Songwriter’s block? Each ‘new’ song sounds the same?
Hi!
I'm Scott
You have what it takes to be a Superstar and my job is to help you on your way.
It’s time to spice things up and get a fresh outlook. You’ll be surprised how quick new ideas will appear and come to mind. You’ll question why you hadn’t started sooner!
'If music be the food of love...'.
Shakespeare had the right idea!
Here’s some ideas to add to your Songwriting recipe book.
1. Mix & Match
Take lyrics from one song and put them with a different melody.
So many hit songs have been ‘reimagined’ with minimal effort. You can do the same with yours. Who knows- it might be the difference between a Grammy & a Razzie!
2. Switch
Switch the order of intro, verse and chorus.
You never know until you try. Some people dismiss this idea from the start. They get an order in their head and that’s it. Where’s the creativity in that?
Sure, your piece will have an ‘order’. But who said it has to start with the verse? Some of the most successful songs start with the chorus as the hook. When people start to recognise your songs from the opening few seconds- you’re on to a winner!
Give it a go- What's the worst that can happen? If you don't like it, change it back. But you might just find a whole new creative door opened for your songs......
3. Shift it!
Shift the speed, pitch or key to give your piece a whole different feel.
If you’re strive is to be a Pop Ballad sensation. Then it’s Gospel to have the expected key change moment. You know the one. Where the fireworks happen, the confetti falls. The extra flash of lights comes on. And the choir appears in the background!
Serious though- A small change can make a BIG difference. When Robin Gibb went falsetto in ‘Staying Alive’. He never set out that it would define the future sound of the Bee Gees. Dr Pepper it again- What’s the worst that can happen?! You don’t like it. Fine- change it round again. At least you’ve tried it out.
P.S. If using a DAW. Make sure you save the first version then rename the file if you make changes!
Listen to this blog as audio only
4. Go Commando! (Well, acoustic anyway!)
Unplug, & take a step back from the DAW, laptop. The effects units & pedals.
You’ll be surprised what a game changer this can be. So many hit songs have been more successful when re-released as an acoustic version or cover. If you've got an itch to be adventurous then get in the bathroom! All the best ideas appear there...... Just me then?! The lead singer of legendary group Status Quo (Rossi) once wrote part of one of their tracks while sat on the loo.......!
5. Swap your Lead
Swap the lead instrument in your song to give your piece a totes different feel.
You set out with story to tell in your song. But no one likes a straight laced plot with start-middle- end. When you add a twist in the tale. You'll wonder why you hadn't tried it before! Take your audience by surprise. If your usual 'go to' is a Guitar. Swap it for a Piano. At least for the intro.
Take Ed Sheeran. His 'go to' is the Guitar. But would 'Supermarket Flowers' have the same emotion if it was Guitar all the way through?
6. Partner Up!
Sometimes 2 heads are better than one. Even if you’re used to ‘ridin solo’. You may find that a brief chat could open the door to a whole new collab. future.
From Lennon & McCartney to Lloyd Webber & Rice. Most songs nowadays have a mix of writer contributions. You forget that the artist performer isn’t necessarily the person who’s written the song- In actual fact. It’s quite rare nowadays for it to be the case that the performer is the writer. Well, sole writer anyway.
Someone once said to me "What's the use in having a drawer full of songs that no one will ever hear". If you're on the lookout for some fresh inspiration then the idea of collaboration may be the thing that works for you.
So which is your pick of the bunch?
Which ‘Spice’ will you add to your creations, to breathe new fire to your works?!
I'd love to hear your thoughts. Leave a comment below and let me know. Share as much detail as possible in your reply- Remember, your takeout moment may help someone else spring into action. And change their life for the better.
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Stay determined and strive to look after yourself and inspire others
with your own added spice.
Write, sing and play your way to new confidence.
Add a little flavour- Create a new dish!
Best wishes
Scotty
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