Songwriting, is an art and a craft. It can be as complex and time-consuming or as simple, natural and exhilarating as a conversation with an old friend. Either way it can be an enriching and soul-satisfying journey for anyone who is called to write.
The Quick Creation of Classics:
Alanis Morissette’s iconic ‘Jagged Little Pill’ – an album woven with raw emotions and robust lyrics, sold 33 million copies worldwide and was written and recorded in 20 days! Glen Ballard, Morissette’s collaborator, paints their process as an intuitive dance of musical ideas – swift, spontaneous, and profound. Each track, birthed in a day, mirrored their vibrant synergy. This album stands as a testament to the beauty of simplicity and honesty in music – it’s about letting your feelings cascade into melodies and words. Please note, these artists had worked their whole lives to become able to write so quickly and brilliantly. So I am not dismissing their craft.
The Labour of Love
In contrast, Leonard Cohen’s masterpiece song ‘Hallelujah’. Took a decade of devotion and over 300 drafts. Yet this was just a fragment of his creative voyage – 14 studio albums rich with poetic narratives. Cohen’s odyssey through ‘Hallelujah’ reminds us that songwriting is not confined to a single approach. It’s a spectrum – from instantaneous expressions to deep, reflective musings. The essence lies in continuous writing, in exploring and embracing your unique artistic voice. I think it’s important to note that working alone is often a much slower process than working with others.
The Many Paths of Musical Genius: Embracing Every Artist’s Journey
There is no single path to being an artist. Some musicians craft one brilliant song or create a singular, iconic album, while others experience a lifelong flow of creativity, producing music and evolving in the studio over decades. Each contribution, whether fleeting or continuous, adds to the rich tapestry of our collective experience.
Your Pathway to Songwriting: Tips to Get Started
Eager to dip your toes into songwriting? Here are some pathways to ignite your journey:
- Learning from Legends: Here are some wonderful clips to inspire you: The Beatles, Amy Winehouse, or Sia. Observe their songwriting ethos and let their wisdom guide you.
- Starting with the Spoken Word: If instruments are not your forte (yet!), begin with weaving words or poetry. Let the cadence of your words set the rhythm for your song. Then find your collaborator.
- The Elegance of Simplicity: Embrace the power of minimalism. A single note can be the canvas for a beautiful song, as seen in Tori Amos’s ‘Beauty Queen’.
- The Power of Your Voice: Explore the raw beauty of a cappella, much like Alanis Morissette in ‘Your House’. Your voice alone can paint a compelling picture.
- Be called to write as your duty. Listen to Nina Simone.
- Blending Inspirations: Mix and match different techniques. Listen to a song that resonates with you, then, in that moment of connection, begin to write. What aspects of the song echo within you?
Embrace Your Songwriting Journey
Songwriting is not just creating music; it’s a voyage of self-discovery, expression, and liberation. Whether your song blossoms quickly or slowly unfurls, cherish the process. Your emotions, your stories are waiting to be sung. So, embrace your unique voice, let your inner world shine through your songs, and begin the beautiful journey of sharing your heart with the world.
If you’d like support from a vocal coach and artist development mentor as you develop your songwriting and artistic voice, feel free to reach out — I’d love to be on your team.
