Page 4 - Write Away Magazine April
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Songwriting in turbulent timeS
Is Songwriting Still Relevant? All our public expressions of culture are in limbo.
We’re learning new phrases including : self-isolation, These are just the surprises I’ve been able to keep up
social distancing, flattening the curve. with.
As I’m writing this article, the impact of Covid-19 is So, with sweeping changes to our lives… is
still accelerating. By the time you read this some of songwriting still relevant?
this will already be old news…
First, you have to look after the survival needs of you
Many cities and entire countries are in lock down. and your family… water, food, shelter. If you are out
Citizens are self-isolating. Countries are closing of work, don’t hide and write songs, look after
their borders. States of emergency are being declared yourself and your family. When physical and safety
around the world. needs are secure you can consider other priorities,
like entertainment, self-improvement and
World economies are at a stand still. The stock songwriting.
markets are melting down around the world.
Governments are creating aid packages for their 3 Reasons Your Songwriting is More Relevant
citizens that are self-isolating and can’t work from Than Ever:
home. Non-essential businesses are closed.
1. Self-Expression
Most people are at home, either out of work or
working from home. Children are home with their You can express and process your emotions through
parents. Universities, schools and daycares are closed. your songwriting. For many songwriters, the creative
act of writing is a form of self-therapy. Use
Public gatherings are cancelled for the foreseeable songwriting to create a safe place to explore and
future, including: concerts, church services, parades, process your emotions while life is unpredictable.
and professional & amateur sports. Parks, libraries,
museums, restaurants and bars are closed. There are several common reasons songwriters
create. If your songwriting motivation feels broken
or you’re feeling overwhelmed by events, rekindle
your songwriting spark with this article: What’s Your
Songwriting Why: Understanding the Reasons You
Write Songs
2. Capture the Moment
A song is a snapshot of who you are as a songwriter
and as a person when you wrote it. Your first few
songs were weak because you were still developing
your songwriting skills. Since then you’ve grown as a
songwriter and as a person.
Your song is also a reflection of your world at the
moment. Capture these moments in your songs.
Document these extraordinary times in your songs.
04 www.writeawaymagazine.co.uk
