Just got tears watching this video. I've taken vocal lessons for 4+ years and really want to write my own songs but I've been too scared. Didn't realize it until I watched your video -- which basically is telling me to just write songs (which will be bad at first). I've been too scared of failing to start. Off I got to sing and write back songs! Thanks for the motivation (downloads PDF now).
On occasion our first songs ARE our best. I am like that with most things I do because I put a 110% into first things and try harder than ever right up front....I will not ever have better songs than my first fifteen songs. Though I will say my 3 and fourth and fifth songs were better than first and second. I know some famous singers like that as well....their first and second albums will always be their best. So you might even be like that but if not no worries because your best can come a little later as some of us wane some. Just be organic in your approach and write from the heart always....even if it is breaking some rules. I break more rules than most and never aimed for radio play but I even have that without any effort. Not saying that rules are not also good but they must not bind us at all.....we have to be free in our expression at least 90% I believe. So be authentic...be real....and aim for high standards even while breaking some rules. Sounds contrary but it is not....we can have high standards while breaking many rules in song writing and I am experiencing just that. Just go for it all the way and do not be held back by anyone or anything.
Hi Ambrose, never say never about writing another great song. The world is full of possibilities and the only limits are those that we place on ourselves. Your best song ❤ could be your next!
I'm 33 & I wrote my first song at age 9. These points are simple & I've been writing for many years, and yet I got so much out of this video. Thanks ol' chap!
Credit for taking the time Sir to make these videos. Your advice helps to demystify and clarify the process. Love all your rules as it's important to know the basic fundamentals. I think you are helping a lot of writers and there is always something we can learn. Thank you!
10. Learn by Writing, Not by Reading* 9. Increase Your Listening Depth 8. Hit record 7. Write by Yourself* 6. There Are No Rules 5. Play Chords 4. Sing Everything 3. Question Everything* 2. Start a Band* 1. Write, Listen, Understand, Repeat
It's actually kind of nice to think that since I haven't completed 100 songs yet, I'm still a beginner. That means I still have a lot of growing to do.
2:13 thats so true , when i started making songs i felt weird when i started singing but after a couple of songs i started getting used to my voice and how i can use it to fit in melodies and the mood of a song. its really weird how little we know our own voices lol 😂
Although it's easier said than done, try not to over think it or be self critical. Trust your instincts and the rest will take care of itself. We all want to do our absolute best but we have to remember to enjoy the process also.
Holistic songwriting, your channel is absolutely fantastic! Thank you so much for sincerely putting a butt-load of intelligent thought into your guidance. Seriously, thank you!
I've been in dozens of bands in my life and it has been extremely helpful to learn how to write arrangements that work. Now I can write pop, rock, rhythm & blues, metal, folk, jazz, soundtracks, etc. because I've written and played those styles in bands. Though I have to admit I'm so happy to be a solo artist right now haha.
Hi, just saw your comment, and interestingly, I’m in the pre-launch stages of my career and I’m trying to get as much insight on what stands out, between starting a band and being a solo artist. Seeing that you’ve experienced them both and you are happy as a solo artist, what insights and takeaways can you pass down to new comer on the scene? If you don’t mind 💯
@@mc9601, hi! So in my mind forming a band makes sense when there's true synergy, friendship and a shared vision, as well as talents that complement each other. The results from that formula can be incredible, but it's also not easy to achieve. As a solo artist you have your own vision, it's easier to kick things off and you can always collaborate with session musicians when needed.
Hit record. So important. I have done this from the moment I started to play guitar. When you can listen to what you were just doing you can hear the areas you need to improve on. And when your in a band it's even more important as song can literally come out of nowhere. I have hundreds of cassettes, mini discs and audio files showing the evolution of my songwriting. Some of them were one take out of nowhere songs.
Thank you. I've just started writing songs after 66 years of not. Now the poetry flows, and I wrote 2 songs in a day, and can't stop laughing. It's so fun and funny. Cheers
Many Thanks to you on behalf of everyone! You really want people to learn, and be motivated, others are just making bullshit, to somehow upload to UA-cam. Thanks a lot, god bless you.
