Write More Songs

Author: Celine

  • Blurring The Lines In Genres: Songwriting in 2025

    Blurring The Lines In Genres: Songwriting in 2025

    By Celine Ellis | Write More Songs

    In 2025, music genre lines are blurrier than ever and that’s a very good thing for songwriters.

    Whether you’re penning your first or polishing your umpteenth song, understanding how genre is evolving can free your creativity, open doors for collaboration, and help you connect with modern audiences who crave variety over outdated labels.

    🌟 Genre Is Melting and Big Names Are Leading the Way

    Beyoncé’s Country Reinvention

    Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter made headlines in early 2025 by winning the Grammy for Best Country Song. This bold move didn’t just surprise fans; it signalled how open the modern musical landscape is to artists rewriting the rules. Her fusion of country roots with soulful storytelling is a masterclass in cross-genre artistry.

    Ed Sheeran Goes Global with Persian-Pop

    Ed Sheeran’s latest single, “Azizam,” marks a bold exploration into Persian musical influences. Collaborating with Iranian-born Swedish producer Ilya Salmanzadeh, Sheeran blends traditional Middle Eastern instruments like the daf and santoor with his signature pop sound. The high-energy song, whose title means “my dear” in Farsi, has resonated deeply with fans new and old the world over. It’s a celebration of culture and heritage fused with modern pop music.

    The 80s Are Back—In a Big Way

    Retro is officially back. Artists like The Weeknd, with albums like After Hours and Dawn FM, have brought synth-heavy, neon-lit 80s vibes into the charts. Miley Cyrus followed suit with Midnight Sky and her Plastic Hearts album, channelling glam rock and synth-pop in a fresh, modern way. Other artists like Dua Lipa (Future Nostalgia) and Harry Styles (As It Was) are also blending 80s sonics into chart-topping hits. Nostalgia is a powerful tool when reinvented with a modern twist and is definitely an element in this shift towards fluidity in genres.

    ✍️ What This Means for You as a Songwriter

    You don’t have to “pick a lane” anymore.

    In fact, many of today’s biggest hits are born from genre collisions, not conventions. Listeners in 2025 don’t just tolerate variety, they now expect it. Playlists jump from indie-pop to Afrobeats to country without missing a beat. Your songwriting should have the same freedom.

    Here’s how to embrace it:

    ✅ Experiment Without Apology

    Let go of the pressure to stay in one genre lane. Write a folk song with trap drums. Add synths to a singer-songwriter ballad. Borrow from different cultural sounds. Play. That’s how new styles are born.

    🤝 Collaborate Cross-Genre

    Work with writers, producers, or artists from different musical backgrounds. It’ll stretch your craft and inject new energy into your process. Often, the most exciting songs come from the collision of ideas, not their alignment.

    👂 Stay Curious About Listener Tastes

    Today’s listeners are genre-fluid. Keep an ear on what’s trending, but more importantly, notice how people feel. What kind of stories are resonating? What moods are dominating playlists? Use that to shape your next song, not genre labels.

    🎯 Final Thought: Don’t Be Defined—Be Distinct

    The best songwriting in 2025 doesn’t stick to the rules; it writes new ones. So whether you’re blending country with pop, adding 80s flair to a rock tune, or borrowing melodies and instrumentation from halfway around the globe… you’re not breaking genre, you’re developing your sound!

    You’re style is probably already spanning multiple genres (I know mine is!) so why get locked in to that? Be free and see what happens when you are open to something new

    Enjoy

  • The Art of Collaborative Songwriting: 5 Keys to Creating Magic Together

    The Art of Collaborative Songwriting: 5 Keys to Creating Magic Together

    In the world of songwriting, two minds can often create something far greater than one. From Lennon and McCartney to Elton John and Bernie Taupin, musical history is filled with partnerships that changed the landscape of popular music. But what makes these collaborations work? How can you harness the power of creative teamwork to elevate your songwriting?

    Whether you’re a seasoned songwriter looking to freshen your approach or a beginner seeking to learn from others, collaborative songwriting offers endless possibilities for growth and inspiration. This guide explores five essential aspects of successful co-writing relationships that can transform your creative process.

    1. Setting Clear Expectations First

    Before a single note is played or lyric written, successful collaborators take time to establish clear parameters. This crucial first step prevents misunderstandings and allows creativity to flow freely once the writing begins.

    Start by discussing:

    • Who you’re writing for: Is this for your own project, a specific artist, or are you creating something to pitch more broadly?
    • Creative contribution splits: Have an honest conversation about how credits and royalties will be divided.
    • Specific goals: Are you aiming for commercial radio play, streaming success, or purely artistic expression?
    • Decision making authority: Clarify who has the final say on revisions, production choices, or future opportunities with the song.

    As songwriter James Bay puts it: “The best sessions I’ve had start with everyone being really clear about what we’re trying to achieve. When you know where you’re headed, you can enjoy the journey getting there.” Establishing these guidelines upfront creates a foundation of trust that allows everyone involved to fully engage with the creative process without worrying about conflicts later. It can be a difficult conversation, but I can honestly tell you that it’s worth it. I’ve heard some horror stories from songwriters where their co-writer has recorded and released a substandard version of the song that they themselves were off pitching to artists. Being clear and organised up front is worth getting out of the way before you get all creative.

    2. Building Creative Chemistry

    Not every talented songwriter makes a good collaborator, and not every collaboration works for every project. Finding partners whose skills complement yours while sharing enough common ground to communicate effectively is essential. I’ve had the opportunity to write with some songwriters I really admire, but the sessions just didn’t work at all as we had very different approaches and just didn’t gel in our sessions.

