I won't pretend that I have any answers. BUT, for me, parameters and limitations are really important. So, structure — picking one and sticking to it (whether it's a basic ABAB arrangement, or something with more parts), and a topic or title or feeling (or for my instrumental work, a key).
Lyrics can feel like an absolute mystery — and I think that part of the process is different for everyone. For me, it's important not to be too precious about it, nor compare myself to others, especially not my idols, and to occasionally let a trite-to-me lyric through and not worry too much about it.
Starting with a title and a mood can be helpful, and cracking open the thesaurus and doing some crazy word-mapping can generate some fun ideas. But, like all writing, the good stuff gets uncovered during the editing process.
So, just write it out, get it all on paper, and try to stick to a structure. From there, you've got clay you can shape. Whether you're trying to tell a story, or you're writing something more abstract, it will become clearer the more you work through those awful early stages. And they are awful. I feel you.
The bottom line — just keep at it. When you get a draft of something, put it down and write the next one.
Thanks for taking the time to write this out and giving your perspective! For your instrumental work, do you just sit and noodle trying to find a pattern you like, then explore it?
Yes, pretty much! I'll often start with some chords, build out a progression I like, and then noodle around with melody and patterns. I'd say selecting a structure first is even more important for me in the instrumental realm.
I won't pretend that I have any answers. BUT, for me, parameters and limitations are really important. So, structure — picking one and sticking to it (whether it's a basic ABAB arrangement, or something with more parts), and a topic or title or feeling (or for my instrumental work, a key).
Lyrics can feel like an absolute mystery — and I think that part of the process is different for everyone. For me, it's important not to be too precious about it, nor compare myself to others, especially not my idols, and to occasionally let a trite-to-me lyric through and not worry too much about it.
Starting with a title and a mood can be helpful, and cracking open the thesaurus and doing some crazy word-mapping can generate some fun ideas. But, like all writing, the good stuff gets uncovered during the editing process.
So, just write it out, get it all on paper, and try to stick to a structure. From there, you've got clay you can shape. Whether you're trying to tell a story, or you're writing something more abstract, it will become clearer the more you work through those awful early stages. And they are awful. I feel you.
The bottom line — just keep at it. When you get a draft of something, put it down and write the next one.
Thanks for taking the time to write this out and giving your perspective! For your instrumental work, do you just sit and noodle trying to find a pattern you like, then explore it?
Yes, pretty much! I'll often start with some chords, build out a progression I like, and then noodle around with melody and patterns. I'd say selecting a structure first is even more important for me in the instrumental realm.
If you're at all interested, here's a batch of songs I've written/sung for other projects (with lyrics): https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3q4VJTtjAeFpLk8dTWxaSB?si=6840bdf32bc149b6