Paralysis by analysis befalls us all, but there were some useful bits here to ask serious questions about your own work and how to make it better, thank you
That video is pure gold for a beginning songwrither, thank you so much! Ich bin sehr am überlegen, ob ich mir nicht dein Songwrithing-Kartendeck kaufe.
I love #9 and I'd add to that -- always have something to shoot for, have a level that you want to reach in the long term. It can just be in the back of your mind, you don't need to write every song around it. But if you can be honest with yourself and say "this song by [insert band] is the level I want to reach", it's the best way to never stop growing. And for #8 an app like FL Studio Mobile can be super-helpful, especially if it can export as .MID -- so that when you have a more complicated idea you don't need to re-transcribe once it's time to use it.
Love the content, love the presentation. Your videos are awesome, always to the point and full of engaging, thought provoking info. Well done and much appreciation!!!
Epic, as usual ....... Love your all encompassing gift of knowledge & musicianship as you have taught me so much. Thank you for your to the point --- nail it down, approach as you teach such an important array of subjects that will impact every songwriter out there. Rock on!!!
Ive written no songs but ive lines of lyrics for about 5 years now. But times have benn not happy so alot is hatin on the hate. Its been a learning experience because ive learned to word sentences where from line to line to words can be switched around and still make complete sentences.
I like the astrix for "start a band" which makes complete sense because my "plan" is to bring a whole album together before I even think about finding people
#10 and particularly #9 is pretty much how I learned everything. I know very little music theory, yet have written four albums that, by people's reactions, at the very least don't suck, because apparently I've been observing music since I was a child and didn't realize it.
I think this is a really helpful set of tips, thank you so much!! Im getting started on songwriting now, just composing some very pop garbage, but im really eager about it thanks to you!!
I love how writing over reading was the first focus. I’m just starting out and thought “maybe I should discover my style first” and then you pretty much said that lol I’ll be back.. lol
Great tips and also a really well structured video. I really like the fact you gave detail first, and THEN the tip title. Makes for a really strong video.
Amazing lesson ..I do write song n compose music through DAW .. It helps more as i know theory but lack writing skills. This is all gudd till u dnt earn . But for earning i feel this songwriting career bit lacklusture esp in India.
Thank you for making this video. I will probably not do the band thing. I like being solo. But I will probably do musical collaborations with people. Recording music is spot on. I mainly do improv. I play live shows with a drum machine and synthesizers.
Great series. I think I've got most of these, but not all. Until now I've relied 100% on feeling melody phrases in my "gut" and mind, which works most of the time. but I think I will try to apply the "sing everything" rule. Even though I sound like an out-of-tune Neil Tennant.
I needed this video to let me know I'm on the right path. I literally do all these things. Wrote my first song 20 years ago at 13 (wow), and I'm just now hitting around 30 songs written. I'm in a season where I've gotten more consistent with my writing and not allowing "writer's block" to interfere with it. Hoping to find some good producers and engineers so I can finally release some music to the public
Holy shit I’m so glad that this popped up as one of my recommended videos. I think universe could sense that I was having a hard time with my writing because it’s very emotional and I’ve been wanting to find a way to not scare people off with my songs if they get a sense of its spirituality within the content but at the same time it’s what I needed and so I was unable to find satisfying results when I would search for songwriting tips. But this popped up and just the title alone is exactly what I’ve been looking for I just didn’t really think anybody did this or called or anything anyway… So thank you so much this really has further inspired me to put something out and not be afraid or thinking I have to change things around in order for it to be marketable. It seems as though what I’ve written and what I have in mind is great as is. Thank you 🤘🏽🌷🙏🏾
Well, I got polar thoughts about this video: from 1 side I checked ep. 1 and this one looks like it really helpful, but from the other side I'm newbie so I don't know anything after 1:20 :))) anyway, thanks for your videos, that's what i hope I need
I once sang my first song to a friend and he was trying to find it on Shazam thinking it was a famous song... It was the best feeling ever but It's hard to value something you have created because your opinion is so much influenced by your own criticism. Plus I was thinking that knowing more about soloing could help you in the songwriting process because you gain acceass to even more melodies. Since sometimes my guitar's fretboard sounds limited. Like I've used all the sounds ever possible and I need more
This is so innovating. If I may ask, if you've written a song for an artist and you'd like for then to see it or even just market it what steps would you advice to take? Is it better to market with Independent or Big music publishers? Your advice would be much appreciated.