    Look for collaborators who:

    • Bring different strengths to the table (perhaps you excel at lyrics while they shine with melody)
    • Be able to communicate easily – can you each get your ideas across so the other understands?
    • Demonstrate respect for ideas and perspective
    • Show enthusiasm and positive energy during sessions

    The magic of Elton John and Bernie Taupin’s 50+ year collaboration comes partly from their clearly defined roles (Bernie writes lyrics, Elton composes music) and mutual respect. As Taupin once remarked: “We have never had an argument professionally or personally, which is extraordinary.” When Elton collaborated on an album with Brandi Carlile recently, he found it difficult to phrase things in the way Brandi was hoping, as this was a new way of working for him. Bernie and Brandi were writing lyrics for the songs, which was alien to Elton, and if it wasn’t for his approach, could have really derailed an absolutely amazing album.

    Take time to develop relationships with potential collaborators before diving into high pressure writing situations. A coffee meeting or casual jam session can reveal whether you have the chemistry to create something special together.

    3. The “Yes, And” Approach to Collaboration

    Perhaps the most crucial element of successful co-writing is maintaining an open and positive approach to all ideas presented. Borrowed from improvisational theatre, the “Yes, And” philosophy encourages building upon suggestions rather than shutting them down.

    When your co-writer offers an idea that doesn’t immediately resonate:

    • Resist the urge to say no or explain why it won’t work
    • Instead, acknowledge the contribution and find a way to build upon it
    • Remember that seemingly “wrong” directions often lead to unexpected breakthroughs
    • Focus on what you like about the idea rather than what doesn’t work

    As Ed Sheeran said about his collaborative process: “Some of my biggest songs came from ideas I initially thought were rubbish but my co-writer saw something in them.” I can confirm that I have indeed had similar situations. I would suggest something and caveat it with a ‘this is probably rubbish but….’ And my co-writer would then have an idea based off my suggestion, that would be the key to the whole song. There is never a rubbish suggestion, always put things in the mix, because it might just trigger the best part of a song.

    By creating an environment where all ideas are welcomed, you nurture the environment necessary for true creativity. Your partner will feel valued and empowered to continue offering ideas, knowing they won’t face immediate rejection.

    4. Effective Communication Strategies

    Expressing abstract musical concepts can be challenging even between experienced musicians. Developing clear communication strategies helps prevent frustration and keeps sessions productive.

    Successful collaborators:

    • Establish a shared vocabulary for discussing music elements
    • Use reference tracks to illustrate specific sounds or feelings
    • Ask clarifying questions rather than making assumptions, if you don’t understand

    When providing feedback, frame suggestions as possibilities rather than directives: “What if we tried slowing the chorus?” works better than “The chorus is too fast.”

    Remember that non verbal communication matters too. Your facial expressions and body language can either encourage or discourage your partner’s creative flow.

    5. Structured Collaboration Methods

    Having a framework for your writing sessions can prevent aimless noodling and help overcome creative blocks. Different approaches work for different partnerships, but having some structure usually leads to better results.

    Popular collaboration methods include:

    • Ping ponging: Trading the song back and forth, with each writer adding and refining elements
    • Role based collaboration: Assigning specific elements to each writer (lyrics/melody/chord progression)
    • Timed writing sprints: Setting a timer for 15-30 minutes of focused creation, then sharing results
    • Prompt based sessions: Beginning with a specific title, concept, or musical element to spark ideas

    Acclaimed songwriter Julia Michaels often starts sessions by discussing personal experiences with collaborators before writing a single word: “I like to have a therapy session first. Let’s talk about what’s going on in your life, what do you want to say?”

    Find the methods that work best for your partnership, but remain flexible enough to adapt your approach when creativity stalls.

    Conclusion

    Collaborative songwriting can transform your creative output, push you beyond your comfort zone, and result in songs neither of you could have written alone. By establishing clear expectations, building genuine creative chemistry, embracing all ideas, communicating effectively, and applying structured methods, you’ll be well on your way to creating meaningful musical partnerships.

    Remember that like any relationship, songwriting collaborations require patience, practice, and mutual respect. Not every session will produce a hit, but with the right approach, each collaboration can teach you something valuable about the craft of songwriting and yourself as a creator.

    What collaborative songwriting techniques have worked for you? We’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!

    Write On!

    Celine x

  • The Power of Experimentation in Songwriting: Breaking New Ground

    The Power of Experimentation in Songwriting: Breaking New Ground

    Songwriting is an art, but it’s also a craft, one that thrives on exploration and innovation. While it’s comforting to stick with familiar patterns (and I actively encourage writing within your wheelhouse regularly), the real magic often happens when you step outside your comfort zone.

    Experimenting in songwriting, whether through trying new genres, using different techniques, or approaching songs in unconventional ways, can lead to unexpected creativity, growth, and perhaps even your best work yet. Here’s why embracing experimentation can transform your songwriting journey.

    1. Breaking Through Creative Blocks

    Every songwriter experiences moments where inspiration feels distant. Instead of waiting for the perfect idea to materialise, shake things up:

    • Try starting with a melody instead of lyrics (or vice versa)
    • Use a chord progression from a song you admire and write something entirely new with it
    • Write in a genre you’ve never attempted before, if you typically write folk, try an R&B groove or a cinematic ballad

    By approaching songwriting from different angles, you activate new creative pathways and keep your process fresh and inspiring.

    2. Expanding Your Musical Toolkit

    The more techniques you experiment with, the more tools you have at your disposal when crafting songs. Experimentation introduces you to new chord progressions, rhythmic patterns, lyrical styles, and melodic structures that might never have crossed your mind otherwise.

