This Changed My Songwriting Forever

▶︎▶︎ 50-Song Masterclass: www.homestudiocorner.com/50
(Free Bonus Masterclass from my new songwriting course.)
If songwriting feels mysterious or frustrating for you, it doesn’t have to be. You can increase your enjoyment and output with a few key tips. Songwriting doesn’t have to be frustrating. You can get to a point where you can write songs on command, songs that you are proud of. In this video I share 6 tips to help you transform your songwriting process.
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[@HomeStudioCorner]

▶︎▶︎ 50-Song Masterclass: www.homestudiocorner.com/50 (Free Bonus Masterclass from my new songwriting course.)

[@PAINFULLYHONESTTECH]

Yes, I am a songwriter. I've written hundreds of songs. But I'm old, so... I want to add #8: There's no one way to write a song. I've written lyrics first where I can hear the song in my head and I just have to figure out the changes. I've written music first and recorded it into Voice Memos (or the late, great Music Memos on iPhone) for later perusal. I've written a whole song in 5 minutes--music and lyrics--and had it be pretty close to the final version. I write song titles in Apple Notes and use those as jumping off points. I've written choruses that late4r became full songs. I've written lines or verses that later became songs. I've written using a drum machine. I've written using an instrument I'm not as comfortable with. TLDR: you have to train yourself to HEAR the songs, no matter where they might initially come from. I've often heard writers say they're more like radio receivers than anything else. You're constantly trying to find the frquency and when you do you try to hold it as long as you can. The more you do it, the better you are at finding the frequency. I started out as a songwriter, but I've gone on to write just about everything you can write. I have a Masters of Fine Art in fiction writing. I've written novels. I've had poetry published. I've written articles, opinion pieces for publications big and small and the best thing I ever did was develop a habit of writing every day. I used a technique called Morning pages (from The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron). The idea is you take a Composition Notenook and you write 3 longhand pages every day as soon as you get out of bed. What you write doesn't matter. It's the act of writing.I did that for more than 10 years. The result has been that I am never stumped by the page. I can sit down and write at any time and trust that I'll be able to make it good eventually. It's a writing superpower and well worth developing if you want to write anything.

[@officialWWM]

That is amazing advice! You should start a KZbin channel to teach people how to do what you do. I’ll be your first subscriber :)

[@michaelpal7641]

Yes, after watching an interview with Amanda Shires-and how she documents her day in her notebook with phrases etc. A whole song in 5 minutes? hearty Congrats-I am working up to that.

[@kelvynification]

Yup👍

[@Jesse615]

Me too! Written many songs. And I'm old!

[@coyboy694]

Read this in the voice of an old ass Jeff Bridges after “But I’m old”…haha

[@jimmyk9998]

I agree with what you say, but would like to add to it. 1 having a writing partner to bounce ideas off of can be priceless. The interchange of ideas can be priceless. 2 you want to write a song? Go live life, experiencing life will give you plenty of ideas. Jimmy K

[@stevenmartinellimusic]

songwriter partner: something I've always wanted but never found.

[@willnada]

That depends on who you are. I can’t stand writing with anyone my zone is my place. I’m sure there’s a lot of people I would guess half are lone wolves when it comes to music and songwriting

[@jh1111keys]

Dua Lipa was on Jimmy Kimmel recently and said she wrote 97 songs for her upcoming album, 80 of which were terrible. You don’t have to love her music to respect her process.

[@totalSLACK]

capturing ideas is so gamechanging. youre NEVER going to remmber that idea you want to without it.

[@cherisecarvermusic6658]

Yes, songwriter and recording artist here. Have probably written around 100 songs or more in multiple genres. Have been fortunate to have had my last 5 releases in a row all get a respectable amount of radio airplay and all make the top 100 of "red dirt" country music charts. ALL the advice Joe gives here is right on the money!! I always say the magic is in the rewrite, and honest feedback is SO important. I actually have a group for songwriters on FB, Pitch Ready Listening Sessions, that focuses on feedback, rewrites, etc. Thanks for a great video and a great channel, Joe!!

