My Top 10 Studio Gear for Songwriting

The best thing to invest in your songwriting is not a piece of studio equipment — it’s your craft

Let's talk about the stuff we use to make music. You know, the microphones, the interfaces, the instruments, the software. It's easy to get lost in the world of gear. Every new piece of kit promises to unlock your potential, make your songs sound better, or streamline your workflow. Before you know it, you're staring at a credit card statement, wondering where all your money went.

Let's be honest, songwriting can feel like a bit of a money black hole, with endless possibilities to spend on shiny new things. You see people constantly needing the best gear, showing it off, only for it to collect dust while they eye the next purchase. It makes you wonder, isn't there a better way to invest in your craft?

I remember a conversation with one of my co-writer friends that offered a piece of solid gold advice. She said, "The best thing to invest in your songwriting is not a piece of studio equipment — it’s your craft".

"The best thing to invest in your songwriting is not a piece of studio equipment — it’s your craft"

She was absolutely right. While having some basic technology is certainly necessary to capture your songs, these are just tools. They help you get a job done; they aren't a substitute for the person doing the job. If your song isn't compelling with simpler tools, a more expensive version probably won't magically fix it. Money doesn't substitute for talent or honed skill.

That's why, here on SimonOnSongs and in my books, I'm spending less time focusing on accumulating more gear and more time focusing on the investments that truly make a difference: the investments in craft, mindset, and the techniques that help turn ideas into compelling songs. Mastering the techniques required to create commercially successful songs involves understanding various technical aspects and subtle nuances. These are the investments that build resilience, train you to push past creative blocks, and ensure you grow as a songwriter.

So, while I firmly believe the biggest bang for your buck comes from investing in your skill, you still need tools to work with. Think of these not as the investment itself, but as the essential infrastructure that allows you to make your real investment (in your craft) possible. They are the foundation upon which you build your songwriting house.

My Top 10

Drawing from the tools I use, here are my Top-10 Songwriter's Gear items. But critically, I'm framing these not just as pieces of equipment, but as the tools that support your investment in craft. They enable you to capture ideas, develop them, and present them to the world. Here we are:

1. Reliable Computer Power

My MacBook Air laptop is central to everything I do. It's a high-spec one, but it serves as the hub of my studio and is essential for writing and running software. A reliable computer isn't just for recording; it's where you might draft lyrics, organise your ideas, and run your DAW. Investing in a stable machine that doesn't constantly crash or lag is investing in your ability to capture moments of inspiration quickly and develop your songs efficiently without technical frustration. It's the digital canvas and workbench for your craft.

2. Instruments You Love (and Can Connect)

Having instruments is fundamental. I use a Yamaha C3S Grand Piano, which is linked into the studio as a MIDI keyboard, as well as various guitars, including McPherson, Larrivée, and a Fender Strat. And a Mandolin! Instruments are where the musical ideas often originate or are explored. Having instruments you feel comfortable and inspired playing encourages you to experiment with melodies, harmonies, and rhythms, which are vital components of your songwriting craft.

However, the best keyboard I use now is a battered Studiologic TMK 88 that I picked up from a secondhand studio shop in Nashville. There are still many songs in it.

Here’s my office right now!

3. Remote Controller for Workflow

My iPad Pro, which I use with Logic Remote when I'm at the piano, is incredibly helpful. I also just acquired the Ghost Note Audio Conductor, which is fab for sample controlling.

While not essential for everyone, a remote controller or even just keyboard shortcuts can significantly speed up your workflow. When you're in the flow of writing, minimizing interruptions is key. Being able to control your DAW or recording software remotely allows you to stay focused on the music and lyrics without constantly breaking your concentration to interact directly with the computer. It's an investment in maintaining creative momentum.

4. Quality Software Plugins and VSTs

The studio uses various plugins and VSTis. My top 5 include Native-Instruments, Spitfire, Slate, and Output. While you don't need hundreds, investing in a few quality plugins and virtual instruments can be invaluable for developing the soundscape of your songs. They allow you to experiment with different textures, sounds, and production ideas, helping you hear your songs more fully realised. This sonic exploration can inspire new directions for your writing and is part of developing your overall musical craft.

My favorite sampled piano right now is Toontrack’s new Felt Piano. Lovely.

