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The Songwriter's Studio: Tips, Tricks, and Inspiration

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You love music right?

Do you like the idea of taking a thought, and turning it into something tangible?…

Something that has the power to give someone goosebumps – or make their eyes watery with emotion?

So many people have hidden talents that they suspected they might have, but wasted them because they never planted the seed and watered it.

You might be pursuing a dream in music, but ‘missing a piece of the puzzle’….this missing piece of the puzzle could be holding you back from becoming a legend one day.

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Songwriting is an art that anyone with an interest in music can master – in fact, the more you are affected by music, the higher your chances of success.

I know what you are thinking…. ‘all the best songs have been written’… ‘all the best rifts are taken’. This is nonsense. Language and music is infinite…. poetry is infinite – and that’s what songwriting is…. poetry in the form of music.

With the history of music at the click of a finger, thanks to technology, tools and resources – your favorite riff can be moments away from being sampled, twisted and molded to your liking. Now all you need is a song. There has never been a better time to learn the art of songwriting.

Don’t be put off if you don’t play an instrument or are unable to sing. Songwriting is a very rewarding art that is treasured as much as painting, sculpting, or writing.

Why Singorama Superior Songwriting?

ABCShowcase has chosen the teaching artists at Singorama for the program's ease of use, accessibility, and results.

You pour your heart out in a poem, make a few lines of verse rhyme and you have created a song from scratch? Right? It is not as easy as what people think. Will your audience enjoy it? Does it have a catchy tune? What if you want to share your thoughts in song? Where do you start? Wanna be the next "Baby Shark?"

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Superior Songwriting can help beginning and experienced songwriters take their message through the process of composing music, picking a title, expressing the theme in lyrics and rhythm, adding polish and demonstrating mastery with a song to cherish.

Here are two popular songwriter-performers who debuted between 2010 and 2024. There are a lot of naturally talented singers and songwriters. It's work and practicing your art that can move your skill to the level of professional. You can enhance your skill with the Superior Songwriting program.

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Debuting in 2015 with her song "Ocean Eyes," Billie Eilish quickly became a sensation with her unique voice and style. She gained widespread acclaim for her debut album "When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?" released in 2019.

Lorde, a New Zealand singer-songwriter, debuted with her breakout single "Royals" in 2013. Her debut album "Pure Heroine" received critical acclaim and commercial success, establishing her as a major figure in pop music.

Finding Inspiration for Your Next Song

Struggling to find inspiration for your next song? You’re not alone! Songwriters often hit a creative block, but luckily, inspiration can come from anywhere if you know where to look.

One great place to start is your own experiences—joys, heartbreaks, or even everyday moments can spark the beginning of a new song. Try keeping a journal to capture these feelings as they happen.

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Another way to find inspiration is through other forms of art. Watching a movie, reading a book, or listening to other genres of music can ignite ideas you never thought of. Nature, too, offers endless possibilities. Ever written a song about the rain, a sunset, or a windy day?

Lastly, don’t forget people-watching. Yes, observing others in a café, park, or even on the bus can inspire unique stories or emotions to build a song around. So, keep your eyes and ears open, because inspiration is everywhere—sometimes you just need to notice it!

Love, death, money, breakup, mother, injustice, gift, theft? Any of these Inspirational?

How to Set the Tone of a Song

Setting the right tone for your song can make all the difference. Think about the mood you want to create. Do you want your song to feel upbeat and happy or slow and melancholy? The tone of your song is like its emotional temperature.

Start by choosing the right chords. Major chords typically create a brighter, happier sound, while minor chords can evoke sadness or tension. Don’t forget about tempo either. A faster tempo can give your song energy, while a slower one sets a more reflective mood.
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Lyrics also play a huge role in tone-setting. If you’re going for something playful, use light, funny language. If you want something serious, dig into deeper emotions and heavier subjects.

One cool trick is to experiment with contrasts. You can write happy lyrics to a sad melody, or vice versa, to create a unique emotional pull. Whatever tone you choose, make sure it matches the message you want your song to convey.

Using Public Domain Content for Songwriting

Did you know you can use public domain content as a foundation for your songwriting? Public domain works are not protected by copyright laws, which means they are free for anyone to use and adapt.

Old folk songs, classical music, or even traditional stories can all be part of the public domain and are great resources for your songwriting. You can take a melody from an old folk tune and add modern lyrics or update the instrumentation to fit your style.

