song writing
Songwriting is not an essential part of becoming a singer but well
recommended for those who enjoy a challenge. Anyone can write lyrics,
wether they are suitable material for performance or commercially viable
is irrelevant and there are plenty of open mic nights where you can try
out your masterpiece! Successful Self-Contained artists
(Singer/Songwriters) like Carole King are still able to continue their
singing careers when other performers 'commercial life' has been
overtaken by the latest craze.
So what do you need to write a song?:-
Technical Training may not be a necessity but all songwriters who wish
to write seriously should gain as much experience and knowledge as
possible. Courses in Music Theory harmony sight reading and rhythm , Understanding Poetry and playing an
Instrument will all help you become a better Composer and Lyricist.
Supplies:-
Pad of Paper for Notes & Writing Lyrics
Music Manuscript Books or Paper
Pencils & Erasers
Cassette or Minidisc Recorder - keep this with you at all times &
use it to hum, sing or play your ideas for later review.
Short Cassettes - for recording individual Completed songs
Long Cassettes - for leaving to run whilst creating
Portable File or Folders to keep work in progress portable
Reference Books - A Rhyming
Dictionary, Dictionary,
Thesaurus & Guinness Book of Hit Singles are essential
Instrument - Most songwriters play an instrument, piano, guitar,
keyboard, organ etc.,
Pitch Pipe - If you do not play an instrument this aids in finding the
songs pitch.
Splash out on a copy of Music Week
Directory costs about £40.00 UK and Ireland and £45 in mainland
Europe although there are several similar publications providing music
industry contact addresses like White Book.
Every songwriter has their own method, some 'hear' parts or the
whole song in their minds, others use a hook or melody line to help
envisage the words and many lyricists collaborate with composers and musicians to produce the finished article.
There are no 'set rules' on how you write songs but there are various
tried and trusted methods of producing a viable song for performance and
recording.
Concept:- Decide the type, style and a brief outline of what you want
the song to say.
Title:- Which may or may not be used in the song but should give an
indication of the Theme or Concept
Lyrics/Music:- Wether you prefer to start with the lyrics or the music,
the lyrics should provide the listener with a picture of the theme or
tale. Once you have completed the first section repeat using different
lyrics then examine your song to see if it requires a 'Bridge' (This is a
section that differs from the verse). It can be a 'Hook' line, a
'Chorus' or an 'Instrumental' Break.
Now you have the basics of a song you need to think about the
arrangement which can be in a variety of formats depending on the type
of musical style. Most songs have a beginning (Intro), middle (Song
Verses plus Choruses) and an ending (Sharp stop, Fade Out).
Popular songs tend to work to a Format i.e., Intro, Verse, Chorus,
Verse, Chorus, Instrumental Break, Verse, Chorus, Chorus, End, but each
style of song has its own format and if you are considering writing for a
variety of performers it is worth listening to a wide range of material
to get a general idea of the format before proceeding.
For commercial purposes songs are expected to fit into 3 or 4
minutes although music beds, film & television themes, adverts etc.,
are written to the clients time specifications and some spectacular
songs have managed to sneak in at longer lengths like 'Telegraph Road'
by Dire Straits which is rarely broadcast in it's entirety. Time
constraints are limited to airplay, competitions, showcases and
television appearances but should also be taken into account when
writing for submission to publishing and record companies.