Songwriting Advice

Speed Songwriting

speed songwriting lyric assistant

Are you an up-and-coming songwriter or musician who loves creating music, but simply can't find the time it takes to craft the perfect song? Or maybe you're a seasoned songwriter hitting a creative wall and in need of a quick solution to get your groove back? Speed songwriting can be your savior! And with the help of Lyric Assistant, you'll never have to worry about writer's block again. In this post, we'll dive into the exciting world of speed songwriting and showcase how Lyric Assistant can deliver the perfect song in minutes.

Looking to write your next song? Transform your creative ideas into songs that people will love, and skyrocket your music career with Lyric Assistant. The perfect songwriting assistant. Find out more →

Speed songwriting is an innovative approach that helps you accelerate your songwriting process and achieve fantastic results in a fraction of the time it typically takes to compose a masterpiece. Sometimes, writing songs the conventional, slow way can make the process feel tedious and even hinder your creative flow! Speed songwriting techniques help songwriters bypass that and get straight to the good stuff. With Lyric Assistant as your trusty companion, you can do this with absolute ease.

Here's how to get started with speed songwriting and the advantage of using Lyric Assistant:

1. Set a time limit

Input your desired timeframe into Lyric Assistant and let it guide you through each songwriting phase. By narrowing down the time you have to write a song, you focus on the essential components, such as melody, lyrics, and structure, instead of getting lost in the endless possibilities.

2. Pick a genre and topic

A primary advantage of using Lyric Assistant for speed songwriting is its ability to generate various genre and topic suggestions to kick off your creative process. Filtering your options and instantly receiving creative prompts saves you precious time during the brainstorming phase.

Write Lyrics Like a Professional Songwriter

The ultimate songwriting tool that takes your creative vision to the next level! With just a few clicks, you can unleash your inner songwriter and craft a hit that's uniquely yours. Your song. You own it.

Example: Pop, Rock, Rap, Electronic, R&B, K-Pop, Drill...
Example: Happy, sad, inspirational, romantic, gritty...
Example: Love, loss, overcoming adversity, party, faith, personal growth, reflection...
Example: Kendrick Lamar, Drake, Grimes, Beyonce, Billie Eillish, Pink Floyd, BTS ...
A bridge is used to provide a new perspective or shift in your song's mood

3. Choose a song structure

Lyric Assistant lets you pre-select a song structure that tailors to your specific needs or preferences, whether it's your signature technique or one you're itching to experiment with. Having a clear structure allows your cohesive ideas to flow with a natural pace in a shorter time frame.

4. Select artists for inspiration

Sometimes, combining aspects of your favorite artists' tunes can create a brand new, perfect harmony. Lyric Assistant allows you to input artists to emulate, ensuring your song results in a unique blend based on your musical taste.

Speed Songwriting Example

Imagine you've been given only a week to write a new song that blends indie-folk with a touch of pop, and the theme is finding love in unexpected places. With a normal approach, you might find yourself waiting for inspiration to strike or fumbling through different draft ideas until the perfect melody, lyrics, or structure presents itself.

But with Lyric Assistant, your songwriting approach becomes streamlined:

- Enter a 7-day deadline for your song.

- Select "Indie-folk" and "Pop" as your primary genres, and "Love in Unexpected Places" as your topic.

- Opt for a verse-chorus-verse-chorus-bridge-chorus-chorus structure.

- Choose Fleet Foxes, Sufjan Stevens, Bon Iver, and Taylor Swift for your desired mixture of sounds and writing styles.

Using these selections, Lyric Assistant will swiftly generate a unique and catchy song tailored to your preferences – and in just a matter of minutes!

Ready to dive into the world of speed songwriting? Lyric Assistant is with you, every line and note of the way. Create your perfect, unique song in minutes with unparalleled ease by selecting genre, topic, structure, and your favorite artists for inspiration. Step up your songwriting game with expedited precision and let Lyric Assistant be the powerhouse behind your next hit!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is speed songwriting?

Speed songwriting is a method of composing music quickly, often by setting tight deadlines or using specific strategies to enhance creativity and rapid idea generation. The goal is to produce complete songs or solid song structures in a short amount of time without overthinking the process.

Who can benefit from speed songwriting?

Both amateur and professional songwriters can benefit from speed songwriting. It's particularly helpful for artists looking to break through creative blocks, improve their writing skills, or increase their catalogue of work.

How can I start with speed songwriting?

Begin by setting a clear and manageable time limit, such as 20 to 30 minutes. Prepare your writing space with any necessary instruments or recording devices and start with a simple song idea or prompt. The key is to write continuously until the time is up.

Isn't quality compromised when you write songs quickly?

