Songwriting Myth vs. Fact
Sep 03, 2019
Songwriting and songwriters are often the stuff of legends.
We don’t always discuss our processes, our fears, our doubts, and our hang-ups. There’s an air of mystery that surrounds this craft, and in the void where we lack facts, our minds create convenient and often fear-based myths.
Today, we’re going to debunk 10 of these songwriting myths that we have believed at one time or another. We’ve learned—through years and years of writing, collaborating and talking to each other—what the real truth is: creativity isn’t just magic and we are all capable of writing amazing songs.
Let's get to the facts!
Myth #1: The best songs spill out of you quickly and easily.
Fact: The best songs occasionally spill out of you quickly and easily. Most of the time they require hours upon hours of hard work, patience, and determination.
Myth #2: In songwriting, quality is better than quantity.
Fact: In songwriting, quantity leads to quality. In other words; write, write, write, write and write.
Myth #3: Songs are only sincere when they’re written from your own personal experience.
Fact: Songs are only sincere when they’re written from your heart. If you can truly empathize with a person or situation that is not your own, you can write sincerely about it.
Myth #4: True success as a songwriter means getting cuts, placements, high-profile co-writes, and making a living writing songs.
Fact: True success as a songwriter means getting better, learning and growing, enjoying the process and making writing an important part of your life.
Myth #5: Successful songwriters are just naturally good at writing songs.
Fact: Successful songwriters are intelligent, driven, in touch with their emotions, and have spent years practicing their craft.
Myth #6: A co-writing session is a failure if you don’t finish a song.
Fact: A co-writing session is only a failure if you don’t listen, don’t try or don’t show up. Every other situation is a learning opportunity and a chance to connect with another human being.
Myth #7: You don’t need to know music theory to be a great songwriter.
Fact: You don’t need to know music theory to be a great songwriter, but the more you learn about it, the better your songs will be. You can write some great songs only knowing 4-5 chords, but as you gain more knowledge and proficiency you’ll have more options, variety and creative freedom in your songwriting.
Myth #8: If other people don’t hear your songs, there’s no point in writing them.
Fact: If other people don’t hear your songs, then they’re a beautiful gift you’ve given to yourself.
Myth #9: Writing a mediocre song is a waste of your time.
Fact: Writing a mediocre song is the best use of your time. Every mediocre song is one song closer to a great song.
Myth #10: Great songwriters never doubt themselves.
Fact: Great songwriters doubt themselves, but they don't let it stop them from writing.
There you have it. Now that we’ve cleared up some of those pesky myths, we can sit down and get to writing some songs!
Happy writing,
Allie & Bess
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