[@ICUFatCatDaddy]

Finish the song before you start recording is a great tip i need to implement.

[@bruceklein9917]

Correct. I'm a VERY new songwriter (3 songs in) and it seemed logical to me to have lyrics and chords all properly fleshed out and done before recording.

[@IanMainBliss]

The "Write More" topic is cool. I ran into this with making pottery of all things. The teacher called it "editing". Make lots and "edit" - keep the best ones.

[@bobbylimesmusic]

Thanks for sharing, Joe! loved the 50 video. I would love to get a glimpse of the song-per-morning workflow. Excited for the masterclass.

[@scargoprods]

I'm a song writer Since the late 70''s, let's say, I did write and compose maybe 100 songs (quite a few after having watched your 50/12 challenge, but anyway). I dived into DAW's world in 2002, and managed to arrange and re-record most of those songs, together with creating new ones. Since 2022 (or so) and my retirement, l improved almost each and every day my skills and (begin to) understand how my DAW and gears work. All this thanks of you, Joe, and to some other KZbin teachers. It's really passionating and worth full to get the best out of my songs! Cheers from Belgium!

[@matthewblake2258]

great video, used to write songs for 20yrs.. had 10yrs off from playing and recording. enjoying learning and improving my guitar skills before i get into songwriting again to help the process

[@jarreddegele4842]

Yes, I’m a songwriter/musician. Started on piano at 5, guitar 16, bass 19, and recently picked up the drums in the last few years. Have written probably a hundred or more songs. Played in a few bands and do my recording mostly on my own. Great advice here! One thing I’d like to add, as a lyricist and a singer, I try to write my lyrics so they come out sounding like I wrote it about whoever is listening to it. Keeping words a little less specific and more general will allow people to consider the content on their own terms rather than see it through somebody else’s eyes. It’s mind boggling how many people think my songs are about them!

[@winstoncqbigglesworth3472]

This is amazing insight, and you got me as sub to your channel. I want to hear your songs! 🎵 🎶🎵 Less is more! Great advice ☝️😊👍

[@Lilwock__]

can you give me more details I’m a songwriter I’m still trying to perfect my craft

[@jarreddegele4842]

@@Lilwock__ I usually listen to people tell stories about things that happen to them, if it’s a good enough subject matter that a lot of people can relate to, I will take the subject matter and apply it to a song. But it’s not about Jonny and Suzie any more, it is her and she

[@jarreddegele4842]

@@Lilwock__ sorry, hit send on accident! Lol it’s now he and she. Take the specifics out and use things everyone can relate to about Jonny and Suzie situation. Lots of pronouns but I don’t use names. Sometimes I will use I and you for a story line, but when people are listening, they are the I and whoever they want is the you. This makes every story relatable to whoever is listening. I hope this helps a little!

[@Lilwock__]

@@jarreddegele4842 ok thank you

[@ricrandmfx]

Yes, I consider myself a songwriter and probably written 100-200 songs over 30yrs. Although, most of them, I've not done anything with (yet). I tried my hand at recording about 13 yr ago, which I'd say was decent. I put it all aside when I started my biz. In the last few years, I got the bug to really focus on writing again with intent to record. I got presonus & watching how-to vids online, I found Joe's videos. This one is very helpful, as well as your other ones. I truly appreciate what you're sharing and looking forward to learning more.

[@karlbroderickmusic]

my tip, start with a cool title that would intrigue a DJ, for example, to choose it from the bunch. 😊

[@DavidWoodruff]

Yes, I am a songwriter, 26 so far. I love the process, and I agree with all of your tips!!

[@johnnyxmusic]

Dude… I love your voice and the clarity of your presentation. Great topic… And very good advice.

[@rickeguitar9086]

Joe, love all the video tutorials you do! Each one has some nugget I can apply to my musical life. I wish you cheers on your songwriting course. One hint that has kept me from songwriting was when every song out there appeared to be in the "I-V-vi-IV" format. Every measure chord change and do not allow for bridges or any changes to the mantra like beat and melody. There is so much out there to learn about true song writing. I want to encourage you to explore and expand from what you already know for this course and challenge yourself to write above the line and then pass it onto others so one day we can get passed the "1-5-6m-4" dulldrums! Cheers!

