I can’t count the number of times I’ve been asked “How in the world do you come up with a song-a-day – every day?”
Here’s the short answer on how I pull that off…
Ideas
I have a database that includes over 600 titles. I can always find something interesting there to write. It saves time, which is crucial for writing a song-a-day. So, I rarely sit around for an extended time trying to figure out what to write. I come in prepared and that makes getting started easier.
Blueprinting Is Vital For Writing A Song-A-Day
As soon as we choose an idea to pursue, we create a blueprint of where we want to go with the idea. We try to come up with every angle we can think of and then choose the best, more interesting one to chase. Then, we map out what we are going to say in each separate part of the song. Coming up with a one sentence summary of each verse, the chorus and the bridge (if needed) makes writing the song easy. This is sometimes the most time consuming part of the process. The blueprint serves as our outline as we write and keeps us focused. If you are new to blueprinting check out Song Building: Mastering Lyric Writing
Filling in the blanks
We take our outline and just begin to flesh it out with the actual lines of the song. Our goal is to say exactly what we said we would say in our outline – nothing more, nothing less. As we write, we mentally check what we are saying against what we intended to say in our outline. Unless we decide the new direction is better than the outline, we stick closely to the outline.
Melody and feel
As we go, we create a melody and feel that compliments what we want to say.
Re-Writing
After we finish writing, we generally step away from the song for a week or two and revisit it to re-write and make sure everything is the best it can be. I check to make sure that we stayed true to the “map” and that we said what we needed to say in a fresh, interesting way.
And that’s how I accomplish writing a song-a-day!
Write On! Marty
Marty Dodson is a multi-hit songwriter, co-founder of SongTown, and co-author of The Songwriter’s Guide To Mastering Cowriting.
Great tips, thanks. What I really liked is how you let the song sit & go over it for a week or 2 to see if it needs any changes. I always do that. Even just listening again the next day can give a fresh view on it. This makes me feel better about how I write, watching the coopetition with fellow SongTownians writing 2 a day and moving on, was amazing. But I like always giving that breathing space to make sure it all comes together right & not just rush to write songs to get to a certain number in. I’d rather write less, but make sure the quality is there.
Great Stuff Marty…Thank you for sharing…!
When I first read the title of your post I thought– impossible!! But after reading the steps you take to write a song a day, I’m thinking that it’s definitely doable .. Many thanks!
The song map is such a valuable tool! A lot of co-writers I work with don’t use this method and I always SMH when I suggest it and they’re resistant. They don’t know what they’re missing! Thanks for this post Marty!
Always great to hear your views, Marty. Very focused, very helpful…! Peace and love, keep it rollin’!
Love it! Sounds like I need to pull out your book and read it again. So much great information…thanks.
Thanks Marty. I’m reading the book Song Building and it is very helpful. I really like the idea of making a blueprint.
Thx Marty ,Thx , Im Lucky to have Found Songtown! As time goes By my Toolbox is filling up . Slowly but Surely. I do believe our Paths were meant to cross !
Thanks for the the excellent tips.
Just to make sure, this means that on any given day you’re usually working on at least two songs: a brand new one, and another from 1-2 weeks earlier.
Is this correct?
I’ve decided to write a song a day, but I’ve had a hard time figuring out the best way to structure my day around that (i.e. time management). Any help much appreciated!
Very good advice as I’m fighting through negative energy in my new place, which hampers my songwriting.
Marty thank you for sharing your writing techniques. This will be very helpful.
Love this advice – Thanks so much Marty
Marty; Thank you!
I have been asking for great ideas to come to me. Yours resonate with me..
Townes VanZandt said “Pancho and Lefty” came from above, as he was driving thru the desert after a show. It was so strong, he had to pull over and start writing :-). Sharing on twit.
XOT
Thanks Marty
Great advice!
Thank you, Marty! This is so inspiring and helpful!
Some days its just fits and rushes, and then some days it seems God just walked in the room.
God just walked in the room.
Hey this is interesting to read. We’ve been writing 1 new song everyday for 98 days now. Check them out here https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfXldzKmzl5AH3_UnsaCM9Q