Songwriting has become one of the most popular hobbies recently, with people of all ages and backgrounds taking up the challenge of creating their tunes. It is also a source of income, especially for those who can produce popular hits. However, becoming a good songwriter is not easy and takes practice, dedication, and a lot of creativity.
Songwriting involves more than the ability to develop a catchy melody or a set of meaningful lyrics. According to Bryan Ramirez, a seasoned musician, it is also about understanding the structure of a song, the dynamics of music composition, and creating a song that flows well and sounds good when performed.
Here are five easy steps on how you can become a better songwriter:
Develop Your Style
Developing a personal style means finding your niche and understanding what type of songs you want to write. Are you looking to write ballads, pop songs, country music, or rock anthems? Once you have decided on the genre, you want to focus on. It will be easier for you to find your writing voice. Experienced music performer Ramirez says that you should also listen to a lot of music in the genre you have chosen to better understand how songs are written and what makes them popular. If you want to write pop songs, for example, study the work of popular songwriters like Max Martin and Sia.
Write Every Day
If you want to improve your songwriting skills, it is essential to write regularly. This doesn’t mean you have to sit down and write a song daily, but you should at least spend some time working on your craft.
Set aside some time each day, even if it’s just 30 minutes, to work on your songwriting. You can use this time to brainstorm ideas, write lyrics or work on melodies. Bryan Ramirez indicates that the more you write, the better you will become at songwriting.
Keep It Simple
One of the biggest mistakes that songwriters make is overcomplicating their songs. A good song should be easy to understand and remember, with a catchy melody and lyrics that flow well.
Don’t try to cram too many ideas into one song, and resist the urge to use complex words and phrases. When it comes to songwriting, simplicity is vital.
Avoid using filler words and phrases and focus on writing meaningful lyrics with a purpose.
Get Feedback
It can be difficult to assess your work objectively, which is why getting feedback from other people is essential. Ask your friends and family members for their honest opinion of your songs and be open to constructive criticism.
As he explains, getting feedback from other songwriters or musicians is also a good idea. These people will be able to give you helpful insights into your work and point out areas that need improvement.
Be Persistent
The final step to becoming a better songwriter is simply keeping at it. Songwriting is a skill that takes time and practice to develop.
Do not be discouraged if you don’t see results immediately, and don’t be afraid to keep trying new things. The more you write, the better you will become at songwriting.
In summary, songwriting is not as easy as it may sound, but with the right tips, you can develop your skills and become a better songwriter. Just remember to be creative, keep it simple and get Feedback from others to help improve your craft.
