I was just thinking ... co-writing

Some people really aren’t into co-writing. I personally find that it’s one of my favorite ways to write. I mean clearly it’s cool to be in your own head and come up with ideas. But I enjoy sessions where everyone is bouncing ideas off one another. But there also has to be a vibe there in order to make a session fruitful. 

I’ve been in sessions where nothing really gets done because opinions can differ so much. So it’s all about finding co-writers that you really have chemistry with. And some people get funny thinking “oh well I will have to share the money when it comes.” I’d rather have the best possible song even if other people will get a share. 

Sometimes working alone you can end up repeating melodies or just sounding too similar to things you’ve already done. I even see co-writing as a challenge because it’s so easy just to impress myself. In co-writing everyone has to be on the same page ultimately and it’s great when I can write something that other writers appreciate.

But in co-writing, there are some things to remember. You have to know exactly what each person is bringing to the table. Nothing worse than the people who just hang around the studio with no particular significance to the sessions that want to put their two cents in. All of a sudden they think they are a writer. 

SPLIT SHEETS. As awkward as it can be when a person won’t start a session without one, it can be a good idea. Especially when going into sessions with people you don’t write with all the time. But this way everyone knows where they stand. You’ll have someone changing one line that they sang and then want to be listed on the credits as a writer … But that’s a whole other blog that I’ll probably never write to protect the innocent. Lol. But nonetheless, I love the music that I create on my own, but I have a great appreciate for many of the writing partners that I’ve found along the way.

One last thing is that as an up and coming songwriter, co-writes are great to have with more established writers. It’s a great way to get your name out there and then when you do get your own reputation you have a lot more under your belt.