[@OfficialStevenCravis]

Incredibly helpful, even as an instrumental composer! Thank you for the great video!

[@Dave-Rough-Diamond-Dunn]

What I'm finding is that the songs I wrote to play live in the band, which always went down well, and we played for years, need something extra when it comes to recording them. The constraints of bringing a song to band practice, and getting 4 other people to pick it up quickly, meant that for the most part, you had to keep it simple, and repetitive. Anything complicated would be brushed aside, or the guys think they know it, take off with it, and then play over top of what I'm trying to show them. Simple and repetitive works well live, intro, verse, chorus, lead break (which is the verse, chorus or both), verse, chorus, lead break (we had two lead guitarists), verse, chorus, and perhaps the intro again as the ending, but it's too long, too repetitive, too boring (!) when people are sitting listening to it, rather than being drunk and dancing. So now, recording those songs by myself, I'm finding it's not so simple, they need something more, but also, need to be cut down to length so I have to lose parts of it too. So I'm not really a songwriter, rather, someone who has around 20 songs that have been played live in a band situation, but the majority of them need to be re-written for being recorded. Most were written between the ages of 17 and 25, and I'm 54 now, so that comes into play too.

[@ricrandmfx]

I can relate to this!

[@johnhollister8993]

I remember back when you originally did the 50 song challenge (and the accompanying purple notebook) and thinking what a great idea it was. I tried doing it myself (with a red notebook), quickly realizing I was in way over my head without any fundamentals, lol. Definitely going to check out this masterclass!

[@Musikkeller-Innsider]

I like your style, very personal and still concise. Appreciated!

[@michaelpal7641]

"Finish The Song First" Hell yes!!! The best tip! I am so guilty of this!!

[@StratsRUs]

I think these tips are great ! As a checklist for writers that have been at it slightly longer too. Thanks

[@marksr12]

All good advice, thanks Joe!

[@liquidsolids9415]

Nice “Three Amigos” reference. 👍Enjoyed the video, as usual. Thanks!

[@AndyMangele]

I've written a few hundred songs over the years and of course it took me some time to find the best method. The one that works best is - just like you said - the permanent collecting of ideas. It might be a set of lyrics (or just a few words that sound good in combination), a chord progression, a bassline. I always say: I'm writing down what I know - and deal with what I don't know later. When it comes to evaluating a finished song I put myself in the position of the listener - to see what effect the song has on me. If it makes me wanna move or if it drives me to tears or whatever my raction might be then I know that I got something valuable. If that's not the case I know that the song sucks.

[@DanAbsalonson]

Wow. Great video. Excellent advice. Thanks for sharing.

[@MrLyngboeg]

Yes, I feel like I'm a songwriter. Have written countless songs, and have 50+ of the ideas you talk about. Great video, which you can really use, even if you have already written quite a few songs. I would like a little "songwriting corner" again ;-) Keep up the good work.

[@timinglismusic6707]

Love it, mate! With the exception of my current album, which is songs for my kids, I'll usually write 30 songs to go into pre-production on 25 to record 20 to mix 15 to release 10-12 as an album. Quite often you'll end up with some really good songs left over which, for whatever reason, didn't make the album, and this gives you a starting point for the next album, or singles to release between albums.

[@carlosortizjr5508]

Very good video as always Joe. Today I managed to appear in this month's mix reviews and I was very happy that both you and Gregor liked my song. Much of what I have learned, I have learned from you two, from how to record from scratch to learning how to use studio one correctly.

[@HomeStudioCorner]

Absolutely beautiful song, Carlos.

[@pickingtunes]

Yes about 30 songs so far ,love you content.

[@soundshaper]

The only way you can start from nothing is to start noodling on the guitar or piano until an interesting melody line comes up, then add to it. Kind of like letting order come out of chaos. It can come to you almost immediately or take up to an hour. I prefer to have an idea in my head, ideally a complete idea, but usually starts with an interesting hook or chorus then you come back to it later and add verses and a bridge.

