How to Get a Song Inspiration: Discover Your Songwriting Style

Anjali Raj Singh
19 Min Read

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Songwriting is a creative process that can be both fulfilling and challenging. One of the biggest challenges for many songwriters is finding song inspiration for their music. Whether you are an experienced songwriter or just starting it can be difficult to know where to look for song inspiration and how to translate your quick ideas into songs.

However, there are many different methods and techniques that songwriters can use to help them find song inspiration and develop their style. In this guide we will explore some of the best ways to find song inspiration including exploring personal experiences, experimenting with different genres and techniques listening to new and old music and keeping a songwriter notebook.

By following these tips and techniques you can tap into creativity and write music that resonates with both you and your audience. Let’s explore how to get a song inspiration quick idea.

song inspiration
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1. How to Get a Song Inspiration?

Remember love song inspiration can come from anywhere. Do not be afraid to try new things and explore different sources of song inspiration. Here are some of the ways to find melody love song inspiration:

  • Personal Experiences- Think about your own life experiences both feeling sad, good and bad day. You could write songs about a happy memory, a challenging time in your life or a relationship that did not work out.
  • Current Events- Look at the news and think about how you could write the most inspirational songs that reflect what is happening in the world today.
  • Emotions- Try to capture a specific feeling in your multiple songs such as love song, anger or sadness. Think about what triggers those emotions for you and use those as inspiration.
  • Nature- Take a walk outside and let nature inspire you. Observe the colors, sounds and smells around you and try to capture them in all and write lyrics. 
  • Books, Movies and Art – Look to other forms of creative expression for song inspiration. Read a book, watch a movie or visit an art gallery and think about how you could write a song that reflects what you have experienced.
  • Other People’s Stories-Look out to the stories of the people around you. Hear out their experiences, their joys, their fears and their challenges. You can look to news stories, documentaries and biographies for a song idea.

how to write a song! (for beginners/noobs)

1.1. Discover Your Songwriting Style

The hardest part of writing a song is frequently getting started. Some people believe that the greatest spot to start writing your next track is by developing your song’s main melody or central chorus. You can structure the remainder of your music around your hook or key chord progression. So don’t panic if you have trouble coming up with the ideal melody right away; this approach isn’t suitable for everyone.

Beginning with your song’s major riff or hook isn’t perfect for every songwriter. Others will write the words first and worry about the tune afterwards, while some like to start at the beginning of their track by composing a great opening that will organically lead them into the rest of the song. When it comes to creating a brand-new song, there are no rules. Your starting point will depend on the writer, the music, and the source of imagination.

Discover your songwriting style is an important part of enhancing your fun craft as a songwriter. Here are some of the ways to support you find your unique voice and style:

  • Listen to Multiple Genres- Get informed with a range of musical eras and styles. Make yourself notes on your favorite songs as you listen to multiple bands and music artists. You could find that some genres or styles speak to you more than others.
  • Experiment with Different Instruments and Sounds- Try playing different instruments or experimenting with different sounds and effects. You might discover new sounds that inspire you and help you develop your style.
  • Write Regularly- Make songwriting a regular practice even if it is just for a few minutes each day.

1.2. Tips to Boost Songwriting Creativity 

Remember creativity is a muscle that needs to be exercised regularly. Try incorporating these tips into other songwriters’ routine and see what works best for you. Here are some tips to boost your songwriting creativity:

  • Set s Regular Writing Schedule – Choose a specific time each day or week to sit down and start writing love letter. This will help you get into the habit of writing regularly and can boost your creativity.
  • Experiment with Different Writing Methods- Try writing with pen and paper, using a computer or using a voice recorder. You might find that different methods help you think and create in different ways.
  • Collaborate with Other Musicians- Working with other musicians can help you break out of creative nuts and speak new ideas. Collaborating can also help you learn new techniques and approaches to songwriting.
  • Take Breaks and Change Your Environment – If you are feeling stuck or blocked take a break and change your environment. Go for a walk, listen to music or visit a museum. Changing your surrounding can help you come up with quick ideas and approach songwriting from a fresh perspective.
  • Keep a Journal- Write down any ideas, thoughts or lyrics that come to you throughout the day. You never know when these ideas might spark a new song.
  • Read Books and Poetry – Reading books and poetry can help you develop your vocabulary and inspire new ideas. Look for authors and poets who write about similar themes and topics as your songs.
  • Practice Improvisation- Improvising on your instrument or singing can help you come up with new melodies and cloud progression. It can help oy develop your musical ear and sense of rhyme.

