This Changed My Songwriting Forever

[@HomeStudioCorner]

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

[@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

[@thejasontlewis]

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

[@AnthonyCollierMusic]

“Just because you wrote a song doesn’t mean you need to record it” “ Every song isn’t your precious baby” Thanks bro! Really helpful.

[@totalSLACK]

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

[@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.

[@AllethianTunes]

the author of the oddysey spent his entire life working on that story. his dying wish was to have it burned. many many generations have thanked his steward for denying that wish.

[@callmeal3017]

Same with Prince, Niel Young

[@callmeal3017]

Niel Young wrote like 70 verses to one song (sorry can't remember which) then just user the best. Joni Mitchell told this story

[@MisterMoccasin]

That story may be true about another book, but there's no way that's true about the Homer epic The Oddyssey ​@@AllethianTunes

[@timmiller1]

@@callmeal3017reminds me of Leonard cohen writing “hallelujah.”

[@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!!

[@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%

[@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.

[@Illiyinmusic]

Or you dont noodle. Ill come up witha progression and just hear the melody or itll come out. I dont like stewing on stuff too long or ill ruin it. everyones different, but i prefer a blank slate in the DAW and just going. Thinking too much or brain storming is bunk to me

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@TheDailySongwriter]

Storing those little ideas is CRUCIAL! It also helps when you can go into your bag and combine the different saved ideas (like matching a lyric idea to a melody idea you had once...). Great advice!

[@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!

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@crankfastle7919]

I wrote a lot of songs I didn’t finish just messing around in ableton, lol. It took way too long not knowing any theory, or knowing how songs are usually constructed so I put it on pause while I’ve been teaching myself piano and guitar.

[@michaelpal7641]

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

[@Turtlpwr]

This is so helpful, I’ve been hyper obsessed with a few old songs and I’ve been feeling like I need to just leave em be, move on, and just write more; and this video came at a perfect time

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@JimmyGold-m7j]

I always come up with some nice chords, and the do the first verse and chorus, then build from there.

[@a1anorth]

I use the 3 day rule. I write a song and put aside for at least 3 days. When I come back to it, it isn’t as amazing as it was immediately after I wrote it. I can look at it more objectively and start the re-write with a fresh mind.

[@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.

[@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.

[@liquidsolids9415]

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

[@2194steve]

Yes I’m a songwriter, I’ve wrote 24 so far In the last month 6 i would say are very good. The rest are material that can be broken up to mix together to make more good songs. Problem I have is putting chords and rhythms to the lyrics.

[@mander40101]

Yes I am. I've written 19 songs. Some not very successful. A couple I personally love. One is in the process of being recorded and released.

[@bahed1]

I can't always finish songs in the 1st, 2nd or 3rd sitting, and that's ok for me. I video my songs with my phone... that became a MUST method. The video allows you to comeback later and remember just about everything: all the nuances to the rhythm, the melodies you're humming, etc.

[@StacheBigote]

Yes, I’m a songwriter. I’ve written somewhere between 200 and 300 songs. I’m happy with maybe 10 of them…

[@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!

[@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.

[@andyangyh]

Yes I am (a songwriter). Probably over 100 songs written and recorded and quite a few more written and discarded (weeded out because they failed your "is it a great song?" test) I have to start with an idea - usually some sort of story or phrase that I like the sound of - and go from there. Played one song on TV and had it taken up for a documentary on WW1.Lots of local radio plays and streamed or downloaded in over 50 countries in the last 3 months. Total income for that time period? Just over $20. Hey, if it wasn´t for the fame and groupies...(OK - neither of those actually happened). We do it because we love it and if the music is in there we need to let it out, don´t we?

[@DerekPower]

Short answer: no. Long answer: I am a composer who has gotten into songwriting in the past and may come back to it in the future. To build off of #1, you can also use unused or non-published material as a starting point for a song. This can even include those “40 out of 50 songs that weren’t for good for my 10-song album”.

[@JimmieBratcher]

Yes, I am a songwriter. I’ve been at it 25 years. I haven’t counted the songs I’ve written. I have 9 hours of recorded music online. I started when I was 45 I’m 70 now and still working, writing, recording and playing. Thanks for asking.

[@richardsp2794]

My partner is the best. She 100% supports the time I spend playing and making music, but the price is she is she is 100% honest about the quality of songs I write. I remember the first time there were crickets after she listened to something. Man it hurt but then she explained why and once my bottom lip stopped trembling it was some of the most valuable feedback. You need a thick skin but open ears to be a good song writer and feedback is probably the single most important thing to actively seek out. Otherwise you're just writing in an echo chamber of your own opinion.

[@rorypotatochip1373]

It was very awkward initially asking for feedback. Now, it’s a regular practice. Very good advice

[@JwHowlongwill88388]

Yes, I'm a writer and aspire to be better than I am. Basically have learned how to write and play guitar and create songs with starting from scratch. No musical education so thank you.

[@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!

[@jerijordan_]

I agree, I like to know the song by heart before going into the booth and then making changes after I lay the complete song down the first time.

[@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.

[@rocknreplay]

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

[@Guitarslinger460]

Hi Joe. Yes, I am a songwriter. I've written about 150 songs, 14 so far this year. I'm doing Speed Songwriting lessons, some lessons from Keppie Coutts, and also Songwriting Chop Shop. I've watched some of your PreSonus Studio One videos, and liked them, so I thought I'd see your angle on songwriting!