[@locutusmdv]

Perfect! Great advice! I've been through exactly the same process of creating X songs for an X songs album to my perpetual regret. Mostly I would cut my total output to one third and I would have had a significant crop of decent songs. I still begin recording songs not yet complete, but following your advice, I will quit the habit... Thanks for a great and inspiring vídeo!

[@VampyressVA]

Amazing advice! I'm guilty of most of those mistakes, except #1, I always record voice memos of my ideas.

[@danemiljoshua]

Aah! Coincidence!!! I was today checking out your old songwriting videos

[@guitarwalljams]

Great video as always Joe!

[@drummermomcjs]

Yes, I am a songwriter. I have written and finished a dozen or so songs. Haven't yet recorded any, but I am in the middle of a 3 yr writing challenge and will have at least 12 songs recorded at the end of next year.

[@catherinelamoreux7797]

Yes, I am a songwriter. I’ve written over 50 songs and love the process. Some songs are “ok”, others are great to perform, and I have some jewels that are recorded.

[@lawrencebenton449]

Yes. 35 songs and counting. I write for me only. I tell stories. I'm learning to record myself. What is 'good ' to others, I'll share with more. Like I said, some songs are just for me.

[@countrymonkOSB]

BTW, this vid convinced me to like and subscribe. Thanks for your work!

[@dmsorensen]

Great tips. I have a small group of friends with whom I've created a songwriting group. I pick a phrase every month as a prompt or idea sparker and then we all write a song with that phrase in it somewhere. Then we record a demo and post it for us all to check out and listen. A lot of months result in mediocre songs but the purpose is to keep each other accountable and post SOMETHING every month. I've managed to get enough winners over the past year, that I'm going to record some for my first EP. 🎉

[@bonairejimbo]

Yes, I am a songwriter. I started when I was about 7 years old, and have written many songs. At first most of my songs were instrumentals, because I am not a vocalist. But these days, with all we can do with DAWs like Studio One, I am discovering joy to write lyrics and sing on my songs.

[@JonnyLipshamStudios]

This is great, mate. I would also add to your tips list: Recycle. If you have a bunch of songs that you overall do not think are good enough for a particular record, recycle them! You may find that the verse chord changes of one song and the chorus of another song fit together really well. I have been recycling for many years. It makes songwriting a whole lot easier as well. Is it a little "cheating"? Perhaps, but it has worked for me!

[@HomeStudioCorner]

100%

[@donaldryder5534]

I've co-written over 100 songs and agree with all of these points. I would add one more. The songs I write have 4 elements, rhythm, harmony (chords), melody, and lyrics. When I get a song idea, I always have better results if I complete at least a first draft of all 4 elements. I find there is momentum to writing a song, and it is better (if possible) to maintain that momentum. Stopping in the middle of the process seems to kill the momentum of the song creation process for me. I have hundreds of half-written songs that lost momentum and as a result I lost the spark that was there at the beginning. I am dreadful at picking up a half-written song and finishing it. Also, I see many people in the comments who mention co-writing. Joe, there is another video for you - 7 tips for co-writing - above and beyond these 7 tips.

[@invisigoth777]

I am, i had a lot of incompletes, but my hard drive crashed before christmas..i am glad i converted some of them to wave or mp3, and uploaded them

[@marybeth991]

Yes, I'm a songwriter and have only written, then produced 6 songs. They seem pretty good and have gotten really good feedback. They are here on my KZbin channel. I'm looking for my 7th song and am coming up dry. Thanks for your tips!!

[@Jeronimo365]

More songwriting content please. 🙏🙏🙏

[@TwangTown]

Yes, Im a song writer. Cant count how many I've written. Have 100s of song placements in film and TV, and cuts by artists besides myself. I agree with cowriting. Having ideas to bounce of another writer is excellent. And a huge factor is dont fully commit to your lyrics. Like you said about feedback, usually turn into a rewrite... many times with the producer or another writer. Gotta be open to other ideas. On word can change everything. Nice video.