While speed songwriting can sometimes lead to a less polished result initially, the practice often yields raw and genuine material that can later be refined. The focus is on inspiring creativity, not achieving perfection on the first try.

Can I co-write during a speed songwriting session?

Yes, co-writing can be an excellent strategy for speed songwriting. Working with others can help generate ideas more quickly and can lead to exciting collaborative work.

What if I can't finish a song in one session?

Not finishing a song in one session is perfectly okay. The idea is to capture the essence of a song. You can always return to it later to refine and complete the work.

Do I need to play an instrument to participate in speed songwriting?

No, playing an instrument is not a requirement for speed songwriting. You can create melodies, lyrics, and song structures using your voice or digital audio workstations.

How often should I practice speed songwriting?

This depends on your personal goals and schedule. Some songwriters incorporate speed writing sessions several times a week, while others may do it less frequently. Consistency can lead to improved skills over time.

Should I prepare anything before a speed songwriting session?

Having a list of prompts, lyrical ideas, or chord progressions handy can be helpful, but it's not essential. Speed songwriting often encourages spontaneous creativity.

What do I do with the ideas that come from speed songwriting?

You can develop them into full songs, use them as a library of ideas for future work, or simply use them as practice material to keep your songwriting skills sharp.

How do I deal with writer's block during speed songwriting?

When facing writer's block, change up your approach. Try a new instrument, write from a different perspective, or set a unique challenge, like writing a song without a chorus. The key is to keep the momentum going.

Are there any tools to aid in speed songwriting?

Yes, there are many tools available. From smartphone apps that provide chord progressions and songwriting prompts, to digital audio workstations that allow quick recording and editing. Metronomes and timers can also be helpful to keep you on track.

What is a good strategy for crafting melodies quickly?

A simple strategy is to start by humming or whistling to create a tune, or using a chord progression as the foundation. Recording your session allows you to capture spontaneous melodies that you can develop further.

Is it worth recording my speed songwriting sessions?

Absolutely. Recording sessions can capture fleeting moments of inspiration that you might otherwise forget. It also allows you to review and refine your ideas later.

How do I know when a speed-written song is finished?

A song from a speed writing session is "finished" when it has a clear structure and complete ideas for melodies and lyrics – it doesn't have to be perfect. You can polish and finalize it in subsequent sessions.

Can speed songwriting help with collaboration?

Yes, speed songwriting can be a great way to learn how to collaborate effectively by sharing immediate musical ideas and getting comfortable with instant feedback.

What should I focus on first, lyrics or melody?

This is a personal preference. Some songwriters start with a lyrical concept or a particular phrase, while others begin with a melody. With speed songwriting, you might find that alternating your focus between sessions keeps your approach fresh.

How does speed songwriting affect the song editing process?

Speed songwriting usually results in a raw and unfiltered first draft, which may require more extensive editing and refinement later. However, it also means that the essence of the song is likely to be more authentic and emotionally resonant, which can be a powerful base for further development.

Can I use speed songwriting for genre-specific music?

Speed songwriting is flexible and can be adapted to any genre. The practices of quick creation and capturing initial ideas are universal and beneficial across all styles of music.

How do I build a habit of speed songwriting?

Set regular, consistent times for your speed songwriting sessions. Treat them like appointments or workouts: non-negotiable parts of your routine. Over time, it will become a habit that nurtures your creative process.

What is the most important tip for anyone trying speed songwriting?

Don't censor yourself. Allow every idea, good or bad, to flow onto the page or recording. Filtering comes later. The most vital aspect of speed songwriting is to keep writing and to be open to wherever the process takes you.

Write Lyrics Like a Professional Songwriter

The ultimate songwriting tool that takes your creative vision to the next level! With just a few clicks, you can unleash your inner songwriter and craft a hit that's uniquely yours. Your song. You own it.

Example: Pop, Rock, Rap, Electronic, R&B, K-Pop, Drill...
Example: Happy, sad, inspirational, romantic, gritty...
Example: Love, loss, overcoming adversity, party, faith, personal growth, reflection...
Example: Kendrick Lamar, Drake, Grimes, Beyonce, Billie Eillish, Pink Floyd, BTS ...
A bridge is used to provide a new perspective or shift in your song's mood
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About Toni Mercia

Toni Mercia is a Grammy award-winning songwriter and the founder of Lyric Assistant. With over 15 years of experience in the music industry, Toni has written hit songs for some of the biggest names in music. She has a passion for helping aspiring songwriters unlock their creativity and take their craft to the next level. Through Lyric Assistant, Toni has created a tool that empowers songwriters to make great lyrics and turn their musical dreams into reality.