The dreaded writer's block is a situation that composers have to face from time to time. Fortunately, there are many sources of inspiration at your disposal. From using your experiences and emotions to doing creative writing exercises, there are many methods that will get you back in the composition game.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Use your personal experiences
Step 1. Write about yourself
Your life experience (memories, opinions and emotions) is your main resource and the perspective you have is what will make the song unique in the end. Having a list of what happens to you or the emotions you experience will give you a wealth of material that you can take advantage of.
For example, write down the stories you hear or live. These are a good source of material not only because they are unique, but also because they carry a number of emotions
Step 2. Write about your emotions
Think of an event in your life that has an emotional charge, such as a death, a wedding, a birth, a crush, among others. Do your best to describe how you are feeling at the moment and try to be as detailed as possible.
For example, if you are writing about a breakup, make a list of the words that describe the scene: the way you feel, the surroundings, the colors that stand out to you, among other things. Don't worry about the beat or the melody just yet
Step 3. Write a journal
Many of us spend our days and only write notes, lists, emails and similar texts, but writing a journal will allow you to reflect on what is happening to you and will give you material from which you can draw on images and phrases for your songs.
Step 4. Write your dreams
Many of us have strange and abstract dreams that we quickly forget after waking up. Instead of blurting out those interesting images and unusual situations, keep a dream journal! Writing down your dreams will not only help you remember them for longer, but you'll have a new bank of weird and unique stories and images that you can use to write songs.
Have a pen and journal by your bedside so you can write down your dreams as soon as you wake up
Step 5. Get out of the house
Go for a walk in public places and seek inspiration by observing other people or your surroundings. Many composers write about nature, other people, or interesting experiences. Get out there and let the world inspire you.
- Try listening to hidden conversations. Sometimes listening to someone else's conversation will present you with a new perspective. You might even discover something intriguing or lyrical in what they say.
- If there is a place that you feel a particular connection to, like a park, go with a pen and paper, sit down, and write whatever comes to mind.
Step 6. Try something new
Many musicians have very interesting lives that also inspire them to write the lyrics for their songs. Get out of your comfort zone and try something new. No matter what the result was, you will have something to write about.
Trying new activities will give you a rush of adrenaline that will inspire you. You can do an extreme activity, like freefall, or something simple, like trying a new recipe
Step 7. Get nostalgic
Look at old photo albums, reread old letters, and visit your childhood or family friends and talk to them about the past. Nostalgia is a powerful mix of emotions and, from these activities, many stories and emotions will be born that you can take advantage of.
Method 2 of 4: Get Inspired by Art
Step 1. Listen to music
Although it seems obvious to you, listening to music and paying attention to the lyrics of the songs will not only teach you more about the process of composing a song successfully, but it will also inspire you.
- Go for a walk and listen to music without lyrics. Doing so will help you come up with new song lyrics. If you can come up with a good line, write it down!
- Listen to the music that inspired you to compose in the beginning. Doing so will help you know what to emulate and what to avoid in your own songs.
- Pay attention to the classics. Famous composers, like Quincy Jones or Woody Guthrie, reached such a level for a reason. Look at the lyrics, arrangements, and structure of their songs.
- Listen to new types of music. Expanding your musical horizons will inspire you to incorporate new sounds or styles that you might not have otherwise considered.
Step 2. Explore other art forms
You don't have to limit yourself to music for inspiration. Try to consume as much art as you can in all its different forms, as doing so can inspire you in unexpected ways. Watch movies, read books, or go to art galleries; any creative episode can fuel your artistic spirit.
- Reading poetry is a good place to start because it is very similar to song lyrics.
- Reading literature has the added benefit of expanding your vocabulary, which you can also use in your own songs.
Step 3. Pay attention to unconventional art forms
Inspiration surrounds us as long as we are open to it. From street art to experimental theater, the further you get out of your comfort zone, the more exciting possibilities for inspiration you'll find.
- For example, you could observe graffiti in your area. Many street artists make public art for various reasons, such as promoting political awareness. Consider any description, phrase, or emotion that comes to mind.
- Discomfort is not always bad. New experiences can make you uncomfortable, but they will also inspire you to come up with exciting new work, especially if you think you are creating the same thing all the time.
Method 3 of 4: Use Writing Exercises for Inspiration
Step 1. Experiment with different writing exercises
There are many different writing exercises that can be used for inspiration. If you feel like you're very stuck and don't know where to start, try a writing exercise. Having a list of specific instructions can take pressure off and get creative ideas flowing.
