Indie Music

Murph00009

Writing lyrics hasn't been the easiest thing in the world, but when I get to writing the music I have no idea where to begin. What can I do to become inspired and be able to write something original that sounds good?

BluesBro · Posted: Mon Jan 08, 2007 11:22 pm Post subject:

If your lyrics have rhythm, that will help. What instrument do you specialise in?

Murph00009 · Posted: Mon Jan 08, 2007 11:37 pm Post subject:

I play electric guitar, and I also sing (if you want to consider that to be an instrument)

BluesBro · Posted: Mon Jan 08, 2007 11:39 pm Post subject:

maybe you can start by trying to jam in the mood of the lyrics, you know, like a minor progression for a sad song etc. Do you have some specific lyrics in mind?

Murph00009 · Posted: Tue Jan 09, 2007 12:16 am Post subject:

well, I was basically just wondering in general about any song, but I guess it would be easier to learn if i had a specific song and I do. I've been working on these lyrics for a week or so, this is what I have.

GregK · Posted: Tue Jan 09, 2007 3:26 pm Post subject:

Wow- great lyrics Murph! Well- first and foremost- sounds like you are forcing yourself (not with lyrics- but with finding the notes)- I know- I've done the same thing hundreds of times!
If you try and FORCE the music out of you- by sitting down with your guitar and saying "HERE AND NOW I AM GONNA DO THIS" - it doesn't always work does it?? Jam out some stuff- whatever pops into your heart and your mind- don't be too analytical or serious about it- after doing this for 15 or 20 minutes- work yourself and your music into whatever mood you want for this new song- jam that for a little while- then do this while looking at your lyrics.Eventually you will find the chord arrangements and word arrangements.. but you can't beat it outta yourself- the more you force a song -the more potential you have to walk away with nothing but crap. When I wrote a majority of my songs- I worked myself into the "mood" of what I wanted the song to be- pissed off/arrogant with a funky beat (hence "arrogant fool") mellow and introspective mood (this created "leaving samsara") -jam for a while- then you'll find the mood that works for you- if you follow with that mood you might find yourself churning out lots of great songs- but unfortunately it is very difficult to have this work for you each and every time on a tight schedule (which is why I've had trouble writing new stuff for the last month). Hope this helps!- Greg K.

Reconsiderate · Posted: Tue Jan 09, 2007 7:58 pm Post subject:

You can always juxtapose music and lyrics at random. Write lyrics, write music and then put them together. Voila. A song. Like Greg K said,

Murph00009 · Posted: Tue Jan 09, 2007 9:35 pm Post subject:

thanks guys, i'm gonna get to it right now

djsmooth4lyfe · Posted: Wed Jan 10, 2007 8:03 am Post subject:

Writing lyrics is not to hard for me...all I do is listen to the song, and see what feeling it is, like if its a love song, fight song, calm song, inspirational song...its not that hard to tell

GregK · Posted: Wed Jan 10, 2007 10:57 am Post subject:

Ok, I just watched a movie last night "Finding Forrester"- (good flick) in the movie, Sean Connery was trying to give a lesson on how he (his character) writes a story- basically he said you just sit and type- anything at all-start by copying something and when your thoughts and emotions take control- you go with them. He said "You write with your heart- and then you re-write with your head"- now of course this is a movie about a BOOK writer and all.. but it got me thinking- HEY..THAT'S EXACTLY THE WAY I WRITE SOME OF MY BEST SONGS!- so..to go back to what I said previously, JAM- have some fun.. maybe start by playing a cover tune and when the thoughts and emotions start coming to you- try and channell them over to your lyrics and see what comes up! GOOD LUCK! GregK

18thletter · Posted: Tue Jan 23, 2007 12:42 pm Post subject:

i rap, but i can usually put any lyrics to any beat if i try hard enough.
but i usually let the beat run in the background while im writing.

Ron_Vogel · Posted: Thu Oct 23, 2008 7:39 pm Post subject:

I've written quite a few songs...all I can say is there is no norm on how the music gets mated to the song.

One of the best possible ways to get started is with a theme, setting, or emotion. Music can evoke all of those things. For example if you write angry lyrics, you probably want something fast-paced and aggressive!

Sometimes I write the music and lyrics together, sometimes I have a chorus to start with, sometimes I have just music, or just lyrics. I've had 2-3 tunes I've merged together just since they share a common element.

Some songs are done in 30 minutes, some in 10 years...just no ryhme or reason to it. Just write alot and often, and you'll be ok!