I just discovered your videos. Your advice is solid and your delivery is great. I like things compact and organized. Someone said "Don't bore us, get to the chorus." Maybe that applies in teaching, too. I have a question for you or your readers. I've just re-started songwriting in retirement. I've produced 4 news songs in one month. I don't think they are very good - I think they are fantastic. Do most songwriters think their songs are better than they really are?
For the no. 9 commandment does it necessarily have to be a band ... I don't really listen to bands that much... Can it be a solo artist... Sorry if this is a dumb question
singing your melody is very important ! I've already was asked to sing songs written by people that were impossible to sing : to much amplitude for the human voice too high too low or too fast ! we must remember a voice is a special instrument, it hasn't the same range or ability as a piano has ! between singers it is sometimes hard to follow (a mezzo cannot sing in the same key as a tenor...) so imagine with other instruments !
5:17 The first 7 tips were so good, he went from silver play button to gold play button from tip#4 to Tip #3.
What...? Yeah.
Just got tears watching this video. I've taken vocal lessons for 4+ years and really want to write my own songs but I've been too scared. Didn't realize it until I watched your video -- which basically is telling me to just write songs (which will be bad at first). I've been too scared of failing to start. Off I got to sing and write back songs! Thanks for the motivation (downloads PDF now).
On occasion our first songs ARE our best. I am like that with most things I do because I put a 110% into first things and try harder than ever right up front....I will not ever have better songs than my first fifteen songs. Though I will say my 3 and fourth and fifth songs were better than first and second. I know some famous singers like that as well....their first and second albums will always be their best. So you might even be like that but if not no worries because your best can come a little later as some of us wane some. Just be organic in your approach and write from the heart always....even if it is breaking some rules. I break more rules than most and never aimed for radio play but I even have that without any effort. Not saying that rules are not also good but they must not bind us at all.....we have to be free in our expression at least 90% I believe. So be authentic...be real....and aim for high standards even while breaking some rules. Sounds contrary but it is not....we can have high standards while breaking many rules in song writing and I am experiencing just that. Just go for it all the way and do not be held back by anyone or anything.
Hi Ambrose, never say never about writing another great song. The world is full of possibilities and the only limits are those that we place on ourselves. Your best song ❤ could be your next!
Don't cry about it mate.
Don’t be scared look I was scared to fill too but it’s a working progress
I've been writing songs for years and years. They're finally starting to sound good.
I'm 33 & I wrote my first song at age 9. These points are simple & I've been writing for many years, and yet I got so much out of this video. Thanks ol' chap!
Glad to hear it :)
Credit for taking the time Sir to make these videos. Your advice helps to demystify and clarify the process. Love all your rules as it's important to know the basic fundamentals. I think you are helping a lot of writers and there is always something we can learn. Thank you!
10. Learn by Writing, Not by Reading*
9. Increase Your Listening Depth
8. Hit record
7. Write by Yourself*
6. There Are No Rules
5. Play Chords
4. Sing Everything
3. Question Everything*
2. Start a Band*
1. Write, Listen, Understand, Repeat
Thank you man. Really didn't habe the time. Thank you 🙏🏽
It's actually kind of nice to think that since I haven't completed 100 songs yet, I'm still a beginner. That means I still have a lot of growing to do.
yea :D
Oops now i sort of hate my self for only writing about 4 songs in the past 3 years
@@MarlonOwnsYourCake oof
2:13 thats so true , when i started making songs i felt weird when i started singing but after a couple of songs i started getting used to my voice and how i can use it to fit in melodies and the mood of a song. its really weird how little we know our own voices lol 😂
"Welcome everyone, this is Friedemafediddliddlistic songwriting"
as always great video tho
Sir heXagenius I just wanted to comment the same thing, but then I saw your comment and I think you typed EXACTLY what he said 😂
😭😂😭😂😭😂😭😂😭
Ben Pond Music well, the automatic subtitles thinks he sais "welcome everyone this is sweet modesta 46 on writing"
He says welcome everyone this is friedemann findeisen songwriting
He actually does not but that makes it even more funny now.
