Let’s forget about all the technique that goes into lyric writing and let’s look at why you like creating amazing lyrics in the first place. Professional songwriters know that lyric writing is all about what works for you creatively and not so much about the technical things. Lyric writing can present problems in many different ways and technique will help you move past these problems really easily, but just going with what feels right for you is the key to good songwriting.
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Writing songs is a creative act. Here are some valuable lyric writing tips you can use when writing songs. As with most creative activities it does require a certain level of skill. In order to write better songs there are certain thing you can do to improve your skill. To improve your skill can try some of these exercises.
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Tools make things easier. That is why lyric writing tools are so important in the song creation process. Imagine trying to drive a nail into a board with your fist. Not only would it be painful, it would not do the job properly. Now imagine driving that same nail using a hammer. It is so much easier to accomplish the task using the correct tool. As a songwriter you need lyric writing tools.
Having the proper tools is vital to the songwriting process. Taking the nail example, imagine again driving the nail into the board. Except this time use a screwdriver. Obviously the screwdriver is ineffective in driving the nail. The same thing is true with lyric writing tools. It is important to use the right tool. Continue reading
Song lyrics tell stories or pass relevant information to the public. Most people find it challenging to come up with original lyrics even though they have great song ideas. This is because one has to create a song from scratch. For a song to stick with the audience, it ought to be unique, and catchy. Most times, musicians have the talent and time, but they end up making mistakes that cost them their careers. Today you will learn how to avoid common mistakes writing song lyrics.
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One of our reader’s asked the following question:
What is the best way to start writing lyrics?
I really appreciate the chance to answer readers questions. One think I believe is helpful is many questions are never asked. Since that never are asked there is no opportunity to answer them. That is why I like reader questions. Many times the question asked could be the one that will help you with your songwriting efforts.
There are several ways to start writing lyrics. I will do my best to explore each one. Hopefully it will inspire you to write many songs. Continue reading
One of our reader’s asked the following question regarding songwriting exercises for writing lyrics:
What exercises can I do to start writing lyrics?
I really appreciate the chance to answer readers questions. One thing I believe is helpful is, many questions are never asked. Since that never are asked there is no opportunity to answer them. That is why I like reader questions. Many times the question asked could be the one that will help you with your songwriting efforts.
If you want to start writing lyrics you will need to do certain songwriting exercises. Most of these exercises involve playing with ideas and words.
Every song starts with a central idea, from that idea comes a story. The story is structures poetically through meter and rhyme. A song will them transform into a certain song structure with sections like verse and chorus. Continue reading
Songwriting is a craft. To be good at the songwriting process the songwriter must nurture the skills required. There are several steps in the process of writing songs. Apply each of these to you process. Here is a writing song lyrics guide to help you through the songwriting process.
Every song has a genesis. The genesis reveals itself as an idea. Your job as a songwriter is to work with those ideas to create a song lyrics and melody. Ideas can come from anywhere. All you need to be is attentive to the things around you. Use your senses to discover the world around you. Use you eyes to see things happening around you. Listen to the activities that are happening to come up with ideas. As you become aware of the wealth of ideas it is important that you have a way to capture those ideas. Write them down in a journal. You can also dictate them into a record device. Most important is to have a way to retrieve these ideas. Continue reading
Songwriters write songs because they have something to say. A songwriter is also an artist. When a collection of songs are written, that collection becomes what is known as the artist voice. When writing songs it is important to have your own unique voice.
