Have you ever found yourself at a loss for writing the perfect chord or lyric? Sometimes even the most creative of songwriters hit a wall. Although there is no set formula to writing a song, there are many ways to keep the creativity flowing.  Here are 5 tips to help you write your next great song:

Keep A Song Journal

You never know when inspiration is going to strike! Whether you are on the train heading to work, or at a park; a smell, a sight, or a conversation you overheard could musically inspire you, and you wouldn’t want to lose that idea because you had nowhere to jot it down.

Create a Hook – Have a Clear Vision of What the Song is About

A common mistake in songwriting is attempting to present too many ideas in one song. The average pop song is under four minutes. That’s not a lot of time to “hook” the listener and get your point across. Being concise with your message will help you to craft a more memorable track.

Force Yourself To Go Outside When You Hit A Wall

When you hit a wall, leave the recording studio or the place you normally choose to work. The worst thing you can do is try to force the creativity out of yourself.   Go outside with your journal (as aforementioned), and immerse yourself in what the outside world has to offer. If something strikes you, revert to tip number one!

Surround Yourself With Other Musicians

Humans are collaborative creatures by nature. There’s no question that songwriters derive much needed inspiration from other musicians.   It’s easier than ever to stay at home making music all by yourself on your laptop, but if becoming a better artist or songwriter is important to you, then be sure to get out and interact with other musicians every once in a while.  You never know how another musician might inspire you to write better music.   

Don’t Filter Yourself

Sometimes it’s best to write whatever comes to your mind first. Don’t waste time trying to assimilate those thoughts into something cohesive right away.  If you are trying to write a great song it’s important to maintain the authenticity of your ideas, which you will often lose if you start to edit them before you even fully come up with them.