Songwriting

[Murky water]

where could I get insparation for songwriting P.S any song artists please don't hesitate to give me some advice

[beale]

Everywhere you can get it! For lyrics try books, telly, old newspapers, conversations you've had with people - the lot. For music I find ripping off the late seventies new-wavers a great place to start!

[Murky water]

I have my own band its called Kane. (You might of heard of us we played on top of the pops and were on fifa soccer) I'm the guitarist but I write the lyrics as well. Just start by writing random words on a piece of paper. With things that just pop into your head. Find connections between these words. Let your imagination go crazy, whatever you do don't have a blank page cos thats the death of inspiration!

[mcmikeymike]

LIFE Take inspiration from things that have happened in your life and those around you. Wether the memories are good or bad, try and remember how things made you feel. Or take things from how others have said they have felt and what they have done. Take ideas from books, films etc, "Dont stand so close to me" by the Police is based on the idea of the story "Lolita" and the lyrics even mention "that book by Nebokov" (not sure how to spell the authors name). Get a packet of Post-it notes and write a sentence, a favourite saying, a song title or line from a favourite song, a tv or film title, a line you overheard in the post office, a newspaper headline,something you saw on advertising hordings, even on the back of a bus. Lyrics are all around you. When you have used a heck of a lot of notes, jumble them around, take a few at random. Stretch ideas, lyrics could come. Just try to avoid lyrics like "Doo be doo be doo, I love you" that has been done far too many times.

[mcmikeymike]

Mikeys advice Part 2 This is a quite important piece of advice to safeguard you songs. Jim Dooley of The Dooleys gave me this advice about 20 years ago after I had sent him some lyrics. You can not trust many people in the world of music. Before you even think about taking your songs to record companies, group managers, other song writers, record producers, even your BEST MATE. Do the following. RECORD YOUR SONG in any way onto tape or cd. It may just be a vocal, or guitar / keyboard & vocal. (Also make a copy to keep which you can play to people). Put the tape / cd along with lyrics and music score (if possible) along with the title and current date on everything into a strong envelope. Seal it securely and then post it back to yourself or (if you have one) a solicitor. Ensure that the envelope is kept safely and NEVER opened. The date of the postmark will be a form of proof as to when the song was composed should someboady steal your idea later on. Ensure that the envelope remains sealed wherever you post it to as if it is opened you have no proof of when you may have written it. I hope this long winded reply is helpful, couldnt get it all in one message. Good luck.

[mcmikeymike]

Hi Murky, saw Kane on telly the other day. Not bad :-)

[PinkDD]

This is a fab website, and I just wanted to say that the advice given by mcmikeymike re: posting the lyrics/tape etc., back to yourself in an evenlope with the date shown is invaluable, nice to know there are people out there willing to share great information. x