    • Play around with alternate tunings on your guitar, or use chord inversions on the piano for a fresh take on familiar sounds
    • Try writing a song with only three chords, or challenge yourself further with just two or even one chord
    • Experiment with unusual time signatures or polyrhythms

    These small shifts can spark ideas that wouldn’t have emerged through your usual songwriting habits and techniques.

    3. Developing Your Unique Sonic Identity

    Exceptional songwriters have distinctive sounds, and one of the most effective ways to find yours is through deliberate experimentation. When you explore different musical approaches, you begin to recognise what resonates deeply with you and what doesn’t.

    • If you typically write structured, verse chorus songs, try creating something freeform and atmospheric
    • Challenge yourself to write in the style of an artist you admire, but with your own distinctive twist
    • Blend elements from multiple genres to create something genuinely unique to your sensibilities

    Through this process, you’ll naturally refine your personal style and discover new ways to express your authentic voice. It’s truly a liberating experience for any songwriter looking to evolve.

    4. Opening Doors to Unexpected Musical Treasures

    Some of the most memorable songs emerge from ideas that initially feel unusual or even uncomfortable. Perhaps you try writing a song entirely in spoken word, or you build a melody around a random sound recorded on your mobile. These seemingly small experiments can lead to something surprisingly special.

    • Start a song with a bassline or a drum loop instead of a chord progression
    • Write lyrics where every line begins with the same word
    • Use a completely unexpected metaphor as the focal point of your composition

    By allowing yourself to take creative risks, you create space for songs that might never have existed otherwise. When you stretch your songwriting muscles, you’re working them like an athlete, growing stronger with each creative workout.

    5. Keeping the Songwriting Process Enjoyable

    When songwriting feels repetitive, it’s easy to lose your creative spark. Experimentation brings back the sense of play that makes creating music so enjoyable in the first place.

    Think of your songwriting sessions as a laboratory; some ideas might not work, but every experiment teaches you something valuable. Whether you’re flipping genres, using new techniques, or starting from a completely unexpected angle, you’re keeping the process exciting and inspiring. That’s half the battle on many days when writer’s block threatens.

    Embrace the Unknown in Your Songwriting Practice

    The most innovative songwriters aren’t afraid to venture into uncharted territory. In fact, they embrace the unknown and use it to their advantage. By making experimentation a regular part of your process, you expand your creative potential and uncover ideas you never would have discovered otherwise.

    So the next time you sit down to write, challenge yourself to step into unfamiliar territory. Try a new-to-you approach, push past your habitual patterns, and see where the music takes you. You might just surprise yourself with what emerges.

    What’s Your Favourite Way to Experiment?

    Have you ever tried a new songwriting technique that fundamentally changed your creative process? Share your thoughts in the comments below, I’d love to hear how experimentation has shaped your songwriting journey and the unexpected gems it has helped you discover!

    Keep Writing

    Celine x

  • Level Up Your Lyrics: The Power of Daily Songwriting Exercises

    Level Up Your Lyrics: The Power of Daily Songwriting Exercises

    In the world of songwriting, the difference between good and great often comes down to consistency and deliberate practice. Just as athletes train daily to improve their performance, songwriters can dramatically enhance their craft through regular, focused exercises. Today, we’re exploring how daily lyric practice can revolutionise your songwriting process, featuring some transformative exercises from my latest songwriting book “Level Up Your Lyrics – 30 Day Challenge.”

    Why Daily Songwriting Practice Matters

    Consistency is the secret ingredient to mastering any skill, and songwriting is no exception. When you commit to daily practice, you’re not just writing more songs—you’re developing your unique voice, expanding your creative vocabulary, and training your brain to think like a songwriter even when you’re away from your instrument.

    Research shows that regular creative practice helps to:

    • Build neural pathways that make creativity more accessible
    • Reduce writer’s block by maintaining creative momentum
    • Improve your ability to generate ideas quickly
    • Develop confidence in your writing skills
    • Create a substantial body of work from which to draw inspiration

    Let’s explore some powerful exercises that can transform your lyric-writing abilities when practiced consistently.

    Game-Changing Lyric Exercises

    1. Rhyme Ladders: Climbing to New Creative Heights

    Rhyme ladders are sequential chains of rhyming words that help you discover unexpected directions for your lyrics. Rather than settling for obvious rhymes, this exercise encourages exploration of the full spectrum of rhyming possibilities; Perfect, near, multi-syllabic and obscure!

    How it works:

    1. Choose a key word from your song concept
    2. Create a list of at least rhyming words that got from perfect, to near rhymes, then to multisyllabic rhymes and eventually obscure rhymes.

    For example, starting with “heart”:

    • part (obvious)
    • start
    • chart
    • smart
    • Marked (near rhyme)
    • Yacht (near rhyme)
    • apart (2 syllables)
    • depart (2 syllables)
    • counterpart (Multi syllabic)
    • Bonaparte (unexpected)

    By climbing this rhyme ladder, you push beyond predictable rhymes like “heart/part” and discover fresh possibilities that can give your lyrics originality and spark. This exercise has truly changed how I look at rhymes, and means I reach for the rhyming dictionary a whole lot less than before.

    2. Upgrading Verbs: Injecting Energy into Your Lyrics

    Powerful verbs create vivid imagery and emotional impact. This exercise focuses on replacing generic verbs with specific, evocative alternatives that bring your lyrics to life.

