As a musician and songwriter, writer’s block is a common occurrence. Even the best of songwriters struggle with writing their lyrics at times. Finding inspiration for your music can be challenging, but there are so many sources to tap into for inspiration, you just need to look for them. Don’t let writer’s block stop you from making beautiful music. Try out these helpful suggestions, and if you’re still struggling, consider taking a songwriting course at pointblank to unlock your creativity!
1. Personal experiences
One of the most common sources of inspiration is personal experiences. Write about things that have happened to you, people you have met, or emotions you have felt. Personal experiences can be a great source of inspiration for songwriting because they are unique to the songwriter and can help create a more authentic and relatable message for the listener. Many successful songs have been written based on personal experiences, from Adele’s “Someone Like You” to Taylor Swift’s “All Too Well.”
2. Observations
Look at the world around you and write about what you see. This could be anything from nature, to people, to even politics. Paying attention to your surroundings, the people you meet, and the issues that affect the world can provide you with ideas and themes for your songs. Whether it’s a personal observation or a broader social commentary, you can use your powers of observation to generate meaningful and compelling lyrics.
3. Other artists
Studying the work of other artists is a great way to get inspired and learn new techniques. Listen to the music of other artists and draw inspiration from their lyrics, melodies, and chord progressions. You can also use their work as a starting point for your own ideas. It’s important to note that you should never directly copy someone else’s work. Instead, use it as a starting point and put your own unique spin on it. Make it YOURS!
4. Books and movies
Books and movies can be great sources of inspiration. Look for stories, characters, or themes that resonate with you and try to turn them into song lyrics. To add to that, you can also try to capture the mood or atmosphere of a book or movie and translate it into music. The setting, imagery, and dialogue can also inspire new ideas and creative expressions for songwriting.
5. Dreams
Many songwriters have found inspiration in their dreams. Keep a notebook by your bed and jot down any ideas or images that come to you in your sleep. Sometimes the subconscious mind can come up with some really creative and unique ideas that we may not have thought of otherwise.
6. Collaborations
Collaborating with other musicians and songwriters can be a great way to find inspiration. You can bounce ideas off each other and create something that is greater than the sum of its parts. It’s a great way to share ideas, get feedback, and explore new creative avenues. You can work with someone who has a different skill set or perspective, which can lead to unexpected results. Collaborations can also help you learn and grow as a songwriter, as you can see how others approach the creative process and learn new techniques and skills.
7. Everyday life
Sometimes the most mundane aspects of life can inspire great music. Write about your morning routine, your commute to work, or a conversation you overheard at the coffee shop. The trick is to find the beauty or the meaning in these everyday experiences and turn them into something that your listeners can connect and relate with.
And if you’re still looking for inspiration for your writing, our Songwriting courses offer tips and tricks for breaking out of writer’s block and tapping into your creativity, you’re sure to find new sources of inspiration to take your lyric writing to the next level. Ready to get started? Enroll in our L.A Songwriting course today and unleash your full creative potential!
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