Lately, I have been asked about my process for writing music. Questions around this subject have come up so much over the past week, that I thought I would talk a bit about the process. The big thing to remember is that there really isn't a "right" or "wrong" way to write music. While there are many forms and styles of music, some of the greatest music has resulted from pushing the limits and trying something new. In music school, I had professors that insisted on a specific formula or process for writing. I despised this lack of creativity, and nearly failed the class for pushing the boundaries.
When I write music for my band, it happens spontaneously. I don't just say to myself, "I'm going to write a song now." I need to be in the right frame of mind for writing. I tend to ride a weird low when I write. I'm very calm, focused, and aware of my senses and feelings. Many times this "songwriting mode" will happen while I'm driving. I think the quiet time in the car, combined with my brain's focus on the road, opens my mind up to creativity. Sometimes I will just sit at the piano and let my hands fall wherever they want. I will improvise random chunks of music until I stumble onto something. The key for me, is to be able to connect with emotions and just let it come pouring out in music. It is like expressing yourself in a foreign language that happens to have the words that explain exactly what you are trying to get across, when your native language doesn't do justice to your true feelings on the subject. Music has a profound effect on emotions. Consider how music heightens your emotions when you watch a movie. To me, music is what emotions sound like. I approach music from that standpoint. I like my music to be "real." I can hear the "fake" sound of music that was written with a formula in mind or just for the sake of writing a song.
What comes first? Lyrics or music? For me, it usually happens all at once. My music and lyrics are tied together and share the same emotional level. When I write with another person, even if we are just working on the music, my mind is aware of the emotions in the music and I am actually working on the lyrics at the same time. I cannot separate them without making the music sound "fake" or "awkward." In the past, when I have tried to write music with other bands that separate the music from the lyrics, I end up feeling so frustrated that I completely blocked all creativity. I remember being handed lyrics without the vocals and asked to make up something on the spot with what the band had already written. I failed miserably and ended up creating a very detached and generic vocal line. Singing without connecting to the music is not enjoyable for me and doesn't do justice to the music. I think this has become a huge problem with quite a bit of the music on the market today. Part of this is due to the "business." Signed artists are expected to produce enough songs for an album and in many cases, the music is thrown together at the last minute due to the pressure of deadlines. I remember talking to a former, signed artist about their writing experiences and how they would be thrown into a room where they had to write and have music ready to record by that evening. This seems to completely ruin the natural, creative process. I don't think that forcing art allows for the best product. It is obvious that this business will sacrifice quality for quantity.
As for the topic or inspiration for my music, it usually centers around the people or issues in my life. I will write from my perspective and other's perspective. I like to write about situations that we can all relate to or have experienced. Sometimes I need some direction and so I go to a notebook that I keep of random words or phrases that stirs up emotions. That little notebook has been invaluable! It is also a great place to jot down the lyrics or bits of potential songs that just aren't ready to be born yet. I also find that the recorders on my cell phone and computer are great for capturing the musical ideas that happen at the most random times...3 am out of a dead sleep, driving down the highway, hiking through the woods, etc. I have a songwriting friend that actually went into the restroom of a store once when she had a song pop into her head, so that she could record it before she forgot it!
After I have the framework for a song, I present it to my band and explain any specifics that I am looking for in the music. Then, I release it over to their creative talents and let them put pieces of themselves into the mix. This collaboration is one of the most magical moments you can experience. It is amazing how a song comes to life with the band's instrumentation. I love this part of the process! Sometimes the song will take a completely different turn and inspires more lyrics and music. Anything is possible at that point, but you must have people that are motivated to work on originals and enjoy the process. It is difficult and tedious work at times. After spending time working section after section and trying many variations, you eventually have to piece the entire song together and make the final decisions. Sometimes, this can lead to misunderstandings, hurt feelings and drama with so many "cooks in the kitchen."
I'm not sure how many songs I have written at this point, but there is a nice stack of music sitting on my piano and many more that are in the process of being written. I try not to force myself to finish writing them. I write when I have the right words to say in combination with the music. If I feel like I'm getting a case of "writer's block," I immediately put the song away and just let it sleep for a bit. I'm sure that I can write under pressure, but for now, it is really nice to write as the music comes. I am grateful that I have the ability to create something out of nothing and potentially bring the enjoyment of music into someone else's life.
