Writing more songs makes you a better songwriter, period.
Here’s why embracing a prolific approach to songwriting can significantly enhance your craft.
Practice Makes Perfect
The more songs you write, the more opportunities you have to hone your skills.
Each song is a chance to experiment with different melodies, lyrics, and structures. Over time, this continuous practice will help you develop a unique style and a deeper understanding of what makes a song truly great.
Writing one song a week for a year will give you 52 chances to improve, whereas focusing on perfecting a single song may limit your growth.
Overcoming Creative Blocks
Prolific songwriting can help you break through creative blocks.
When you write frequently, you learn to push past the moments of self-doubt and uncertainty. You don’t have time to be overly critical of your work; instead, you focus on creating and moving forward. This momentum can lead to unexpected bursts of creativity and innovation.
Increasing Your Odds of Success
Not every song you write will be a hit, and that’s okay.
By writing more songs, you increase your chances of creating something truly remarkable. Think of it as a numbers game: the more you produce, the higher the likelihood that one of your songs will resonate with an audience.
Even the most successful songwriters have a catalog of songs that never saw the light of day. Their success lies in their persistence and willingness to keep writing.
Learning from Mistakes
Writing a large volume of songs allows you to make mistakes and learn from them.
Each song you write teaches you something new, whether it’s about melody, lyrics, or production. These lessons are invaluable and can only be gained through experience.
By embracing a prolific approach, you give yourself the freedom to fail and, more importantly, to learn and grow from those failures.
Building a Diverse Portfolio
A prolific songwriter can amass a diverse portfolio of songs, each showcasing different styles and themes. This diversity not only demonstrates your versatility but also opens up more opportunities for placements, collaborations, and performances.
Having a wide range of songs can make you a more attractive collaborator and increase your chances of success in various markets.
Staying Relevant
The music industry is constantly evolving, and staying relevant requires constant output. By writing regularly, you keep your finger on the pulse of current trends and can adapt your style to meet the changing tastes of your audience.
Prolific songwriters are more likely to stay ahead of the curve and maintain their relevance in a competitive industry.
Building Discipline and Work Ethic
Writing consistently fosters discipline and a strong work ethic.
Prolific songwriters treat their craft as a job, showing up every day and putting in the work. This dedication not only leads to a higher volume of songs but also instills a sense of professionalism that is crucial for long-term success in the music industry.
Conclusion
At SpeedSongwriting.com, we firmly believe that quality comes from quantity.
Embracing a prolific approach to songwriting allows you to practice and refine your craft, overcome creative blocks, and increase your chances of success. So, don’t be afraid to write more, experiment, and learn from your mistakes.
The path to great songwriting is paved with countless songs, each bringing you one step closer to your masterpiece.
Keep writing, keep creating, and remember: the more songs you write, the better you’ll become.
FAQ
Won’t writing more songs result in lower quality work?
Not necessarily. Writing more songs gives you more opportunities to practice and improve your skills. Each song you write teaches you something new, and over time, your overall quality will improve. The goal is to view each song as a stepping stone towards mastery.
What if I end up with a lot of bad songs?
It’s okay to write songs that aren’t perfect. Every songwriter has songs that don’t quite hit the mark. The important thing is to learn from each attempt. Even a “bad” song can provide valuable insights and help you develop your craft.
Doesn’t focusing on quantity over quality lead to burnout?
It’s important to balance productivity with self-care. Setting realistic goals and taking breaks when needed can help prevent burnout. Remember, writing more doesn’t mean you have to write every single day without rest. Find a rhythm that works for you.
How can I stay motivated to write so many songs?
Setting small, achievable goals and tracking your progress can help maintain motivation. Additionally, joining a songwriting community or finding a writing partner can provide support and encouragement. Celebrate your milestones, no matter how small they seem.
Isn’t it better to focus on perfecting one song rather than writing many?
While perfecting a single song can be valuable, it can also lead to overthinking and stagnation. Writing many songs helps you to keep moving forward and avoid getting stuck on one idea. You’ll have more chances to experiment and find what works best for you.
How do I know if I’m improving if I write so many songs?
Regularly review your past work to see how far you’ve come. Pay attention to feedback from peers and mentors. Over time, you’ll notice improvements in your lyrical depth, melodic structure, and overall songwriting ability. Tracking your progress can also provide concrete evidence of your growth.
What if I don’t have enough ideas to write so many songs?
Use prompts and challenges to spark creativity. Keep a journal of ideas and revisit them when you’re stuck. Collaboration with other songwriters can also provide fresh perspectives and new ideas. The more you write, the easier it becomes to generate new concepts.
Isn’t this approach just about quantity, not real artistic growth?
Quantity leads to quality because it encourages continuous practice and experimentation. Artistic growth comes from consistently working on your craft, learning from each song, and applying those lessons to future work. Writing more songs provides a dynamic environment for ongoing improvement.
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Hey Graham. This is right on the money my friend.
You know I’m a believer!
I’ve heard these objections you address from many budding songwriters I’ve known. Usually they are new to the idea of learning the craft. They just want to write how and when they feel like it. They are reluctant to edit a first draft. And the idea that you should write quantity is abhorrent to them.
Thanks for helping me on my journey.
Keep on doing what you’re doing.
Thanks, Peter! I’m happy it resonated with you. Love your comment. Cheers!