Build a picture in your head
When writing music, I always try to build a picture or topic to write about in my head, and then ideas and lyrics just come out. If you are trying to describe a scene or something that has happened, get some paper and a pencil and draw a picture. Then start to write using the picture as a base frame!
Be yourself
Draw inspiration from your experiences. Don’t try to base a song on something you know nothing about because it ends up sounding really fake and cliched.
Work hard
The one habit that will increase your understanding, enjoyment and quality of lyric writing is time spent in the task itself. The more time that you actually spend typing on the keyboard or writing on a legal pad the more that you will grow as a writer.
Forget the rules
Writing music is a creative process so try to stay away from too much structured rules or you could find your creativity stifled! Relax and let your imagination flow. It’s easy when you are not musically trained like me, because you don’t know the rules in the first place.
Listen to your hearth
The most creative people are those who set their minds aside and just perform as stenographers of their hearts.
Pick the right time
Early in the morning – late at night – the day after the night before – Whenever you feel tired, hung over or slightly detached is a good time to write. Your brain works in a much more ‘dreamlike’ way.
Use the right software
Choosing right music writing software is very important. Remember, you will use it for creating music every day!
Find right sources of inspiration
If your stuck for inspiration look at newspaper headings – find a good title for a song and write about that. If you have real empathy, you can write a convincing song from another person’s point of view. Get inspiration from listening carefully to what people have to say about their lives and transform it to music.
Surprise your audience
Try to use places, names, anything unusual which can be a semi-hook that people can remember, things that people can attach to. Write a poem that reads easily even when you say it. Then whilst reading through it improvise melodies and chord sequences on your instrument.
Don’t be afraid to experiment
Songs don’t have to make sense all the time, and you don’t always have to play an instrument why not use little voice licks instead. Don’t think you have to be too clever about progressions or structures. It took me years to discover that simple is often (but not always) best. I try to build a melody in my head by singing any words that come to me. Once I have a melody words tend to come quite easily.
One rule that will take you a long way in this is making sure you use the most singable or easily sung words possible. One and two syllable words generally work better than those with four or more syllables do; some three syllable words will work and some will get hung up on your tongue. With practice you will learn precisely what I mean.
Find out more about Music writing software
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