    How it works:

    1. Write a verse with basic verbs (walk, look, say, etc.) Or use one you have already written.
    2. Circle or highlight every verb
    3. Replace each with a more specific, energetic alternative
    4. Notice how the emotional intensity and imagery change

    For example:

    • “She walks across the room” becomes “She glides across the room” or “She stumbled across the room” creating two very different scenarios.
    • “He said goodbye” becomes “He whispered goodbye” or “He screamed goodbye” again creating two very different vibes.

    Stronger verbs don’t just tell your listener what happened—they show how it happened, creating a more immersive experience.

    3. Cartoon Exaggeration: Amplifying Emotion Through Hyperbole

    Sometimes the truth is best expressed through deliberate exaggeration. This technique, inspired by cartoon physics, allows you to express emotion through imaginative hyperbole.

    How it works:

    1. Identify an emotion you want to convey
    2. Ask yourself: “If this feeling were a cartoon, what impossible things might happen?”
    3. Use these exaggerated images as metaphors

    For example, instead of writing “I was very sad,” you might write:

    • “My tears flood the room”
    • “The weight of your words cracked the earth beneath me”

    This technique creates memorable, emotionally resonant lyrics that stick with listeners long after the song ends.

    Take Your Lyrics to the Next Level

    Daily practice using focused exercises can transform your songwriting from hobby to craft. The exercises featured in this post — Rhyme Ladders, Upgrading Verbs, and Cartoon Exaggeration — are just a few of the powerful techniques available in my latest songwriting book “Level Up Your Lyrics – 30 Day Challenge.” Each of the daily exercises takes no more than 15 minutes per day and its designed so that you can use it more than once, revisiting exercises as and when you need to.

    Whether you’re looking to break through writer’s block, add fresh techniques to your toolbox, or develop a more consistent creative practice, committing to daily lyric exercises can help you write more compelling, original songs that connect with listeners.

    Ready to transform your lyric writing? Grab your copy of “Level Up Your Lyrics – 30 Day Challenge” and commit to just 30 days of practice. Your future songs will thank you.

    Write On,

    Celine

  • How Songwriters Can Use Lessons from Atomic Habits to Improve Their Craft

    How Songwriters Can Use Lessons from Atomic Habits to Improve Their Craft

    Want to become a more consistent and prolific songwriter? James Clear’s bestselling book Atomic Habits has helped millions of people transform their routines by making small, incremental changes. Many creatives credit this book for boosting their productivity, and songwriters can apply the same principles to develop better habits, stay inspired, and write more songs.

    If you’re looking to improve your songwriting process, here’s how Atomic Habits can help you build lasting creative habits.

    1. Small Changes Lead to Big Results

    One of the key concepts in Atomic Habits is the power of making 1% improvements every day. Instead of overwhelming yourself with massive goals—like writing a full song daily—focus on small, achievable actions that compound over time.

    You don’t have to write a full song every day to improve your craft. Even just 10–15 minutes of songwriting-related activities can make a huge difference. Try:

    • Freewriting lyric ideas
    • Listening to new music for inspiration
    • Analysing song structures and lyrics
    • Practising an instrument or vocal techniques
    • Experimenting with melodies and chord progressions

    Even the busiest people can fit in a few minutes a day—whether it’s while waiting for the kettle to boil, commuting, or tidying up. The key is consistency over time.

    Pro Tip: Set a goal to spend at least 10 minutes a day on a songwriting-related activity. Showing up daily is more important than waiting for inspiration.

    Why It Works: Small, consistent actions create momentum. You might not notice immediate results, but over time, these small improvements will lead to significant growth—just like gradual weight loss isn’t always visible day-to-day, but others notice it after a few months.

    2. Shift Your Identity: You Are a Songwriter

    One of the most powerful ideas in Atomic Habits is aligning habits with identity. Instead of saying, I want to write more songs, say, I am a songwriter.

    This simple mindset shift can be transformational. When you fully embrace the identity of a songwriter, you naturally start making choices that align with that role.

    For example, when deciding how to spend your time, ask yourself:
    “What would a songwriter do in this situation?”
    Would they spend an hour scrolling social media, or would they jot down lyric ideas instead?

    Practical Tip: Every time you sit down to write, remind yourself: “This is what a songwriter does.” The more you act in alignment with this identity, the more natural and sustainable your songwriting habit becomes.

    Why It Works: When your habits match your identity, they feel effortless. Writing becomes part of who you are, not just something you try to do.

    3. Make Songwriting Easy and Accessible

    Clear introduces the “2-Minute Rule”—the idea that starting a habit should be so easy, obvious and attractive that it’s impossible to resist. For example, commit to brainstorming song titles for just two minutes. Most of the time, you’ll keep going once you start.

    Another way to make songwriting effortless is by removing barriers. If you have to search for a notebook, guitar pick, or cables every time you want to write, you’re less likely to do it. Set up a dedicated creative space where everything is ready to go.

    On the flip side, if you want to break bad habits—like spending too much time on social media—make them harder to access. Personally, I moved my phone charger across the room to stop doom-scrolling in bed, and I removed social media apps from my iPad (my primary songwriting and demo recording device). These small changes have made a huge difference to my productivity.

    Pro Tip: Create a dedicated songwriting space. If you associate a specific environment with creativity, it becomes easier to get into the zone.

    Why It Works: When songwriting is easy to begin, you’re more likely to start—and continue. Removing self-imposed barriers is one of the simplest ways to boost creativity.

    4. Build Systems, Not Just Goals

    Many songwriters set big goals—like I want to write a hit song or I want to co-write with my favourite artist. But goals alone don’t lead to success—systems do.

    Clear makes a great point: Every Olympic athlete has the same goal—to win a gold medal. But only one does. The difference lies in the systems and processes they use to train and prepare.

