7 Proven Song Starter Techniques
Today, we will explore how to clearly define the vision of your songs with seven song-starter techniques designed to give you creative control over records, get out of creative blocks, and influence what resonates with your audience.
Let's dive in!
The Power of Enhancing Creativity
Creativity plays a crucial role in songwriting, yet many artists fall into the trap of starting their songs from the same familiar place.
This repetitive approach can result in predictability, stifling originality. Successful hit makers across various genres and decades often have preferred starting points but also embrace experimentation with different approaches. Sheryl Crow, for example, is known for beginning her songs from diverse perspectives, allowing her to explore fresh ideas and narratives. This method not only keeps her music vibrant but also reinforces her unique identity as an artist, fostering deep connections with listeners.
By understanding common starting points and experimenting with multiple approaches, you can create records with specific intentions and navigate creative ruts more effectively.
Why It Matters: Crafting Experiences
You might be thinking, “What’s wrong with starting with lyrics? I love lyrics!” or “Melody is the most important, so I start with that.”
The truth is, there are many ways to create music! A lyric can inspire a great song, but why not boost your chances of making a really groovy song by starting with the drums and rhythms? This way, you can better create the emotions you want, making it more likely that your audience will connect with your music.
It’s like having a magic potion that you can sprinkle on songs to make people feel different emotions instantly! Awesome power to have!
7 Techniques to Start a Song
Start with the Chorus: Get to the heart of your song's message by developing a catchy hook that encapsulates its meaning.
Melody First Approach: Create memorable melodic lines that stick in people's heads. This entry point allows for greater control over melodic phrasing and rhythm, which can be written with either voice or any melodic instrument.
Focus on Lyrics First: Construct compelling narratives that evoke emotions and invite listeners into your world, allowing for more freedom over lyric content and its connection to the melody. Let a captivating tune guide your lyrical journey, shaping the structure of your song organically.
Chord Progression: Define the emotions and tonal environment of the record right from the start.
Bass-Driven Approach: Anchor your song with a distinctive phrase that makes it unforgettable.
Rhythm-Driven Method: Set the tone with a groove that dictates the pace and mood of your piece, making it great for dance tracks across multiple genres.
Piano or Guitar: The power of these two instruments lies in their ability to capture strong emotions through the combination of bassline, melody, chords, and rhythm.
Music Industry Examples
Here's a list of notable songwriters and producers who have discussed starting their music ideas from specific points:
Starting with a Melody
Max Martin: Known for his work with artists like Britney Spears and Taylor Swift, Martin often begins with a catchy melody.
Ryan Tedder: The lead singer of OneRepublic and a prolific songwriter, Tedder frequently starts his songs with a memorable melody.
Starting with a Chord Progression
Elton John: The legendary singer-songwriter often starts his songs with a chord progression that inspires the melody and lyrics.
The Beatles: The Fab Four were known for their innovative chord progressions, which often formed the foundation of their songs.
Starting with Lyrics
Bob Dylan: The iconic folk singer often began his songs with a lyric or phrase that sparked inspiration.
Taylor Swift: Swift is known for her personal and relatable lyrics, which often serve as the starting point for her songs.
Starting with a Groove or Rhythm
Pharrell Williams: The multi-talented producer often begins his tracks with an interesting groove or rhythm.
Daft Punk: The French electronic duo is known for their innovative and rhythmic approach to music production.
Starting with a Sound or Atmosphere
Hans Zimmer: The renowned film composer often starts his scores with a specific sound or atmosphere that he wants to convey.
Brian Eno: The ambient music pioneer is known for his experimental approach to music, often starting with a particular sound or texture.
Here are some starting points for a few popular songs:
"Hit Me Baby One More Time" by Britney Spears: Started with a melodic line that Max Martin mumbled into a voice recorder while he was half asleep in bed. The words came after and it became the main lyric for the song.
"Human Nature" by Michael Jackson: Started from a conversation that songwriter Steve Picaro had with his young daughter after a bullying incident at school. He refined the lyrics with co-writer John Bettis.
"Grindin" by The Clipse - The Neptunes most likely started with the drums because it is the core element of the beat. All of the other instruments come in sporadically.
The Impact and Importance
As you can see each technique is a door that provides control over a specific element that you may want your song to be remembered for.
Implementing these techniques can have a profound impact on your songwriting career. They serve as strategic starting points for creativity and sources of inspiration when you're feeling uninspired. If you always begin with a melody, you might not feel inspired by one today; however, a rhythmic idea could ignite your creativity.
These strategies unlock new possibilities, enabling you to explore, innovate, and connect with your audience on a deeper level.
How Can You Take Action Today?
Choose one of the 7 techniques that you usually don't use, or try mixing two of them together.
Listen to songs and guess what inspired the song. If you can find breakdowns online, that's even better!
What aspect of your songwriting are you eager to dive into, and how do you believe it will deepen your connection with your audience?
Leave a reply with your insights!
🧠 Quote of the week
"I draw inspiration from everything...It can be just a word or an image that makes me think of something and then it takes off from there." - Pharrell
Enjoy your week,
Melvin Darrell
