Songwriting Habit - Dealing with Perfectionism

So we have been playing around with some musical ideas, recorded them but on listening back we think, I really don't like that.

This is part of the songwriting process and it is important to remember that we don't go too much down the path of self criticism. Sometimes we can end up thinking that every idea we come up with is not good enough.

When we are writing words and playing with musical sounds it's good to get every idea down that pops in your head. Pretend there is no filter, because more often than not it's after you put down those silly words, cliche phrases etc. some really good ideas comes out.

If you are constantly telling yourself that all your ideas are silly, then of course you are not really giving yourself the chance to develop good ideas. In the book, The Artist Way, Julia Cameron's daily excersises of just writing anything everyday helps unlock the creative expression in artists. The same applies to a songwriter. Just sit down and write or play/record all of your ideas and then see what happens. 

So here are some tips to deal with perfectionism:

1. Keep a journal and each day spend 5 mins and brainstorm all the words & phrases related to what you want your song to be about.

2. Spend 5 mins each day playing with different chords or melodies on your instrument.

3. Do not filter any ideas out. 

4. Lastly, do not judge, put down or criticise your work. It does not need to be perfect. You do not need to be perfect either. You are at the start of a wonderful process that takes time and practise. So give yourself a chance.