6 Damn Good Reasons Why Songwriters Need to Solo Write

By:

Sarah Spencer

Every songwriter still needs to solo write

Co-writing is an absolute blast! It’s basically like hanging out with your really good friends, then coming up with a song at the end that you never could have written on your own. Magical!

There are so many benefits to solo writing that often get overlooked in our excitement to co-write.

Solo writing is still extremely valuable for every songwriter, even lyrics only writers. Here’s why you should make make time to write alone:

 

1. You still need to be able to take a song from start to finish.

When you cowrite all the time, it can be easy to rely on the skills of your cowriters to get you through an entire song. It is definitely in your best iterest to be able to write a song from start to finish on your own. You’re a songwriter, after all! Not just a part-of-a-songwriter.

2. It allows you to find or sharpen your own voice as a songwriter.

All songwriters are artists. And I mean “artist” in the way that a painter is an artist, or a sculptor, or an author. We all have something we need to say, a message to get out there into the world. It’s why we write. Even if you don’t necessarily know what your message is just yet, trust me, you have one. Writing solo will help you find that your voice as a writer, or express the one you already have.

3. It shows versatility, that you’re not dependent on other writers to make songs happen.

Being able to co-write really well and solo write really well will show the world that you’re more than just a one trick pony! It makes you someone who is not limited to only writing one certain way. Industry folks will want to know that you can write either way.

4. You will always be able to write in any situation.

Car broke down on the side of the road, and all you have is your guitar and a notebook? You can make it happen. And it’s just nice knowing that, right? ;)

5. You’ll be able to work through highly personal problems using the therapy that is songwriting.

Songwriting is an incredible way to work out your feelings if you’re going through a rough time. It will do a lot of good for your soul if you’re able to just sit down and be comfortable enough with yourself to write on your own. No one ever has to hear it. It can be just for you. Let it all out. It can be incredibly cathartic.

If you feel like sharing your highly personal song, check out how that could actually serve your career.

*Bonus! Cowriter canceled? Write anyway.

If you can solo write, you’ll never be at the mercy of someone else’s schedule. Even if your cowriter cancels, you can sill have a song by the end of the “write.” ;)

So what’s been your biggest challenging with songwriting lately?

Is it finding the time to write? Writing alone? Or navigating this crazy industry? Let me know what your biggest challenges are by filling out this super quick, super cute 2 question survey. I’m working on some great new content for y’all, but first I want to hear from you about what YOU want to know!

Write on, babes! <3

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Sarah Spencer

Sarah Spencer is an award winning singer/songwriter based in Nashville, TN.

Born in the Sunshine State, Sarah Spencer writes vibrant, shining americana/pop music. She works in Nashville TN as a singer/songwriter, as well as a UX designer for a marketing firm.

Follow Sarah on Spotify to get her latest releases.

You can jump on her email list at SarahSpencer.com or purchase her debut EP, "Freshman Year" on iTunes.