Even without meaning to, sometimes you sabotage your progress as a songwriter, either consciously or subconsciously. Until a well-meaning person points them out, these self-defeating behaviours tend to stay under the radar. Should you recognize the signs and symptoms below, it's best to read up on some tips on songwriting to get you back on track.
Yes, the best defense against these so-called songwriting pitfalls is to arm yourself with great tips on songwriting and to be conscious of the common avoidance tactics. If you recognize them right away and see them for what they are, it will be easier to avoid and resist them.
1. Procrastinating. Yes, waiting until you have more time is at the top of my list. There will never be a good time to sit down and write songs. Always, there will be 20 or so distractions - all of them easier, sexier or more pressing than writing. I don't want to bear the obvious news, but if you aim to write great songs, you have to make time for songwriting. "I'll focus on songwriting when I'm retired." "when I'm out of school." "off tour." No you won't. Get going. Allot at least 10 minutes each day to write.
2. You might read every book available about honing your craft - and yes, that's necessary and terrific - however, you neglect songwriting. Be sure to apply that knowledge. It's very easy to fall into the trap of reading a bunch of tips on songwriting instead of actually composing songs. Remember, if this goes on for too long, then you won't be a songwriter, but a reader. This is good, but not quite what you are aiming to achieve.
3. Writing song after song, but never getting better at the craft. This is exactly the opposite - knowing almost nothing about writing songs while composing one song after the next. It is equally important to learn new techniques, receive critique, read about your favourite songwriters to improve. Seek to maintain a healthy balance between doing and learning.
4. Perfectionism. Hey, you shouldn't expect your first few drafts to be perfect! Remember that composing a song from scratch will take some time. When writing, just jot down the best lines that you can come up with to finish the song. You can always rewrite and judge later. This way, you will always have the advantage of having a foundation, and you can build upon that.
Jim Byrne is a musician and recording artist who has been writing songs for over 30 years. As well as writing songs for his own Folk and Country Blues albums he has written songs with other people including the pop star Marti Pellow of Wet Wet Wet and Jazz singer Carol Kidd MBE.
Visit Jim's website for more tips and to download two of Jim's latest songs for free: http://www.songsbyjimbyrne.com/freemp3music/index.html
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