Finding Your Ideal Songwriting Process

As a songwriter, I’m always curious about how other artists approach their craft. Sometimes, I’m hoping for fresh ideas to shake up my process, while other times, I just want to know that others face the same challenges I do. Am I the only one struggling to find the “right” time to write, or is this something all of us wrestle with? To find out, I started asking other songwriters when and how they fit writing into their lives. I got a variety of answers—some expected, some surprising.

Here are some insights and strategies, shared by other songwriters and refined through my own experiences, that might help you find your ideal songwriting groove.

1. The “Accidental Hit”

A lot of songwriters told me they write when inspiration strikes—an “accident” if you will. And really, is there any better time? When a line or melody pops into your head, it’s essential to get it down. I keep my phone with me to record any vocal ideas on the spot. When inspiration strikes, write out a verse and chorus, even if you have to fill gaps with nonsense syllables with no words.

If a rhythm or groove hits you along with the melody, try clapping or counting it out in your recording. Capture as much as you can in that moment of inspiration; you can polish it later.

2. The “When I Have Time” Style

Some writers set aside one day a week to focus on their music, while pros often make it a daily habit. Even if you can’t write every day, doing something related to songwriting a couple of times a week can keep your creative juices flowing. Here are some quick ways to stay engaged:

• Learn a new chord progression from a favorite track.
• Listen to today’s hits and see if any elements spark ideas.
• Write down random lyric ideas, or create a song title inspired by a phrase from a show, movie, or even a conversation you had.
• Hum a melody, record it, and spend some time developing it.

Keeping songwriting in your routine can help keep your creative gears turning, even if you don’t sit down to write a full song.

3. Your Ideal Time to Write

Some songwriters swear by late-night hours when the world is quiet; others find mornings and afternoons more productive. With EngineEars’ flexibility, you can book time with producers or co-writers when you feel most inspired. Schedule a late-night collaborative session or an early morning session through the platform. Plus, our built-in project organization tools help you store and track your projects, making it easier to see the progress of your records as they go through the different creative stages.

4. Multi-tasking

Ever had a great idea while driving, cleaning, or taking a walk? You’re not alone. Routine, repetitive tasks can give your brain space to wander and allow creativity to bubble up. I always have a notebook or my phone ready to record ideas, no matter where I am.

Later, I transfer these snippets to my DAW or music app and flesh them out. Whether it’s a lyric idea, a melody, or a rhythmic pattern, capturing ideas on the go can lead to some of your most unique songs.

5. Bursts of Creativity

Some songwriters find that they do well working in short, focused bursts. If you’re pressed for time, a 30-minute writing session can work wonders. Dedicating even 15-30 minutes a day to songwriting can add up over time. You’ll be surprised by how much progress you make with just a few daily “mini-sessions.”

6. Change of Scenery

The changing seasons and even new places can have a big impact on creativity. If you’re looking to step outside your usual creative environment, use EngineEars’ networking tools to book a session at a new studio or work with artists in different locations. As you explore new sounds and ideas, EngineEars can help you stay connected with collaborators and potential audience members. When you’re ready, you can even feature your new music on your EngineEars’ profile to showcase your work and connect with listeners who resonate with your sound.

7. Balancing Songwriting with Other Responsibilities

Many songwriters juggle multiple responsibilities—family, work, or even school. Finding time to write can feel impossible, but EngineEars helps by providing a reliable platform for collaboration, networking, and time management. Schedule sessions around your obligations, manage project tasks with ease, and rely on EngineEars to help keep you and your team connected. Additionally, if you’re working on a project, EngineEars allows you to share your progress with your team at any stage (whether mixing or mastering) enabling you to exchange drafts, gather input, and transform the process into a meaningful collaboration.

8. Writing on Demand

Some songwriters write when they have a specific project—a focused purpose that drives their creativity. This could be for a commissioned song, a pitch to a film or TV project, or a song for an EP or album your fans are eagerly waiting for. On EngineEars, you can streamline this process by storing all reference files, mix or master versions, and feedback in one organized space, making it easier to focus on meeting deadlines without losing creative control.

If you’re interested in becoming more adaptable in your writing, connect with others on EngineEars in the EngineEars Community to collaborate and catch fresh ideas.

Embrace Your Own Songwriting Journey

Ultimately, songwriting is deeply personal, and the “right” way to write is whatever way works best for you. By using the EngineEars platform, you can streamline your process, stay connected to your peers, and access new opportunities and tools to help you build on your approach. So, explore these different approaches, try what resonates, and remember: your creativity will thrive with the right tools, a supportive community, and a platform that keeps your art organized and moving forward.