Breaking Through: Tips for New Songwriters and Aspiring Musicians

It’s a common sentiment that many young musicians dream of making a name for themselves, often wishing to emulate the success of precocious bands like The Beatles, who achieved fame around the age of 18. I, at 18, share in this sentiment. However, while many bands and artists seem to have risen to fame at a young age, it doesn’t mean that it’s all about age. The key lies in perseverance, practice, and learning from the masters. This article aims to offer some valuable advice for new songwriters and aspiring musicians.

Understanding the Journey

One thing that has helped me is to recognize the importance of exploring various rhythms and lyrics to find the right match. It’s okay if your initial attempts at songwriting aren’t particularly brilliant. Remember, early efforts can serve as valuable stepping stones to creating better work in the future. As legendary songwriter and musician John Lennon once felt, he worried about being too old at the age of 22. Yet, with hard work and dedication, he went on to become a part of one of the most successful bands of all time, The Beatles. This story highlights the crucial aspect of continuous effort and practice in the journey of becoming a songwriter.

Practicing Constantly

It is essential to keep practicing, even when your initial songs aren’t great. As you refine your craft, you may find that the things you struggle with today may turn into the strengths of your future work. For instance, if you're currently focused on your technical skills but not on songwriting, keep pushing yourself to write even if the initial results aren't perfect. Over time, these experiences will contribute to your growth as a songwriter.

Learning from the Masters

One of the best ways to improve your songwriting skills is to study the works of truly great songwriters. Simon Garfunkel, David Bowie, Jimi Hendrix, Coldplay, and many more have all been influenced by the works of Dylan, The Beatles, Woody Guthrie, Rolling Stones, and Joni Mitchell. Dylan once committed the entire Woody Guthrie songbook to memory, and many artists, like The Beatles, Bruce Springsteen, and even The Stones, have benefited from a wealth of learning before they produced their best work. Listening to a diverse range of music and trying to understand how these artists craft their songs can give you valuable insights into the process of songwriting. Collaborating with other musicians can also be incredibly beneficial, as it provides a different perspective and helps to refine your own work.

When to Start Considering Assembling a Band

While starting a serious band can be a goal, it is important to realize that success in the music industry does not necessarily happen overnight. The main thing is to continue working on your craft and not become discouraged by the seemingly faster success of others. I, for example, am still in the process of recording an album of original material, and I am 35. This experience shows that you do not have to rush into assembling a professional band to make meaningful progress in your songwriting. What you create can be shared with others, and even if it's not perfect, it can still be a stepping stone towards better work.

Conclusion

Remember, the journey of a songwriter is one of constant learning and improvement. Keep exploring, stay motivated, and continue to practice. With time and dedication, you will undoubtedly find a rhythm and lyrical style that truly reflects your voice. And who knows? You might end up writing songs just as remarkable as those of Lennon and McCartney, even if they weren’t immediately recognized as masterpieces when they were young.