As a guy who writes songs for my church to sing, I’m always trying to improve. Here are a few things I use that assist me in my songwriting process. Hope this helps.
- Evernote – I’ve already talked about the beauty of Evernote. As an iPhone user, this is my preferred way to capture ideas. I’ll record a melody or type a lyric and it automatically syncs from my phone to my desktop to the world wide web. Yay.
- A Notebook – While I do love Evernote, sometimes it helps to do it the old-fashioned way. Write it out. I find it easier to process my thoughts when I physically write.
- An inspiring guitar – I personally play a Martin DC-16 GTE. Wonderful. If you are able, purchase a guitar (or keyboard, or pan flute, or didgeridoo) that you love to pick up. Sometimes the instrument alone can inspire new songs. A few of my friends rave about these.
- Recording Software – I’m a raving fan of Propellerhead, a music software company from Stockholm, Sweden. I use Reason & Record. Garageband is a great, simple tool that most people have. When crafting songs, it really helps to hear it back with quality sound. I’ll usually create drum loops, add keys, bass, strings. Good recording software can help inspire your writing and take songs in unanticipated directions.
- Bible – As a worship songwriter, this is what I go to first. The tendency in songwriting is just to write what’s on the top of your head, which is typically cheesy, cliched phrases. Dig into Scripture and find fresh ways to articulate the truth.
I’m always looking for new things to inspire. What has been helpful in your songwriting?
What has been helpful to me in songwriting is being in a creative atmosphere. Like my apartment or even in the office after hours. It definitely helps the creative flow when there’s not busyness surrounding you.
So true. Thanks bro, I needed to hear that. Sometimes you just gotta beginda withdraw from the busyness if you wanna write with excellence.
I’d add:
– Rhyming dictionary
– VersePerfect:http://goo.gl/W1jvk
Cool suggestions man. Never heard of VersePerfect. I’ll give it a try!
Forgot one more: The book ‘God Songs’ by Paul Baloche, Jimmy & Carol Owens
Such a great book. I reference it all the time.
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