IT'S SO EMOTIONAL
The creative process is one that many still study with intense interest. How is it that someone can create something apparently out of nothing and it become so universal and globally appealing? The same is indeed true for the creative process of songwriting. Songwriting pulls on several emotions which sometimes fight for superior presence in the mind of the writer.
Throughout my career as a music producer and songwriter, I've been able to contribute to and observe the writing of some amazing songs. I've recognized the importance of several key factors from creating a good concept, to fostering an environment for stimulating conversation. Below are my thoughts of what I believe make the songwriting process work.
Top & Middle: "M.Bass", songwriter, Atlanta, Georgia –– Above: Atozzio Towns, singer-songwriter, Atlanta, Georgia
THE CONCEPT
Many times the first question asked and answered in the songwriting process is, 'what am I or we writing about.' The concept of a song is critical in creating something relevant and appealing to the masses. It's what many regard to as the most important area to address. What's the story? Who are the characters? What's their characteristics? All of these facts combine to create a good concept.
THE ENVIRONMENT
I remember when I co-wrote "I Stay In Love" with Mariah Carey, Bryan- Michael Cox and Adonis Shropshire. Mariah and I had just recently met but our connection didn't take long. Lower Manhattan served as the initial backdrop for the songwriting experience. Mariah enjoyed creating songs on her Moroccan themed balcony. From this location, she could easily be inspired by the beautiful array of busy lights of the New York City skyline. Later we decided to move to a peaceful beachfront home in the Hamptons to complete the writing process. Overall, we spent a lot of time just talking and getting to know each other. A good ol' trick used by many hit songwriters throughout history. Taking time to 'feel each other out' helps songwriters come up with subject matter thats authentic and near to those in the room.
THE CONVERSATION
Casual conversation has often times been the predecessor to a great concept. You never want to force a topic in the process of creating a song. You want the concept to kinda hit you over the head in an aha moment. Pieces suddenly fall into place, things start to make sense, and before you know it, you are writing something that connects with millions of fans around the world.
Above: "M.Bass", songwriter, Atlanta, Georgia
Below: singer-songwriter Oshea (red jacket) and producer songwriter G.Bliz, Atlanta, Georgia
THE "PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER" PART
Once you have an idea of what you want to sing about, the next thing is to determine how you're going to sing it. What comes first, the 'chicken or the egg'? Some songwriters have an idea of 'how to sing' something (the melody) before they know what to say (the lyric). For others it's totally the other way around.
As many people who'd argue the priority of great lyrics and concept, many more would argue the superiority of hypnotic melody. Melody is like that magic BBQ sauce steeped into Carolina ribs. It's the thing that has you humming a song when you have no clue what it's talking about. Yes, the 'can't get this song outta my head' thing. Matching a great melody with a great lyric and concept is the start of a great song and is what 'Putting It All Together' is all about.
Above and below "Jo'zzy", artist & songwriter, Atlanta, Georgia
TWEEKING IT not TWERKING IT
No this is not a new social media dance craze. You actually have to make sure your song flows when it is sung. In this stage everything is up for adjustment. You may need to alter a phrase or one simple lyric to get your song to the next level. You may even decide to change a melody or two in the hook to elevate the feel of the song. This tweeking process is why some songs take months to complete.
FINAL THOUGHT
Great songs flow through the songwriters that pen them. While it does take a considerable amount of thought, conversation, effort and tweeking, the best songwriters know how to surrender and be vessels. In a conversation with Michael Jackson, legendary composer and producer Quincy Jones said:
"If a song needs strings, it will tell you. Get out of the way and leave room so that God can walk in." - Quincy Jones
And there you have it, the thin air part. God walking in the room. This is what makes the creative process so amazing and what also keeps songwriters constantly writing even if they aren't doing it to appeal to the masses. Wether you are a religious person or not, it's hard to argue against someone who has won 27 GRAMMY's to date (the 2nd most ever in history). From thin air to thick smoke, great songwriting is as much a spiritual phenomena as it is a practical discipline.