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Tips for Lyrics Writing, Writers' Block and Not Giving Up
Metadata
- title
- Tips for Lyrics Writing, Writers' Block and Not Giving Up
- description
- After that super fun convo with Slow Leaves, I wanted to talk a bit about how I tackle songwriting, with a specific focus on lyrics and problem solving. I hope these techniques and perspectives help those that write to write more and those that just enjoy music to have a bit more insight into the process.
- status
- complete
- date
- 2022-03-21
- kind
- solo
- guestSlugs
- —
- listenUrl
- https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lovemusicmore/episodes/Tips-for-Lyrics-Writing--Writers-Block-and-Not-Giving-Up-e1fm52o
- appleUrl
- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tips-for-lyrics-writing-writers-block-and-not-giving-up/id1567355195?i=1000554719894&uo=4
- spotifyUrl
- https://open.spotify.com/episode/6M16a4FUPg1uFIGZfPbFtz
- topicsDiscussed
- Songwriting
- Creativity
- Guitar
- Music theory
- Music production
- Bass
- Failure
- Mixing
- hostNote
- After my conversation with **Slow Leaves**, I wanted to talk specifically about lyrics: how I write them, and what I do when I get stuck. **Randy Newman** once told me my lyrics were lazy, and this episode is me still trying to prove him both right and wrong. I get into a technique I call "two steps removed": you write the blunt, obvious version of what you mean first, then push it a couple of steps away from the literal until it becomes something worth singing. I also cover brainstorming with sensory words tied to a single time or place, and why stepping away from a lyric for a day often does more than forcing it. I close on why I finish songs rather than abandon them, even the ones I'm sure are dead. More than once, a song I almost gave up on became something I was proud to release.
- selectedMoments
- label
- On Songwriting Reflection
- startSec
- 19
- note
- I reflect on my conversation with Slow Leaves and how it prompted me to consider my own songwriting journey.
- label
- Masterclass Insight
- startSec
- 69
- note
- I share a memorable critique from **Randy Newman** on my lyrics and how it influenced my writing process.
- label
- The Challenge of Lyric Writing
- startSec
- 151
- note
- I discuss the difficulty many musicians, including myself, face when it comes to capturing the essence of a song in lyrics.
- label
- Two Steps Removed Method
- startSec
- 185
- note
- I explain a lyric writing technique I call 'two steps removed' to help generate creative ideas.
- label
- The Importance of Stepping Away
- startSec
- 272
- note
- I emphasize the value of taking breaks to refresh one's perspective before tackling lyrics.
- label
- Brainstorming Techniques
- startSec
- 361
- note
- I discuss the effectiveness of brainstorming using sensory words to inspire creativity.
- label
- Embracing Imperfection
- startSec
- 639
- note
- I talk about why I prefer to finish songs rather than abandon them and how this approach enhances creativity.
- label
- Seeing Ideas Through
- startSec
- 819
- note
- I share the experience of transforming an originally discarded song into a successful new piece.
- excerptQuotes
- text
- I wanted to talk about songwriting and specifically lyric writing... when to move on and say that song is either dead or, you know, suspended animation.
- startSec
- 51
- reviewed
- true
- text
- Randy Newman told me that my lyrics were lazy... I'm simultaneously trying to prove them both right and wrong with this project.
- startSec
- 93
- reviewed
- true
- text
- Talking about a simple subject so for example, 'Can't Imagine Feeling Better'... the chorus says it all. I'm feeling good, okay, what do I do for verses?
- startSec
- 139
- reviewed
- true
- text
- I kind of gravitated towards this method that I call two steps removed... you just write it down bluntly.
- startSec
- 182
- reviewed
- true
- text
- There's value in stepping away from lyric writing... getting down all the ideas you can possibly think of and then maybe coming back tomorrow.
- startSec
- 275
- reviewed
- true
- text
- There's a lot of options for brainstorming... like a bunch of sensory words based around a singular topic, time or place.
- startSec
- 363
- reviewed
- true
- text
- I like how it forces us sometimes to jump between the narrator's thoughts, feelings, experiences, and environment.
- startSec
- 541
- reviewed
- true
- text
- I like finishing stuff and then deciding whether or not to release it rather than letting something die before you really dig into it.
- startSec
- 631
- reviewed
- true
- faq
- question
- What are some tips for overcoming writer's block?
- answer
- In this episode, I discuss stepping away from the writing process and revisiting it later to gain new perspectives and ideas.
- question
- How can I improve my lyric writing?
- answer
- I share various techniques, including the 'two steps removed' method and brainstorming sensory words, to enhance your lyric crafting.
- question
- What should I do if I feel like my lyrics are lazy?
- answer
- I recount my experience with Randy Newman, who challenged my lyrics, and how it's essential to push yourself and explore beyond initial ideas.
- transcriptPublished
- false
- draft
- false
Content
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