One important aspect of developing your own unique voice is to be original. There are many ways an artist can be original. To start out you can take an existing concept and think of it in a new way. Take a fresh perspective on this concept and develop it into something different. To do this you need to be inventive. Using things in novel ways will also help you be more original. This transition will build your creative chops. Continue reading
Question 20: I’m a lyricist and I’ve been in contact with a musician on the Internet who wants to write some music to my lyrics. Should I be concerned that he will take my lyrics and write music to them and then just take credit for writing the whole song (words and music)? Music publishers in the commercial market place look for complete songs, words AND music –. Therefore, if you write ONLY words or ONLY music, you need to find a collaborator. I have written some very good songs with people I have never even met in person. Lyricist’s send me lyrics through e-mail or regular mail. I then compose music to them, and record them in my studio. The answer to your question is this: I would not be concerned about someone stealing your lyrics. If you’re still a little worried about it all you have to do is mail your lyrics to yourself by registered mail, do not open the envelope and put it away in a safe place. You will have your copyright proof that you wrote those lyrics at a certain date in time. Be sure to put the copyright notice with your lyrics. A small Ó with a circle around it, followed by the date and your name. Example: © Jan. 1st, 2011, Your Name. Lyrics by (Your Name) Copyright Information, or what I like to call (Safe Songwriting) is dealt with in detail in Chapter 7, of The Songsculptor Method songsculptor.com Richard Melvin Brown (Songsculptor) provides a helping hand to lyricists (with little or no musical ability) in realizing their dreams of becoming a …
Author: TheSongsculptor
Duration: 112
Published: 2011-03-20 22:31:41
Q20 Songwriting tips for lyricists, poets and songwriters
Question 19: A top music publisher in Nashville is interested in publishing one of my songs, but I’m not sure of all the legalities they are talking about. Should I consult a lawyer who is familiar with the music business before I sign anything? All I can say to this question is this: It is always a good idea to have a qualified attorney look over any major contract before you sign it. This just makes good sense in any business, and YES, Songwriting is a business just like any other business, with huge profits to be made. Should you consult a lawyer who is familiar with the music business? YES, if at all possible. Entertainment and Music Business lawyers know all the ins and out’s of the music business. ADDENDUM: I just want to add that this is all related to signing major contracts like in Music Publishing, or having your song recorded by some major artist. You don’t really need to sign a contract with a co-writer when you’re writing a song together.However I haved signed co-writer contracts with collaborators but only because they wanted it. They wanted something in writing. It’s not really neccessary though when co-writing with somebody. songsculptor.com Richard Melvin Brown (Songsculptor) provides a helping hand to lyricists (with little or no musical ability) in realizing their dreams of becoming a Professional Songwriter. Can you write a GREAT lyric but can’t carry a tune in a bucket? If so visit us on the web at http
Author: TheSongsculptor
Duration: 109
Published: 2011-03-20 21:36:22
Q19 Songwriting tips for lyricists, poets and songwriters
Conversational, specific lyrics are often the best idea for your song. Who are you going to talk to?Learn how to write a song in this free music video. Expert: Athena Reich Contact: www.athenareich.com Bio: Athena Reich is a professional musician, actress, artist, singer, songwriter and coach for all of the above. Filmmaker: Paul Muller
Author: expertvillage
Duration: 100
Published: 2008-09-04 00:48:49
How to Write a Song : Songwriting: Lyrics
Question 14: Should I write a song with a specific artist in mind and try to write the song in the style that would suit them best, or just write what comes natural? I believe that the best songs are the ones that just come natural, in a musical style that you are comfortable with, and without thinking of any specific artist singing your song. After you’ve finished writing your song chances are you could imagine many different artists doing it. A good singer will do justice to pretty well any good song. The key word here again is: GOOD. Have you ever heard the phrase (He’s such a good singer he could sing the phone book and it would become a hit). Don’t get me wrong, I don’t really want to hear even the best singer in the world sing the phone book, so what you have to do is this: Write a good song, Have a good singer demo it, and chances are it will get listened to. A lot of writers write in only specific styles such as: Country, Jazz, Rock and Roll etc. There is nothing wrong with that at all if you are more proficient and skillful in one style than another. Write in the style that you are good at. Pretty soon you may find yourself branching out into different frontiers. songsculptor.com Richard Melvin Brown (Songsculptor) provides a helping hand to lyricists (with little or no musical ability) in realizing their dreams of becoming a Professional Songwriter. Can you write a GREAT lyric but can’t carry a tune in a bucket? If so visit us on the web at http
