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The Creative Act: Rick Rubin’s Knowledge Turned Into A Book

February 17, 2023

What happens when a famous music producer takes an interest in self-help books? The Creative Act is your answer. But who is Rick Rubin? Without a doubt, Rubin has an impressive track record in the

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Behind the Music: The Audio Engineer

February 14, 2023

The music industry is a place full of musicians, producers, and creators who have the magical ability to make those perfect sounds we hear everyday through our digital devices. We want to listen close

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Koji Kondo: Nintendo’s Melody Maestro

February 14, 2023

What do popular video games franchises Super Mario, Legend of Zelda, and Star Fox all have in common? They were all produced and published by Nintendo, and the iconic music themes that you hear in...

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Taylor Swift on Industry Sexism and Music Rights

February 8, 2023

Being a successful woman in the music industry is no easy feat. Not only do they deal with the typical trials and tribulations of being a musician, but there are also gender-specific challenges.

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What’s the Ideal Length for a Single— Are Songs Getting Shorter?

February 8, 2023

“Is it just me, or are songs getting shorter these days?” This is a question I have often pondered, especially in the last few years. It appears that in the era of social media, attention spans are

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SG Lewis: Who Is He - and What’s Next For This Rising Star?

February 6, 2023

SG Lewis (Samuel George Lewis) is a rising star in the dance/electronic music realm. He is a DJ/producer turned singer-songwriter, and is known for his disco-inspired, transcendent sound. He routinely

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Lessons to Learn From the Launch Of Sam Smith’s “Unholy”

February 4, 2023

Sam Smith just released their new album “Gloria” on the 27th of January. As described by Pitchfork, “Gloria flips between hyperpop, country, dancehall, disco, 2-step, and intimate, Kehlani-esque R&B”.

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Are Virtual Idols the Future of Music?

February 5, 2023

Virtual reality and the metaverse have become popular topics in the music industry where more and more technology and music have been combined, creating something that could revolutionize the entire

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Grammy Awards Songwriter of the Year, Non-Classical: The Category Songwriters Deserve

February 5, 2023

The 65th annual GRAMMY Awards are here, and there's a long-awaited addition to the awards. This year marks the introduction of a new category: the Songwriter of the Year, Non-Classical Award. For all

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How Zach Bryan’s Authenticity Makes His Music So Appealing, Even to Non-Country Fans

January 31, 2023

Zach Bryan released his first album in 2019, and in the short time since he has become one of the biggest names in country. His biggest album, “American Heartbreak”, broke single-day album streaming

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Miley Cyrus is Going to Take Over Pop in 2023

January 31, 2023

Miley Cyrus was born into the music industry, and has spent her career channelling her Nashville and Hollywood roots into a diverse discography stacked with hits. Add to that countless covers that are

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Why This Pop-Rock Band Got Hate For Starting On YouTube

January 31, 2023

Before the invention of TikTok, many music artists gained popularity through YouTube. However, similar to the TikTok stars of today, people in the music industry saw ‘YouTube bands’ as lesser because

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How to Be a Successful Songwriter When You Can’t Play an Instrument

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If you’re a songwriter who can sing but can’t play an instrument, you may feel like you’ve hit a roadblock in your creative journey. You have the ideas in your head, but you’re unsure how to turn them into fully realized songs without being able to play the music yourself. The good news is that many successful songwriters have found ways to bring their ideas to life without being proficient on an instrument.

Let’s explore some strategies for turning your songwriting skills into fully produced music and finding collaborators who can help you along the way.

1. Collaborate with Musicians and Producers

One of the most effective ways to bring your song ideas to life is by collaborating with musicians or producers who can play instruments or handle production. Many famous songwriters work this way, focusing on the lyrics and melody while leaving the instrumental composition to someone else. Here’s how you can start collaborating:

  • Network with Local Musicians: Reach out to musicians in your area or online who are looking to collaborate. Many musicians enjoy working with vocalists and songwriters because it allows them to focus on creating the instrumental arrangement while you handle the lyrical and melodic aspects.
  • Online Collaboration Platforms: Use websites like SoundBetter, Kompoz, or BandLab to connect with producers and musicians globally. These platforms allow you to upload your vocal ideas and find someone who can build the music around your vision.
  • Music Producer Communities: Join online communities like Reddit’s We Are the Music Makers or Facebook groups dedicated to music collaboration. Many producers are looking for vocalists and songwriters to work with, and you can offer your songwriting skills in exchange for their instrumental expertise.
  • Attend Open Mics or Songwriting Workshops: Local music scenes often have open mics or workshops where you can meet other musicians. These events are great places to find potential collaborators who might be interested in helping you turn your ideas into full songs.