[@fitzpatrickgf]

I have the ability to get a rhythm in my head. I record it and shelve it! 50 of those sitting in my Presonus files. I stink at lyrics, though I do title my shelved projects and try to build it up from there when I have the time. Overall, it takes me forever to mix and finalize an instrumental song.... with no lyrics. Start, Verse 1,Chorus, Verse 2, Chorus, Bridge, Verse 3, Extended Chorus, End. 😊

[@cheribarkman1784]

Thanks Joe.

[@taforeman44]

A songwriter since college, oh so many years ago. Old enough to be a folkie. I've probably written about 50 songs. I find getting an idea the hardest part. Second hardest is doing something different.

[@gehumme5555]

Solid tips. Thanks man!

[@castawaymusic144]

One of the many reasons I like SO is the arranger track, makes arranging so easy. I re-arrange my songs a lot. 😀

[@michaelpal7641]

Define "Arranger track" is this in Studio One?

[@HomeStudioCorner]

Yes.

[@codylyon9517]

I love songwriter’s ❤ I have created about twenty and you have been very helpful 🔸 thank you 🔹

[@kevinlentz7604]

Thanks Joe

[@shanehazlewood]

Good video! I have been writing songs off and on since high school. Idk exactly how many songs, but I’d say it’s at least 200, maybe 250-300. I can’t keep track because I’ve moved around some, changed from paper to digital, and not kept a consistent system. Most of them weren’t that good, but I’ve somehow held on to the top 30 or so of my favs. I’m better at writing melodies to words than the other way around, but I used to start of with lyrics. I write in creative spurts, though I would like to write more regularly, like at least average one song a week or so, which is about 50 per year, which is way more than I have averaged the past several years. Maybe I could write even more, especially when I see what the 50-song challenge is all about.

[@SpheralArcher40]

I am a song writer who has written about 3 songs and have many unfinished ones, I would love help and this video is great. Tysm!

[@BryanBarcelo]

Yes, I've written/produced/performed around 100 or so original songs, many of them are online and can be found with a quick Google search, but this doesn't stop me from wanting to improve as evident from my reiterations of my own tunes.

[@johnperry9413]

Hey Joe, I typically watch your mixing vids without commenting but to your songwriting question: I write. I’d say at this point in time I’ve written 400-500 songs. Out of these, 20% have seen the light of day. In the last 3 mo the I’ve written two albums worth of keepers. Thanks for what you do.

[@DanielJMeppelder]

Song writing and Recording go hand in hand for me. Ever since I wrote my very first song 20+ years ago, I've always demoed, listened back, heard the next verse etc. So demoing and listening is a huge part of my song writing process. I also kind of love writing a guitar riff, building around it until I've got a song created in my DAW. I'll usually re-record everything when it's time. I do HATE writing lyrics though, I always struggle with them. I can hear the melody and I just fill in the La La's with whatever words I can come up with that makes sense.

[@JAANDLU]

I broke up with lyrics when I realized no one actually cares about my music anyway. I wrote my last lyrical song as a breakup song call Shadows for Tin. Because that is all I am doing and that is all I am getting paid for it. lol. Just write and have fun. If you have been in the music field for 20+ years and haven't "made it" it is time to write for you and you alone. Do what you love and keep it up!

[@DanielJMeppelder]

@@JAANDLU Oh, I've known for a long time that no one listens to my music! That's not the issue at all! HAHA I don't even have public social media, so when I do finish music and release it, I'm only actually "promoting" it to my friends. Music has and always will be a hobby for me. I understand that 100%. I have always written songs that I hear in my head, because I want to hear them. That's why lyrics aren't a big deal for me. Even when people send me music to listen to, or say I'd probably like it, I have to listen a few times and read along with the lyrics to even notice half the time. Everything has been said lol, I love melody and I don't like just doing instrumentals, so I never put much effort into my lyrics. Sometimes they come out really good. Other times they're just.... there, so the song has words.

[@JAANDLU]

@@DanielJMeppelder I feel ya. I am right there with you.

