Build a backlog of song ideas — what seems like a bad concept today may look completely different with a little time and a new perspective.

Work on developing your songwriting vocabulary — you necessarily don’t have to become a master of music theory, but it helps to know the lingo.

Choose a good beginning point for your song and build a strong story around it. The premise is among the most important parts, so make sure it’s solid.

The more closely your lyrics reflect the mood of the song, the more likely it is to resonate deeply with your audience.

You have the potential for musical greatness. Dig deep and commit to practicing every day. Even with all the talent in the world, crafting the perfect song is work.

Your inner critic is often what stops you from writing an amazing  song. Silence it until you’re done with channeling creativity.

All songs begin in silence. Fill that silence with observations and emotions from the world around you.

Opposites can create great contrast for your ‪songs. If you’re using long-held chords, then staccato-style vocals might do the trick.

Try using a different time signature and varying your rhythmic range in the next ‪song you write.

Many musicians double vocal lines and shift pitches when recording to achieve richer‪ vocals for their songs.

Despite what some fans may say, nobody wants to hear you release the same album twice. It’s okay to keep your fans in mind when writing, but the best songs come from writing from the gut.

When recording sound, lower compression ratios (between 1.2:1 & 3:1) yield a more natural sound as opposed to the higher ones.

Do you write ‪music, or does music write through you? Channel your inner genius to make the latter happen.

Many aspire to be world-famous musicians, but the truth is that most of these aspiring musicians do not end up with a glamorous life. Here are some things you might not realize about living life as a musician.

Image via Flickr by Valerie Everett

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