Most performing songwriters today are not in that position. Why do performing songwriters write? Having worked with dozens of songwriters over the last 10 years, we've learned some of their reasons. Some write for recognition. They see the success of other musicians and say to themselves, "Why not me? I'm a writer, I'm a singer. I want to get out there and do what they're doing. Ever hear this variation of an old joke? One to change the bulb, and the other fourteen to say 'I can do that too!
Many songwriters crave attention and approval. Some almost seem to be shouting, "Listen to me! Listen to me! I'm a songwriter over here! Some take their thirst for recognition one step further and harbor a not-so-secret desire to become "rich and famous.
We know of artists who have spent tens of thousands of dollars in hot pursuit of fame and fortune. They make demo after demo, shooting them off to countless record companies in the hopes of being discovered.
They record ambitious and expensive custom albums, hoping to catch the attention of some record executive looking for the next big thing.
They talk constantly about what their life will be like when they "make it. They can't understand that they have a better chance of winning the lottery than of becoming a singing star. Get the basis of your song down, and you can always go back and change things afterwards. You might find they have some fantastic insight into how it could be improved.
I always envied people in bands who got to have that interaction. It's a nice change helping other people with their music and not being all about what I'm trying to do myself.
This quote from the legendary Johnny Cash sums up the point perfectly. You use it as a stepping stone. Close the door on the past. You don't try to forget the mistakes, but you don't dwell on it.
You don't let it have any of your energy, or any of your time, or any of your space. How do you handle the songwriting process? Have any great tips to share on how to write a song? Let us know in the comments, or share this article with your friends if you found any of the advice here helpful. Unsigned Advice. Search blog. All categories. More Unsigned Advice. Nov 11, What made you want to write songs in the beginning?
People who chase money often come up empty-handed. Those who chase beauty, art, and meaning often find those things and financial rewards as well. Follow your heart. Many people write because they have a message they want to share with the world. Sometimes the message is religious or moral. Other times, the writer is promoting an idea or cause they believe in.
Sometimes inspiration just strikes and it seems as if we are simply writing it down as it comes to us. Those inspired messages need to be honed, crafted and played for people. So, they write their own material. Often these people are trying to define themselves as performers. If you enjoy letting your audience get to know you better through your original songs, that can be a great motivation to write.
Many people write simply because it feels good to bleed on paper and get it all out. In most of those instances, they have no intention of trying to get someone to record the song or even for anyone else to hear it. They just want to get stuff off their chest. Writing to process life is a great reason to write.
These writers just like to write. So they do. Not for anyone else. Not to get something worked out. Just for the satisfaction of having written. Discovering your true motivation and reasons for songwriting can help you figure out how and what to write.
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