[@tonydalton459]

@@DanielJMeppelderYes, do it for yourself. In my view you can’t write to please other people. Writing lyrics is what stumps me. I can come up with tunes easily enough, but lyrics I just find almost impossible.

[@lousyracuse]

My goal is the create one distributable song a month, then in January put them together as a CD/EP. It might be a bit ambitious as I have 2 kids in college and work as a Software Development Manager for WAY over 40 hours a week to support my family Music is my hobby not my job, but that doesn't mean I don't want my music to be the best it can be.

[@milhamdabungu7576]

Wonderful tips ❤

[@milhamdabungu7576]

In addition to your great tips, you have a really great voiceover voice 👍🏽

[@JoinHerArmy]

Love the 3 Amigos reference 😂

[@nathanreddent2427]

If you have a song that sticks in peoples heads to where can’t stop humming it, you got a record BABY!!

[@PaulDysonMusic]

Aye, ancient songwriter with plenty of material written, some up here on YT. Learnt a lot from your Studio One tutorials (thanks Joe) and am currently revisiting some 25 year old songs. Just a note to bear in mind - my most popular (and hideously catchy) song is far from my own favourite (I think I've written better stuff) so don't discount any idea because there's no accounting for what other listeners might like.

[@mjpritchard5306]

Yes I've written probably over 175+ "proper" recorded songs over the last 50 years and plenty of others that never made but I'm still making new music as I don't think I will or can stop. My current task is finding ways to cope with my failing powers and hearing. Studio One (other DAW products are available) is an enabler for this.

[@Therealjjpccd]

Yes 25 songs working on 100 songs for a year. I made this challenge for myself

[@jeffrey.a.hanson]

Biggest ‘Red Flags’ when I’m asked to Cowrite- - The linear thinker. _(Start with first word and first chord then progress.)_ - Brain block on ‘placement holders’ tbd later. - Acts as if this is the last song they will ever write. The telltale sign of all oft his is their ‘writers notepad’. I’d venture to say most who identify as a ‘songwriter’ have notepads and voice apps full of ideas. They hear a line at dinner and time stops to get that in their phone…maybe outside and hum it into their phone! It’s a constant awareness.

[@gad8522]

Yes, I'm a songwriter. Written approximately 50 songs. Approximately 35 are in progress. 20 will recorded and finished this year.

[@drummerlinn]

4:22 It’s funny that you say to be weary of songs that only sound cool after adding the band, because I often feel really good about songs when it’s just me and piano, then not quite right when I make the full band demo.

[@StillRockinat71]

I played lead guitar and drums in groups most of my life. But an acquaintance at my day job asked me years ago, if I write songs. I replied… I write music, but not songs, which include lyrics, and I was definitely not a lyricist. He was a text editor, and an aspiring lyricist… and asked if I wanted to team up to write together. We started out slowly… but now have about 30 copyrighted songs, and are about to release our first EP… that I have performed all the music and vocals. And thank you Joe… for all that I have learned about Studio One, (after switching over from Cakewalk). It made life my songwriting much easier, the more I learned about recording in Studio One… as I use it… as I’m writing, to develop my ideas. Keep the videos coming, Joe! Thank you!

[@quasidiem99]

I am more of a lyricist. My method is not typical to get my music out. I write the words and then sing the melody and send to my "bands" to create the rest of it. I have 25 or so finished songs with about 20 available online. My passion is creating songs. It is what I want to do more of.

[@clicksavant]

I'm a songwriter and have finished hundreds of songs. Some of my best songs have parts of old unfinished songs in them. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. One song on the album I'm recording now was an unfinished song from six years ago. I kept the chorus, dropped the verses, added the bridge from another song, then wrote one verse at the beginning that glues it all together lyrically and musically. It's a gem of a song. Don't get discouraged by duds, they're not failures, they're resources for future use.

[@Trubba001]

I'm a songwriter. I've written a dozen or so songs. The process was always a pain. Thanks or the tips.

