Tools for a songwriter

By Michael Whiticker

LAST month we looked at the importance of having a good song writing method and getting started with the title and words for your song.

Let’s begin this session by considering the tools you will need as a song writer. They include: a computer (or at least a tablet or ipad) to write and store material on, a small recorder (your smart phone might do the job), a notebook, a dictionary or thesaurus and books and software on the subject of song writing. (I consider for example the MasterWriter program essential for the wordsmith side of songwriting.) It is also a good idea to find a few like-minded souls – other budding song writers and potential collaborators! Your strength might be words or music – generally it is not both. And it may be that you are not the ideal singer of the songs you are writing, in which case there is sure to be someone out there who will be able to bring your material to the public’s attention.

Start listening to songs as though it is your business, rather than something you just love doing. And listen to a wide range of songwriters – even those you don’t necessarily like. If they are having success, their audience must like what they do, so it is worth understanding what is bringing them their success. Begin to analyse songs - break them down into their individual components. You know what a verse and chorus are, and you probably know what a bridge is, but do you know what a hook and refrain are?

Having a good riff or a groove/feel is something that can define a song, but more important is the structure or form – the right ordering of all the different components of the song. It is sometimes a juggling act to put your hook, groove/ patterns, lyrics and tunes/melodies together in the right order.

Finally, you need to play your songs