Paralysis/ analysis! That's my worst enemy, especially for lyrics writing! Looking forward to the 10 commandements of lyrics writing part :)
Although it's easier said than done, try not to over think it or be self critical. Trust your instincts and the rest will take care of itself. We all want to do our absolute best but we have to remember to enjoy the process also.
Holistic songwriting, your channel is absolutely fantastic! Thank you so much for sincerely putting a butt-load of intelligent thought into your guidance. Seriously, thank you!
I've been in dozens of bands in my life and it has been extremely helpful to learn how to write arrangements that work. Now I can write pop, rock, rhythm & blues, metal, folk, jazz, soundtracks, etc. because I've written and played those styles in bands. Though I have to admit I'm so happy to be a solo artist right now haha.
Hi, just saw your comment, and interestingly, I’m in the pre-launch stages of my career and I’m trying to get as much insight on what stands out, between starting a band and being a solo artist.
Seeing that you’ve experienced them both and you are happy as a solo artist, what insights and takeaways can you pass down to new comer on the scene?
If you don’t mind 💯
@@mc9601, hi! So in my mind forming a band makes sense when there's true synergy, friendship and a shared vision, as well as talents that complement each other. The results from that formula can be incredible, but it's also not easy to achieve. As a solo artist you have your own vision, it's easier to kick things off and you can always collaborate with session musicians when needed.
Hit record. So important. I have done this from the moment I started to play guitar. When you can listen to what you were just doing you can hear the areas you need to improve on. And when your in a band it's even more important as song can literally come out of nowhere. I have hundreds of cassettes, mini discs and audio files showing the evolution of my songwriting. Some of them were one take out of nowhere songs.
Thank you. I've just started writing songs after 66 years of not. Now the poetry flows, and I wrote 2 songs in a day, and can't stop laughing. It's so fun and funny. Cheers
If I only found this 2 years earlier. Thank you for doing this!
Many Thanks to you on behalf of everyone! You really want people to learn, and be motivated, others are just making bullshit, to somehow upload to UA-cam. Thanks a lot, god bless you.
Pretty much exactly how things developed for me and how I still do things. Cool video. Thanks.
Paralysis by analysis befalls us all, but there were some useful bits here to ask serious questions about your own work and how to make it better, thank you
Do you get royalties every time that little jingle plays?
Nothing wrong with that 😎
@@sandEffect indeed
That video is pure gold for a beginning songwrither, thank you so much!
Ich bin sehr am überlegen, ob ich mir nicht dein Songwrithing-Kartendeck kaufe.
I love #9 and I'd add to that -- always have something to shoot for, have a level that you want to reach in the long term. It can just be in the back of your mind, you don't need to write every song around it. But if you can be honest with yourself and say "this song by [insert band] is the level I want to reach", it's the best way to never stop growing.
And for #8 an app like FL Studio Mobile can be super-helpful, especially if it can export as .MID -- so that when you have a more complicated idea you don't need to re-transcribe once it's time to use it.
Love the content, love the presentation. Your videos are awesome, always to the point and full of engaging, thought provoking info. Well done and much appreciation!!!
n. 10: Don't watch songwriting coaches,like me.
*closes the video*
tøκÿo_ 0820 you never saw rule six; that there are no rules
@@alexandermurchadha4443 bruuuuuuuuuuhhhhhh omg lololol xDD these are the best rules ever!
