We’re living in a digital era where new songs are being written and streamed more than ever before. So it’s not a surprise that songwriters are finding it difficult to create new and original rhymes and rhythms. Where do you start when writing a song? And how do you make it unique and original? Get ready ‘cuz we’re sharing hot tips from Ed Sheeran, Drake and Queen Bey!
Thinking out loud
Ed Sheeran’s success is all about a real life experience. He’s touching souls with stories, that touched him. This might sound simple, what could be easier, than your own story, right? But his road was a rocky one. Born in Halifax, UK, the 19-year-old ginger-headed artist arrived in LA in 2010 with no recording contract or a place to stay. For Ed, the struggle was very real.
Ed began by sending out his music to anyone he could reach, but had little success. However, he wasn’t ready to give up on his dream. One day, he had an opportunity to play a song on the local radio station. The host was stunned and commented: “Absolutely amazing!”. His name was Jamie Foxx, not only a well-known actor, but also a singer, songwriter, record & film producer. He was so impressed by Ed’s performance, that he even let the young artist use his own recording studio and crash on his couch for 6 weeks.
Sheeran’s best lyrics are heartwarming stories based on his own emotional experiences. For example, Ed’s most romantic “Thinking Out Loud” was written for his now ex-girlfriend Athina Andrelos, whom he dated for a year.
“I wrote the song when I was in a relationship at a really, really happy point.”
Another popular romantic song “Perfect” is written for his fiancée Cherry Seaborn, whom he actually met in high school. The line that goes, ‘Barefoot on the grass, listening to our favourite song’ was a reference to the time the couple spent in Ibiza listening to Future’s March Madness, barefoot, and completely in love.
Are you in love too? Well, then it’s time to write it out and give it shape. Writing out your feelings or how a situation makes you feel is a good start. Could “Shape of You” be written from the same point of view? :)
In my feelings
But what if you’re heartbroken? Don’t panic, Drake’s got your back. Life takes unexpected turns, even if you’re the most famous Canadian rapper, who has amassed a net worth of $100 million.
“Kiki, do you love me? Are you riding? Say you’ll never ever leave from beside me. Cause I want ya, and I need ya, and I’m down for you always”
“In My Feelings” was a popular tune in the summer of 2018. Thanks to its catchy hook and the viral dance challenge it spent 10 weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 list. However, it is rumored that ‘KiKi’ is a reference to Champagne Papi’s first crush Keshia Chanté. Turns out the couple both grew up in Toronto and dated during their teenage years. Guess, she had an impact.
But having a bandage on your heart doesn’t have to make you sad. Drake’s example is conveying real feelings, and showing you an exact way of how to move on. Because, you know, YOLO.
Who runs the world?
We all know, that Beyoncé is a modern diva and many of her songs are manifestos. But do you know Warsan Shire? A 28-year-old Somali-British poet gave true inspiration for Bey’s sixth solo album and the sixty-five minute film “Lemonade”.
In 2011, Shire published “Teaching My Mother How to Give Birth,” a series of poems that was bursting in sensuality, wit, and grief.
“I have my mother’s mouth and my father’s eyes. On my face they are still together.”
Her blog is an open notebook and one of the world’s most influential black female artists was down for it. Moreover, Florence Welch, lead singer of Florence + the Machine was inspired by the “Lemonade” record, stating:
“We’ve been listening to Lemonade before every show. It’s the record I dance around to before I go on stage”.
Adele was also inspired, having dedicated her Album of the Year award (2017) to Beyoncé and stated:
“The artist of my life is Beyoncé… the Lemonade album, is just so monumental”.
Shire’s amazing poetry + Beyoncé’s immaculate musical talent combine to create a powerful beacon of inspiration. When you are searching for inspiration, you can find it in the other extraordinary minds and the experiences of others. Why not cooperate with a dedicated poet and write together? You could inspire future legends of the 21st century! Everything is possible, if you’re open.
