Tips on Songwriting Step #1 - THE THEME

Quick tips on songwriting, designed to act as a guide or checklist when preparing to write a song.

1. THE THEME
2. THE TITLE
3. THE LYRICS
4. THE VOCAL MELODY
5. THE ARRANGEMENT
6. THE PRODUCTION

Try and say something in a new or original way. Instead of saying "I want you back", Toni Braxton said, "Unbreak My Heart". Instead of saying "I love you", Ne-Yo's song "When You're Mad" explains how he loves her even when she's mad.

This is a very simple difference but it can be the difference between a tired subject or a fresh angle on a common theme.

Theme's that usually work best are those that engage the emotion of the listener, the reason "love and relationships" is so popular in music is because most people think about those subjects a lot, and understandably like to listen to music that communicates their inner fears/hope/experiences on those subjects.

Go to the next part: Tips on songwriting - The Title