Subject: What can you do when you are stuck?
Posted by: Holland |
I have been writing songs for the better part of 5 years for various bands I have been in. I play mostly rock and alternative. I am a competent guitarist and a pretty good bassist, but with an average (at best) voice.
I just found this forum and I have to admit it is exactly what I have been looking for.
I have a few questions for the rest of you.
My first problem lies within the fact that I am the master of writing 75% of a really good song. If I find a really good tune for verses, my chorus and hook lack. If I create a really good hook...the verse lyrics suck. If all of the lyrics are really good, then I am dissatisfied with the overall melody. What I think I need is another person to bounce ideas off and collaborate with..problem is I don't know where to find them.
I no longer play in a band and when I record it is usually done on a Tascam 424...with a drum machine. The overall product is mediocre...but better than many I have seen. What do you all do to put your ideas together?
I guess I am sort of at a stand still creatively right now. I have ideas flowing like mad (as I am sure most of you do) but I have no outlet. What do you all do for this?
Anyway, any help will be appreciated.
Thanks. |
Subject: Re: What can you do when you are stuck?
Posted by: Hobes |
Of course, getting involved in songwriting forums is a good start. 
I'm curious as to how well versed you are in fundamental concepts like structure, meter and the like. Sometimes it helps when you're trying to define a concept.
And sometimes it helps to define the idea itself. Narrow down exactly what the song is about and focus in on a theme and/or story. Many times a lyricist will get whacked out of shape simply because they're trying to cover too much ground.
For example - if you write a song about war, it's not going to be specific enough to generate an emotional impact. You would need to pick out a very specific aspect to make it work. Start with a gun. Or a soldier's helmet. First person is generally more "vital" since the singer can present it as personal experience.
A chorus works best when it doesn't explain, but rather summarizes the information given in the verses. Verses and bridges explain.
I could go on all day, but I'm not sure where you're at in terms of the craft... I'd say post some lyrics, put up some music files so we can hear them and offer some comments on other people's work when you can. Oftentimes we learn more about ourselves when we're trying to help somebody else.
Gotta run,
hobes
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