Authenticity isn’t just a buzzword; it’s the compass guiding our lives, irrespective of the social or professional circles we move in. It often means marching to the beat of our own drum.
For us, as songwriters, authenticity is the cornerstone of our craft. It’s about composing songs that echo with our own true voice, especially when collaborating with fellow creators or artists who’ll bring our words to life on stage, time and time again.
Writing authentically is the heartbeat of our creative process. It may take time to uncover your unique voice as a songwriter, but when you do, it’s like meeting a trusted friend who joins you every time you step into the writing room.
Ultimately, your authentic voice is a reflection of your soul, setting you apart from the crowd and entrancing your audience. It goes beyond hitting the right notes or crafting a catchy tune; it’s about channeling raw emotions and personal experiences into your music, especially through your lyrics.
This is your songwriter’s authentic voice.
Now, let’s dive into what this means in practice and explore some ideas to help you uncover your very own authentic voice.
What is an Authentic Voice?
Discovering your authentic voice as a songwriter is the art of self-expression that sets you and your work apart. It’s about crafting your best songs in a manner that allows you to be your true self, resonating with the music you love to create or the emotions you deeply connect with. Your authentic voice not only showcases your passion but also reveals your essence – your joys, your pains, and even your vulnerabilities.
So how can we do this? Here are six elements –
Authenticity: The Core of Creativity – Authenticity is the cornerstone of a songwriter’s craft. It’s about being genuine and sincere in expressing one’s thoughts and feelings. An authentic voice resonates deeply with listeners, forging a connection that transcends mere words and melodies. To achieve this, songwriters must tap into their innermost emotions and be unafraid to share their vulnerabilities with the world. Not always that easy.
Originality: The Art of Standing Out – Being original doesn’t mean reinventing the wheel with each song. It’s about putting your personal stamp on your music, infusing it with your unique perspective and style. Original songwriting often draws from personal experiences and emotions, allowing songwriters to create music that is distinctly their own. In a world of endless musical possibilities, originality is what sets a songwriter apart from the rest. See more about this where I talk about the Songwriters’ Second Weapon (click here) where I talk about writing at the edge of the table.
The Personal Stamp: Leaving Your Mark – Every songwriter has a distinct personal stamp that shines through their work. It can be a particular lyrical theme, a signature chord progression, or even a vocal nuance that makes their music instantly recognizable. Developing and nurturing this personal stamp is crucial for establishing a lasting presence in the music industry or even at your Church.
Historical Influences: Honoring the Past – While authenticity and originality are vital, it’s essential to acknowledge the historical influences that have shaped your music. Paying homage to the great songwriters and musicians who came before you can provide valuable insights and inspiration. By studying the masters, songwriters can refine their craft and add depth to their work.
Quirkiness: Embracing the Eccentric – Quirkiness, a term coined to describe the quirks and idiosyncrasies that make each songwriter unique, is a crucial aspect of an authentic voice. Embracing your quirkiness means allowing your eccentricities to shine through in your music. It’s these quirks that make your songs memorable and relatable to your audience. Don’t hide your quirkiness, but celebrate it!
Avoiding Over-Exaggeration: Finding the Balance – While expressing emotions authentically is essential, it’s equally crucial to avoid over-exaggeration. Striking the right balance between raw, genuine emotions and melodramatic theatrics is a fine art. An authentic voice speaks truthfully without resorting to unnecessary exaggerations or artificial emotions.
In reality, a songwriter’s authentic voice is a blend of authenticity, originality, personal stamp, historical influences, quirkiness, and the art of not over-exaggerating. It’s a delicate balance that requires introspection, creativity, and a willingness to be vulnerable.
When a songwriter discovers their authentic voice, they create music that resonates deeply with their audience and stands the test of time.
Questions
Here are a few questions for you –
How do you personally define authenticity in songwriting, and how does it resonate with you as a listener?
Are there any songwriters or musicians who stand out to you for their remarkably authentic or original voices? What do you believe sets them apart?
Have you ever penned songs that bring you closer to your true beliefs and emotions, as well as songs that take you on a different creative journey, a bit further from your core identity?
Hope this helps!
Simon.