    For example, instead of saying, I want to write 25 songs in 2025, break it down into a system:

    • Writing one song every two weeks = 26 songs in a year
    • Scheduling co-writing sessions in advance, allocating time for solo writing.
    • Taking part in songwriting challenges like FAWM (February Album Writing Month)
    • Attending songwriting workshops and retreats

    Pro Tip: Write down your goals in clear, simple terms—as if explaining them to a child. Then, review them regularly. I do a weekly reflection to track my progress, and it’s been a game-changer for keeping on track.

    Why It Works: People who take action toward their goals—rather than just setting them—make real progress. By tracking small wins, you’ll stay motivated and see your growth over time.

    Final Thoughts

    Atomic Habits teaches us that big transformations don’t happen overnight—they’re the result of small, consistent actions. For songwriters, this means showing up regularly, embracing the identity of a songwriter, and making creativity a part of daily life. It also means not expecting results without the hard work. Behind every ‘over night success’ is a lot of hard work, effort and struggle.

    By applying these principles, you can build a sustainable songwriting routine that leads to real progress—not just in the number of songs you write, but in the joy and fulfilment you find in the process.

    Let these lessons inspire you to develop a songwriting practice that not only helps you create more music but also makes the journey more rewarding.

    Keep Writing,

    Celine x

  • Breaking the Pattern: How Your Songwriting Habits Shape Your Music

    Breaking the Pattern: How Your Songwriting Habits Shape Your Music

    Are your songwriting sessions starting to feel like reruns? Do your songs all have a familiar ring to them? You might be caught in a loop of songwriting habits that are quietly shaping every note and lyric you create.

    The Hidden Forces Behind Your Songwriting Process

    We all have habits—the automatic behaviours that guide our daily lives without conscious thought. In songwriting, these habits can be your greatest strength or your biggest creative roadblock.

    The Nostalgia Effect: Your Musical DNA

    Research shows that the music we connect with between ages 12-22 creates what psychologists call the “Reminiscence Bump.” These formative influences become deeply wired into our musical identity and often unconsciously shape our songwriting approach decades later.

    Think about it: Can you hear echoes of your teenage playlist in your current compositions? There’s a reason for that! Our early musical loves aren’t just memories—they become templates for how we instinctively express emotions through music.

    The Skill Ceiling: Working Within Your Limitations

    The second major factor influencing your songwriting habits is simpler but equally powerful: your current skill set. These limitations include:

    • Your instrumental proficiency
    • Command of language and lyrical vocabulary
    • Understanding of music theory and chord relationships
    • Melodic instincts and rhythmic tendencies

    Unlike your nostalgia-based habits, these skill-based habits can—and should—evolve throughout your songwriting journey.

    Are Your Habits Working For or Against You?

    When Habits Hold You Back:

    • The Same-Song Syndrome: When unconscious habits dominate your process, your songs all start sounding like variations of the same
    • The Time Capsule Effect: Relying exclusively on dated influences can make your music feel out of touch with contemporary listeners
    • The False “Signature Style”: Mistaking limitations for a personal style can prevent growth and experimentation
    • The Confidence Killer: Repeating habits that produce disappointing results can feed your inner critic and damage creative confidence

    When Habits Help You Soar:

    • The Experimental Edge: Regularly introducing new elements keeps your songwriting fresh and exciting
    • The Contemporary Connection: Staying curious about new music broadens your palette of songwriting choices
    • The Authentic Voice: Developing more skills and habits actually reveals your true style through increased choices
    • The Flow State: Good habits help you silence your inner critic during creation and know when to shift into editing mode

    Evolving Your Songwriting Habits

    Here’s the good news: you don’t need to abandon your existing habits. Instead, focus on expanding your repertoire by adding new techniques to your toolkit.

    How to Build Better Songwriting Habits:

    1. Active Listening: Analyse contemporary songs, noting structural choices, production techniques, and lyrical approaches. Even if you don’t like the songs, a lot of people do, so try and find one thing that you could adapt into your own songwriting.
    2. Skill Development: Treat songwriting how athletes treat their training—break it down into components and use focussed practice of things like chord progressions, melody writing, and lyrical techniques
    3. Community Connection: Join songwriting communities where feedback and accountability help cement new habits. I co-host an amazing community of world-wide songwriters called ‘We Write Songs’ – click HERE to find out more
    4. Structured Exercises: Use writing prompts, technical practice, and analysis drills to build new neural pathways. Short, sharp and highly rewarding exercises are a sure fire way to build new habits that generate RESULTS!

    When Old Habits Fight Back

    Don’t be surprised if your established patterns resist change. When faced with the discomfort of trying something new, remind yourself that you’re not replacing your trusted methods—you’re simply adding new options to your creative arsenal.

    Take the pressure off by viewing each new technique as an experiment rather than a permanent change. The worst outcome? You discover something that doesn’t work for you. The best? You find a fresh approach that reinvigorates your entire songwriting process.

    Your Songwriting Evolution Starts Now

    Whether you’re feeling stuck in a creative rut or simply looking to expand your songwriting horizons, becoming aware of your habits is the first step toward growth. By consciously developing new techniques while honoring your unique influences, you’ll write songs that feel both authentically yours and creatively fresh.

    What songwriting habit will you experiment with this week? Share your experience in the comments below!