1.3. Brainstorming Methods Generate Song Ideas

There is no right or wrong method to brainstorm, so keep that in mind. The secret is to remain open-minded and investigate other approaches and viewpoints. The more you do it, the simpler it will get to come up with new song ideas. You can come up with song ideas by using the following brainstorming techniques:

  • Free Writing – Set a time for 1015 minutes and write down anything that comes to your mind related to a specific topic or theme. Do not worry about grammar or structure just let your ideas flow freely.
  • Mind Mapping- Write down a central idea or theme and draw lines connecting related ideas around it. This can help you visually see connections and generate new ideas.
  • Word Associations- Write down a word related to a topic or theme and then write down any other words that come to mind. Keep going until you have a long list of related words and ideas.
  • Collaborate with Others – Join other musicians or writers to generate hit ideas together. This can help you bounce your writer’s block off each other and come up with new song and different perspectives.
  • Use Prompts- Look for new song prompts online or in books to help generate ideas. Prompts can give you a starting point to build upon and explore.
  • Emotion Wheel- Write down a variety of self-belief emotions and then brainstorm ideas that relate to those emotions. This can help you tap into different feelings and perspectives.
  • Experiment with Different Genres- Try writing songs in different genres or styles to help spark new innovative ideas.

1.4. What to Do When the Inspiration for a Song Goes Away?

Inspiration is undoubtedly a key component in creating music that we are proud of. But it’s also temporary. Inspiration is frequently the flame of energy that ignites endeavors. But an idea alone won’t bring a song to completion. The initial thrill of starting a project will eventually wear off.

It’s simple for doubt to enter at this stage. You start to doubt whether your first thought was indeed a good one. To succeed, you’ll need commitment and confidence in your own abilities. It’s acceptable to run out of ideas and to doubt the quality of your work. Yet, you must persevere and complete the task.

Your next hike might not inspire any brilliant ideas, but hopefully it will at least help you relax mentally. Then, perhaps, you’ll be a little better equipped to think creatively the next time you go. It’s also important to remember that different people experience inspiration in different ways.

Otherwise, you won’t develop and won’t be able to evaluate your own work. It doesn’t mean you’re a bad writer if you don’t like the song towards the end. Even if a song doesn’t work out, you can still learn from it.

How to translate the feeling into sound | Claudio | TEDxPerth

1.5. Look for Song Inspiration 

Looking for song inspiration in everyday life is a great way to generate ideas for your songwriting. Here are some tips to help you get inspired:

  • Observe Others Around You- Pay attention to the people, places and events around you. Look for the beauty and poetry in everyday life. Try to find inspiration in the mundane.
  • Keep a Journal- Write down your thoughts, feelings and observations in a journal. Use it as a place to brainstorm and collect ideas for songwriting. You never know what ideas might come to you when you are not actively trying to write.
  • Take a Walk- Walking is a great way to clear your mind and get inspired. Take a walk-in nature or around your neighborhood and observe the world around you. You might find inspiration, smells and sights in your surroundings.
  • People Watch – Watch the people around you and try to imagine their stories, their lives be like, and their struggles and use your observation as inspiration for songwriting.
  • Reflect on Your Experiences- Think about your own experiences, lessons learned from them, and the emotions you have left to create your songwriting.

