I was asked not long ago to lead a songwriting workshop for SCALA (the songwriting organization that I belong to). It was on the topic of 'how to get songwriting ideas'.
In researching for my talk I realised that ideas for songs that I have written have come from the most unlikely places. This was most interesting to me.
One of the questions I was asking myself was "where did my songs come from?" It was the first time I had really looked at my songbook and traced the origins of the songs back to where they first started.
It reinforced the notion that I always had in my mind that as songwriters we have to be prepared to note down anything that pops up. Ideas can come from anywhere if we allow them to.
We live in a world where we are told that we have no time to do things however, we are always waiting in queues. Next time you are in a queue don't get frustrated with it, use the time to get out your notepad and put down what you are feeling. Doing this also make the time seem to move much more quickly.
Get into the habit of seeing at the world as an infinite ideas machine.
As a songwriter all you have to do is to tap into this amazing resource and translate what you see into songwriting ideas. Of course doing this takes a lot of practice and a willingness to become much more observent and mindful of what's going on in your life. On a personal note, I am constantly saying to myself that 'this is a great songwriting idea and that is a great songwriting idea.' I actively seek out those opportunities.
Since making an effort to slow my life down and practice mindfulness I have managed to get more things done and my songwriting output has increased. All because I was prepared to actively examine my life and the world around me.
Don't be afraid of your emotions, write down how you are feeling. Even though emotions (for the most part) are unskilled workers they also demonstrate what it is like to be human. Embracing your emotions (good or bad) onto paper will go a long way in putting more honesty into your songwriting and it will enable you to develop your own style much more quickly. Be brave in the face of the unknown.
Just to let you know the workshop was a roaring success, I had a great time and at the end of the day I gained a deeper understanding for where song ideas come from.
Infinite songwriting possibilities are yours for the taking. Just always BE PREPARED.
Until next time, happy writing,
Corey Stewart
Songwriter/Musician
Keywords: song writing, songwriting, rss feed, songwriting tip, songwriting help, songwriting technique, songwriting idea, free songwriting tip, corey stewart