    Happy writing

    Celine x

  • 5 Proven Methods to Start Your Next Song (When You’re Staring at a Blank Page)

    5 Proven Methods to Start Your Next Song (When You’re Staring at a Blank Page)

    Every songwriter knows the feeling. You sit down, ready to create your next masterpiece, and… nothing. The blank page stares back at you, your creative confidence drains away, and that familiar paralysis sets in. After 30 years of songwriting, I can tell you this feeling never completely goes away – but I’ve developed reliable methods to push through it.

    In this post, I’ll share five proven techniques to transform your songwriting process from frustration to flow. These aren’t just theoretical concepts – they’re practical approaches I’ve used throughout my career to keep creativity flowing and avoid getting stuck in the same patterns.

    1. Start With Your Title (The Powerful Anchor)
    Your title isn’t just what you call your song – it’s the anchor for your entire message. Starting with a strong title immediately focuses your creative energy and narrows down the decisions you’ll need to make.

    Here’s my process when starting with a title:

    1. Write down your title at the top of the page
    2. Draft 2-3 different “song synopses” – one or two sentences describing what the song could be about (Pro-Tip – try and avoid using the word ‘And’ in the synopsis to focus the core message)
    3. Important tip: Skip your first idea! The initial concept is often the most obvious and has likely been written before. Your second or third idea usually leads to a more interesting perspective.

    Real-world example: When writing with the title “Ghost Town,” my first synopsis was about a relationship ending and feeling abandoned. Pretty standard. But my third idea explored how social media creates the illusion of connection while leaving us feeling isolated in a virtual “ghost town.” This fresher angle produced a much more compelling song.

    “A great title is like a compass – it keeps you oriented toward your destination while giving you freedom to explore the journey.”

    2. Use Writing Prompts (Your Creative Catalyst)
    Writing prompts are the spark plugs of the songwriting process and if you have never used one to create a song then you are really missing out. They can be single words, phrases, images, or even melodic ideas that jumpstart your creativity.

    I categorise prompts into two types:

    Specific Prompts
    Words like “Robbery,” “Bonfire,” or “Midnight” that provide a concrete starting point. These are excellent when you want to focus on practicing a specific technique rather than searching for an idea.

    Open-Ended Prompts
    Broader concepts like “Use the opening line of a book to inspire a song.” These require more exploration or research, but often lead to unexpected creative territory.

    With either type, I recommend:

    • Generating 3+ different song ideas from the same prompt
    • Looking for unusual angles or perspectives
    • Documenting prompt ideas in your songwriting journal for future sessions

    Try it yourself: Take the word “Window” and quickly write down three completely different song concepts it inspires. Which one feels least like songs you’ve heard before?

    3. Begin With a Chord Progression (The Structural Foundation)

    Many songwriters get stuck in a rut because they default to the same chord progressions. Breaking this pattern can instantly refresh your writing. Don’t worry if theory isn’t your strong suit – there are accessible approaches for everyone:

    “Borrowing” Progressions
    When I hear an interesting progression in another song, I note it for future use. This isn’t plagiarism – chord progressions can’t be copyrighted, and there are only so many pleasing combinations. Even Taylor Swift has written 21 songs using the same progression!

    Using Technology
    For writers without instrumental skills, apps like Songwriters Piano by Rob Wells are game-changers. This tool gives you all the chords in any key (both major and relevant minor) with simple playback options. I use it constantly when my guitar isn’t handy.

    Classic Progressions with New Twists
    Try taking a standard progression and altering one chord, changing the tempo, or shifting the emphasis. Small changes to familiar structures often yield surprising results.

    Popular progressions to experiment with:

    • I-V-vi-IV (C-G-Am-F): Used in countless hits from “Let It Be” to “Don’t Stop Believin’”
    • vi-IV-I-V (Am-F-C-G): The backbone of “Zombie” by The Cranberries and many others
    • I-vi-IV-V (C-Am-F-G): The classic 1950s progression still appearing in contemporary hits

    If you are unfamiliar with the Roman numeral representation of chords like above, there is future YouTube video and blog post in the works all about chord progressions and how to write them. I have added the relative chords in the key of C Major for each progressions as well for ease.

    4. Begin With an Emotion (The Authentic Core)

    Some of the most powerful songs emerge from raw emotional states. Starting with a feeling creates an authenticity that listeners immediately recognise.

    I recently co-wrote with a songwriter who arrived flustered after a terrible morning – traffic jam, minor car accident, and a speeding ticket all before our session. His request? “Can we just write an angry song?”

    The result was incredible. While we didn’t write about traffic incidents, we channeled that emotion into a song about betrayal and lies. The authenticity of the anger gave the lyrics and melody an edge that wouldn’t have emerged otherwise.

    To use this method effectively:

    1. Identify the core emotion you’re feeling (or want to explore)
    2. Brainstorm situations that evoke this emotion
    3. List phrases, images, and metaphors that embody this feeling
    4. Develop these elements into a song concept

    Remember that emotions create natural musical choices too – anger tends toward minor keys and driving rhythms, while contentment might suggest major keys and flowing melodies.

    5. Write What You Know (Your Endless Inspiration Source)

    The most reliable wellspring of songwriting material is your own life. Many writers overlook their personal experiences as too mundane or trivial, but authentic details create the most relatable songs.

    My songwriting journal is my greatest resource for this approach. I regularly review old entries to find moments, conversations, or observations that could form the basis of a song.

    Case in point: A friend recently turned 45 – not typically a milestone birthday. During casual conversation, someone commented that “life spins faster after 45.” This offhand remark sparked an idea connecting aging to vinyl records (45 rpm singles vs. 33 rpm albums). What began as an uneventful birthday chat evolved into a unique song using record-playing as a metaphor for life’s accelerating pace.

