Songwriting is like auditory photography
We look at the world through our own eyes (our own camera lens) and perceptions based on our experiences in life and the best we can do for our composition is slow down and take a good look around you.
Observation is the art of noticing what is happening around you and mindfulness is the art of noticing that you are noticing what is happening around you.
Ideas are everywhere around you. By sharpening your powers of observation, you will eventually see that this is the case.
Other essential tools for taking these aural snapshots are a small notepad and a pen or handheld recorder to make sure the ideas you come up with don’t get lost in your head.
The mindfulness part of the exercise is the ability be present in whatever you are doing. To always remember to take your pad and pen with you.
Even at work, there are ways you can be mindful. Take five minutes away from what you are doing and just observe your surroundings. If you’re working behind a desk, you can do this while taking your hourly stretch breaks.
You might hear someone say something that makes you think ‘Gee, that’s a great line for a chorus’ or during your lunch break you see a headline in the newspaper that sparks something in you.
In the meantime, remember that ideas are everywhere if you take the time to look at and listen to them.
As you stop to smell the roses, write a song about the roses as you do so.
Always remember, writing songs is life.