[@benjaminlowe3126]

Thumbs up for the "plethora" 3 amigos reference! Songwriter here, terrible at recording/production. I've written close to 150 songs at this point I believe. I do believe my current momentum of songwriting will produce a new and large batch of songs to sit down and try to actually record a decent sounding album, picking the best ones and discarding the rest.

[@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.

[@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.

[@DavidWoodruff]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@2194steve]

I’ve just started writing my own songs, so far 6 in total 2 are very good I don’t want to blow my own trumpet 🎺 These were the first 2 then it went a bit downhill after that! I find writing songs and relaxing. To set the record straight ( pardon the pun) I’ve only been doing it for 3 days.

[@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!!

[@Galactivators]

Yes I’m a songwriter! I’ve written over 200 songs, and have released 4 so far

[@johnj.flanagan-hymnsoffaith]

Good suggestions, John. In my own work, lyrics are utmost, the message, the story, essential. The music is the second factor, but without a memorable melody or tune, the words are lost. That is why I see the link between poetry and song as a marriage between two devoted parties, a man and a woman, complimenting one another and collaborating together as one. God bless.

[@abaldaju]

I am! I have writen about 20 songs. I rather quality than quantity, although we need experience and knowledge to improve with the time, of course. I am excited about starting to recording some EP's with my brother 😄

[@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.

[@jimmythebold589]

this is so good. so subversive to a self-sabotage dialog. thanks!

[@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.

[@pickingtunes]

Yes about 30 songs so far ,love you content.

[@OfficialStevenCravis]

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

[@xseaangelx]

I just enrolled (Sept. 2024) in an in-person songwriting class with 9 other students. Prior to starting, I never wrote a song. It's very challenging. I wrote several songs for class in 3 weeks but that's only lyrics. I cannot figure out how to make up a melody. I don't play an instrument and that's making this very frustrating instead of enjoyable. So here I am. 🎶

[@HomeStudioCorner]

Learning an instrument seems like an obvious next step for you.

[@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!

[@gad8522]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@JoeEchevarria]

Wise man I’ve written over 400 some good some not so good but it sharpens the skills

[@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. 😊

[@anthonyeugene4258]

Found that writing through the boss rc300 loop station is the most natural and puts me into a trance like or flow state where things just start flowing out of me. Especially with a short delay which makes me feel like I’m hearing my voice as a part of a natural environment. Very fun. Hope that helps one of you out there!

[@LukaPanik]

Never found the song writing process painful. It is slow sometimes, but that doesn't make it painful or frustrating.

[@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.

[@nathanreddent2427]

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

[@natet5959]

I've written hundreds of songs. I have several albums available on Bandcamp and lots of songs on Spotify. I used to think all my songs were brilliant and people were too stupid to realize it but my perspective has changed in the past ten years. Now, I realize that some of those songs weren't ready to be released. I'm much more discerning about my songs and I want to make sure they are as close to perfect as I'm ever going to get before I release them.

[@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. 🎉

[@paullewisjersey5469]

One of the things I do sort of contradicts tips 1 and 3 but quite often I'll come up with the musical platform when noodling on a guitar or keyboard. I'll then go into Studio One put down a basic Kick/Snare/Kick/Snare drum loop then grab a guitar and put down the verse and chorus chords and save it for later when a lyrical idea comes to me. Sometimes the inspiration comes for the music but not the lyrics or vice versa.

[@dantemurphy7873]

I'm a songwriter and have written probably 100+ songs. I think the advice you give is great, but may not apply to all. For me, since I am a solo artist. recording is part of my songwriting process. There's no additional effort to demo an idea, and I'm not shy about re-recording, so it works for me. I can see where in a band setting this would not work.

[@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.

[@johnnyxmusic]

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

[@DaveDiprose]

I am a songwriter. I write only to perform and have written about 80 tunes I still am happy with. I start noodling on the guitar.

[@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.

[@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.

[@Neil-Aspinall]

Many people think their present art/Music piece is special and one of the best! This is rarely true. A good piece of art usually stands the test of time and quite often is only realized later. I find an interesting reality check is to listen to the song with other musicians and normal people, regardless of their reactions you will hear the song as they do and hear all the possible problems?

[@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.

[@stevensavoie856]

Yes, songwriter, but with only 18 songs, 13 of which in my preferred genre. But all well received. ^^ All your tips, except your last, I learned throughout life in other creative spheres. Thanks for sharing though.

[@mikerozell3177]

I’m a guitarist/songwriter. I’ve written over 50 songs. Just finished recording my first album. 😎👍🎸🎶

[@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.

[@ric8248]

Tips 5 and 6 are absolutely great, and l totally agree with them. I'm not so sure about the rest though, they seem more like personal preference. Tip 2 makes some sense I guess, but tip 4 is downright bad.

[@karlbroderickmusic]

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

[@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

[@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!

[@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.

[@mccloysong]

YES. The song must glow with just vocal guitar (or piano). 3:24 I just saw Seal play "Crazy" (not Patsy Cline's, but his) on just acoustic. For 20 years I thought Trevor Horn's production of it was the reason, but no; the scaffolding of it was in the one guitar, one vocal Seal already had.

[@lordmandalor]

what you just said (3:18) one person an instrument and a song... yes 100x yes.

[@greghill5480]

I’ve written 90+ songs… I do it for fun, because creating things is in my nature. So the process isn’t a pain for me. It’s also how I process ideas and feelings about things..

[@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.

[@chrisgarver7904]

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

[@StratsRUs]

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