Mastering Distinction: Discerning Genuine Inspiration from Imitative Composition in Songwriting
Strap in, fellow music lover! Today's lesson is all about how to write your own songs that stand out and don't sound like a carbon copy of someone else's work. We've all been there, with our playlists filled to the brim with inspiring artists, but finding our own unique sound can be tough. But fear not! Here are some tips and tricks to help you avoid the imitation trap and make music that's truly you.
First things first, let's figure out what moves you in the world of music. Take some time to listen to the tracks that grab your attention and make you move. What is it about those tunes that catches your ear? It could be anything from the way an artist sings, the instrumentation, or the catchy beats.
Once you know what blows your mind, it's time to take a closer look at your own songwriting process. From the melodies you create, the chord progressions, right down to the topics your lyrics cover, it's essential to identify the things that aren't yours—and that's okay! If you notice yourself using the same instrumentation, production techniques, or lyrical themes as your faves, it might be time for a change.
Now that you've got a better understanding of your own process, it's time to shake things up a bit. Change your instrumentation, experiment with different chord progressions, and write about topics that come from your own experiences. Remember, it's all about taking inspiration from others and turning it into something new.
Ready for a challenge? Here's an exercise: try writing a simple song using an instrument that's completely foreign to you. Switching things up will help you think about composition in new ways and shed the influence of other artists who use the same tools.
Another crucial step in finding your unique sound is giving your work the critical listening it deserves. Instead of judging your music before it's recorded, wait until your song's produced and sounding its best. When you're in tune with your own voice, it's easier to spot the areas that may need tweaks to make your music feel more authentic.
You're not going to find your sound overnight, so be patient and keep experimenting. Originality in music takes time, and it might take a while to develop your true style. But don't worry, the work will pay off, and you'll end up with music that's all you!
To wrap things up, take inspiration from your favorite artists, but don't forget to make those influences your own. Let their music serve as a set of rules to bend and break, and remember to stay true to yourself. Happy composing, mavericks!
Now that you've got a feel for finding your unique sound, why not take the next step and check out the our website Studio for some top-notch gear to help elevate your tunes to the next level? With unlimited mastering & distribution, 1200 royalty-free samples, 30+ plugins, and more, you'll have everything you need to create music that'll make other artists green with envy. Unleash your inner superstar and get started today!
Want more tips, tutorials, gear guides, and inspiration? Keep up with the our website Blog for the latest insights and advice on all things music. Don't forget to follow us on social media (@Patrick McGuire) for updates, gear reviews, and sneak peeks into the fascinating world of music production. Until next time, happy jammin'!
Sources:
[1] Songwriting Techniques & Analysis[2] Understanding Lyric Analysis and Techniques[3] Mastering Your Songwriting Process[4] Exploring Stylistic Influences in Music Production[5] Hit Songs Deconstructed Workshops
- To further enhance your music production skills and develop your unique sound, explore the education and self-development resources available on our blog, such as articles on songwriting techniques, lyric analysis, and mastering your songwriting process.
- As you continue your music production journey, consider incorporating entertainment elements like music production workshops, such as Hit Songs Deconstructed, to gain valuable insights and improve your songwriting abilities, ensuring your melodies, chord progressions, and lyrical themes stand out from the crowd.
