We've all been there. With our heads buried in our hands
we race against time to submit either the last four songs required by our contracts, the two songs we need to finish our debut or latest CD, the three outstanding songs we need to impress a music publishing executive, or to simply write a darn song!
But song ideas are hard to come by and the melodies and lyrics you thought were easily within reach, are buried in oblivion!
So what can you do? Whatever your situation, be sure to check out: Songwriting Tips To Recharge Your Songwriting Batteries so you can determine if you first need some well-deserved rest.
Ideas for songs are everywhere. That old songwriting suggestion still holds true today-carry either a portable mini recorder or at least a pencil and pad so that when an idea or song title slams into your brain, you're able to retain it for future reference.
The following are 3 foolproof ways to look for song ideas:
1. Watch movies and keep your brain peeled for original lines from actors' mouths that can turn into great song titles, which in turn will make it easier for you to write an interesting song.
Here's a helpful guage: In my experience each movie has only between 1 to 4 interesting lines worthy of being great song titles, and they usually stick out like sore thumbs! This means you don't have to sit through a movie waiting impatiently forthe lines to come, they'll actually come to you.
So pop some corn, sit back, relax, and help your songwriting by watching the latest blockbuster!
2. Listen to your favorite songs while in your car, and, if you just sit back and enjoy the music with the windows rolled down while the wind hits the side of your face, you'll hear words and/or melody parts that inspire another song idea or theme.
If you're in a convertible, you have no excuse, a complete song should be written during your 1 hour commute to work! Yeah, I know, I wish it were that easy. Take either a starting note or an ending note in a phrase, and go off in your own direction, even if you're singing over the same song's beat. Now use the original part you just piggy-backed off of the song as an idea for your own melody.
This idea works wonders and it's not cheating! Take comfort knowing all music is inspired by other music!
3. If you're listening to music at home, turn the knob to a very low volume so it's barely audible from another room. Go about your daily chores, and at some point, when an unfamiliar song plays, you'll hear your own brain taking over the melody and harmony of whatever song is playing into a totally different and original direction. Voila! A new melody!
Remember, the song must be barely audible for your senses to take over.
Try this one, it takes a little practice, but you'll be amazed with the results! Be forewarned though; once you come up with a worthwhile melody, you'll probably forget to make up your bed. Heck, one week of this can give you so much music inspiration that your house will look like a disaster because you'll spend all your time songwriting rather than cleaning up after yourself!