    Your everyday experiences contain countless song possibilities:

    • Overheard conversations
    • Family stories
    • Personal milestones (big and small)
    • Childhood memories
    • Daily observations that made you pause

    The key is remaining receptive to these moments and documenting them for later exploration.

    Putting It All Together

    The beauty of these five methods is that they can be used individually or in combination. When I’m truly stuck, I might:

    1. Choose an emotion I want to explore
    2. Select a chord progression that feels aligned with that emotion
    3. Brainstorm potential titles that express the feeling
    4. Begin writing from that foundation

    The goal isn’t finding the “perfect” starting point – it’s finding ANY effective starting point to get you writing.

    Your Turn to Start Writing

    Which of these methods resonates most with your songwriting process? Or perhaps you have another reliable technique for getting started? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below. Remember, the blank page only has power if you give it power. With these five methods in your songwriter’s toolkit, you’ll never be stuck for long.

    Watch the video version of this post:

    Happy writing!

    Celine

  • Do All Your Songs Sound The Same?

    Do All Your Songs Sound The Same?

    As a songwriter, I’m a firm believer in writing a little bit every day. But when I’m in a groove, finishing several songs in quick succession, I sometimes notice they start sounding too similar. This is especially true when I focus on writing within a specific genre.

    While it’s important to develop your brand as an artist, writing songs that sound alike can be limiting. It’s not a bad thing if it aligns with a project’s direction, but stepping outside your comfort zone can bring fresh ideas. If you find your songs sounding repetitive, it might be time to push yourself creatively. Here are some tips to shake things up and bring more variety to your songwriting:

    Change Up Your Melodies

    Listen to a few of your recent songs. Are your melodies similar in structure—ascending, descending, or stagnant? Do you tend to rely on straight or syncopated rhythms? Challenge yourself by trying the opposite of your usual style. Experiment with different melodic movements or rhythms to create a fresh feel. I like to call this ‘auditioning new melodies’ take the progressions and lyrics you have and try and find a new melody.

    Try A New Song Structure

    It’s really easy to follow the same or similar song structures when writing without even noticing or putting it down to genre or your style. But I find that experimenting with AABA song structure, or using a one word chorus can really make me work harder in other areas of the song.

    Switch Up Your Time Signature or Tempo

    If you tend to stick with one tempo or time signature, try experimenting with something new. Write a song slower or faster than usual, or explore an unusual time signature. Using a metronome Or Click track in a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) can help you maintain the new tempo and keep you on track. You can also alter the rhythm of your accompaniment by adding syncopation or changing the time signature. Experiment until it feels natural.

    Change Your Key or Adjust Your Capo

    Sticking to familiar keys might feel safe, but changing your key can offer a new emotional effect. Try shifting to a higher or lower key to see how it affects the mood of your song. You can also experiment with capo placement to explore different tonalities on your guitar. This is one of my favourite tips as it’s really easy to do, and lets you play open chords with fresh sound.

    Borrow Chord Progressions From An Existing Song

    Even simple pop songs don’t stay within the same set of chords. You can vary your chord progression choices by borrowing from existing songs. Don’t worry, chord progressions can’t be copyrighted – they are like the colours that painters use; fundamental to the process but inherently everyone can use as many or as few as they want to.

    Final Thoughts:

    Conscious songwriting can feel more like work than the free-flowing creativity we often crave. If you find it’s becoming a bit mechanical, separate the process into two phases. Write the structural parts of your song first, then revisit the emotional aspects in a later session. This way, you can experiment with new sounds without losing the emotional heart of your song. Experimenting should be a staple in your songwriting process to avoid these sticking points.

    By pushing yourself outside of your usual patterns, you can bring fresh creativity to your music and continue growing as a songwriter.

  • Create Without Critique – Silence Your Inner Critic

    Create Without Critique – Silence Your Inner Critic

    Songwriting is a deeply personal and creative journey, but for many of us, it’s also fraught with self-doubt and perfectionism. That pesky inner critic can show up just when inspiration begins to flow, whispering things like, “That line isn’t good enough,” or “This melody isn’t original.” The result? Creative paralysis.

    If you want to be prolific as a songwriter, you need to let go of your inner critic during the initial creative process. The time for critique and refinement will come later, but for now, it’s all about letting your creativity run free. During the initial phase of songwriting, you need to allow yourself to be creative without the ugly head of perfectionism rearing up.

    Why Silencing Your Inner Critic Is Essential

    One of the most important lessons I’ve learned in my own creative journey is that to write great songs, you first need to write freely—without judgment. This is especially true if you’re working on a songwriting challenge or trying to create a larger body of work within in a set time frame.

    Think of creativity like a water tap. When you first turn it on, the water may come out dirty. That’s okay! The more it runs, the cleaner it gets. The same applies to songwriting: the more you write, the more your ideas and skills will flow freely. If you allow your inner critic to intervene too early i the process, you’ll cut yourself off from this natural progression and stifle creativity all together.  There is plenty of time to perfect a song, to polish and refine it, later in the process. In fact, the rewriting, refining process is one that needs to be done separately in my opinion. That way you can look at your song with a critical eye and ear, and make those improvements with clarity.

    Give Yourself Permission to Write ‘Bad’ Songs

    One of the best ways to quiet that inner voice of perfectionism is to embrace the idea of writing a “bad” song. This doesn’t mean you’re setting out to fail—it simply means removing the pressure to create something perfect. By giving yourself permission to write something cliché, simple, or unpolished, you take the first step toward creating without fear.

