There are some who say that they wait for inspiration to exercise their creativity. I used to be one of them; but several years ago, I took on the February Album Writing Month songwriting challenge and that changed. In order to accomplish the goal of 14 songs in 28 days, you can't wait around for inspiration. If you do, you'll reach day 25 and have maybe 2 songs if you're lucky.
I'm proud that I've been able to complete the challenge each year because I realized very quickly that I had to go looking for, chase down and pursue inspiration. Sometimes it was easy. You know, out of no where a melody or lyric would appear in the consciousness or I'd hear a cool phrase that sparked something. That however is not the norm. Most time, I had to sit down with my pen and blank notebook and pour out an unfiltered diatribe of all that was in my mind, then sift through for a nugget. That only works a little. What works best is when I consciously take a look and listen around me. It might be a scene from a t.v. show or movie., a book title, observing kids playing in the park, a walk in the park on even in the city or almost anything.
The key is to be aware! Not just in writing songs but in living life. Don't get so caught up in the hustle and bustle that you miss what's important. Artists of all kind have been inspired by the simple beauty of a sunset, the stars or a flower or a child's smile. It might be worth you taking a moment and slowing down to observe what's around. Be Inspired an! Express Yourself!
I'm proud that I've been able to complete the challenge each year because I realized very quickly that I had to go looking for, chase down and pursue inspiration. Sometimes it was easy. You know, out of no where a melody or lyric would appear in the consciousness or I'd hear a cool phrase that sparked something. That however is not the norm. Most time, I had to sit down with my pen and blank notebook and pour out an unfiltered diatribe of all that was in my mind, then sift through for a nugget. That only works a little. What works best is when I consciously take a look and listen around me. It might be a scene from a t.v. show or movie., a book title, observing kids playing in the park, a walk in the park on even in the city or almost anything.
The key is to be aware! Not just in writing songs but in living life. Don't get so caught up in the hustle and bustle that you miss what's important. Artists of all kind have been inspired by the simple beauty of a sunset, the stars or a flower or a child's smile. It might be worth you taking a moment and slowing down to observe what's around. Be Inspired an! Express Yourself!