5. Essential Recording Hardware

I've settled on specific hardware brands that've worked well for years: Genelec 8010A monitors with a 7060 Active Subwoofer, a Prism Sound Orpheus, which is a little old now, but it has the same incredible ADA converters used at Abbey Road. Awesome. I’ve used a number of mics in the studio but, in my view, nothing gets closer to Neumann microphones (U87, KMS 105, and KM104).

Having reliable monitors means you can trust what you're hearing, which is crucial for making good decisions about your song's arrangement and mix. A good audio interface and microphones are necessary to capture vocals and instruments clearly. This hardware allows you to document your songs properly, enabling you to share them effectively and get feedback, which is vital for refining your craft.

6. A To-Do App for Organization

Things 3 is my choice for a to-do app because I love its simplicity. Songwriting isn't just the creative spark; it's also about managing projects, deadlines, and tasks. A good to-do app helps you stay organized, track your progress on different songs, set goals for your writing sessions, and manage the administrative side of being a songwriter. It’s an investment in productivity and accountability, ensuring you make consistent progress on your craft. Here’s more about being an organized songwriter.

7. Flexible Lyric Writing Tools

For lyric writing, I primarily use Apple Notes, with the final version formatted in Google Docs. The last time I co-wrote with two producers in Nashville, we all shared Notes on our iPhones! The best tool for writing lyrics is the one you'll actually use consistently. Whether it's a simple text editor, a dedicated app, or just a notebook and pen, having reliable and accessible tools to write down your words is non-negotiable. The flexibility to use different platforms means you can capture ideas wherever you are, which is linked to the importance of building your Idea Bank.

8. A Robust Idea Bank System

My Idea Bank was on FileMaker Pro, but I recently moved it onto Notion because it’s so powerful. Ideas are the currency of songwriting, and having a system to capture, store, and organize them is incredibly valuable. This system, whether digital or analogue, ensures that fleeting sparks of inspiration aren't lost. It allows you to develop these initial ideas into "writable ideas" – concepts strong enough to build a song around. An organized idea bank is a crucial investment in ensuring you always have material to work with, turning potential creative blocks into opportunities.

How to Build Your Idea Bank - look here.

9. A Reliable DAW

I use Logic Pro X mostly, but also use Cubase for composing work. A DAW is where the various elements of your song – melodies, lyrics, harmonies, rhythms – come together. It's your recording studio, editing suite, and mixing desk all in one. Learning to use a DAW effectively is part of your craft development, enabling you to create demos, arrange your songs, and explore production ideas. While different DAWs have different features, the investment is in learning any one well enough to bring your musical vision to life.

10. Your Ever-Present iPhone (or Smartphone)

Finally, of course, my iPhone, which I use all the time every day. Your smartphone is arguably the most versatile tool a songwriter can have. It's a portable voice recorder to capture melodic ideas or lyrical snippets, a note-taking app for lyrics and music as well as ideas, a source of inspiration (listening to music, reading, browsing, recording), and a way to connect with co-writers or collaborators. It allows you to capture ideas the moment they strike, no matter where you are, making it an invaluable tool for feeding your idea bank and staying connected to your creative process.

These are the tools that support my songwriting journey. They are investments in making my craft possible and more efficient. However, remember that they are only as effective as the skill and dedication you bring to them.

By the way, I receive no compensation for mentioning these things… I just love using high-quality gear.

In Summary

While the allure of expensive gear is undeniable, the most impactful investment any songwriter can make is in our craft – the techniques, mindset, and discipline needed to write compelling songs. Mastering these elements is what truly helps your songs connect with listeners and stand out. It's about cultivating a mindset that embraces perseverance and dedication. These tools I've listed simply provide the framework for that investment in craft.

If you're ready to dive deeper into these investments in craft and equip yourself with proven strategies and techniques, I recommend checking out my book, Song Maps - A New System to Write Your Best Lyrics. It offers a deep dive into essential techniques for crafting compelling lyrics and structuring your songs for maximum impact. You can find out more and order the book here.

Questions

Here are a few questions:

• What is one small step you can take today to make an investment in your craft?

• Have you found your studio a black hole like I have?😂

• If there is one piece of gear that would make all the difference in your craft, what is it?

Hope this helps!

Simon.

www.simonhawkins.com