As an uncreative clod the idea of writing a song is fascinating and terrifying - but my 17 year old seems to have no problem. I’m going to pass this along to her to see if her process is similar or could be improved.
So interesting, I find the most of these strategies apply to my hobby which is quilt-making. I haven't been quilting for very long, but I know there are people who, for a variety of reasons, work on a quilt off and on for years before they feel ready to complete it.
Thanks for this! As a fellow song-writer, it's affirming to see a list like this from an exceptional and seasoned song-writer such as yourself which adds to and confirms my list of do's and don't's. For me, #4 is the most powerfully important to the writing process. I call it "the power of the pause". Some of my best songs have come from letting it go for a day or two (sometimes even weeks or months) and then revisiting.
Others that I would add (or, rather, riff off what you are already listed or implied)....I have a file on my phone for voice memos. I'll do a rough recording (usually with a guitar) of lyrics (or humming melodies) and then play back again and agin with computer at hand to start the writing process. I do the same with the the Apple computer app, Photo Booth, whereby I will record a video of myself (with guitar tutorials not dissimilar to the ones you post here on Machine Shop) and then revisit.
I also try (emphasis on try) to have a writing notebook at hand as much as possible to write down phrases that come to mind, words that I am drawn to, and song titles or themes that I am interested in. When I have all these ideas in one spot for reference, it can be really helpful when I am working on a new song on the guitar and looking for that initial inspirational spark to get me started.
There are also those rare moments whereby as song just comes out in one sitting......I have yet to flesh out the factors that lead to those glorious moments.
That is true! And one that is applicable to all disciplines. Make the movie you want to see, the dance you want to see performed, the bagels you want to eat
I find I am more productive with song-writing when I'm depressed and/or lonely. However, I prefer the non-depressed and/or lonely condition of life and don't advocate this is an eleventh trick.
i'm a painter rather than a musician, but your tips ring true even for me! i even have a term for your #7 note, as some of my art is merely related content in the creative process, or CRAP (as i call it: creative related artistic philler!) do you find that after you leave a piece for quite awhile & come back to it, that only then does it properly shine in your eyes (or ears?) <3
I wrote three songs this past week, all while working, and this idea of writing under a time constraint floated back. I've written probably more songs while reading cases -- I'm a radiologist -- than in any other context. Something about sneaking time for myself amidst the onslaught of work creates a fertility that nothing else quite does.
Way late in reading this entry and adding a comment. Hopefully, it resonates with anyone who happens to read it. Awhile back I was doing some woodworking and ended up cutting the tips of two of my fingers on my left hand (two separate clumsy accidents). I am right handed so the bandages on my fingers prevented me from forming your every day chords. It forced me to try different things which opened up the fretboard in a new way. It reminded me of a M*A*S*H episode where a piano player lost his right hand and the doctor in charge got him out of his depression by finding sheet music for the left hand. I guess what I am saying is try eliminating one (or more) of your fingers when playing and see what you discover. It may be crap or it may be something new. Best.
Oh Colin I was just listening to a Story Pirates episode while washing my 6 year old’s hair in the bath, and I had a moment... wait is this Colin Meloy? This is totally Colin Meloy! I need to check on this. And lo and behold yes that was in fact you singing an amazing song about a Disgusting Water Bottle. Thank you for making my whole bathtime & bedtime! You’re so talented, and it was so fun to hear you on one of my kiddo’s favorite podcasts!
As always thank you. Pooh is so wise. Like a few mentioned above , theses are rules that can be construed for any endeavors creative or metaphorically for every thing .
Omg thank you
I've just gotten into song writing and I've never really had anything to help me
🫶🙏
These are great! Has me thinking about how they also very much apply to all kind of mediums. Thank you for the inspiration.
As an uncreative clod the idea of writing a song is fascinating and terrifying - but my 17 year old seems to have no problem. I’m going to pass this along to her to see if her process is similar or could be improved.