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Literary works that are part of the public domain can also inspire your lyrics. Imagine writing a song based on a classic novel like Pride and Prejudice or Shakespeare’s sonnets! The possibilities are endless.

Just remember to double-check that the work is truly in the public domain before you use it. Anything published before 1924 is generally safe, but always verify. Using public domain content is a fantastic way to draw from the past while creating something fresh and original.

Understanding Copyright for Songwriters

As a songwriter, understanding copyright is essential to protect your work. Copyright gives you the exclusive right to control who can use, distribute, and make money from your songs.

In the United States, your song is automatically copyrighted the moment you write it down or record it. However, registering your copyright with the U.S. Copyright Office gives you additional legal protection in case someone tries to steal or use your work without permission.

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Remember, copyright doesn’t just protect your lyrics—it also covers the melody, harmony, and any unique musical arrangement you’ve created. If someone uses your work without permission, you have the right to take legal action to protect your song.

On the flip side, when using samples or covers in your own music, make sure you’re not infringing on someone else’s copyright. Always seek permission from the original creator or explore royalty-free music to stay on the safe side.

Understanding copyright helps you safeguard your creations and ensures your hard work is recognized and rewarded.

How to Get Your Songs Published

Getting your songs published is an exciting step toward sharing your music with the world, but it requires strategy. One of the best ways to get your songs published is by signing with a music publisher. Publishers help pitch your songs to artists, films, or commercials, while also ensuring you get paid royalties when your music is used.

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If you’re just starting out, you can also publish your own songs. Platforms like SoundCloud, YouTube, and Bandcamp let you upload your music for free, giving you a chance to grow a fanbase. From there, you might catch the attention of an agent or publisher.

Another option is submitting your work to songwriting contests or independent music libraries, which often offer great exposure.

Remember, persistence is key. Keep reaching out to publishers, building relationships in the industry, and refining your craft. Your big break might just be around the corner.

Tips for Writing a Catchy Hook

The hook is the part of your song that sticks in your listener’s head—so it needs to be catchy! A great hook is short, memorable, and easy to sing along to.

Start by keeping it simple. A hook doesn’t need to be complicated to be effective. Often, the catchiest hooks are the ones with just a few words or notes repeated. Think of songs like “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey—it's repetitive but unforgettable.

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Play around with rhythms and melodies until you find something that feels natural. Once you have a good idea, test it out by singing it over different chord progressions to see how it sounds in context.

Another tip is to pay attention to the lyrics in your hook. Make sure they sum up the theme of your song and are easy to remember. The combination of simplicity and repetition is what will make your hook stand out and keep people coming back for more.

Exploring Opportunities for Songwriters

There are more opportunities for songwriters today than ever before! Aside from writing for your own performances, you can create music for other artists, movies, TV shows, video games, and even commercials.

One great opportunity is licensing your songs. Music licensing allows your work to be used in films, TV shows, and ads in exchange for royalties. Websites like Musicbed and AudioJungle connect songwriters with clients looking for new music.

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You can also pursue songwriting contests and talent shows, which often offer the chance to gain exposure and sometimes a publishing deal.

Lastly, don’t forget about collaboration. Working with other musicians, lyricists, or producers can open doors to new opportunities and help you grow as an artist. Whether through networking at industry events or collaborating online, getting your work out there is key to a successful songwriting career.

Music Licensing as an Independent Artist

Music licensing can be done without an attorney, but it depends on the complexity of the agreement and your familiarity with legal terms. Many independent artists successfully handle basic licensing on their own, especially for smaller projects like YouTube videos, podcasts, or indie films, using platforms such as Musicbed, AudioJungle, or similar services that help streamline the process.

If you're comfortable reading contracts and the deal is straightforward, you may be able to handle it yourself. But for more complex deals, or if you're unsure, consulting with a music attorney can prevent costly mistakes and protect your work in the long run.

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However, there are certain cases where hiring an attorney can be beneficial or even necessary:

Complex or High-Value Deals: If you're negotiating a significant licensing agreement, like a major film or commercial, it's wise to have an attorney review the contract to ensure you’re not giving up too much control or missing out on royalties.
Exclusive vs. Non-Exclusive Licenses: Understanding the difference between exclusive and non-exclusive licenses is crucial. An attorney can help clarify how these affect your rights to license the song to other parties.
Contracts and Terms: Licensing agreements include many details such as the scope of use, royalties, and length of the license. An attorney can ensure these terms are fair and protect your interests.

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