- If you feel intimidated, tell yourself that you will only write for 5 minutes. If nothing comes out, at least you will know that you tried.
- If you end up getting used to the writing process after 5 minutes, you will likely end up with at least a few ideas that you are happy with.
Step 2. Try writing on an object
This is a songwriting exercise called “Pick an Object” used at the Berklee College of Music. It can be very useful for generating new ideas.
- To do this exercise, pick an object at random, then spend 10 minutes or so writing down the memories you associate it with.
- Don't worry about making it sound good or writing complete sentences. Focus on using as many senses as possible. You'll end up with a list of images and emotions, which you can use for inspiration later.
Step 3. Try an exercise approved by David Bowie
He has described one of his songwriting methods and it would be nice to give it a try to see if it works for you. This exercise can be very useful for those times when you have no idea what you want to write about.
Write 1-2 paragraphs on different topics to create a kind of short story. Then divide the sentences into sections of 4-5 different blocks, then combine and reconnect them
Method 4 of 4: Develop a Writing Habit
Step 1. Find a quiet place to work
While we often think of inspiration as something that just comes suddenly, it also takes a certain level of discipline to create neat lyrics for a song. Having a fixed place where you can focus and be creative will motivate you to maintain a regular practice of songwriting.
- A place as simple as a desk can be great for writing. You could even decorate the space with your favorite sources of musical inspiration so you don't miss out.
- Studies have shown that the color blue can improve performance on a creative task. Try repainting your space blue or having blue decorations in your space to continue.
Step 2. Establish a writing routine
Some people are more inspired and excited to write in the early morning, while others find that the evening is better for their creativity. Set the time of day that suits you best (take into account other responsibilities, such as your work and school load) and set a songwriting routine accordingly.
Schedule this time on a calendar or planner if you use one. After a few weeks of consciously doing this task, you will have gotten used to it and will have a steady stream of written material for your songs
Step 3. Reduce distractions
It will also be very easy to get distracted by social media, homework, and all the other aspects of your life that require attention. However, having a specific time and place to compose will create a space that takes you out of all that distraction.
- If you use your computer to write, commit to not using the Internet until you complete a set amount of work.
- If you constantly feel the need to search for information, turn off the Wi-Fi and write notes on your work of what you need to research when you are done with a draft.
Step 4. Collaborate with other people
Think of the people in your life who have artistic activities and ask them if they would like to collaborate with you. Collaborating can be as simple as giving each other feedback or even starting a new project together. This will not only motivate them to work, but you will also get good feedback and a fresh perspective that will make you a great songwriter.
- It is not essential that your collaborators are musicians. In fact, working with an actor or writer could be even better, as you will get a totally different perspective.
- Be proactive when receiving constructive criticism. After all, good and new ideas suit you; Therefore, do not take criticism personally, but rather, as an opportunity to improve.
Step 5. Join a writing group
If you have trouble being disciplined with your writing, consider joining a writing group! These groups are generally open to all different forms of writing and knowing that you have an audience that will read your work and give you feedback will motivate you to sit down and write a song on paper.
- You can often find local writing groups that meet once a month or so for writing workshops. Look for advertisements in cafes and other community spaces.
- If you don't feel comfortable talking about your work in person, you can find writing groups online.
Step 6. Have a notebook and pen with you at all times
You never know when inspiration strikes, so always be prepared to have these important tools on hand.
Writing notes on your phone is a good alternative if you're not the type to carry your purse everywhere
Advice
- Don't be afraid to be abstract. The lyrics of a song don't always tell the story directly. Many popular and classic songs don't even make sense, but many people like them.
- You can also use online tools to help you write songs. For example, "RhymeZone" is a rhyming dictionary that, when you type a word, will give you synonyms and words that rhyme with it.
- When you come up with an idea, even if it's just a picture or a phrase, write it down. The more notes like this you have, the more material you will have to use as a source of inspiration when composing a song.
- Don't be afraid to write songs about typical themes like love, heartbreak, or loss. Although they may seem clichéd themes to you, each song will always be unique to the author. You could even take these topics as a challenge to write about a classic topic in an innovative way!
- If you know more than one language, you can write parts of the song in another language to make it more interesting.
- If you have trouble making rhymes, get a rhyming dictionary. This type of dictionary is different from a regular one, because it groups the words that rhyme, so it will save you a lot of time and mental effort. This is also a great way to expand your vocabulary.