Inspiration. Sometimes it strikes and sometimes it doesn't. Either way, we still have a song to get finished, whether it be for a deadline or just to hear the product of our hard work. What can be done to get over songwriter's block? Here are five ideas to help you get your creative juices flowing.
1.) Do you need to write a song but have no idea what to write about? Try this: Listen to your all-time favorite song, album or band. Maybe some Flatt and Scruggs is all you need to get back into songwriting!
2.) Are you feeling frustrated with your failed efforts? Take a small break, go for a walk, get a cookies-and-cream latte, find a nice comfortable place and take a load off, then get back and give it another shot... you never know, five minutes may give you your second wind.
3.) Are you having a crazy day, feeling sad, lonely, angry, excited? Put these feeling to good use in a song. Blow off some steam and give your listeners something interesting to hear, now that's what I call multi-tasking!
4.) Give yourself time to play around... on your instruments, that is! If you play an instrument, giving yourself the freedom to strum random chords or play random notes can pay off once in awhile! Give it a try, you might be surprised.
5.) If all else fails, take a day or two off from songwriting. (I know, in some cases you just can't, but if you can, do it.) Get your laundry done, do something with your family, focus on the important people in your life (or the important pet in your life!) and really give them all of your attention. Bluegrass is about real-life, down-to-earth type of things. You can't write it if you don't live it.
Keep on songwriting!!
