Songwriting Habit: Focus on a process.

Sometimes when we are performing or writing a song we get stuck in all those negative emotions and stories we tell ourselves.

If we focus on a process when these emotions turn up, it can help get us through to our goal.

Let me give you an example:

A process for a Performance:

  1. Have your backing track ready or instrument tuned

  2. Do a sound check

  3. Once you have started think about your technique - are you breathing correctly? are phrases smooth

  4. Organise each section of the song - change dynamics or articulation..etc.

  5. If you are a singer, for each line/verse what story are you telling your audience.

  6. Plan to be focussed on something during your WHOLE performance

For Songwriting:

Step One: Grab, your journal

Brainstorm your topic - write everything down, even the silly stuff

Come up with a story.

Step two: Play with some musical ideas either on your instrument or computer

Record any musical ideas

Step Three: Match some musical ideas with some of the words and phrases you came up with

Step Four: Develop your words and music into a structure of Verse and Chorus etc.

Step Five: Within each section, develop each line into phrases that show repetition and variety.

Step Six: Plan to be focussed on a process for each step in the development your song.

The point of this activity is to stress the importance of giving yourself something to focus on when nerves, doubt and fear start to impact on your intended goal, either in performance or when you are developing a song.

Tracey Singleton