[@chrisgarver7904]

Yes, have written close to 30 between 2020 and 2023. Would like to write more frequently

[@Oswlek]

Good video. Like probably everyone here I am a songwriter. I've written well over 1,000 songs, of which maybe 200 wouldn't be too embarrassing if someone stumbled across them and another 70-100 I'd be glad to have someone hear.

[@markclason2717]

Aye. I’m a songwriter. I have lyrics for almost a hundred songs. I just need to get together with my acoustic guitarist and pianist to bang out some chord progressions and melodies. There’s got to be enough good songs in there to publish 30-40 tunes. I’m a full time high school music teacher, so I’m waiting to get to it after the school year ends in June.

[@projectnoel]

I've made a ton of songs over the years, probably didnt need to release most of them. I've slowled down my releases significantly and focused mroe on my practicing and planning.

[@Porterincorporated]

Yes, I’m a songwriter, written a little over 40 songs, only two of which seem to be catchy enough for folks to remember them.

[@newlenmedia]

So, as a long time songwriter I think all of these tips are valuable. But I actually use my DAW in the songwriting process. That way I can change the arrangement, add/takeaway parts, etc. Right now, I'm working on a massive project. 3CDs worth of material for a rock opera. I'm having to break this thing down into lots of chunks. Like I have to write a bit about each of the characters. They need a backstory. They need it because I need it. I need to understand the characters in order to make the story compelling and work in the framework of the plot and the story beats. This is not something one has to do with a basic EP or album. But it makes sense for this project. Plus I'm going to work on this album with four or five songs at a time. Meaning, these songs will come out as streaming first. When I have the first full CD done, then there'll be an actual physical CD. I will do the same for each CD, giving myself and my other players and production team a year for each album. That's flexible, so we'll see how it goes. Anyway, all that to say there are other recording projects that can add layers of detail and sort of mandate different tools and methods. What I'm doing now is essentially pre-production. I have the basis for all the songs, guitar parts, vocals, maybe some bass or drum loops all in the DAW. Then the others get an opportunity to work their magic.

[@rocknreplay]

Yes, a songwriter. I have a full length album, a handful of songs that haven't been recorded yet and an EP collaboration.

[@willrobinson7578]

Yes, I am a songwriter. I've written hundreds of songs with hundreds yet still in my head. Always looking for tips on getting them finished and recorded.

[@MayotheMaker]

Hey buddy:) song writer. About 20 that are 80 percent done. 3-4 that are 99 and only 1 that’s 100 percent done and on Spotify haha

[@GaveMeGrace1]

Thank you.

[@clivebutler9694]

Great advice as always Joe! Maybe you could do a video about songwriting addiction some time? Anyone else out there know what I mean? It starts out as a hobby, then it becomes a passion, then it becomes an addiction. Suddenly, though it brings you enjoyment still it also brings you frustration and so much resentment through lack of recognition that you vow you’ll give it up for good. But then you get withdrawal symptoms and you reach for the guitar to get that “fix”. Sounds crazy but it feels pretty real.

[@HomeStudioCorner]

I think that's just called "life." 😂 But seriously, that's normal for any creative endeavor.

[@geoffmichelle1161]

I am a song writer (and so is my wife). Between the 2 of us we have written and finished recording, mixing and released out there somewhere about 2 dozen songs between us. We have got about “hundreds” of ideas, part songs, etc that are still in the shoe box.

[@rickbennettartmusicvideo7720]

Yes, probably 100 or so, some with lyrics but some are instrumental. I always start with rhythm, which is fun with electronic music production.

