I want to wish all of you, my loyal readers and followers, a heartfelt Happy New Year! I hope 2016 is the best year yet, and I hope you double your fan base! 🙂
And if you’re serious about pulling out the stops and making 2016 your best year yet as a songwriter, here are 3 points to ponder:
- Lyrics are more important than you might think. Most of the world’s best songs — and most of the worst — are distinctive for the quality of their lyrics. Practically every song that makes it to a “worst-songs-ever” list is there because of weak lyrics. Practically every song near the top of “best-songs-ever” lists have good lyrics, at least in part, to thank.
- Lack of discipline as a writer can keep you from realizing your best dreams. Discipline, at least in this case, refers to your ability to make writing a daily feature of your life. That kind of discipline is tricky, because it means writing when you don’t feel like it, but also means taking a break when you need it, and knowing the difference between the two.
- Musical curiosity is a tremendously important quality. It’s the one thing someone else can’t really help you with; it comes largely from within. Curiosity makes you listen to music and ask why it sounds that way, and how you can do something similar in your own music. The best musicians in the world are curious people. They’re always wondering, always thinking, always questioning, and always excited by what others are doing.
So if you really want to double your fan base in 2016, remember: Make songwriting a regular, daily feature of your life. Get curious! And always think about the quality of your lyrics.
I wish you all the best for a wonderful 2016!
Written by Gary Ewer. Follow on Twitter.
“The Essential Secrets of Songwriting” 6-eBook Bundle looks at songwriting from every angle, and has been used by thousands of songwriters. How to use chords, write melodies, and craft winning lyrics. (Right now, you’ll receive a FREE copy of “Hooks and Riffs: How They Grab Attention, Make Songs Memorable, and Build Your Fan Base”)