TIP#8 - Top tips on how to write a song

TIP#8 Keep it fun !

This is so crucial, I think it might be the most important tip.

Music is a beautiful thing. It is meant to be life-giving, fun and bring joy to the writer, performer, and the listener. The minute that stops happening, something is wrong.

I remember doing a soundcheck at a venue in London, and the band after us came on stage, not talking to each other, and looking pretty grumpy (as well as taking themselves quite seriously). It made me think, OK I never want to be that person.

So, I’ve always had a rule which is whether your writing, recording, rehearsing, performing, it needs to be fun. That’s not to say it doesn’t need some seriously hard work at times. But if you’re not enjoying it, maybe you’re doing it wrong.

Writer’s block?

Every writer is going to at some stage have writer’s block, or you get stuck in a rut and all your songs sound the same (I’ve been there). Rather than poring over your notepad at your desk, just stop. Take a break and do something else. I find exercise is great to let off steam, force my brain to think about something else (usually the pain of doing 10k on the rowing machine works a treat).

This can also be a great time to collaborate, and ride on someone else’s energy and inspiration to get you jumpstarted back into action. If all else fails, have some cake and stick on some John Mayer (or whoever you like to listen to) and relax. Start again tomorrow.