    When you approach songwriting this way, something magical often happens: you start to let go, have fun, and rediscover the joy of creating. And even within a “bad” song, you may find a line, melody, or concept worth developing later. I have genuinely released a song that I wrote solely to try out a technique. The exercise of creating without judgment builds your songwriting muscle, preparing you for bigger breakthroughs down the line.

    The Power of Starting Small

    Sometimes the hardest part of songwriting is simply getting started. I have the same problem with my lack of enthusiasm to go to the gym; I hate going, but once I have been, I feel great. That’s why the goal with this approach isn’t to create a Grammy-winning song right out of the gate—it’s to start. Whether it’s a song filled with predictable rhymes or an overused chord progression, the act of finishing it gives you momentum.

    Here’s a quick example:

    • Write a simple 4-line chorus with an easy rhyme scheme.
    • Use a basic chord progression like G–C–D–Em.
    • Don’t overthink your lyrics; focus on completing the structure.

    By completing one song, no matter how basic or “bad” it feels, you’ve already made progress. You’ve overcome the hardest part: beginning.

    The Long-Term Benefits of Letting Go

    When you silence your inner critic and focus on creating without judgment, you’ll be amazed at how much you can accomplish. Over time, you’ll start to see patterns, refine your voice, and develop stronger ideas. Even the songs you initially dismissed might contain nuggets of brilliance waiting to be polished.

    So, the next time your inner critic pipes up, remind yourself: this is just the first draft. Perfection comes later. For now, allow yourself the freedom to create unapologetically and enjoy the process of discovery.

    Final Thoughts

    The actions of creating and refining are two completely different processes, and more often than not they should be kept very separate. Sometimes the impact of perfectionism stops people creating at all, and that is a hugely sad fact. 

    Every great songwriter has moments of doubt, but the key to growth is learning how to push through those moments. By giving yourself permission to write freely – without the weight of over thinking and analysing – you open the door to your best work. So, take a deep breath, turn off that inner critic, and start writing. Who knows? Your next “bad” song might just hold the seeds of something extraordinary.

  • 5 Essential Songwriting Tips for Beginners

    5 Essential Songwriting Tips for Beginners

    When you’re starting out as a songwriter, it’s common to get overwhelmed by self-doubt, high expectations, and the pressure to create something perfect every time. But the reality is, songwriting is a journey — full of experimentation, creative breakthroughs, and valuable lessons learned along the way.

    If I could offer some advice to my beginner songwriter self, here’s what I’d share…

    Not All Your Songs Will Make It—And That’s OK

    In the beginning, I believed every song I wrote had to be the one—a perfect, ready-to-record masterpiece. But in reality, most songwriters only keep a small percentage of the songs they write. And that’s actually a good thing!

    Each song has its value, even if it never gets finished or released. Some are stepping stones to better ideas, others are opportunities to practice a new technique, and some are simply there to clear the clutter and make room for the great ideas to emerge.

    The secret? Keep writing. The more you create, the more you hone your craft — and the more likely you are to discover something truly amazing.

    It’s OK to Write a Bad Song—In Fact, I Encourage It

    Perfectionism is the enemy of creativity for any songwriter. If you wait for the “perfect” idea before you start, you might never write a thing.

    Give yourself permission to write bad songs. Embrace the messiness. Write something silly, over-the-top, or completely absurd. The goal is to get your words and melodies flowing. You might be surprised—sometimes, a line from a so-called “bad” song can spark something brilliant in your next piece.

    Think of songwriting like a muscle – the more you use it, the stronger it becomes. Just like any workout, some days will be harder than others. It’s completely normal, but you have to keep pushing forwards

    You Don’t Need to Play an Instrument—But It Helps

    Can you write amazing songs without playing an instrument? Absolutely. Many successful lyricists and top-liners create hits without ever picking up a guitar or sitting at a piano.

    However, learning just a few basic chords can unlock endless possibilities. Strumming a simple progression or playing a basic melody can help you experiment with song structures, rhythms, and develop your ear for harmony.

    If learning an instrument feels intimidating, start small. Try:

    🎸 A few basic chords on guitar Or ukulele

    🎵 Simple patterns on piano or keyboard

    💻 Experimenting with loops in a digital audio workstation (DAW)

    Even a bit of musical knowledge can take your songwriting to the next level.

    Quick Songwriting Exercises Are Just As Valuable As Writing Full Songs

    You don’t need hours of free time to get better at songwriting. Even a quick 10-minute exercise can have a significant impact. This is probably one of the most impactful lessons I have learnt in my songwriting journey. It’s also the one that most people tell me has impacted them the most in theirs, especially with modern life being so busy.

    Try these simple exercises:

    ✍️ Lyric warm-ups – Write a phrase 10 new ways. For example, how else can you say ‘I miss you’?

    🎶 Melody challenges – Hum a random melody over a looped chord progression.

    🔄 Word swaps – change a well known phrase or idiom to have a new meaning.

    📜 Title brainstorming – Set a timer for 5 minutes and write down 10 potential song titles—don’t overthink it!

    These exercises can easily fit into everyday moments—waiting in line, during your commute, or even while you’re watching your kid’s football game.

    The More You Write, The Easier It Gets

    Songwriting might feel difficult at first, but like any creative skill, it gets easier with practice. 

    The more songs you write, the more natural the process becomes. You start recognising what works, developing your own voice, and feeling more confident in your ideas.

    And the best part? There’s no limit to how much you can grow. Every song teaches you something new. So keep experimenting, keep learning, and most importantly—keep writing.

    What Songwriting Tips Do You Wish You Knew When You Started?

    These songwriting tips have helped me grow as a songwriter, and I hope they help you too! If you could give your beginner songwriter self one piece of advice, what would it be? Share your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear them!