Articles by Dave Byers
Dave is the founder of WritingSongs.com and the Christian Songwriters Organization. He has been writing songs since 1979. His book Songwriting Fundamentals is full of helpful hints for both new and seasoned songwriters. Visit Author's Website.
Registered Since: 2007-09-28 23:28:00
- An honest critique
- A sugar-coated critique
- It needs to draw the listener in with an interesting lyric
- It needs to be catchy, as a song must please the ear rather than just reading it like a poem
- It needs to have good sound structure
Song Critiques: How to Take A Punch to the Gut
October 1, 2007
As writers we love to get other people’s opinion of our songs.
Usually we finish a new song, and we’re so proud of it, we want everybody to hear it and get excited too, so they can celebrate our greatness and lavish praise on us of how wonderfully talented we are.
Asking for feedback will usually get you one of two things:
This may seem obvious, but the truth is that many writers never reach their full potential, because they (1) get their feelings hurt from a negative critique; and (2) they wallow in mediocrity because they never got honest, constructive feedback.
Songwriting 101: Song Meter
September 29, 2007
Let’s discuss song meter and how that affects your writing.
We know that each line in verse one needs to match the same line length in the other verses. But have you ever written a song and had to squeeze in words really fast to make them fit? Then later, you decide that it just didn’t sound right?
You’re not alone, because there’s a subtle little trick you can use to that will transform any poorly-written line into a catchier, more distinguished lyric.
Songwriting 101: Using Rhyme to Your Advantage
September 29, 2007
Rhyme is a wonderful tool to aid in your songwriting when it’s used properly.Your songs do not have to rhyme, but the vast majority of successful songs do. Regardless of the style of music you write, rhyme is one of the most important tools in your toolbox.
Be careful though because cliché, boring, predictable rhymes can ruin any song.
Songwriting 101: The Basics
September 29, 2007
A song needs to do three basic things to impress a listener. Call it the songwriting triangle:
Below I will explain some of the basics of good structure and some common songwriting terms. If you have all three sides as strong as possible from the songwriting triangle, you will give your song its best chance at success.
