Brett Dennen's Songwriting Tips
Hoover and our friends at We Rate Stuff kept talking about Brett Dennen. I had heard some of his stuff but typically those singer songwriter types don’t hold my attention for very long. But the other day I stumbled upon Brett Dennen’s songwriting tips and I found a new appreciation for this guy.
There are two points in particular that have helped me already.
If you’re feeling like you don’t have anything to say lyrically, you probably do, you’re just afraid to say it. So push yourself. Find the courage to expose yourself to people and speak to things you’re insecure about, or things you wish for deep down inside, because, chances are everybody shares those same feelings.
Never, ever be an editor while you’re writing lyrics. Just pour out whatever comes naturally, and don’t let a single negative or critical thought enter your mind. And write a lot—write eight verses or more, without worrying about whether you’re being clever or poetic, or if the words even rhyme.
I can become very critical when songwriting. That little voice in your head is telling you that this verse needs to rhyme or you need to be more significant. Quite that voice down and just write. Although Brett Dennen is arguably the most ridiculous looking man in folk music, he does write very honest and sincere music. I think his words will help everyone in their own personal songwriting journey.
Take Control of Your Music,
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Category: Music Career, Songwriting
This guy’s great. I was with Kaitis when they opened for Guster, fantastic show. He’s such a musician.
[...] lyrics from start to finish. I didn’t want to write garbage. I came across this article (via NRSP) the other day where songwriter Brett Dennen basically said the same [...]