A lot of oldsters e-mail Marty and me asking if we will inform them whether or not a tune concept is value pursuing. Although I’d love to provide a solution, I typically imagine it’s higher to show a person to fish, than hand him a fish. That is what my mentors did for me and I’m fortunate they didn’t give me the solutions. As an alternative, they gave me questions! So I’d wish to share with you some questions I ask myself earlier than spending an excessive amount of time on an concept.
Does your tune concept really feel actual or intelligent?
Actual at all times trumps mental or intelligent in my e-book! I like to seek out a variety of concepts that occur naturally in dialog. Like once I, or the particular person I’m speaking to, says one thing with conviction. I’ve gotten a few of my greatest songs this fashion. Particularly with artist co-writes. Artists are nice at expressing themselves. That’s their job! So I wish to take issues they are saying and really feel—after which write it!
Have I heard this concept earlier than?
I make it my mission to not write a title I’ve heard earlier than. Although a author can not copyright a title, I nonetheless need my titles to be recent. Typically I’ll search a potential title on ASCAP and BMI’s internet sites. If there few different songs by that title, I do know I’ve one thing distinctive. If there are NO songs by that title, then I’ve struck gold! However, if I discover 200 songs with my title, then I normally transfer on to a different title.
Does the thought have legs?
As soon as I get an concept, does it make my thoughts race with the following line, after which the following? Or do I get caught instantly? I discover that the thought I’m supposed to write down that day will normally take off with a artistic burst and have the legs to get a very good bit down on paper earlier than the creativity stops. If an concept bogs down too shortly or has a tough time getting began, then I seek for one other concept.
Is the thought plausible?
Individuals need to hearken to a tune that’s plausible. They need to be taken on a journey. And the listener gained’t try this UNLESS the thought is plausible. I at all times attempt to keep away from concepts that may be referred to as into query.
For instance: “Everybody Is aware of Love Is Simply A Sport”.
I might not write this title as a result of not everybody believes this. A lot of individuals imagine in actual love and don’t suppose it’s only a recreation! This may occasionally appear like a small factor, however I’ve witnessed it kill a tune as a result of the tune concept was not value pursuing.
Why ought to somebody care about this title?
What’s the energy on this concept? Will it transfer the listener. Will it make them really feel the feelings you need them to really feel? Would you like them to chortle, cry, dance, and many others? If not, it’s in all probability not distinctive sufficient. A nice concept causes some kind of response within the listener as a result of it has energy behind it. Writing about issues YOU care about will increase the probability that the listener will care as effectively. Supplied after all, that you simply write it effectively!
Write on! ~CM