Questions - How?

How do you write songs?

Each of us naturally writes songs in a way that is unlike anyone else in the world. However, it's important to be aware of the many external pressures that can affect the way we create. It's easy to get off the right path for the wrong reasons.

When I graduated from and began pursuing a publishing deal, I began trying to write more traditional country songs. Why? Well, because I'm in Nashville, of course. Wrong answer, Ben. You see, when I (a kid from Indiana who grew up listening to The Beatles) write a song about Texas farm life from the perspective of a father, it ends up being a mediocre song. However, if I write a song about what it's like moving to Nashville with a dream, and leave the Texas song to be written by the guy who actually farms in Texas, I believe I'm on the right path. Your creative voice is the style of your message. It takes time to develop, but is essential to writing unique songs that can stand the test of time.

Keep writing,

Ben

------

Would you or someone you know like to go on a songwriting retreat with industry professionals? Visit SongbirdCamp.com for more details!

Questions - Why?

This is the most important question you will ever answer when it comes to your pursuit of the craft of songwriting:

Why do you write songs?

In my experience, the initial reason why I began pursuing music can tend to gradually be covered up by many things: my expectations, what others are asking of me, busyness of life, fear of creating, procrastination, self-doubt, etc. It takes a great amount of intentionality to keep the initial love for music out in the open.

We as human beings seem to always be looking to the next great thing to save us. In my pursuit of music, I've fallen into the trap of filling my mind with a list of "if only"s.

If only I could open for this band, then...

If only I could get a meeting with that record label, then... 

If only I could get a publishing deal, then...

In my mind, a successful songwriter is someone who enjoys writing songs, and is enjoyable to work with. You don't need any industry doors to open for you to be a successful songwriter. If we focus on enjoying the process, I believe we will create more beautiful art, and industry doors opening will be a by-product.

In the end, all that any of us can ever claim is that we either enjoyed the ride or we didn't. I'd rather be a happy songwriter working a side job than be constantly worried about filling a shelf with awards.

Keep writing,

Ben

------

Would you or someone you know like to go on a songwriting retreat with industry professionals? Visit SongbirdCamp.com for more details!

Questions - Where?

Where should you write?

A few months ago my wife and I decided to repaint our guest bedroom (which I refer to as my studio). Previously, the house was owned by a couple with a two year old girl, so the walls were bright yellow and the ceiling was baby blue. With a couple gallons of paint, we were able to completely transform the feeling of the room, making it a far more inspiring space in which to create.

When it comes to creativity, it's important to have a space where you feel absolutely comfortable and understood. That corner of the room should scream "you." If you don't yet have a space to claim as your own, dream up a few simple ways to create an environment enjoyable to you. And never underestimate a couple gallons of paint!

Keep writing,

Ben

------

Would you or someone you know like to go on a songwriting retreat with industry professionals? Visit SongbirdCamp.com for more details!

Questions - When?

As songwriters, it's essential to be ready to capture an idea at a moment's notice. The best and most natural song titles, stories and melodies tend to appear out of the thin air of everyday life.

When do you write songs?

I've often been asked how I'm able to schedule inspiration. Most weekdays, I meet with another collaborator around 10:30am to write a song. It would be impossible to convince my soul and mind to be running full steam ahead at 10:30am on the dot, five days a week. The reality is that instead of showing up already inspired, I show up ready to be inspired.

One tangible thing that helps is keeping a list of ideas that may catch my attention throughout my day. This allows me to look back at a list of inspiring launch points at 10:30am.

Keep writing,

Ben

------

Would you or someone you know like to go on a songwriting retreat with industry professionals? Visit SongbirdCamp.com for more details!

Questions - What?

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

------

Would you or someone you know like to go on a songwriting retreat with industry professionals? Visit SongbirdCamp.com for more details!

Questions - Who?

When it comes to songwriting, I think it's essential to at least understand the "who, what, when, where, why and how" of creating. The way we each answer these questions should give us a clearer understanding of the process and purpose of our creativity. Let's begin with "who."  

Who writes songs?

The simple answer is, anyone. I believe we all have some level of musical ability, and some message we desire to communicate.

The complicated answer is that songwriting, at least on a professional level, is not for everyone. That should be freeing for some, and sobering to others. For some, it is better to enjoy writing songs as a hobby. For others, it is a deep calling that can only be satisfied by pouring out the creative soul. Either way, writing songs has a therapeutic way of giving life to the creator. Where there was nothing before, now there is something. And you, songwriter, had something to do with that.

Keep writing,

Ben

------

Would you or someone you know like to go on a songwriting retreat with industry professionals? Visit SongbirdCamp.com for more details!