Rules are meant to be broken, aren't they?

In songwriting there are exceptions to every pretty much every rule you can think of. As soon as you have a formula happening with your own writing something else comes along that blows the theory out of the water.

When I was studying music, theory and composition in high school I remember having a conversation with my teacher at the time Mr. Morgan about the fact that if, in music anything goes why do we have to learn all of these rules and structures?

Being a very knowledgable and insightful chap his answer was simple and to the point. He said to me that "in order to break all the rules you must first know what all the rules are".

I was blown away by that statement. I experienced one of those penny dropping moments, it all made sense. My enthusiasm for music theory (which was high anyway) suddenly doubled overnight. I still remind myself of that statement every so often.

What I am outlining here is that even though the music industry seems to be only wanting young, good looking female singers (who can sing songs of little or no substance) something or someone will always come along and shatter that perception proving that the music industry is indeed a dynamic and everchanging one.

Always remember, the music industry would die a slow and horrible death if no more songs were written. It's the songs we write that make the industry what it is.

When you are honing your craft, perfecting your process, increasing you activity, researching your art you are doing this not to find the magic formula that will make you millions upon millions of dollars you are doing the work to multiply the amount of sonic colours you can paint with. It's the difference between looking at songwriting as a long term passion or as a short term hobby.

Dont use the rules and tips that you pick up on your journey as a way to stifle your creativity or to corrale your output into a certain genre, use them as a point of reference so you know how to do things differently.

You will discover that there are things that you feel comfortable doing but always be on the lookout for another way. Change your direction, challenge yourself. Dont be content with formula. Nurture your desire to keep learning. I hope that in some small way my songwriting channel is of great help to you.

In a world full of similarities it's the differences that stand out the most.

Until next time, happy writing,

Corey Stewart
Songwriter/Musician

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