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Recently, I had the opportunity to host a songwriting workshop, and I must say it was quite the experience! Of the many highlights, one was seeing the different songs people created with their unique way of phrasing things. And it was as a blast watching those lyrics come to life in the studio. Watching everyone work really drove home my belief that there are many different processes and formats when it comes to writing. While there are great writing tips and tools everyone can use, at the end of the day, writing is an individual practice one must explore. Even after you find a process that works, it is important to note that at times it may be useful to try different things.
Writing is an emotional experience, and we all express our emotions differently. One person might like to write in silence and then bring the lyrics to life with music afterwards. Another might like to listen to music that provokes an emotion and use that to write. Either way, it’s up to the writer to pick a method that works for him or her.
I feel that writing is an important skill for any artist looking to pursue music, and is something you should experiment with even if you feel you can't write. It could be said that if you have vocal cords, you have the ability to sing. With writing, if you have ever felt emotion, then you have the ability to write. Sometimes it’s just believing in yourself and picking up the pen that makes it happen. Often, I am surprised by people who tell me they aren’t writers then come up with some of the best stuff. Also, I speak from experience when I say, sometimes it takes time to hone in on your skills.
Writing is a great way to express your feelings and is looked highly upon in the music industry. It can be a nice way to make your way into a label where you will be welcomed with open arms if you have a great product to offer. Approaching a label as a songwriter allows you to create connections within the industry which may later help you launch your singing career. Or, you could go in as a singer/songwriter and approach it that way. Labels often need songwriters for the artists they already have, and if you are approaching them as a singer/songwriter, finding you a songwriter is one less thing they’ll have to worry about. Plus, there is money to be made as a songwriter!
In a recent article, Jesse J talked about having paid her rent for three years (yes you read that correctly: THREE years) off the money she made writing "Party in the U.S.A."! And she isn’t the only one! Lady Gaga, Keri Hilson, Ke$ha and many more started off as songwriters, and then became the mega stars they are today.
So, for those of you who are questioning your ability as a songwriter, my advice to you is this: just write! Check out different articles about songwriting and start to play. Lastly, to quote Jared Hancock, a friend, producer, songwriter, and the host of the songwriting workshop, "Don't worry about writing a hit song all the time; just write." Perfect advice. A lot of times, singers try so hard to write a hit that they drive themselves crazy, so don't worry about always having to write a hit, just have fun and let go. Who knows, it could turn into the next big song! And Jared isn’t the only one with that advice. The day after the workshop, I had the opportunity to see Christina Perri in a small live show and was able to ask her a question. Since I was fresh from the workshop, I asked her what her songwriting process was like, and she told me that part of her process is to write even if it is no good. So, there you go! JUST WRITE!
