encapsulates the essence of your song.
- Use Songwriting Apps: There are numerous apps designed to help you with the songwriting process, from generating ideas to organizing your lyrics.
- Learn from Other Songwriters: Study the work of renowned songwriters and analyze their techniques.
- Join Songwriting Communities: Engage with other songwriters to share tips and receive constructive criticism.
- Stay Inspired: Draw inspiration from your surroundings, personal experiences, and the music you love. Inspiration can strike from the most unexpected places.
- Compose Your Music: When you compose your music, focus on blending different elements such as melody, harmony, and rhythm to create a cohesive piece. Composing music requires both creativity and technical skills, so don't hesitate to experiment and refine your work. After this make sure you find the best mic for recording vocals.
FAQs
What are the 4 steps to writing a song?
- Start with a strong concept or idea.
- Develop a catchy melody.
- Pair the melody with fitting lyrics.
- Structure the song with verses, choruses, and bridges.
Who is the richest songwriter of all time?
Paul McCartney is considered the richest songwriter of all time, with a significant fortune amassed from his work with The Beatles and his solo career.
How do you structure a hit song?
A hit song typically follows a structure of verse-chorus-verse-chorus-bridge-chorus. This format helps maintain listener interest and delivers a memorable hook - making it very popular among professionals.
Incorporate these strategies and insights from top artists to improve your songwriting skills and create hits that captivate listeners worldwide.
Final Thoughts
These tips highlight the diverse approaches to songwriting for beginners and pros alike. Whether it's staying true to your unique voice, drawing from personal experiences, or experimenting with new sounds, these insights can help you hone your craft and create music that resonates with audiences around the world.
Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to songwriting. Embrace your individuality, and let your creativity flow. Being authentic is the key if you want to get more Spotify streams organically.
By incorporating these strategies and continuously seeking new methods and ideas, you can refine your songwriting skills and produce music that not only resonates with listeners but also stands the test of time.
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