by Scott Ashley
Avoiding predictability in writing songs is essential for keeping your music fresh, engaging, and emotionally impactful. Here are some tips to add variety and creativity to your songwriting:
- Experiment with Structure
Avoid sticking to the common verse-chorus-verse pattern. Try incorporating a pre-chorus, bridge, or even writing songs with unconventional structures like ABABCB (where A is the verse, B is the chorus and C is the bridge), AABA, or freeform.
Introduce unexpected key changes or tempo shifts.
- Vary Your Themes or Ideas
Explore unusual or niche topics instead of typical love, heartbreak or story themes. Writing about unique experiences, abstract concepts, or unconventional stories can stand out.
Incorporate storytelling techniques, like non-linear narratives or perspectives from different characters.
- Play with Lyrics
Use wordplay, metaphors, or symbolic language to make your lyrics less straightforward.
Experiment with different points of view (first-person, second-person, or third-person perspectives).
Introduce contrasts and contradictions to challenge listeners' expectations.
- Diversify Melody and Harmony
Use unexpected chord progressions or unexpected melodies to add intrigue. For example, try modal interchange or borrowed chords from parallel keys. Play with melodic phrasing, such as using syncopation or unusual time signatures. Check out this article - Songwriting Tips: Your Best Friend Melody: https://www.songwriting.net/blog/bid/103025/Songwriting-Tips-Your-Best-Friend-Melody
- Draw from Different Genres
Incorporate elements from genres outside your comfort zone, like blending pop with jazz, folk, or electronic music. Study the unique characteristics of other genres to introduce fresh ideas. Check out this article - 7 Ways of Letting Go of Perfectionism to Write Better Songs: https://www.songwriting.net/blog/letting-go-perfectionism-to-songwriting
- Collaborate with Others
Working with other songwriters or musicians can introduce fresh perspectives and ideas. Co-writing can challenge you to step out of your habitual style and embrace new techniques. Check out this article - Hit Songwriter's Undisclosed Secret to Collaboration: https://www.songwriting.net/blog/hit-songwriters-undisclosed-secret-to-collaboration
- Surprise the listener
Add unexpected lyric/words, instrumental breaks, vocal techniques, or unconventional sounds.
Use silence or abrupt endings strategically to surprise listeners. Also, check out this similar article - 7 Great Ways to Get Ideas for Writing Songs: https://www.songwriting.net/blog/7-great-ways-to-get-ideas-for-writing-songs
- Stay Curious and Keep Learning
Study classic, new and experimental songs/music to understand how others avoid predictability.
Experiment with songwriting prompts or tools that push you out of your comfort zone.
- Use Technology Creatively
Leverage digital tools and software to experiment with sounds, sound effects, or remixing.
Manipulate vocals or harmonies in innovative ways.
- Write Freely Before Editing
Allow yourself to write without self-censorship initially. Editing with fresh eyes later can help you spot and refine predictable elements.
By embracing these strategies, you can keep your songs fresh, engaging, and memorable, ensuring your audience is continually intrigued.
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
