by Scott Ashley.
Co-writing is a common aspect of songwriting, yet many find it challenging, difficult and uncomfortable. Sharing the deeply personal process of songwriting with others can feel uneasy. Here are 5 tips you can apply today to enhance your co-writing experience:
- Get to Know One Another
Meeting a co-writer, especially if you’re not close, can feel uneasy as a songwriter. Before diving into songwriting, check in with your collaborator about how they’re doing and be open about your own state. If you’re feeling nervous, just say it. If you’re having a rough day, be honest. These initial chats can not only break the ice but also inspire the song you create together.
- Identify what Your Strengths Are
You need to know what your strengths are. Most songwriters tend to be better at either melody, lyric, or overall vibe. Rarely is a songwriter truly great at all three. What’s your songwriting superpower? And how can you grow in that strength?
“If you spend too much time working on your weaknesses, all you end up with is a lot of strong weaknesses", Dan Sullivan a business trainer.
"The problem is, not everyone wants to hear the truth. Some great singers (who are average songwriters) can make the really average songs they've written shine through the sheer power of their vocal ability", said Ralph Murphy, late hit songwriter.
Here’s an example of a great collaboration: Elton John writes music and Bernie Taupin writes lyrics.
- Check your ego at the door
Don't let your strongest talent carry the burden of your weakest. Seek honest feedback from music industry experts, and if one area is lacking, prioritize your strengths.
- Be a Good Hang, Be Nice!
Generosity strengthens songwriting partnerships. While striving for the ideal lyric, melodic lines, chord progressions, or vibe, we can remain thoughtful and welcoming as collaborative co-songwriters. So, be nice and diplomatic to your fellow songwriters!
- Come prepared, bring your ideas
Rather than come in to a co-write completely empty handed. Do you have existing songwriting ideas? How about a chorus? Some melodic lines? Consider this: do you have an existing song? Or have an already completed song that you wish to take to the next level? Find a way to capture and organize your song ideas so that you can easily reference them at the beginning of a writing session. Even better: have anywhere between 1-5 ideas already picked out.
Jason Blume, a professional songwriter who co-writes a lot keeps a digital folder on his computer which he names “Future Hits.” A song start file might include:
~Song titles
~Lyric concepts
~Lines of lyric
~Melodies and melodic phrases
~Chord progressions
~A draft of a chorus melody and/or lyric
~Drum beats
~Instrumental hooks
~A music backing track
Karen Taylor-Good (2004 USASC First Prize Winner, Country) and Jason Blume wrote 4 songs that were eventually cut by Country Star Collin Raye, this co-writing partnership became a very fruitful co-write.
Here’s another example of bringing ideas to a co-writing session: Professional Nashville songwriter Connie Harrington was listening to National Public Radio one day while driving and was moved to write about the truck as a way to honor the soldier's sacrifice and the grief of his father.
During a co-songwriting session, Connie Harrington brought the idea to co-writers Jessi Alexander and Jimmy Yeary. The co-writing session resulted in the song "I Drive Your Truck" and the rest as they said was history - it was cut by Country star Lee Brice, and hit #1 on the Billboard Country charts. The song was awarded Song of the Year honors at the 47th annual Country Music Association Awards, as well as Song of the Year at the 49th annual Academy of Country Music Awards.
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). He is currently writing his second book. His first 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
