Songwriting Inspiration
By Kyle Pacey
I'm writing this piece from the perspective of a guitarist, singer-songwriter. Over the years of writing songs I've found that once something comes to you, document it! Go old school with pen and paper or use a note taking app or the recording feature on your phone.
Your inspiration can come from a heartfelt experience, a headline in the news, a topic you are passionate about or a book you've read. I am an avid reader and have drawn great inspiration from both classic and contemporary literature.
Sometimes the lyrics come first, or sometimes the melody. I have always found that it's best not to force it. Leave it and come back to it. I think about the emotion I am trying to evoke and consider the other instruments that I might need to include to get the sound that I want. Will this be a simple task or will it involve a lot of ideas and possible changes to get the right feel and focus for the song to evolve.
On other occasions I start with a title; a theme will flash like a light in my mind. It comes in waves. Sometimes the theme of the song comes with the title and if I'm lucky chord patterns and lyrics and grooves fall into place. Most popular music uses a basic 1-4-5 progression. Most rock and pop songs consist of an intro, verse, bridge, chorus, solo, verse, bridge, chorus. I can expand on the 1-4-5 formula by adding other chords to embellish the song. Another option is to add major or minor 7th chords as well as augmented and diminished chords. During this part of the production stage parts of the song can be reworked.
It is essential to evaluate a song at different stages. I like to go into the studio and lay down a bed track. When recording in a studio the engineer can share ideas, feedback or suggestions. I take it home and listen to the basic track and get ideas for different grooves and the use of different instrumentation. I listen to it over and over. I make changes as I'm inspired.
I have a process I use to help me overcome any challenges when I experience writer's block. I work with different parts of the song. I normally focus on the most completed part of the song and often ideas for the rest of the song will fall into place. Once I have the vocal-melody established I come up with the backing vocals and harmonies, if required. Of course some songs have just one vocal part. No background vocals are added. I usually come up with the drum, bass, keyboard and other instruments to use on the song after the main chords and grooves of the song are completed. I go through each section of the song separately before combining all the parts together.
Coming up with your own system can really help with breaking down the song writing process and make it less overwhelming. Just keep at it!
A musical force, guitarist, singer and songwriter Kyle Pacey is best known for his exhilarating technique and virtuosity in handling the guitar. His performances encompass an eclectic range of musical styles.
Website - kylepacey.com