June 20, 2024
David Guetta, born Pierre David Guetta on November 7, 1967, in Paris, France, is a name that resonates deeply within the world of electronic dance music (EDM). Over the past two decades, he has...
Read moreJune 20, 2024
The world of music has always been shrouded in a certain level of mystery and allure, but the recent spat between Meek Mill and Drake has brought a longstanding issue back into the spotlight...
Read moreJune 20, 2024
Simon Cowell has expressed hesitation about a potential One Direction reunion, revealing his regret over not taking "ownership" of the boy band’s name. In a candid interview with The Diary of a CEO...
Read moreJune 20, 2024
Jon Bon Jovi wasn’t sure if his band would ever record another album. The Jersey rock icon, whose raspy vocals lifted his eponymous Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band to global superstardom in the...
Read moreJune 20, 2024
Omar Apollo has just released his latest single, 'Less Of You,' offering fans a glimpse into his evolving musical landscape. This track is the third single from his highly anticipated second album...
Read moreJune 20, 2024
Rihanna's journey towards her ninth studio album, affectionately dubbed ‘R9’, has been a long and winding road. At the launch party for her new Fenty Hair line, she opened up about the delay...
Read moreJune 20, 2024
Eminem has stirred controversy with his latest single "Houdini," which includes a line that many believe makes light of the 2020 incident where Megan Thee Stallion was shot. In the song, Eminem...
Read moreJune 19, 2024
In an exciting revelation, pop sensation Camila Cabello has shared that her upcoming album, C,XOXO, will feature not one, but two collaborations with the legendary Drake. Speaking to Billboard...
Read moreJune 19, 2024
Liz Lawrence has always enriched her songwriting by absorbing the influence of various art forms, and her latest album, Peanuts, set for release on June 7th, exemplifies this approach. An artist...
Read moreJune 19, 2024
Sara Evans, the acclaimed country music artist known for her captivating voice and heartfelt lyrics, is back with a new album that promises to resonate deeply with fans. "Unbroke," her latest...
Read moreJune 19, 2024
Ten years ago, Meghan Trainor burst onto the music scene with her smash hit "All About That Bass," a song that not only showcased her unique blend of doo-wop and contemporary pop but also became an...
Read moreJune 19, 2024
Eminem's iconic music video for "When I'm Gone" has officially reached one billion views on YouTube, marking a monumental achievement for the rapper and solidifying its status as one of his most...
Read moreFeeling stuck in a rut with your songwriting? You’re not alone. Many songwriters, even the most successful ones, have faced moments where the creative well seems to run dry. The good news is that there are strategies and exercises you can use to reignite your creativity and make your music more original and compelling. Here’s how you can push past this block and take your songwriting to the next level.
One of the reasons you might feel stuck is that you’ve fallen into a predictable routine. Changing your environment or the way you write can spark new ideas. If you usually write in your bedroom, try writing outside, in a café, or in a different room of your house. If you always start with lyrics, try beginning with a melody or a chord progression instead.
Example: David Bowie was known for constantly reinventing himself and his music. He would often change his surroundings and collaborate with different artists to bring fresh perspectives to his work. For his album "Low," Bowie moved to Berlin and embraced a completely new style, which led to some of his most innovative work.
Sometimes, giving yourself a specific challenge can force you out of your comfort zone and lead to unexpected creativity. Set limitations or prompts for yourself, such as writing a song using only three chords, writing from the perspective of someone else, or focusing on a particular theme or emotion.
Example: Bob Dylan was known for his ability to tell stories through his lyrics. To push his creativity, he would sometimes challenge himself to write songs with unconventional structures or in the style of other genres. This approach helped him craft some of his most iconic songs, like "Subterranean Homesick Blues," which broke the mold of traditional folk music.
Collaborating with others can bring fresh ideas and perspectives to your songwriting. Working with someone who has a different approach or skill set can inspire you to try new things and break out of your creative rut. Don’t be afraid to reach out to other musicians, even if they’re outside your usual circle.
Example: Paul Simon teamed up with Art Garfunkel to create some of the most memorable songs of the 20th century. Simon was the primary songwriter, but Garfunkel’s input and unique vocal style added a new dimension to their music, leading to hits like "Bridge Over Troubled Water." Collaborating allowed Simon to explore different ideas and refine his songwriting.
Studying songs that you love can provide valuable insights into what makes them work. Break down the structure, melody, lyrics, and chord progressions of your favorite songs. Try to understand why certain elements resonate with you and how you can incorporate similar techniques into your own work.
Example: John Mayer is known for his introspective lyrics and intricate guitar work. He has often spoken about studying the work of artists like Stevie Ray Vaughan and Jimi Hendrix to understand their techniques. By analyzing their music, Mayer was able to develop his own style that blends blues with modern pop and rock influences.
If you’ve been writing with the same instrument for a while, trying something new can lead to fresh ideas. Pick up an instrument you’re less familiar with, or experiment with music production software or looping pedals. The unfamiliarity can inspire you to approach songwriting from a different angle.
Example: Radiohead is known for their willingness to experiment with new technology and instruments. For their album "Kid A," they moved away from traditional guitar-based rock and embraced electronic music, sampling, and unconventional instruments. This experimentation resulted in a groundbreaking album that redefined their sound.
One of the best ways to improve your songwriting is to make it a daily habit. Even if you don’t feel inspired, sitting down to write every day can help you develop discipline and increase the chances of stumbling upon a great idea. Not every song you write will be a masterpiece, but the process will help you grow as a songwriter.
Example: Leonard Cohen was known for his meticulous approach to songwriting. He often spent years refining his lyrics, writing and rewriting until he was satisfied. This dedication to the craft resulted in songs like "Hallelujah," which went through dozens of verses before Cohen settled on the final version. His persistence paid off, as the song has become one of the most covered and beloved pieces of music in modern history.
Remember, even the most iconic songwriters faced periods of stagnation. What set them apart was their willingness to push through those moments and continue creating. Keep experimenting, stay open to new ideas, and trust that your next great song is just around the corner.