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Books about songwriting
Posted: Sat Jul 18, 2020 12:32 am
by zenarcade
Hola, what books would you recommend on the topic of songwriting? I really struggle with writing lyrics to music, but sometimes also to find a good chorus/bridge part to a good verse or vice versa.
I read somewhere "Tunesmith" should be good. What would you guys recommend? Any help/input is highly appreciated!
Re: Books about songwriting
Posted: Thu Jul 23, 2020 12:13 am
by Shadoweclipse13
I definitely can't help you, but I subscribed as I would love to be better at lyrics myself! I've always got cool ideas or a vibe/feel for a song, but always fall short in writing. I'm more of an instrumental writer, but even that could be better.
Re: Books about songwriting
Posted: Sat Aug 01, 2020 7:31 am
by Professor Bill
I read this a couple of years ago and it was helpful:
Pat Pattison, Writing Better Lyrics: The Essential Guide to Powerful Songwriting.
https://bookshop.org/books/writing-bett ... 1582975771
He's a Berklee prof who's worked with some big names (some of whom I admire, some not). I don't always agree with his ideas about what's important in a lyric, but he did make me more aware of things like rhyme scheme and meter, which has been useful.
Re: Books about songwriting
Posted: Mon Aug 03, 2020 7:46 pm
by jamietay
this is your brain on music
its not specifically about songwriting, but it really made a huge impact on my songwriting for sure. like everytime i write a song i remember a mantra from that book
Re: Books about songwriting
Posted: Mon Aug 03, 2020 11:54 pm
by windmill
Saw this Pat Pattinson video a few years ago
Melodic Rhythm and Lyric Rhythm - Part 1 of 4
Recommend having a look
HTH
Re: Books about songwriting
Posted: Sun Aug 09, 2020 10:35 am
by Plumerai
Re: Books about songwriting
Posted: Wed Aug 12, 2020 8:00 pm
by fuzzjunkie
I once showed a notebook of song lyrics I had to a successful Nashville songwriter. He wrote hits for a number of big names.
After flipping though a couple of pages he wrote in one of the margins.
”I drove my Chevy to the levee, but the levee was dry. That’s what people want. Don’t overthink it.”
Re: Books about songwriting
Posted: Fri Aug 21, 2020 11:22 am
by zenarcade
fuzzjunkie wrote: ↑Wed Aug 12, 2020 8:00 pm
I once showed a notebook of song lyrics I had to a successful Nashville songwriter. He wrote hits for a number of big names.
After flipping though a couple of pages he wrote in one of the margins.
”I drove my Chevy to the levee, but the levee was dry. That’s what people want. Don’t overthink it.”
Re: Books about songwriting
Posted: Fri Aug 21, 2020 11:25 am
by zenarcade
Very cool tips so far. I read the Pat Pattinson book on holidays (well some parts at least). Even though the examples are not always great it gives you some very good ideas.
Re: Books about songwriting
Posted: Tue Sep 01, 2020 4:10 pm
by MazzyJaster