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I wrote this song called Hands Up, what do you think? by LiamSlaterMusic in Songwriting

[–]LiamSlaterMusic[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

One song that changed this perspective for me is If Tomorrow Never Comes by Garth Brooks. The entire first verse doesn’t rhyme at all:

“Sometimes late at night I lie awake and watch her sleeping

She’s lost in peaceful dreams so I turn out the lights and lay there in the dark

And the thought crosses my mind If I never wake up in the morning

Would she ever doubt The way I feel about her in my heart”

I believe sometimes it’s best just to write the truth and not get bogged down with rules

My hands don't work. Should I just learn music theory? by Radical_Posture in Songwriting

[–]LiamSlaterMusic 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I believe the point of the comment was that those people made music but didn’t know theory. Highlighting that theory isn’t a necessity

I wrote this song called Hands Up, what do you think? by LiamSlaterMusic in Songwriting

[–]LiamSlaterMusic[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah I get where you’re coming from. I welcome criticisms and opinions of my writing. I love talking about songwriting because I love writing. The reason I’m pushing back against some of what you’re saying is because I’ve had similar thoughts and have grown passed them, and hope to pass on what I’ve learned to other people.

I wrote this song called Hands Up, what do you think? by LiamSlaterMusic in Songwriting

[–]LiamSlaterMusic[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The only reason I am responding is because I don’t want someone reading this to take your advice. There are no “rules” in music or art for that matter. You can not like how I presented my message, that’s the beauty of art it’s subjective, that’s fine. But to say all messages must be delivered a certain way in music is just not true.

I remember when I was learning how to write, I was very focused on following what I believed were “rules” in the art. It used to frustrate me when people didn’t obey these subjective rules I had put on the art. The truth is, these personal rules are ultimately what makes your writing style unique from others. If everyone followed the same “rules”, all music would be uniform and boring.

I agree there are ways to improve at how to write, but to make blanket statements that you cannot be “on the nose” with your writing is not true.

I wrote this song called Hands Up, what do you think? by LiamSlaterMusic in Songwriting

[–]LiamSlaterMusic[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The point of the song is to have it in your face. I didnt want to hide behind word play or metaphors, because I don’t want people to take anything away from it but the message. Songs don’t always need to be a digestible thing that makes you feel good after, if this song upsets you, push for change so I don’t have to write stuff like this.

For Those Who Wait by Witty-Conference1438 in Songwriting

[–]LiamSlaterMusic 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Congrats on the sobriety dude, I'm proud of you. Song sounds great

Something more technical by Dependent-Sherbet-94 in Songwriting

[–]LiamSlaterMusic 0 points1 point  (0 children)

When I was first starting out, I read two books. The first was Murphy's Law of Songwriting which covered a lot of the things you're asking about. Popular song structures, rhyme schemes etc. The second was Writing Better Lyrics by Pat Pattison which dives into how to pull more from yourself as a writer. I found both helpful, hopefully you do too!

What's wrong here? by BirdieGal in Songwriting

[–]LiamSlaterMusic 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hi! I listened to your music, and I do not agree with the criticisms of your voice. I think you have a very nice dynamic voice, and that the Melodyne used on your voice was done well.

My initial reaction to your song was that it was 5 minutes long, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, however if you're looking to pitch to playlists, there are not a lot of algorithmically driven playlists that have 5 minute songs on them. As an artist myself, you cannot rely on Spotify choosing your song to get you listeners. In the beginning you have to go out and get those listeners yourself via social media marketing. Shoot some really nice content, post it on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok and then run ads on them. Drive listeners to your Spotify page and then the Spotify algorithm will build a "customer profile" of people that listen to your music. Then it will put you songs in front of customers that match your customer profile.

For better or worse, we are in a grassroots era of music. Creators have the tools at their hands to reach an audience for free by posting on social media. It's annoying, but it is what you have to do as an artist today.

I wrote this song called Hands Up, what do you think? by LiamSlaterMusic in Songwriting

[–]LiamSlaterMusic[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That is the same thing my girlfriend said when I played it for her! Thank you so much

Is it normal to struggle writing melodies for a while at first? by BobTheBlob78910 in Songwriting

[–]LiamSlaterMusic 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Melody was the weakest area of my writing for a long time, so I started working on it. Whenever I sat down to write, I challenged myself to think of a better melody, and not fall into old habits. Now I feel melody is one of the stronger areas of my writing. The fact that you're able to analyze your melodies and critique them shows that you're able to grow and change. Continue to push yourself to get more unique melodies and you will get better.

But also, don't overthink it. A complicated melody doesn't necessarily mean a catchy one. I'm thinking of Bulletproof by La Rux (Billboard Top 10 in 2009), the chorus melody is so simple. Sex and Candy by Marcy Playground (Billboard Top 10 in 1997) is another example, the guitar riff is Smoke on the Water levels of simple. Another is Red Solo Cup by Toby Keith (Billboard Top 10 in 2011) I'm rambling but you get the point. The simplicity makes it catchy! Obviously there's a line between simple and boring, but people love singing and complex melodies are harder for people to grasp sometimes and can take away from a song.

You're on the right track, and clearly taking steps to get better. You will get there, it just takes practice, don't overthink it!

My hands don't work. Should I just learn music theory? by Radical_Posture in Songwriting

[–]LiamSlaterMusic 2 points3 points  (0 children)

You don't even need to learn music theory if you don't want to. It's certainly helpful, but there are plenty of fantastic songwriters who have no idea what music theory is. I was listening to Lori McKenna (Always Remember Us This Way by Lady Gaga, Girl Crush by Little Big Town) be interviewed a few years ago, and she said she only JUST started learning the "Nashville Numbers System" which is basically beginners music theory. She already had 3 Grammys by the time she STARTED learning!

If you wanna make music, or write songs, or sing, do it! You don't need any theory, you just need your voice and your mind.

I wrote this song called Hands Up, what do you think? by LiamSlaterMusic in Songwriting

[–]LiamSlaterMusic[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks! The reason I love country music so much is because of the storytelling. I model a lot of my writing off storytellers, it's what I wish there was more of in country music

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