Author: TheSongsculptor
Duration: 107
Published: 2011-03-19 23:18:04
Q14 Songwriting tips for lyricists, poets and songwriters
Question 15: I’ve got 250 original songs, how many should I send out on a tape to a publisher who may be looking for material? I’ve heard that you shouldn’t send more than 3 the first time and if they like what they hear they will ask you for more, is this true? You are right, most publishers, or for that matter anyone looking for material only wants to hear two or three of your best songs. I know you are going to say, but all 250 of my songs are good, so which ones do I choose to send in. Most of us songwriters do think that everything we do is pretty good but the reality is that some of our songs are much better than others. Play some of your songs for other people and see if there’s certain songs that they all seem to like. Chances are those songs are the more commercial or saleable ones and the ones worth pitching. And YES, if someone you’ve sent your songs to happens to like one or more or them, they will most certainly ask you to send them more songs for future recording consideration. Here’s some tips for pitching songs. If you mail material to someone who hasn’t asked for it, you could very well get your package back unopened and marked “UNSOLICITED: RETURN TO SENDER” or else thrown away altogether. Therefore, before you start sending material out haphazardly, do yourself a favor: call first to get permission. If someone says yes, get instructions and send your package. If someone says no, then you’ve saved envelopes, postage, CD’s and valuable time. songsculptor …
Author: TheSongsculptor
Duration: 126
Published: 2011-03-20 16:27:20
Q15 Songwriting tips for lyricists, poets and songwriters
Question 16: Should I try and send my material directly to big name artists or is this just a waste of time and money? If you are one of the lucky ones and just happen to know a big name entertainer, by all means pitch your material to them. If they like you enough, and if they like your song enough, they just may be able to talk their record company and/or record producer into allowing them to record it on their next album. But, if you are like the rest of us and don’t hang out with the big stars then getting your material to them can be very difficult to say the least. If you want to spend your time and money trying to find address’s for them and sending them material then I wish you all the best. BUT, do understand that the traditional “song chain” works like this: songwriters go to music publishers; music publishers go to producers, artists and record companies, and SOMETIMES the song gets recorded. Therefore, I would suggest that you focus on the first level: Music Publishers. Once you sign a song to a publisher, he or she co-owns the copyright and is entitled to a share of the royalties, usually 50 percent. In exchange, the publisher takes care of all the paperwork, and uses his or her reputation and contacts to try to get the song recorded by a major artist. Because most publishers have professional songwriters on staff who write songs for them full time, getting in to see someone may be difficult. To see a music publisher, We suggest: 1. Follow up on any industry …
Author: TheSongsculptor
Duration: 150
Published: 2011-03-20 17:17:30
Q16 Songwriting tips for lyricists, poets and songwriters
Question 18: I read in a magazine ad that they would listen to my song and help get it published, but I would have to pay them a fee. Is this an accepted way of getting your material recorded? NO Beware of the Song Sharks: Don’t ever pay anyone money to listen to, or publish your songs. A Reputable Professional Music Publisher who truly believes in your work will be willing to invest in it at no cost to you. In return they will receive a portion of any future royalty’s (Usually 50 percent) from any income that your song generates. Remember what I said in question 15, the publisher takes care of all the paperwork, and uses his or her reputation and contacts to try to get the song recorded by a major artist. If you think that giving away 50 percent of your royalty’s is a high price to pay, Think again. A Music Publisher knows the business, has the contacts and does the work of placing your song with an artist who is capable of generating an income from it. Your publisher will also take care of all the business dealings associated with your song, and make sure that you receive all royalty’s that are due to you. In the wonderful world of songwriting all money’s earned are earned by royalty’s, shared by the writer’s and publisher’s. songsculptor.com Richard Melvin Brown (Songsculptor) provides a helping hand to lyricists (with little or no musical ability) in realizing their dreams of becoming a Professional Songwriter. Can you write a GREAT lyric but can’t carry a tune in a …
Author: TheSongsculptor
Duration: 102
Published: 2011-03-20 18:33:48
Q18 Songwriting tips for lyricists, poets and songwriters
Masters of Songwriting
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One of the most effective things you can do as a lyricist is to employ not only a consistent rhyme scheme throughout your verses, but to also use the same type of rhymes (i.e., if you used masculine rhymes in the first verse, you masculine rhymes in the second.)
