Mastering the Art of Songwriting

Hey friends! I'm Andrea, and I'm thrilled to share some insights from a recent songwriting masterclass where I had the opportunity to mentor a couple of amazing songwriters. Songwriting has always been one of my favorite topics, and this session turned into an inspiring conversation about everything from the creative process to the nitty-gritty of releasing music.

The Heart of Songwriting

One of the first things we discussed was the art of songwriting itself. Whether you're writing for your church, an independent project, or just for personal expression, songwriting is about more than mechanics. It’s about emotion, creativity, and expressing something deeply personal. In our songwriting masterclass, we focused on how to exercise the creative muscle through various exercises.

For instance, a fun exercise I often recommend involves randomly pairing topics and writing songs around them. You may not release these songs, but it helps to push your creativity beyond what you're used to. It's all about building those songwriting "muscles."

The Great Debate: Lyrics vs. Music First?

A popular question came up during the session: "Should you start with lyrics or music first?" The answer? There’s no wrong way to begin! Whether you're inspired by a cool chord progression, a melody that pops into your head, or a powerful set of lyrics, you can build a song from any starting point. Personally, this was a game-changer for me. Realizing that there isn’t a "right" method gave me the freedom to experiment.

So, if you’re someone who hums melodies randomly, embrace it! If you’re more of a poet, start with the words. There's something freeing about knowing that every approach is valid.

Collaborating with Other Songwriters

One of the most powerful aspects of songwriting is the opportunity to collaborate. During our chat, I encouraged them to think about collaborating with others who have different strengths. If your strength is writing lyrics but you struggle with melody, find someone who’s great with melody! It's a beautiful thing when you bring different strengths together.

A memorable moment from my own experience came when I co-wrote a song with two other writers. They helped me tear apart the song I brought in, and we put it back together in a way I’d never have imagined alone. It’s a reminder to hold your songs with an open hand—be open to changes that can make your song even better.

Overcoming Lyric Block

One of our attendees mentioned she had written several lyrics but felt stuck on finishing them. If that’s you, too, I always recommend treating your lyrics like a treasure hunt. Sometimes I go back to old journal entries, and it's amazing what stands out. These little nuggets can be turned into something beautiful. Also, don’t be afraid to collaborate—sometimes fresh eyes (or ears) can bring out the best in your writing.

Bringing a Song to Life: Recording & Releasing

Now, once your song is written, how do you share it with the world? This was a huge topic during our session. For those who want to release their music independently, it's easier than ever. Streaming platforms like iTunes and Spotify have made it simple to upload music. All you need is a third-party distributor, like DistroKid (distrokid.com), to get your music on major platforms.

But it doesn't stop there. You’ll want to ensure your music is recorded with high-quality audio. For those in a church setting, you likely have access to a sanctuary and some decent recording equipment. Even tracking each instrument separately can give you a professional-sounding recording. Just remember to get your songs mixed and mastered—this ensures the sound is balanced and ready for streaming.

Protecting Your Song

Another important piece we touched on is protecting your music. It's essential to have a timestamped version of your song (hello, voice memos!) to establish ownership. If you want to go a step further, you can formally register the song with the U.S. Copyright Office (copyright.gov). But for most songwriters, the timestamped recording is enough to claim ownership of your work.

The Vulnerability of Songwriting

Both attendees brought up how vulnerable songwriting can be, and I couldn’t agree more. Songwriting feels deeply personal, and sharing that with others takes courage. I shared with them a story from early in my career when a mentor offered feedback on a song I thought was perfect. His suggestions were spot-on, but I initially felt crushed because I was so attached to the song. That’s when I learned not to be “precious” with my songs—a term a songwriting teacher once used. It’s okay to let go and see how others can help elevate your work.

Final Thoughts

The songwriting journey is full of highs, lows, and unexpected turns, but it’s always worth the effort. Whether you're working on lyrics, melodies, or collaborating with others, remember that the process itself is a gift. And when you do release that song, seeing it impact others will make all the hard work worthwhile.

Thank you for taking this journey with me! If you have any questions about songwriting, don't hesitate to reach out. Let's keep creating, sharing, and celebrating the music we’re called to write!

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