Dang it, how will I learn now
LOL
beat me to it *closes window* *opens DAW*
Epic, as usual ....... Love your all encompassing gift of knowledge & musicianship as you have taught me so much. Thank you for your to the point --- nail it down, approach as you teach such an important array of subjects that will impact every songwriter out there. Rock on!!!
Ive written no songs but ive lines of lyrics for about 5 years now. But times have benn not happy so alot is hatin on the hate. Its been a learning experience because ive learned to word sentences where from line to line to words can be switched around and still make complete sentences.
I like the astrix for "start a band" which makes complete sense because my "plan" is to bring a whole album together before I even think about finding people
#10 and particularly #9 is pretty much how I learned everything. I know very little music theory, yet have written four albums that, by people's reactions, at the very least don't suck, because apparently I've been observing music since I was a child and didn't realize it.
Brilliant video as usual. I love your channel keep up the good work
Excellent pieces of advice to me. Even for seasoned songwriters, most apply. Listening never stops
this series Is great, My favourite of your channel! hope to see more episodes :)
These are excellent tips. I find these valuable for songwriting and life. Thanks for sharing.
I think this is a really helpful set of tips, thank you so much!! Im getting started on songwriting now, just composing some very pop garbage, but im really eager about it thanks to you!!
I love how writing over reading was the first focus. I’m just starting out and thought “maybe I should discover my style first” and then you pretty much said that lol I’ll be back.. lol
There is not a lot of videos which explain that in French, so I typed my research in English and I found your good Yt channel :)
Omg your voice is magical
love this video & series!
Best advice I've seen on youtube!
This is a great rule set for almost all forms of creative work. Also, I can't stop imagining your head as a candycorn.
thanks for your video learn by writing not reading is really going to help me
I wish I knew you 10 years ago but I'm ever so grateful that I do at least get to learn from you now🙏
#4 is a killer tip. Thanks Friedmann.
Great tips and also a really well structured video. I really like the fact you gave detail first, and THEN the tip title. Makes for a really strong video.
It’s all mindset, I’ve got years of experience playing and performing. Yet some days I write extremely well, other days I got nothing.
Thanks for this! Learned a lot! Written almost 300 songs and I wanna learn more
thank you for this video!! so helpful and supportive, i appreciate the help on this journey!
Thank u so much singing and writing are my true dreams your videos are everything I ever wanted thank u so much. Love from Portugal 😘
Thank you so much for this video i've been looking for this type of stuff. cant wait to learn more!
I really love your channel man, thank you so much for sharing
loving these visuals
Wow bravo sir bravo👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 You just Answered every question I have ever had regarding writing songs for beginners
Amazing lesson ..I do write song n compose music through DAW ..
It helps more as i know theory but lack writing skills.
This is all gudd till u dnt earn .
But for earning i feel this songwriting career bit lacklusture esp in India.
Great video! Thank you Freedamanfindheiseinatholisticsongwriting
😂😂😂
Loved the way u explained it and amazing tips...thank u
You're the best...u gave me the key🌹
Super helpful as usual :)
Thank you for making this video. I will probably not do the band thing. I like being solo. But I will probably do musical collaborations with people. Recording music is spot on. I mainly do improv. I play live shows with a drum machine and synthesizers.
AR Rahman is just fantastic (I'm a BIG FAN). Anyway, thanks for a great video.
These are some helpful tips! Especially the one about learning piano/guitar for me personally. Thank you for your guidance as always!
“You don’t have to know the chords”? I live for the chords man!!
Singing everything and rewriting everything 3 times is my fav!
This has been very helpful. Thank you!
Super awesome .. Thank you so much
Great advice! Thanks!
Really helpful ideas, thanks!
Superb. Thanks!
Excellent advice, great video thanks!!! 👍😎
Just subscribed from Italy, your videos are very interesting!!! Thank You!
Great informative video. I don't personally agree with #4. I would also include the B chords in #5.
Great series. I think I've got most of these, but not all. Until now I've relied 100% on feeling melody phrases in my "gut" and mind, which works most of the time. but I think I will try to apply the "sing everything" rule. Even though I sound like an out-of-tune Neil Tennant.
