How Do You Write an Original Song?

Artists often have multiple sources of music as their inspiration for a piece. But you have to be careful you don’t just imitate an existing track.

How do you write an original song? By combining varying influences and contrasting styles, you can ensure your music is unique to you. Labels – and fans – are always on the lookout for something out of the ordinary, so it literally pays to be original.

In this article, you can find out how to bring yourself into your songwriting, be it in the lyrics, the tune, the beat or the arrangement.

How do you write an original song?

Making and writing original music is an ongoing process and can be achieved in a variety of ways. Creativity is very important and this can be sparked by learning new things or working with new people. Everyone is unique so stay sincere and true to yourself.

Writing original music first and foremost requires skills in songwriting. You should learn about songwriting techniques, including how to write a chorus, writing hooks and structuring songs. This will give you the foundation to pen a potential hit.

There are a lot of pop songwriters who use recent charting hits as their influences. And as a result, songs and hooks can sound quite similar. The safest way to do this is to pick a song from a genre that’s as far from your own as possible – such as using a metal hit to inspire your soulful ballad.

What makes a piece of music original?

An original piece of music is a new composition that combines musical elements in a way that’s never been done before. New songs often sound like existing pieces of music because they are influenced by other works. However, original songs must be deemed different enough to be deemed original. Don’t try and cheat on this. The big names have powerful lawyers looking out for copies. Spotify even has its own plagiarism detector.

Think that seems like a grey area? You’re not alone. Many big names have been caught out and sued for plagiarism.

How to write a song from scratch

Find your own sound. This includes your voice, your songs and the production of your recordings – the editing, mixing and mastering process. Listen to lots of different artists and genres and think about which ones inspire you the most. Also, work with other people, keep making music and remember to be yourself because you’re already unique.

Your genre will influence where you start. It might be the lyrics, the top line, a hook or the beats. Some are more electronic than others. It could be that your melody is very simple, but the originality arrives in the production. If you are new to writing and recording then it is a good idea to work with a professional producer. Find a studio near you and they may have producers in-house. If not, they may be able to recommend a producer.

Once you’ve found a producer, have a listen to their music and see what their style is like. Chat through your vision – they will likely be able to make it happen and bring elements of their own style to create something really original.

Many hits are written with a team of songwriters, typically in collaborative sessions. Try writing with some other writers and see if you can create something from scratch together. Several minds are often better than one, especially if you suffer from writer’s block.

How to write a unique song

Many young artists are told to write and make original music so that they can be unique. But what does this involve exactly, and how can you find your unique voice as a writer?

Every human being on the planet is different and has their own experience of life. Therefore, everyone is unique, including anyone who’s thinking of making music or writing songs. Being unique doesn’t mean your music will automatically be original though because it is easy to imitate and copy other artists you like.

‘Original’ refers to the first of something – a creation that isn’t a copy. Unique is defined more along the lines of being utterly different to anything else.

Unique song lyrics

Another way to create a unique hit is to cover an existing song, with your own original lyrics. In this example, the Lottery Winners worked with Nickelback to re-work their 2005 hit Rockstar, as a sea shanty. This was a clever move, combining a classic hit, with a trending music genre and their own ironic lyrics.

Don’t expect your lyrics to be completely original and professional straight away. It’s a continuous and ongoing process rather than a distinct outcome. Sometimes the best thing to do is to take a break and come back to it later. Or write while doing something else. Many successful lyricists write while travelling, jogging, or in the bath!

How to write a song from the heart

One of the best ways to improve your creativity is to be more open to life experiences. If you maintain a narrow-minded approach then you’re going to be very limited with the ideas you can create. Learning more about the world and about things outside your comfort zone will expose you to new ways of thinking. If you genuinely don’t get up to anything interesting then how are you going to create interesting content from your day to day life?

When you do go through things, don’t just brush them off and go back to your old way of working. Really try to process them and integrate what you’ve learnt and been through into your music. This will help create new avenues of inspiration and creativity that will enable you to find great ideas and be more original.

Use your creativity to come up with ideas that make the most of your situation. If you’re struggling with ideas then chat with your friends. Maybe they have some experiences that could be a source of inspiration. You can also look at Instagram accounts, or read online articles for ideas. And don’t feel you always have to sing about love. While this is a central theme in popular music, there are many other avenues to explore. And by bypassing the norm, you will be starting off from an original footing.

How do you write emotional music?

The best way to be original is to write about your own life. No one else will be living the same kind of lifestyle as you so it’s bound to be unique. If you try too hard to be something you’re not then it can backfire. People will be able to tell that you’re being insincere and it’s also hard to maintain in the long term, so focus on being authentic. Try journaling your thoughts and feelings. You’ll likely uncover some juice content for your songs, particularly if you plan on writing ballads.

Brainstorming is a great way to start tapping into your emotions for music. One method is to use a mindmap and write down ideas branching off of a central theme. You could also create a mood board with visual examples collaged together. Whatever you choose, make sure there is a goal and purpose that the brainstorming session is working towards.

How to write a song about someone

So many famous artists have done this. And there are lots of angles you can take. It could be an angry up-tempo piece like Little Mix’s Shout Out to My Ex, or Taylor Swift’s I Knew You Were Trouble (allegedly about Harry Styles). It may be about someone you know personally, or a thoughtful song about a celebrity, such as REM’s Man on the Moon about comic Andy Kaufman. Or most commonly, it may be an all-out love letter to a partner, like John Legend’s ode to his wife, Chrissy Teigen, in his romantic ballad All of Me.

If you’re writing about someone in your own life, it’s better to use a false name or alias and to refrain from anything offensive or overly provocative. Think of them as your muse, rather than recounting your story literally.

Being original will help the music you make to be successful. However, it doesn’t stop with your music. Your image is a big part of your brand as an artist. The best way to present your image is through visual content on social media. This will allow you to showcase your style and image directly with your fan base, as well as grow an audience online. It’s what helps turn talented artists into cultural icons, maintaining their relevance years after their peak.