When collaborating with other musicians or songwriters, it can lead to incredibly creative collaborations that surpass anything each individual could have created on their own. However, not everyone has a team of songwriters readily available. In such cases, there is an alternative approach. Listen to as much music as possible in various genres and styles, and draw inspiration from the musicians’ creations. The farther removed this music is from what you typically listen to, the better. Sometimes, your ears just need a break, and this is a great way to give them one. Remember, a quick way to get into a creative standstill is to always listen to the same thing.
Your emotions and mood can provide great inspiration for song ideas. Music, at its core, is about expressing emotions, and the easiest way to do this is by tapping into your own feelings and infusing them into your compositions. If you’re stuck for ideas, consider how something you love makes you feel or, conversely, how something you dislike makes you feel. This is sure to get those creative juices flowing.
If you’re feeling stuck, think about the people in your life and your interactions with them, and how they made you feel. What is it that you appreciate about certain individuals, and conversely, what is it about certain people that irritates you? These emotions can be incredibly powerful and serve as perfect inspiration for a truly meaningful song.
Everyone forms emotional connections with places they visit and the place they call home. These feelings can deeply influence their moods and how they feel when they are in these environments. Think of a place that evokes particularly strong emotions for you and use those feelings in your creative expressions. The more intense the emotions, the stronger the impact they will have when you use them to convey your thoughts to the audience.
Situational anxiety and comfort can both serve as sources for emotional inspiration. Think of times when you felt extremely anxious or completely relaxed, and draw on those feelings creatively. Try to recall what caused you to feel the way you did. Use these experiences as vehicles for revisiting those emotions and bringing them to life in your creative works.
You can also consider the things that you hold dear. Everyone has a few things that they love deeply. These things can be symbolic, holding a deeper meaning, or they can simply be items that evoke strong emotions within you. Another potent source of inspiration can be things you have lost. These losses can be figurative, such as your youth or childhood, or they can be tangible, such as a favorite item from your childhood that you no longer have.
Manuel Marino is a seasoned Senior Producer, Music Composer, and Artist with over a decade of experience. He specializes in branded entertainment across various mediums, including video games, films, and advertising campaigns. With 20+ years as a game music composer, Manuel has worked on numerous platforms, creating diverse orchestral soundtracks. HIRE ME