Magnificent. This is magnificent content
I needed this video to let me know I'm on the right path. I literally do all these things. Wrote my first song 20 years ago at 13 (wow), and I'm just now hitting around 30 songs written. I'm in a season where I've gotten more consistent with my writing and not allowing "writer's block" to interfere with it. Hoping to find some good producers and engineers so I can finally release some music to the public
Shar Jones shoot those stems when u got em 🙃
6:02 i tried but i have no friends :)
I am here ..😂😂✌✌
Well I'll tell you something man.... Don't forget about soloing. It teaches you the ability to come up with melodies on the fly.
great stuff, music moses
Holy shit I’m so glad that this popped up as one of my recommended videos. I think universe could sense that I was having a hard time with my writing because it’s very emotional and I’ve been wanting to find a way to not scare people off with my songs if they get a sense of its spirituality within the content but at the same time it’s what I needed and so I was unable to find satisfying results when I would search for songwriting tips. But this popped up and just the title alone is exactly what I’ve been looking for I just didn’t really think anybody did this or called or anything anyway… So thank you so much this really has further inspired me to put something out and not be afraid or thinking I have to change things around in order for it to be marketable. It seems as though what I’ve written and what I have in mind is great as is. Thank you 🤘🏽🌷🙏🏾
Love this video!!
4:19 😂😂😂 I don't know why but this cracked me up
Thank you so much !!!
this is truly helpful thank you so much!
This really helped me
Love your work so much
#4.....Ohhh, enlightment for me, thank you!
Well, I got polar thoughts about this video: from 1 side I checked ep. 1 and this one looks like it really helpful, but from the other side I'm newbie so I don't know anything after 1:20 :))) anyway, thanks for your videos, that's what i hope I need
I once sang my first song to a friend and he was trying to find it on Shazam thinking it was a famous song... It was the best feeling ever but It's hard to value something you have created because your opinion is so much influenced by your own criticism.
Plus I was thinking that knowing more about soloing could help you in the songwriting process because you gain acceass to even more melodies. Since sometimes my guitar's fretboard sounds limited. Like I've used all the sounds ever possible and I need more
Learn the modes, you can sing them starting off then practice them on guitar and improvise with one a time for a while
@@anthonybrooks1938 I will def do that ^_^
This is so innovating. If I may ask, if you've written a song for an artist and you'd like for then to see it or even just market it what steps would you advice to take? Is it better to market with Independent or Big music publishers? Your advice would be much appreciated.
Thank you for this!!
Amazing!
Thanks!
I just discovered your videos. Your advice is solid and your delivery is great. I like things compact and organized. Someone said "Don't bore us, get to the chorus." Maybe that applies in teaching, too.
I have a question for you or your readers. I've just re-started songwriting in retirement. I've produced 4 news songs in one month. I don't think they are very good - I think they are fantastic. Do most songwriters think their songs are better than they really are?
Only by voicing the melody, can you gauge the emotional impact of the tune.
You’re the best
You're great!! Thank you :)
Thank u so much I'm an aspiring songwriter
This is great 👍🏾
Great video thanks 😊👍❤️
These tips are so nice. I want to defiintely pin it on my desk...
My favourite Band is Tool. I‘m really not gonna be able to recreate anything off of Lateralus after 1 1/2 years on guitar an 1 year on bass.
tool is mostly complex rhythmically
For the no. 9 commandment does it necessarily have to be a band ... I don't really listen to bands that much... Can it be a solo artist... Sorry if this is a dumb question
Great stuff man!
Dude good stuff
I LOVE point 10
singing your melody is very important ! I've already was asked to sing songs written by people that were impossible to sing : to much amplitude for the human voice too high too low or too fast ! we must remember a voice is a special instrument, it hasn't the same range or ability as a piano has ! between singers it is sometimes hard to follow (a mezzo cannot sing in the same key as a tenor...) so imagine with other instruments !
Thank you.