My Songwriting Contest Observations

You know, I love a good songwriting contest.

A songwriting contest brings out the best in songwriters because it gives them something to write for. A deadline to achieve.

I am always amazed by the amount of people out there that put pen to paper and just go for it, it’s fantastic.

You also get to hear some unearthed talent out there too.

I have been judging songwriting contests for a number of years now and I have made a list of the most common flaws in the songs I have listened to.

Please don’t take this list as the absolute truth. These points are only observations that I have made, followed by some suggestions on how to address these flaws.

Here are the five main flaws in no particular order:

1. Lots of cliches and platitudes in the song lyrics
It amazes me that, even though we are all unique, special and different individuals we write a song about love using the same words and cliches.

We as songwriters need to quieten our minds and listen for the true essence of ourselves. Only then we can write a song from our own unique, and different perspectives.

Always try to write a song that comes from you and you alone.

2. Clumsy lyrical delivery
When the rhythm of the lyrics and melody are all jumbled up, the natural flow of the song disappears. It seems that the songwriter is having a hard time exploring all of their ideas therefore, they cram as many words and ideas into a song.

Remember, a song is at its most effective when you are dealing with one concept or idea at a time. If you find you have too many ideas in a song then pick one to run with and write another song (or two) with the leftovers.

3. Not enough attention paid to the song format
There have been many a time where I have been listening to a song and I have said to myself ‘there should be a bridge here’, or a chorus has been written that doesn’t stand out enough.

It pays to have an idea of what a verse, chorus, pre-chorus and a bridge does and how you can use them.

4. The song go on too long
A lot of songs I hear in songwriting contests go on way too long. They generally have an anthemic phrase that is repeated over and over and over and over (you get the idea) again.

There is nothing wrong with a lengthy song as long as the journey and the story is there for the listener to follow. If, say after three and a half minutes you are starting to repeat things and your idea runs out of steam then finish the song.

Maybe you don’t need to reapeat the chorus ten times just because you like the way it sounds. Try putting on the ears of your listener from time to time.

5. Past, present and future tenses are mixed up
Be careful that you dont mix up your tenses when you are telling the story in your songs. This sends a mixed and confusing message to the listener.

People want to be taken by the hand and led on a bit of a journey, unless you are the songwriting equivelent to Quentin Tarantino you should be aware of how the story is going chronologically.

There you have it. A small list of things to consider.

Practice, practice and practice your craft, have fun with it, share it with others and when a songwriting contect comes around put your best foot forward and have a go.

Until next time, happy writing,

Corey Stewart
Singer/Songwriter/Musician

Keywords: songwriting, songwriting contest, song writing, songwriting, songwriter, songwriting tip, songwriting help, songwriting idea, corey stewart

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Tags: competition, contest, Corey Stewart, music, Songwriting, Songwriting Zen, writing, zen

Monday, March 10th, 2008 Songwriting Contests

1 Comment to My Songwriting Contest Observations

Too Many Ideas Spoil The Song « Songwriting Zen says:

March 30, 2008 at 10:11 am

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