If you’re like most people, you probably enjoy listening to music. But have you ever wondered how a song is written? Songwriters are special people who have the unique ability to put human emotion and experience into musical form.
If you’re curious about what it means to be a songwriter, or if you just want to learn more about the process, here are a few questions to ask the next time you have the opportunity to speak with a songwriter.
49 Questions you can ask a songwriter:
- What’s your favorite part of the songwriting process?
- What’s the best part of being a songwriter?
- What’s the worst part of being a songwriter?
- How do you know when you’ve written a good song?
- How do you know when you’ve written a great song?
- What’s the most challenging thing about writing songs?
- Where do you get your inspiration for your songs?
- How does your creative process work?
- How does your songwriting team (if you have one) work together?
- Do you collaborate with other writers or artists on your songs? If so, how does that process work?
- What role does research play in your songwriting process (if any)?
- What role does experience play in your songwriting process (if any)?
- Does gut instinct play into your decision-making when it comes to writing songs? If so, how do you know when to trust your gut and when to second-guess it?
- Have you ever had writer’s block while trying to write a song? If so, how did you overcome it?
- Do you have any funny or interesting stories about your experiences as a songwriter that you can share with us?
- What’s your favorite part about being a songwriter?
- What’s the best song you’ve ever written?
- What’s the worst song you’ve ever written?
- How do you know when a song is finished?
- What’s your writing process like?
- Do you write with a specific audience in mind?
- How do you feel about co-writing?
- What do you think is the most important element of a good song?
- What artist or type of music influenced your decision to become a songwriter?
- Do you prefer writing lyrics or melodies? Why?
- What role does collaboration play in your writing process?
- Is there anything you would change about your career thus far if given the chance?
- What advice would you give to someone starting out as a songwriter?
- Do you have any upcoming projects that we can be on the lookout for?
- What’s your favorite thing that you’ve written?
- What’s the best compliment someone could give you about your songwriting?
- What’s the hardest thing about being a songwriter?
- Where do you usually write?
- With or without distractions?
- In silence or with music playing?
- By hand or on the computer?
- What software/apps do you use to help with the songwriting process (if any)?
- Do you prefer collaboration or working alone?
- Do you have any superstitions around writing or finishing a song (e.g., not writing on Friday the 13th)?
- How long does it usually take you to write a song?
- How did you get into songwriting?
- How do you usually go about writing a song?
- What comes first when you’re writing a song? The lyrics or the melody?
- Do any of your songs based on personal experiences? If so, can you tell me about one that’s particularly special to you?
- Do any of your songs are based on stories or characters that you’ve made up? If so, can tell me about one that’s particularly special to you?
- What genre do you usually write in and why?
- Do ever venture out of your comfort zone and write in a genre that’s new to you? If so, how does that usually go for you?
- Who are some of your musical influences and why do they inspire you?
- Is there anything else about being a songwriter that you think people should know but don’t usually ask about?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a songwriter be a singer?
A songwriter can be a singer, but not all singers are songwriters. A songwriter is someone who writes songs, while a singer is someone who sings songs. Some songwriters also sing their own songs, but not all do. Some singers write their own songs, but not all do.
What skills do you need to be a songwriter?
A songwriter must have a creative mind and the ability to put feelings into words. They must also be familiar with musical notation and be able to play an instrument. Songwriters must be able to think up melodies and chord progressions, and they must have a good ear for harmony and melody.
Can I be a songwriter if I can’t sing?
No matter your ability to sing, you can still be a songwriter. You don’t have to have a great voice to write songs – you just have to have a good sense of melody and lyrics. There are many successful songwriters who can’t carry a tune, so don’t let that stop you from pursuing your dream.
Conclusion
Being a songwriter is a special talent that not many people possess. If you want to learn more about how to write a song, or if you’re just curious about the creative process, here are questions to ask the next time you talk to a songwriter!
Hopefully, this article has piqued your curiosity and given you a better understanding of what it takes to make the beautiful music we enjoy!