So interesting, I find the most of these strategies apply to my hobby which is quilt-making. I haven't been quilting for very long, but I know there are people who, for a variety of reasons, work on a quilt off and on for years before they feel ready to complete it.
Thanks for this! As a fellow song-writer, it's affirming to see a list like this from an exceptional and seasoned song-writer such as yourself which adds to and confirms my list of do's and don't's. For me, #4 is the most powerfully important to the writing process. I call it "the power of the pause". Some of my best songs have come from letting it go for a day or two (sometimes even weeks or months) and then revisiting.
Others that I would add (or, rather, riff off what you are already listed or implied)....I have a file on my phone for voice memos. I'll do a rough recording (usually with a guitar) of lyrics (or humming melodies) and then play back again and agin with computer at hand to start the writing process. I do the same with the the Apple computer app, Photo Booth, whereby I will record a video of myself (with guitar tutorials not dissimilar to the ones you post here on Machine Shop) and then revisit.
I also try (emphasis on try) to have a writing notebook at hand as much as possible to write down phrases that come to mind, words that I am drawn to, and song titles or themes that I am interested in. When I have all these ideas in one spot for reference, it can be really helpful when I am working on a new song on the guitar and looking for that initial inspirational spark to get me started.
There are also those rare moments whereby as song just comes out in one sitting......I have yet to flesh out the factors that lead to those glorious moments.
My favorite tip from you, which I reference all the time, was a passing comment in a youtube video: "You have to write the music you want to hear."
That is true! And one that is applicable to all disciplines. Make the movie you want to see, the dance you want to see performed, the bagels you want to eat
I find I am more productive with song-writing when I'm depressed and/or lonely. However, I prefer the non-depressed and/or lonely condition of life and don't advocate this is an eleventh trick.
I think it was Ernest Hemingway who believed that artists work better when they're hungry, but that's never worked for me.
Working while hungry seems like a great way to end up with an album of songs like
The Cake’s Song
Marinade’s Revenge Song
Pop Rox in the Box
Eli, The Marrow Boy
Don’t Curry It All
etc.
i'm a painter rather than a musician, but your tips ring true even for me! i even have a term for your #7 note, as some of my art is merely related content in the creative process, or CRAP (as i call it: creative related artistic philler!) do you find that after you leave a piece for quite awhile & come back to it, that only then does it properly shine in your eyes (or ears?) <3
I wrote three songs this past week, all while working, and this idea of writing under a time constraint floated back. I've written probably more songs while reading cases -- I'm a radiologist -- than in any other context. Something about sneaking time for myself amidst the onslaught of work creates a fertility that nothing else quite does.
Way late in reading this entry and adding a comment. Hopefully, it resonates with anyone who happens to read it. Awhile back I was doing some woodworking and ended up cutting the tips of two of my fingers on my left hand (two separate clumsy accidents). I am right handed so the bandages on my fingers prevented me from forming your every day chords. It forced me to try different things which opened up the fretboard in a new way. It reminded me of a M*A*S*H episode where a piano player lost his right hand and the doctor in charge got him out of his depression by finding sheet music for the left hand. I guess what I am saying is try eliminating one (or more) of your fingers when playing and see what you discover. It may be crap or it may be something new. Best.
Oh Colin I was just listening to a Story Pirates episode while washing my 6 year old’s hair in the bath, and I had a moment... wait is this Colin Meloy? This is totally Colin Meloy! I need to check on this. And lo and behold yes that was in fact you singing an amazing song about a Disgusting Water Bottle. Thank you for making my whole bathtime & bedtime! You’re so talented, and it was so fun to hear you on one of my kiddo’s favorite podcasts!
Thank you!
This makes me and millions of your fans so happy to know you are writing songs for yourself and the Decemberists. You go, C!
I knew that fucking dishwasher was a bad idea.
As always thank you. Pooh is so wise. Like a few mentioned above , theses are rules that can be construed for any endeavors creative or metaphorically for every thing .
Weird.