The next question I'd like to look at is "what." What do you write about?
There are a million things that happen in the world around us each day, and a million ways we can interpret what happens. All we are called to do as songwriters is to report these emotions and stories creatively. Don't try to report what you think other people want you to report; report the truth...your truth. We all have a story to tell.
Keep writing,
Ben
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Hi, I'm an amateur songwriting and I just found your blog, so I hope you don't mind if I comment. I've heard it said that finding an interesting "what" to write about amounts to 50% of writing a good song. Any feelings about this?
ReplyDeleteOops. I meant "songwriter" obviously.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the question! Yes, I would say that the "what" combined with the way the subject or topic is framed in a hook or phrase is about half the battle in writing a song. One thing I've realized though, is that the second half is where the majority of crafting comes into play. 60-75% of they way finished, the idea is just okay; 75-90% it's a pretty good song; but only nearing 100% completion does a song become great. My tendency is to take a song to 75% and call it finished, whereas a more experienced writer may see ways to take it to completion as a great song.
ReplyDeleteHello, I"m an amateur songwriter just starting out and have written a few songs already. What is the best way to have my songs copyrighted so they are not plageurized or stolen, etc.
ReplyDeleteI would recommend checking out this post: http://www.abclearnguitar.com/copyright.html
ReplyDelete