2. Listen to New and Old Music 

The following ideas are some approaches to find inspiration:

  • Create a Playlist- Create a playlist of songs that inspire you. Choose a theme or mood and gather a variety of songs that fit the theme. Listen to the playlist when you need song inspiration or want to go into a certain mindset for writing.
  • Attend Live Performances- Attend live concerts or shows and experience music differently. You might find song inspiration in the energy and emotion of live performances.
listen music
Image by Tima Miroshnichenko from Pexels/copyright2021

2.1. Connect to the World Around You

Here are the lists to help you get started:

  • Engage with Your Community- Get involved in your local community and engage with the people and events around you. Attend festivals, concerts and other cultural events. You might find inspiration in the energy and creativity of people around you.
  • Read and Watch the News- Keep up with current events and read the news. You might find inspiration in the stories and events that are happening around the world. Use your observations and reactions to create songs that spark the issues and emotions of the day.
  • Volunteer- Volunteer your time and energy to a cause that you are passionate about. You might find song inspiration in the people you are helping or the cause itself. Use your experiences as song inspiration for songwriting.
  • Travel – Travel to new places and experience new cultures. You might find inspiration in the sights, sounds and experiences of the places you visit. Use your observations and experiences as inspiration for songwriting.
  • Collaborate with Other Artists- Collaborate with other artists such as writers, painters and dancers. You might find inspiration in their art and techniques and then you might provide a new perspective on your songwriting.

2.2. Find the Right Sound to Start

Finding the right sound to start can be a challenge but there are several approaches you can take to help you find your starting point:

  • Experiment with Different Instruments- Try out different instruments or sounds to find one that inspires you. You might find that a certain guitar riff, keyboard sound or dumbest sparks your creativity.
  • Play with Chord Progressions- Experiment with different chord progressions to find a sound that resonates with you. Start with a simple chord progression and build on it to create a unique sound.
  • Listen to Other Music for Song Inspiration- Listen to your favorite artist or band for song inspiration. Pay attention to the sounds, rhythms and techniques they use and see if you can incorporate them into your sound.
  • Use Technology to Your Advantage- Create a fresh sound by using music producing software technologies. To produce a sound that is exclusive to your cooperation, work with musicians who come from diverse backgrounds and have different influences than you.

Developing own voice and style is more important than duplicating the work of others while trying to find the proper tone to start with. Try with several sounds and expression methods until you find one that works for you.

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2.3. Nourish Your Creative Spirit

It’s crucial to nourish your creative soul if you want to write songs with inspiration and motivation. Here are some strategies that encourage you to feed your creative spirit:

  • Set Aside Time for Creativity – Make sure to set aside dedicated time for your creative work whether it is songwriting or recording. Set a regular schedule and commit to it.
  • Try Something New- Break out of your routine and try something new to spark creativity. Take a class or workshop on a new skill explore a new genre of music or experiment with a new instrument or software.
  • Take Care of Yourself- Make sure to take care of your physical and mental health. Exercise regularly, eat a healthy diet, get enough sleep ad to manage stress to keep your mind and body in optional condition for creativity. 
  • Connect with Other Creatives- Make contact with other musicians and artists in your area or online.

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3. Final Words 

Every singer-songwriter out there enjoys the process of writing a song, but if you ask them about the challenges that come with it, they will unquestionably acknowledge them. We frequently think of brilliant songwriters like John Mayer as performers who, without any kind of creative process, simply dump fresh thoughts over a catchy melody line. When in fact every great composer has a rigorously followed sophisticated songwriting process that they use to create a decent song.

Finding musical inspiration is vital for any songwriter. On occasion, our minds can seem like wells filled with ideas. A huge new project can be thought up in a matter of minutes. However, the water occasionally runs out. You make every effort to come up with musical inspiration, but nothing happens.

Inspiration is one of the most important tools in any creative’s toolbox. It motivates us to take chances and keeps us passionate about our line of work. Remembering that songwriting is a very personal and particular process is crucial since what works for one songwriter might not work for another. To guide your writing process, it is crucial to be aware of your personal sources of inspiration. In order to get inspiration, go out and explore. The next popular song’s inspiration really might come from you!

Last Updated on by Sathi

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By Anjali Raj Singh content writer
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Hello, I am a content writer expert in writing different niches like lifestyles, gaming, fashion, beauty, food, travel etc. I have written several lifestyle related contents for Icy Tales. Currently I'm writing and researching lifestyle related contents and helping people deal with day to day and general life issues as well as social life issues as well.