The Song Creation Formula
PHOTO : SIYOUNG BYUN
WRITING
Signe Miranda is the lead singer / songwriter of Signe Miranda ’ s Veranda , author of The Song Creation Formula : 7 Easy Steps to Writing Your Song , a songwriting coach , audio technician , speaker , and workshop designer / facilitator . For more information , visit www . signemiranda . com .
By Signe Miranda
Get Unstuck with Your Songwriting
The Song Creation Formula
As songwriters , we sometimes get stuck , whether it ’ s finding a lyric , finding a melody or a chord progression , or digging deep into the heart of the song – the story , the message , the emotions . Sometimes we get stuck before we even start .
In this article , you ’ ll learn how other songwriters effectively overcome this challenge . I ’ ll reference excerpts from my book , The Song Creation Formula : 7 Easy Steps to Writing Your Song , which includes interviews with influential Canadian songwriters .
Getting Started “ The songwriting process functions on two levels : intuitive and intellectual … As songwriters , our mission is to transform fine energy in its pure form of potentiality into a medium that can be perceived with our senses … To do this we need tools .” Chris Birkett , Songwriter & Producer ( Buffy Sainte-Marie , Sinéad O ’ Connor )
“ It ’ s a valuable thing , anything that makes it unintimidating and says anybody can do this if you just follow a few steps .” Craig Northey , Odds
Creating the Foundation
• Step 1 : Brainstorm for a few minutes , allowing yourself to write freely from a stream of consciousness , without editing . Then , see what catches your attention – to find your song title .
• Step 2 : From here , you can expand the idea into an outline . Pick three main points that you want to explore .
• Step 3 : What is the main thought , feeling , or concept ? What brings it all together to create meaning ? This is your chorus .
Now you have the foundation for your song . Find a chord pattern that fits .
“ Throughout music , there are some universal chord patterns you will hear a lot , because , simply put , they work !” Taylor Abrahamse , Taylor & Bryn
Getting Unstuck Focus & Play “ I sit in isolation with my guitar or with the piano , and I just start playing ... I try to make it play , not work .” Jim Cuddy , Blue Rodeo
Change Things Up “ I have to have a couple of songs on the go , so that I can move one forward and then if I get stuck , I will move to another song and just work at it .” Jim Cuddy , Blue Rodeo
“[ Put down your instrument ] when you start realizing that you are writing the same song over and over again , using the same chord patterns . You feel like you ’ re in a rut and one of the most important things I have learned is to put your instrument down and write the song in your head , because there are no limitations there .” Greig Nori , Treble Charger
“ If you ’ re stuck on lyrics , stop thinking about lyrics ; think about the group , think about the guitar part , think about the melody , think about the flavour . Maybe that will inspire a lyric .” Luke Doucet , Whitehorse
“ The best thing I can do is usually get up , go for a walk , get some exercise , or hang out with a friend … Listen to great music and discover new music for the rest of the day . We do not give ourselves enough time to truly listen to music , because we are always trying to write our own .” Jeremy Fisher
Co-Write When you write with other songwriters , each person brings in their unique gifts . One person might be great at writing lyrics , while another can write a hook , another comes up with great guitar riffs , and another can create a compelling story .
How Do I Say Something New or Unique ? Come from your own experience . “ How can I best describe and capture perfectly that feeling that I was going through … There ’ s one goal in songwriting , to have people experience an emotion from it .” Greig Nori , Treble Charger
Finishing It One great way to finish a song is to get feedback from other songwriters and music listeners . Go to open mics , perform for friends , and attend songwriting circles . Then , edit the song drawing from any of those new insights .
You should also be recording demos . Listen back to what you ’ ve created ; analyze it from the perspective of the listener .
Play the song for other people . Post it online and get feedback . The Songwriters Association of Canada ( S . A . C .) has a system for getting your songs reviewed . You can also go to demo listening sessions at conferences and songwriting circles .
58 • CANADIAN MUSICIAN