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Q&A: Troubles with creating music and improvisation...

Hey people. First off, thanks for all the questions coming in. I'm trying to answer as many as I humanly can, but there does come a point where I just gotta leave my computer screen and grab some sleep!

Anyway. Moving on... here's an email I received recently:

Shamir,

I am an aspiring singer/songwriter/guitarist. Your emails have been extremely helpful as far as lyrics go, unfortunately, lyrics are not something I really have trouble with. It's the music i have trouble with. In particular writing music for lyrics that are finished. Scales and keys are simple solutions, however i was wondering if you had any other advice. Also, i have a maddening trouble creating musical harmonies. I can write a riff with the best of them, but writing something to play along with that riff, or improvising to someone else playing is almost impossible for me.

I know your probably a busy person who receives many emails, but i would very much appreciate your help with this.

Hey man, I really appreciate the compliment.

Listen, you're not alone in this one. LOTS of people suffer the same thing.

Here's the thing. Have you built up a song library in your head? If not, build one from today onwards.

Why? Because searching for tunes and chord sequences will be an absolute cinch when you already have a few hundred floating around in your head from songs you have already learnt and played.

And yes, I'm talking about OTHER people's songs. Whatever style you're into, you should learn a new song from that genre EVERY WEEK. I'll say it again, learn one NEW song from the style that you love every week.

Example:

You prefer Rock? >> Learn how to play and sing songs from Aerosmith, Nirvana, Alice in Chains, Green Day, Linkin Park, etc.

You like folk? >> Learn how to play and sing songs from Bob Dylan, Fairport Convention, Neil Young, etc

You prefer pop? >> Learn how to play and sing songs from Prince, Elton John, Phil Collins, Beatles, etc

You prefer R&B? >> Learn how to play and sing song by Stevie Wonder, Boyz II Men, Erykah Badu, etc.

Please don't scold me over the definitions for these artists above... lol. For me , it's not even about style and genre. It's more about what you like, and then learning it (on the piano in my case) and then trying to sing it.

This does two things. One, the chord progressions of other artist and groups get burnt in my memory. Secondly, the melodies are subconciensly recorded in my brain too. So it serves a dual purpose.

Actually, I'll add a third to that list. You generally become a more competent musician! :-)

This all might sound like something you've heard before. Maybe you're reading this thinking "erm, yeah whatever". But *I* can tell you from first hand experience that it WORKS.

When you are already familiar with chords and melodies of other songs, then you have more chance of ACCESSING that information when you in a creative mode. Make sense?

So if you haven't built up a song library, start today. Learn a new song a week. You'll be surprised at the results.

For those who don't play instruments, you can STILL do this by learning other people's lyrics and melodies.

I know this wasn't the step-by-step answer that some of you are looking for... but songwriting isn't like maths. It's MUCH more intuitive. It's a creative process.

I'll finish off by saying this... and I hope you've made it this far because what I'm about to say is one of the MOST important things I've ever said about songwriting....

When you write something, you should NEVER dismiss it. Even if you think it's a crappy idea. You can edit it, change it, play with it. But never dismiss it. This is the number one problem with songwriters today (and I'm no different either).

Whenever you say "I can't write lyrics" or "I can't write chords"... what you're really saying is "it sounds to crap to even consider". Think about that for a minute.

If we took the time and improved on what we have, then maybe we won't be starting from scratch every 5 seconds?

:-)

Shamir

How do I match the tune with what I want to talk about?

Here's a question from Matt: (this is a condensed versions of the question).

I make melodies on my guitar, and then I try to add lyrics, but for some reason, it is hard to match the tune with what I want to talk about, if you understand. Any tips?

Thanks for the question Matt.

What most people in this predicament fail to realise (and I too am a victim) is that writing melodies first and then writing lyrics second is probably the more difficult route. Even though in my songwriting tips I do state that you should at least get down SOMETHING to start off with, I'm also going to say that starting off with writing melodies first means you may suffer with matching your lyrics to your tune.

Try to write the words first...

This isn't the case for everybody, but for those who are in this boat, I'd advise you to at least try to write the lyrics first - and then writing the melody after those lyrics. I think you may be pleasantly surprised. I know I was.

