My songwriting process is a mystery even to me.
When a song arrives, I don’t stop to think about genre. I just write it out as fast as it comes. The words pour in, and my only job is to catch them before they vanish.
It’s only after the dust settles that I look back and realize:
“This one needs to be country.”
“This one belongs on the dance floor.”
“This one is pure blues.”
That’s how, in a single day, I can go from writing something like Yay Yay Yo — full of playful energy — to Gonna Feel Fine, a rootsy outlaw-country tale about grandpa’s shine and grandma’s smile. Totally different styles, but the same songwriter.
I don’t force the songs into boxes. They show me where they want to go. My role is just to keep up.
Some days the songs arrive like whispers, other days like a flood. Either way, I’ve learned not to argue with inspiration.
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This is such a beautiful reflection on the creative process, Wyman Brent, thank you for sharing it. There’s something really powerful about your ability to listen to the song as it comes, rather than trying to control or define it too early.
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Ashley Renee Smith, thank you so much. I know this may sound odd, but I really do not look for songs to write. I do not think that now I should write a blues tune, or dance, or jazz, or rock or whatever. A phrase or even a couple of words will pop into my mind. Maybe I saw a couple of words online, or heard a phrase in a video. A few words and suddenly I immediately need to write out a song. I have found inspiration in mid-century comic books, in 100 year old patent applications and many other places.
I once wrote 18 songs in a day, but none of them were forced. Just that inspiration kept popping up and I kept writing. Most of the time it is only a few songs a day. What I love most of all is sharing my songs with others. Do you have a favorite style? Just curious.
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Very well said Wyman Brent - I'm the same way. And if I don't write it down fast, it's gone just as quickly as it came.