[@BellsCuriosityShop]

50 songs IS a lot for one album. I'm not sure if I've written any more than that in my lifetime. I was quite prolific for a while in my 20s, but I tended to take a break if my lyrics started to become repetitive after a few songs. I stopped writing songs in my late-20s as I wanted to collaborate with bandmates. Of course, one band I was in was were the drummer wanted to write the songs, in another the vocalist couldn't write lyrics, so it was demoralising. In the end, I was in a band that arranged my song sketches and some stuff came from jams that lasted three years or so (we even got some stuff on 16-track tape!). Not much since though

[@emilychanfan]

Agree with everything you say. Although, from the Devil's Advocate side, if you followed #2 and #4, there's no real issue on #6. More songs for the next album!!! 👍👹🙂

[@thehighdeath5562]

Feedback is a tricky thing. You have to find people who know what style you’re trying to achieve and also people who won’t just tell you it’s good just to be nice. But I’ve also had people tell me certain songs aren’t that great , but I’ve recorded them and I enjoy listening to them, so there is a fine line on what is “good “ and what isn’t. At 46 years old, I write and record songs that I myself enjoy listening to and if other people like them, great. If not, i still have my day job.

[@anthonyfinney6326]

Yes, I am a songwriter. 32 years playing guitar, singing, and writing. Written about 100 songs. I feel that most of mine were effortless, but I do find times we I get hung up on a phrase, or a line.

[@jeremiahlyleseditor437]

Yes I am. I have 390 or more in various stages of completion. I have various templates to start from. Depending upon the song one might be for orchestral, another is for country music. My pop template I deleted.

[@badgasaurus4211]

Number 6 is very true, you need a have a well to pull from, otherwise you run the risk of it going dry and being unable to satisfactorily hit your targets. Classic mistake a lot of bands fall into when it becomes time to make their second or third album.

[@countrymonkOSB]

I wish some major stars of modern music would learn that not every song they write needs to end up on an album. If you look at the album bloat on the most recent albums by Morgan Wallen, Beyonce, and so many others, it's just a handful of decent tunes floating in a sea of mediocrity. Anyway, this was an amazing video. Glad it appeared on my feed. I'm just learning how to write songs and this will truly help.

[@MidLyfesCrisis]

2:22..."it's pretty frustrating, and you end up just getting grumpy..." Amen to that!! LOL!

[@zbopmedia]

Yes. 50+ songs

[@krystiankrewniak]

I am. I have written multiple songs since I was 16. Some better some worse. I released my first album in 2021 with 12 songs that I found worth recording. Since than I recorded a lot of instrumental music, but this year I start to work on my next full song album😊 I am very excited cause some of the songs really sound(in my head) good. Writing lyrics became easier for me. The melodies are the hard thing sometimes or the progressions. Sometimes I sit in front of my piano and after a while I feel like a total idiot hahaha and than I say: "I'll try again tomorrow..."😊

[@badfish31980]

Yes, I am a songwriter. In my life I've written over 100 songs, but I forgot most of them. I currently have about 12 and trying to keep video copies of them so I don't forget anymore*lol

[@smithjohn383]

My songwriting method: I take few chords that work together and make a loop. Then I take existing lyrics from somewhere, maybe from an album from my collection or from the net. After that I just play that loop and hum those lyrics. The melody comes out naturally and it doesn't matter if you know the original melody if the loop is different enough to distract. When the melodies are ready and recorded over that chord loop, I begin to listen that while trying to make my own lyrics. All the while tweaking the melody for better. That original chord loop obviously changes in the end product. Sometimes completely. I try to make different chords to every part of the song. About tip number six. I have never understood that, even before I began writing myself. I've given my demos to people and there is hardly ever consensus as what are the best songs. Some like those that I think are the weakest and they dismiss my own favourites. I've seen this with my favourite bands who make some lousy singles and hide some of their finest on b-sides. That is why I record everything.

[@maxf.p]

Hey Joe, I watched the 50 song challenge! thanks for sharing this experience with us! Although I perfectly understand the challenge motivation I feel it is a bit too extrem. Didn't you give yourself the chance to revist and put some extra work on a song? Maybe at first it might not be perfect, but at the same time you can tell it can end up becoming a great one. Many times I come up with an idea that feels good in many ways, but at the same time I see that something needs to be fixed and need a bit more time to figure out what is it. I'd love to read your thoughts on that.

[@HomeStudioCorner]

The answer lies in the fact that of the first 14 songs I wrote, only one of them made it onto the album. If I stopped at 14 and went back to “fix” them, I would never have written the other 12 songs that came to be BECAUSE I was writing so many songs.