Now in the beginning, when you try and write lyrics first, you'll probably find it quite difficult. This isn't because you're a bad lyricist... but more because by default your brain is probably thinking up a melody simultaneously. This is especially common for those of us who are musicians first. We tend to think in terms of melodies, chords and even rhythm and orchestration. Lyrics tend to flow later. This is totally natural.

For this very reason it's important for us to at least TRY write the lyrics first. You may even find that when you try this approach that the songwriting process may double in speed.

When you've gotten used to this process, you can try to mix and match. Things should flow a lot easier after that.

Find a lyrical co-writer...

Another (popular) approach is to find a co-writer. Somebody who writes the lyrics. Think of Elton John and his songwriting partner Bernie Taupin. They are one of the most successful songwriting duo's the history of popular music ...and their methods are very simple. Bernie writes the lyrics - then he send the words to Elton, who then writes the melodies and chords to them. It's simple and it works like a charm. :-) They don't even write in the same room!

Don't let ego get the best of you...

I know that there are some songwriters out there who have a massive ego problem. They won't collaborate with anyone because they think they will 'steal their ideas' or maybe they don't want to 'share the credit' with anyone. Let me tell you first hand that with this kind of attitude it will be hard to totally maximise you're potential as a writer.

I don't know about you, but I'd rather write a great song with a co-writer than a crappy one by myself. Don't get me wrong though, I'm not saying that you shouldn't improve yourself as a songwriter and that finding someone with solve all your songwriting troubles. What I AM saying, is that finding a co-writer who compliments you're talents (ie. fills in the missing pieces) can do wonders for your songs.

Don't let ego stop you in your tracks. It's not worth it.

Shamir

An email from Andrew in Australia...(cool questions)

Hi all. Here's an email sent to me by Andrew Roland from Australia. I thought I'd response to it here (in case you're wondering, I do have his permission ;-)

"I recently bought and listened to the Song Writing Secrets recordings. Great stuff. I thought I was an experienced song writer but I picked up lots of good new stuff. Particularly your tips about getting ideas from DVDs and library books for songs :-) "

Why thanks Andrew. I really appreciate the feedback. It's a method overlooked by many :-)

"I'm mainly a guitarist and not much of a singer. In order to make decent demo recordings I was considering hiring session singers to record the singing parts for my songs. What do you think of this idea? The only other alternatives are 1. I learn to sing which could take 1+ years 2. I meet other singers (a good friend of mine can sing) but I find that they often are not good enough or don't have the right range or sound. For example two songs I've written would be great for a female rock singer but the only singer I know is male."

This is a tough call, and I've been there. I myself can sing (funny enough, I'm a vocal coach) but I still have times where I want another lead voice for the track - and not my own.

Here's what I would do. Firstly, I would learn to sing in any case. (when I say 'i' I mean whoever faces this dilemma). This will give you more flexibility in the future when facing these hurdles. You may want to lay down your vocals regardless of whether or not you sound 'fit' for it or not, and this is a good thing.

I recently bought Brett Manning's Singing Success course a couple of weeks ago, and wow. I don't see how anyone can't improve their voice and vocal range with that one.

Ok, so let's move on to hiring out a session singer to do the job for you. I don't see anyting wrong with this, provided you're sure that the vocal tone you're after is similar to the tone your chosen singer has. There's nothing worse than paying a singer that sounds awful and just doesn't deliever. Believe me, I've been there. Not cool.

Here in the UK, you can probably hire out a session singer for around £50-£150 a day . Some even charge £200 or even £250.

In US dollars, this equates to around $100 - $500. But don't let these numbers scare you. You will often find that vocalists who charge the earth can often get away with that because of their status and credibility. I'm not saying that the more expensive one's aren't any good -- I'm sure that many are brilliant.

But what I AM saying, is that you can often find diamonds in the rough by just fishin around. Going to a couple of open-mic nights, shows or even university gigs can often be an easy way to find a hungry singer who will lay some vocals down for you for a cheap or reasonable price. It can be done... and infact, it happens all the time.

I've also had luck hanging out at rehearsal studio's. Quite often, when you approach a singer after a rehearsal, they will often take you up on the offer since they've just come out of a 2 hour rehearsal which they've spent money on! ;-)

"Do you review songs? If so I would like to send you 1 or 2 of mine and ask you what you think."

