How To Get Rid Of Writer’s Block For Songwriters
Having trouble writing something new? Does songwriting feel like a chore rather than a joy? Well we're going to look at how to get rid of writers block.
If you're finding it hard to write, there probably isn't anything wrong with you. However, it is entirely possible that your motivation has changed. It could be that the things that were once important to you aren't that important anymore.
Maybe you're stuck doing the same things the same way and you haven't really tried anything new in a while. Maybe you've fallen into too much of a pattern in your life to consider or discover new possibilities.
Writer's block can occur for a variety of reasons, and it can happen to the best of us. Don't beat yourself up; that will only make things worse. Instead, give yourself some grace, and then take some time to apply the following suggestions. The below tips should help cure writer's block.
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Contents
Overcome Writers Block By Taking In Something New
Your input has a lot to do with your output. In other words, what you read, watch, or listen to on a regular basis tends to have an impact on what comes out of you artistically.
If you're stuck, it might be that you haven't taken in anything new in a while. You might be reading the same old articles or books, watching the same TV shows and movies, and listening to the same music and podcasts you've always listened to. It may sound kind of silly, but it can happen.
You need to challenge yourself a little. The same old things tend to get bland after a while, no matter how good they might be.
You might be a “purist” that insists on sticking to a particular genre of music or a certain kind of TV show, but you can only go so deep into the things you already know well.
It's good to find your niche and to brand yourself, but creativity only runs on the right kind of fuel, which is new input. Take a closer look at what you're taking in, and start to vary it up if you're finding that you haven't explored anything new in a while.
Another great tip to avoid writers block is to subscribe to a new magazine, explore a genre of books you've never read before, or do something fun and interesting you haven't had the chance to try yet.
Try A New Process And Get Rid of Writers Block
Once we find a process that works, we tend to stick with it. It's human nature. The trouble is that we don't always think about whether or not our process is the best one for us, and how flexible we're willing to be with it.
It's like getting up in the morning and automatically going for a walk. It might be a good practice, and it might even be benefiting us, but if it goes unquestioned, it may just be our default and not our ideal procedure.
For example, it might be better to have something to eat before you go for that walk, so that you'll burn the right kind of energy. I'm not a doctor, so I couldn't really tell you, but it seems to make sense to me.
The problem is that we aren't really aware of why a process is good. That means that there's still room for change and improvement. There could be a much better process that supports our goals.
If you're used to writing the music first and then the lyrics, try flipping things around. If you usually write on the topic of broken relationships, try writing about things that make you happy instead. Stay open to different methods as it'll help avoid writers block.
Cure Writers Block By Letting Things Flow
Us musicians often have perfectionist tendencies. We sometimes dismiss ideas, thoughts and methods that have worked for others without ever trying them for ourselves.
If you have writer's block and can't get over it, it could be that you aren't really open to trying new ways of writing songs. It could be that you've put limitations on yourself without even recognizing it.
Try some free association or free writing. Simply write things down that come to mind, and don't censor yourself. Do this for a set amount of time.
Not everything you write stream-of-consciousness is going to be up to your golden standards. That's okay. You still have the opportunity to pull out the best pieces, which could allow for new ideas to form.
If your creativity is blocked up, it's a good indicator that you are limiting your artistic expression in some way. You need to unclog the drain and get it flowing again. See if improvising and going with the flow gets you better results.
Go And Experience Life
Sometimes, no matter how many songs you attempt to write, you just won't come up with anything good.
If this is what you're experiencing, take some time to think about what typically inspires you to write songs. More than likely, you will discover that your emotions play a big part in giving you inspiration.
Angry? Sad? Fearful? Ecstatic? Depressed? When you're feeling something out of the ordinary – something extreme – those tend to be the best times to capture your thoughts in writing.
If you aren't feeling any of those things right now, it might be time to go and live your life for a while. Life will present new challenges, new thoughts, and new emotions as you continue to live it.
There's really no rush. Although it's nice to be prolific and to write everyday, it isn't always sustainable. If you've tried everything, and you just can't come up with anything new, it's time to go looking for new experiences.
Final Thoughts
Writing songs is all about sharing something meaningful with the world. It might be an opinion or a thought. It could be a response to a tragedy or the injustice you see in the world.
Artists are observers; don't forget that. Because we are sensitized to cause and effect, we tend to find patterns that others might overlook. This is what makes us prime candidates for creating great art.
If writer's block seems to be a problem, it may be time to start finding new patterns. You've observed the old ones long enough, and it's time to go looking for new experiences.
P.S. Remember though, none of what you've learned will matter if you don't know how to get your music out there and earn from it. Want to learn how to do that? Then get our free ‘5 Steps To Profitable Youtube Music Career' ebook emailed directly to you!