A friend recently forwarded me an email from a student that was looking for answers to a survey on songwriting…. She didn't have the capacity to reply, but thought I might, so I sent back what I share here… Amateur tips, sure, because I'm not a professional songwriter… yet… ;)

1. Generally, how long does it take to write lyrics for a song?

It's a bit of a 'how long is a piece of string' question, sometimes they come quickly, half an hour and I've got on a flow and produced the bones of it, then I go through a constant process of refinement - theres a saying that art is never finished, only abandoned... 

2. What is your biggest piece of advice for new writers?

Write. Even if it's trash. Diamonds are found by sifting coal, but you have to dig the coal out first, if the metaphor makes sense. Also, work on increasing your toolkit - learn different types of writing and increase your vocabulary.  Art is generally built on the shoulders of other art. 

3.  What is the best process for writing a song?

The best process is the one that works for you. I know plenty who start with lyrics, some start with a riff or beat or a chord progression. Be open to whatever is inspiring you in the moment. 

4. What skills should a songwriter have/improve?

As mentioned before - vocabulary is key - the more words you know, the more colours you essentially have to paint with. Learning to use websites like Rhymezone that will give you options on synonyms and non-rhyming words.

There are only 12 notes and keys, then the break down of major and minors, seventh and suspendeds, augmented and so on... Understanding as much as that as you can and being willing to explore what works for you, and that so called rules are there to be broken.. Will help you produce your own unique sound. 

Do I do all of these?  No, but they're tips I've picked up along the way… 

What are your thoughts?

Hayden