Write More Songs

Tag: songwriting experimentation

  • Is Perfectionism Killing Your Creativity?

    Is Perfectionism Killing Your Creativity?

    If you have ever sat frozen in front of your notebook, looping the same lyric or agonising over a chord change, you are not alone. Most songwriters have been there at some point, staring down the blank page, waiting for inspiration to arrive fully formed and flawless.

    But what if I told you that perfectionism, the very thing you believe will make your songs great, is actually what is holding you back?

    In my latest YouTube video, I am talking all about how perfectionism quietly suffocates creativity and what you can do to break free from it. These are practical, tested techniques I have used myself to stay creative, keep writing, and actually enjoy the process again.

    🎬 Watch the full video here

    What I’ve Learned as a “Recovering Perfectionist”

    Over my 30 years of songwriting, I have had to learn how to separate creativity from perfectionism. When those two worlds overlap, it can be paralysing. In this video, I share three techniques that can help you shift your mindset and free up your writing process.

    1. Allow Yourself to Write a “Bad” Song

    This might sound strange, but giving yourself permission to write something messy, cliché, or imperfect is one of the most powerful ways to beat perfectionism. When you stop trying to create a masterpiece on the first attempt, you create space to experiment and take creative risks. Often, the songs I write with zero pressure turn out to be far better than I ever expected.

    Early drafts are like sketches. You are working out ideas, exploring themes, and letting your subconscious take the lead. You can shape and refine later, but first you have to write something. Let your creativity lead without self-judgement.

    2. Set Yourself a Songwriting Deadline

    I know what you might be thinking, adding a time limit to something creative sounds like the opposite of fun. But hear me out. Deadlines are one of the most effective tools I have found for silencing procrastination and getting songs written.

    When you only have a short amount of time to complete a draft, you are forced to focus, make decisions quickly, and trust your instincts. It is not about rushing, it is about moving forward without second guessing every choice. I talk in the video about how taking part in FAWM (February Album Writing Month) completely changed how I approach songwriting deadlines, and why I now use this method regularly to keep myself creatively energised.

    3. Write More Songs — Even If They’re Not “Perfect”

    Perfectionism often brings a heavy dose of negativity with it. It tells you your ideas are not good enough, your lyrics are not clever enough, or your voice is not strong enough. One of the best ways I have found to push through that noise is simply to write more songs.

    The more you write, the less pressure you feel to get everything right the first time. You build momentum, and that momentum gives you the confidence to try new things and improve with each draft. In the video, I share a story from the book Art & Fear that perfectly illustrates this idea, and why quantity can lead to quality in surprising ways.

    A Bonus Technique That Changes Everything…

    There is one more tip I share in the video that has helped me reframe perfectionism entirely. It is about recognising where your inner critic tends to show up, and using small, deliberate techniques to keep your creative momentum moving. You will also hear how Paul McCartney used placeholder lyrics (yes, really) in one of his biggest songs and how you can do the same to stay in the flow.

    🎥 Click here to watch the full video

    If you are feeling stuck or overwhelmed by the pressure to “get it right,” this episode is especially for you. Let’s silence that perfectionist voice and get back to making music with freedom and joy.

    And if you are ready to get writing today, you might enjoy my new ebook Songwriting Sprints — 10 song starters designed to help you write faster and with less pressure. You can check it out HERE

    Write On,

    Celine

  • 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