For decades, hopeful people have asked about the best way to go about songwriting so that success would be a definite possibility (if not a sure thing). Most of the advice about “good” writing focuses on the hook, then on such ingredients as melody and lyrics.

 

But first and foremost, a songwriter must have self-confidence. Some creative and talented people have what it takes to create songs that will sell, but because they have the slightest doubt they don’t pursue it with all their energy. In simplest terms, songwriters sometimes move forward by letting it go.

 

If you have given the effort to writing some good songs and truly believe that you can get people interested in recording or publishing your songs, you should take a second look at your work. Ask yourself if the songs have that one ingredient they need – a real hook!

 

Whether we like it or not, there is a commercial element to songwriting. Of course, you can go ahead and write your songs, play them for friends and family and be perfectly happy. But if you want to get some income from your craft you will have to make use of the songs beyond a few listening ears.

Hooks are necessary in today’s pop-music world. Even the best rock songs have those few lines or a chorus that will stick in the listener’s ear. But what is a hook, you may well ask? Some see the unforgettable line or chorus as containing truth, whatever that means to the songwriter and the listener. 

Everyone has some “truths” they firmly believe in. To make them work in we must build our songs from these ideas. But it won’t work to write about what other people believe and know. Getting inspiration from others is a legitimate way to start and build a songwriting career. Imitating the best songwriters and musicians is fine, as long as you aren’t copying them.

As mentioned earlier, our confidence must in “self” not in someone else or what someone else has discovered. We all see and hear new, fascinating things each day. In these daily wonders and in the everyday activities there is plenty of material for a serious songwriter. Each small piece of our life could be what we need for the perfect song hook.

 

Songs often grow into big ideas from these small seeds of truth. Songwriting is sometimes making big stories and big ideas into smaller packages that can be heard and understood by the listener. But a writer has to be courageous and bold to make this work. When you have your hands on a good hook, weave it carefully into your song, repeating just the right number of times. 

Don’t shy away from difficult ideas, but make sure that your songs have some appeal for the mass of listeners. When you believe you have a good hook for each song, it’s time to put the confidence in motion. Dive into your songwriting with all the energy you have.