10 Great New Year's Resolutions for Songwriters

       by Scott Ashley

   Songwriting-2024-2

  

  The dawn of a new year is an ideal moment for songwriters to set intentions that can lead to artistic and or career growth, deeper creativity, and a more profound connections. Here are ten great resolutions tailored to help songwriters flourish in the coming year:

1. Commit to Daily Writing
Resolve to write every day, even if it's just a line or a chord progression. Daily practice sharpens your skills and can transform sporadic inspiration into a disciplined craft.

    Tip: Keep a songwriting diary or use a mobile app for on-the-go ideas. Read this related article - Keep a Book or Recorder of Melodic Or Lyric Ideas:
https://www.songwriting.net/blog/bid/28316/Songwriting-Tip-Keep-a-Book-or-Recorder-of-Melodic-Or-Lyric-Ideas


2. Expand Your Musical Vocabulary
Challenge yourself to learn something new each month, whether it's a different musical scale, a new songwriting technique, or exploring an unfamiliar genre.

    Action: Attend workshops, take online courses, or dive into books on music theory.


3. Collaborate Creatively
Seek out collaborations. Working with others can introduce fresh perspectives, challenge your methods, and lead to innovative compositions.

    Idea: Join songwriting circles, co-write sessions, or virtual collaborations through platforms like SoundBetter or Splice.
Read this related article - Creative Collaboration: The Power of Co-writing
https://www.songwriting.net/blog/bid/66027/Songwriting-Collaboration-The-Power-of-Co-writing 


4. Master a New Instrument
Learning another instrument can dramatically influence your songwriting. It can provide new textures or inspire different melodies.

    Goal: Choose an instrument and commit to learning it throughout the year.


5. Revisit and Refine Unfinished Songs
Do you have songs that were unfinished? Do you have a sudden urge or inspiration to breathe new life in your old songs? Go back to your old songs or drafts. With your current skills and perspective, you might see new potential in what was once set aside.

    Practice: Dedicate one weekend a month to revisiting and revising old material.

Read this related article - 6 Tips to Help You Complete a Song: 
https://www.songwriting.net/blog/6-tips-to-help-you-complete-a-song 


6. Increase Live Performances (if you are a performer)
Live performance is an incredible teacher (if you are a performer). It gives immediate feedback on what works and what doesn't, pushing your songwriting to new heights.

    Resolution: Perform at least once a month, whether it's an open mic or a gig.


7. Engage More with Your Audience
Understand your listeners by engaging with them directly. Use social media, live streams, or even virtual meetups to gather feedback and share your journey.

    Engagement: Start a series where you share your songwriting process or ask for input on new song ideas.


8. Set Up a Home Recording Space
Having your own recording space, even if modest, allows for immediate gratification , inspiration or translation of ideas into sound, significantly speeding up your creative process to demo your songs. 

    Plan: Invest in basic recording equipment and learn how to use it effectively.

Read this related article - Top 6 Tips for Setting up a Home Recording Studio on a Budget:  
https://www.songwriting.net/blog/top-6-tips-for-setting-up-a-home-recording-studio-on-a-budget

And this related article - Dress Your Demos for Success: 
https://www.songwriting.net/blog/bid/208839/Songwriting-Tip-Dress-Your-Demos-for-Success 


9. Read More on the Craft of Songwriting
Books on songwriting by legendary songwriters or industry experts can offer insights that might revolutionize your approach to music.

    Recommendation: Read one book on songwriting or music each quarter.


10. Take Time for Self-Care
Lastly, remember that creativity often thrives in a well-balanced life. Ensure you're taking care of your mental and physical health, as this directly impacts your artistic output.

    Commitment: Incorporate relaxation, exercise, or meditation into your routine to keep burnout at bay.

Read this related article - 8 Tips to prevent burnout in Songwriting: 
https://www.songwriting.net/blog/8-tips-to-prevent-burnout-in-songwriting
 
 
Conclusion
As you embark on these resolutions, remember that growth in songwriting doesn't just come from technical skill but from the courage to explore, the openness to learn, and the discipline to show up for your art every day. Here's to a year of musical adventures, personal breakthroughs, and songs that tell the stories of our lives in new, beautiful ways. Happy New Year, and may your songwriting journey be as rewarding as it is melodious!

 

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Scott Ashley is a songwriter and graduate of the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston. He is a voting member of the Recording Academy (National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences). He is currently working as the Artist Relations director with the USA Songwriting Competition and IAMA (International Acoustic Music Awards). His book "How to Write Better Songs" hit #1 on the Amazon Best Seller Books Charts last year. Click here to purchase Scott Ashley's book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B5PLFGKX

 

 

For information on the 30th Annual USA Songwriting Competition, go to: https://www.songwriting.net

 
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