If I said yes, at this point I would be in-fluxed with emails asking me to review their songs. Don't get me wrong, the answer is yes, I DO review songs in detail. All the time, actually. BUT, the thing is, it does eat up all my time. If you want your song reviewed, then I'd put a price of $150 per song review.

I know, I know - you're thinking, how could you charge such a ludicrous amount? The truth is I'm hoping that people will see the price and get put off. Seriously! If there is interest, then I will make a separate blog post (and email everyone) about the specifics.

On that note, of anyone is interested in having their song review, then contact me here:

songwriter.review@gmail.com

Andrew, thanks for the email.

Oh, and before I forget, Andrew is based in Bondi, Sydney Australia (hope I'm getting this right) and if you're a female singer in Sydney looking for a songwriter, then give Andrew Roland a shout here:

andrew.roland@resonatesolutions.com.au

Cool :-)

Talk soon...

Shamir

The Christmas Season: A new definition

I had to take a moment to compose myself when I found out that tomorrow is Christmas eve. I mean, how fast has this year gone? I don't know about you, but this year ...especially the second half - has gone incredibly fast for me.

So what does this holiday season mean to you? Well, technically, Christmas is a religious festival celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. But let's look at things practically and logically. Christmas is now celebrated by millions people across the board ...it has become recognized as an international celebration of 'connection' and 'love'. This (in my opinion) is a beautiful thing. Christmas is an excuse for doing what we should all be doing all year around - and that is making that connection, loving your friends, you family ... and caring for strangers. Why not?

I want all of us to think about the things that really matter in out lives. The things that we are eternally grateful for... our families, our friends, the roofs over our heads, the heart to love and care, etc. Just thinking about it for a minute. Take a moment to really reflect on the good things that life has brought you this year. And then look forward to the good times that lay ahead of you.

Now let's talk about the new year. Do you have anything you want to achieve? Are you looking to study hard for passing those exams? Are you looking to excel at work and get that position you're after? Are you looking to improve your health/fitness and finally go to the gym and not eat crap all day? Tell me... are you looking kick-start your songwriting career? Do you need to 'get out there' and stat performing on stage to show the world what you really have? Is it time you took some kind of action for your passion?

What about relationships... are you looking to restore that magic you had with you wife, your family or your children? Or even your girlfriend or maybe your general friends?

Have you been putting something off?

What do YOU want to work on in the new year?

Do yourself a favour. In fact, let's all do ourselves a favor and make this happen. The time is now. Whatever you want in life, you can have it. Make those decisions today and make it possible.

I wish you all a brilliant Christmas and a very prosperous new year.

Much love,

Shamir

Sometimes, being a creative person is tough

When it comes to songwriting, we're creating something. When it comes to producing a song, we're creating something. When it comes to singing out an improvised melody, we're creating something. When it comes to teaching music, we're creating something. When it comes to writing a post on a subject - we're creating something.

I do all the above - and sometimes, creating something (ANYTHING) is mighty tough when you've got other issue's in your life to deal with.

Sometimes I feel that I should use these emotions to create something else. A song, a piece, an arrangement - or even a story. But the truth is, whatever's bugging you often finds it's way to cut through your intellect to actually make the decision to create. Am I not right?

How else are you supposed to justify all the wasted hours we spend on useless, worrisome things? Sorry if this sounds like a rant, it's just that sometimes (and believe me, this *very rarely* happens) I can't help but think of things that bother worry me - even if they are small and petty. And as I mentioned, time goes by so quickly, it's not even funny.

Sometimes, being a creative soul means that you are sensitive to your pain just a little but more then perhaps your friends. You find it hard to think logically when perhaps if you do, then the creativity might diminish.

This post is now going to end here.

I just had to say something...

Shamir

A brilliant and incredibly inspiring performance...

I always appreciate artists, songwriters and musicians no matter what level or style of music they perform in. But it takes quite a lot to actually *blow me away* with just *one single performance*.

Now check this out... and MAKE SURE YOU LISTEN FROM START TO FINISH - the rhythm this guy has - amongst another thing (which you'll get to hear yourself) is absolutely brilliant.




Who is he? Raul Midon. He's not a 'new' artist - though he's certainly new to me. Like it? :-) Post a comment below.

Shamir