Just as an author goes through multiple drafts before finalizing their manuscript, a songwriter also needs to fine-tune their art to make it shine. Let’s delve into the importance of iteration and feedback in the songwriting process and explore some methods for successful song revision.
Iteration and Feedback are Important
Writing a song is a journey, not a one-time event. Each song you create goes through various iterations as you rework melodies, tweak lyrics, adjust song structure, or play with different instrumentations. This revising process is crucial—it refines your raw ideas, enhancing their quality and impact.
Crafting a song is akin to sculpting; you start with a rough, unrefined block and gradually chip away and polish until you’re left with a finished work of art. In music, the ‘chipping away’ and ‘polishing’ come in the form of reviewing and revising. During these stages, you refine melodies, ensure lyrics align perfectly with the rhythm, and balance the instrumentation to support your song’s overall narrative.
Most importantly, get other people to listen. Watch their expressions and body language. Keep track of the words they use to describe your work. Does it align with your narrative? Does it tie back to your original inspiration?
Knowing When a Song is Finished
One of the greatest challenges in songwriting is knowing when your song is truly finished.
The reality? A song could always be tweaked further. But there comes a point when changes don’t significantly improve the song—they just make it different. When your modifications no longer enhance the core message and feel of your song, it’s a good sign that it might be time to call it done.
Don’t let perfection become the enemy of good (or done).
My Personal Process for Song Revision
Every songwriter has a unique process for revising their songs. Personally, I begin by laying down the basic structure of the song. After taking a break to clear my mind, I come back and start refining, paying attention to every element—lyrics, melody, harmony, rhythm, dynamics, and production.
I run through this process until I have something I like.
I also believe in the power of feedback. A second pair of ears can catch things you might have missed and provide a fresh perspective. After making revisions based on the received feedback, I give the song another listen, and if it feels complete, I consider it finished from a songwriting point of view. There is still time to adjust later during tracking, editing, and mixing. But at this stage, the song exists in its own right.
Challenges in the Revision Process
Song revision isn’t always a smooth process—dissecting your creation and deciding what needs to change can be hard. Some common challenges include becoming too attached to certain parts of the song, experiencing ‘demo love’ (falling in love with the first version of a song and being resistant to changes), and dealing with conflicting feedback.
A short list of challenges
- Perfectionism: I’ve mentioned it already, but worth bringing it up again. The quest for a perfect song can lead to endless revisions and delay the completion of your song. It’s important to understand that perfection is subjective, especially in art.
- Attachment to Initial Ideas: Sometimes, songwriters get so attached to their initial ideas that they struggle to make necessary changes during revisions. Letting go of these attachments can often lead to a better final product.
- Burnout: Listening to your song repeatedly during revisions can lead to burnout and might affect your objectivity in assessing the song’s quality.
- Resistance to Feedback: It can be challenging to accept feedback, especially when it suggests major changes to your song. However, constructive criticism is often instrumental in improving the final version of your song.
- Impatience: Song revision is time-consuming, and it’s easy to feel impatient and rush through it. However, this process cannot be hurried without compromising the quality of the final product.
- Fear of Change: Changing a melody or lyric can drastically alter the feel of a song. This fear of change can prevent songwriters from making necessary revisions.
- Over-editing: Making too many revisions can sometimes dilute the original essence of the song. It’s essential to know when to stop revising and accept the song in its current form. I do like to keep track of my initial inspiration and lyrical ideas. Every so often, I look back to make sure I haven’t drifted too far. Sometimes drift is cool. Other times, not so much.
- Limited Perspective: If you’re the only one reviewing your song, you’re limited to your own perspective. Getting feedback from others can provide a fresh viewpoint and identify areas for improvement that you might have overlooked.
- Inadequate Breaks: Continuous work on the song without taking adequate breaks can lead to fatigue and reduced creative output. Taking breaks during the revision process can help refresh your perspective.
- Self-doubt: Self-doubt can creep in during the revision process, causing songwriters to second-guess their decisions, which can hinder the creative process. Believing in your abilities and trusting your creative instincts are crucial during revisions.
Tips for Successful Song Revision
Here are a few tips to help you navigate the revision process:
- Step Away: After writing your initial version, take a break. Coming back with fresh ears can help you notice elements that need tweaking.
- Seek Feedback: Don’t be afraid to share your song with trusted peers. Writers have beta readers. Consider building a small army of beta listeners! They can provide valuable insights and suggestions. There are some services you can sign up for as well. For example, TuneCore has a service (called “Fan Reviews”) you can use to get feedback.
- Stay True to Your Vision: While feedback is valuable, remember it’s your song. If a suggested change doesn’t align with your vision, it’s okay to disregard it.
- Balance Perfectionism and Completion: It’s good to aim for the best possible song, but don’t get caught up in making it ‘perfect.’ A finished song is better than an eternal work in progress. Amen.
- Record Your Revisions: Record each version of your song. Listening to the different versions can give you a clear idea of your song’s evolution and help you make informed decisions.
…
Songwriting is a creative process and, like any other, involves refining and polishing. Remember that it’s okay for your first draft to be imperfect—what matters is your willingness to revise and improve, creating a final product that resonates with your listeners.
Remember to sign up for the newsletter!