Example: Elton John and Bernie Taupin have had one of the most famous songwriting collaborations in music history. Bernie Taupin focuses on the lyrics, while Elton John composes the music and plays the piano. This partnership proves that you don’t have to be able to play an instrument to create iconic songs—you just need the right collaborator.

2. Use Music Software to Create Basic Demos

Even if you can’t play an instrument, you can still start creating music using digital tools. Music software, also known as DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations), can help you produce basic demos of your songs without needing to know how to play an instrument.

  • Start with Simple Software: Programs like GarageBand (which is free on Mac) or BandLab (which is free online) offer easy-to-use interfaces where you can record your vocals and experiment with loops, virtual instruments, and pre-made beats.
  • Virtual Instruments and Loops: Most DAWs come with virtual instruments and loops, allowing you to drag and drop elements like drums, basslines, and chords into your project. You can build a rough version of your song without needing to play anything live.
  • MIDI Tools: If you’re able to sing or hum a melody, some DAWs allow you to input this audio and convert it to MIDI, which can then be assigned to a virtual instrument like a piano or guitar. This is a great way to get the melody in your head down into a structured format.
  • Voice Notes as Guides: Start by recording your vocals with just the melody or harmony. You can share these recordings with a collaborator or use them as a foundation when working with a producer who can build around your vocal ideas.

3. Learn Basic Chord Progressions

While you don’t need to be a master musician, learning some basic chord progressions can help you communicate your ideas more effectively. Even if you only learn a few chords on piano or guitar, this can give you a better understanding of how music is structured and help you sketch out simple song ideas.

  • Learn 3-4 Basic Chords: Most popular songs are built around simple chord progressions. Learning the basics of chords like C, G, Am, and F on guitar or piano will allow you to put together simple chord progressions that can form the foundation of your songs.
  • Chord Progression Apps: There are apps like Chordify or Autochords that help you figure out chord progressions without needing to play an instrument. These tools allow you to input your melody or idea, and they’ll generate the chords for you, which you can then pass along to a collaborator.
  • Basic Theory Resources: Understanding some basic music theory concepts, like scales and chord relationships, can help you become a better songwriter even if you don’t play an instrument. There are countless free online tutorials that can guide you through the basics.

4. Communicate Your Ideas Clearly to Collaborators

If you’re working with a producer or musician, communication is key. You may not know how to play the music, but you can still guide the direction by being clear about your vision.

  • Describe the Sound in Detail: When you collaborate with a producer, describe the mood, style, and vibe you’re going for. Reference specific songs, genres, or sounds to give them a better idea of what you’re envisioning.
  • Use Voice Notes: Record yourself singing or humming the melody, and send this to your collaborator. You can also add verbal notes about how you imagine the instrumentation or rhythm to sound.
  • Provide Reference Tracks: If you have a clear idea of how you want the song to sound, find reference tracks that match your vision. Share these with your collaborator to give them a better sense of the direction you’re going for.

5. Embrace Your Role as a Songwriter

Remember that being a songwriter is an art form in itself. Not every songwriter is also a musician or producer, and that’s perfectly okay. Focus on honing your songwriting skills—writing compelling lyrics, crafting catchy melodies, and telling a story through your songs.

  • Songwriting Collaborations: Many professional songwriters work behind the scenes and collaborate with producers and artists to bring their songs to life. Embrace your role as a lyricist and melody writer, and find partners who can help with the musical side of things.
  • Write Regularly: The more you write, the better you’ll get. Whether it’s lyrics, melodies, or song concepts, continue to practice your craft and don’t be afraid to explore different styles and genres.

Wrapping Up

You don’t need to be a multi-instrumentalist to be a successful songwriter. By collaborating with musicians and producers, using music software to create basic demos, learning a bit of chord theory, and clearly communicating your ideas, you can bring your song ideas to life. Focus on what you do best—writing lyrics and melodies—and surround yourself with collaborators who can help you fill in the musical gaps.

Have you found a way to overcome not playing an instrument as a songwriter? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below!

Watch the Legend Paul McCartney talk about his songwriting process: