Great way to write a song…
Sometimes i have difficulties sitting in from on my PC trying to write a song. I get inspired, record, then sit around n wonder what to do next. My challenge is to stay in creative mode, but working with the MAC n the pressure of recording takes me out of that ‘free flowing’ state.
One beautiful morning i had an idea… one that is very simple, and it works…
1. Grab Laptop
2. Launch Recording Software
3. Start recording from built-in internal mic. No tweaking / setting levels / etc…
4. Sit around, jam about, play whatever feels right with the importance of LETTING IT FLOW.
At this stage, i’m not writing a song. I’m getting lost in the flow, and seeing what comes out. I don’t expect anything.
All i’m doing is FISHING for ideas…
5. Once feeling satisfied (say after 15 mins or so), go back & listen for some good, useable parts.
6. Highlight those parts. Edit & re-arrange.Create song structure. Insert missing parts (ie bridge / chorus / intro / exit)
7. Open new track & Re-record Professionally
8. Layer/Insert FX/general tweaking
9. ENJOY new song!
and there you have it!
It’s easy, it’s spontaneous, it’s creative…
Going with the flow, using real-life inspiration, with no pressure.
This method
Great post. I have been looking around for a laptop and reading this has inspired me to keep on going with the search.
I have linked to your post in my songwriting blog “Corey Stewart Songwriting Tips”. Check it out sometime.
Simplicity is the key to good songwriting, no matter who or what you’re writing song for. Don’t you agree?
Love your MySpace page too
works for bands as well. You can even get a more quality recording out of a band because they have to exist in a more controlled environment (mics, etc.) I play in an experimental band and this is one of our primary methods of writing. No idea goes unrecorded, and if it’s executed well enough in a “jam,” it might not even have to be re-recorded.