StantheMailman

Jamie J...I've written well over one hundred songs...8 of them are sure hits..LOL...Just kiddin.' Ray Davies, of the Kinks is one of my favorite songwriters. Sometimes, it helps to carry a little notebook and write down things you hear people say, or newspaper headlines, etc...anything that strikes you. If you're serious about writing, take at least one half hour 3-4 times a week, and sit down with the express purpose of writing. No scale practice or playing songs...try to write during this time...you'd be surprised how many ideas you'll come up with. If you can...record yourself trying to write...this is another great place to get ideas. Listen to the recording a week later. A friend of mine teaches grade school and asked me if I could write a song about the ocean for his class...this was another great exercise, because it forced me to keep the topic specific to the ocean..make the song enjoyable, and yet, educational. Do not stick with the boy/girl song format or usual lyrical ideas. But, do not forget to write about what you know, or what's important to you. Finally...I heard an interview with a reknown songwritier on the radio once, and they asked him how he writes so many songs? He replied..."Steal stuff!" A bit "tongue in cheek,' but borrowing some ideas and techniques from some of your favorite songs can help toward writing your own compositions. Best of luck, Stan