10 WRONG Things Amateur Songwriters Focus On

This week on the SongTown Songwriting Podcast, multi-hit writers Clay Mills and Marty Dodson reveal 10 common mistakes that hold amateur songwriters back. Discover how to share your truth in a way that connects with artists—and moves audiences. Adopting the pro mindset can take your songwriting skills to the next level!

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Mastering Melody Writing : Check It Out

The Songwriter’s Guide To Mastering Co-Writing : Check It Out

Song Building: Mastering Lyric Writing : Check It Out

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Marty Dodson :   Facebook   :   Instagram

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Transcript…

By Clay Mills & Marty Dodson

Hey SongTown!

We’re breaking down 10 common mindsets that trip up amateur songwriters. We’ve both made these mistakes ourselves — that’s how we know they’re real. So let’s dive in and help you sidestep the traps on your way to writing your best songs.

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1. Trying to Write a Great Song Instead of Becoming a Great Songwriter

Too many writers obsess over perfecting one song, hoping it will change their life. But here’s the truth: great songs come from great songwriters. If you’re not focused on becoming better at the craft overall, that one song might just be a fluke. Don’t chase perfection — chase growth. Like Tom Douglas once said, “You’ll never write a great song trying to write a great song.”

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2. Thinking You’ll Ever Master It

Hemingway once said, “We are all apprentices in a craft where no one ever becomes a master.” Songwriting is a lifelong journey — there’s no graduation day. We’re still learning every day. Just like Michael Jordan worked on the basics daily, great writers constantly revisit fundamentals. That’s how the magic happens.

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3. Handing Over Responsibility for Your Success

Thinking a publisher or someone else will make your career is dangerous. Nobody will work harder for your success than you. We’ve seen people expect that landing a deal means they can relax — but if you’re not driving your own career, you’re stalling it. Success starts with taking full responsibility for your craft, your effort, and your hustle.

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4. Focusing on Obstacles Instead of Opportunities

“I don’t have a publisher.” “No one in my town writes songs.” These are obstacles, yes — but today, they’re easier to overcome than ever. Songwriters are collaborating around the globe through platforms like SongTown. Your small town doesn’t have to limit your big dreams.

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5. Being Too Inwardly Focused

Yes, writing from your heart is important — but you also have to think about who you’re writing for. If your song only makes sense to you, it’s more like a diary entry than a commercial song. Great writers learn how to take personal experiences and turn them into something universal — something others can feel, too.

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6. Focusing on Being Heard Instead of Being Worth Hearing

Victor Wooten once said, “Most people focus on getting heard instead of being worthy of being heard.” If your songs are excellent, people will talk. Focus on getting so good at what you do that people can’t help but notice.

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7. Missing the Opportunity Right in Front of You

A lot of writers are so busy trying to “write up” with bigger names that they ignore the talented people all around them. Many major success stories come from writers growing alongside their peer group. At SongTown, we’ve seen people meet, collaborate, and go on to earn Grammy nominations and hit songs — just by recognizing the opportunity in front of them.

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8. Comparing Yourself to Other People’s Success

Social media makes it look like everyone else is winning all the time. But what you’re seeing is their highlight reel, not their everyday grind. Stay focused on your path. Trust your progress. Everyone’s journey is different.

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9. Fearing That Someone Will Steal Your Song

This one’s common — especially early on. We get it. But if no one hears your songs, nothing will ever happen with them. Copyright your work and move on. As one publisher told Clay early on: “Son, your songs aren’t worth stealing yet.” Harsh? Maybe. But freeing, too. Write something so good that no one can outdo it.

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10. Believing the Starving Artist Myth

There’s a myth that if your art is “pure,” you can’t make money from it. That’s false. Success and authenticity aren’t mutually exclusive. Some of the most legendary artists — from Led Zeppelin to today’s top sync writers — have created meaningful and commercial music. You don’t have to suffer for your art to make it great.

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If you’ve been stuck on any of these, drop a comment — chances are, we’ve been there too.

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Write on,
Clay & Marty