Writing Up
It's not about learning, but about crafting the best song in the room.
When I first started making trips to Nashville to write as a full-time songwriter, having left my corporate job, it was a complete leap into the unknown. I’d travel the 20-hour journey from England for a couple of weeks at a time, with my calendar often packed with co-writing sessions, sometimes three a day. Almost every single person I wrote with was more experienced than me. They had more cuts, more years in the industry, and frankly, just seemed to know so much more. I was constantly “writing up”. It was incredibly nerve-wracking at first, walking into rooms with people I’d looked up to for years. Sometimes, the nerves were almost overwhelming. But it was also the fastest way to learn.
So if you will be writing up (or when, because you will almost definitely find yourself in that situation, here are a few things you might want to think about:
Why Writing Up is a Good Idea
Before the Co-write: Preparation is Key
In the Co-write: Mindset and Etiquette
In the Co-write: Contributing Fearlessly
How to Get a Co-writer Who is More Experienced
Let's dive in.
1. Why Writing Up is Always a Good Idea
As mentioned, "writing up" is the common practice of co-writing with a songwriter who has more experience or is more established than you. It happens all the time, even when you’ve been writing for a long time. This individual might be a seasoned professional, have more cuts, or simply have a deeper understanding of the craft than you do. Walking into such a session can make you feel nervous, questioning if your ideas measure up.
However, it's crucial to reframe this as a tremendous learning opportunity. You have the chance to learn directly from someone who has navigated the industry and honed their skills over time. This experience can significantly accelerate your development as a songwriter.
2. Before the Co-write: Preparation is Key
Preparation is fundamental to any successful co-write. When writing up, it becomes even more critical. Arriving well-prepared demonstrates professionalism and shows respect for your co-writer's time and experience. I strongly recommend having a "bank" of writable ideas ready. A writable idea is more than just a title; it's a title coupled with a development strategy, often referred to as a "Song Map". This approach helps ensure you have a tangible concept that can be developed into a song.
Before the session, take time to research your co-writer. Find out what kind of music they enjoy, their strengths (lyrics or music), and what projects they might be writing for. Use this research to select 3 or 4 writable ideas from your idea bank that you believe they would be likely to "REALLY want to write".
This thoughtful selection not only benefits your co-writer by offering relevant starting points but also boosts your own confidence, knowing you have valuable ideas to bring to the table. Even if the co-write takes a different direction, having done this preparation means you've done your best to be ready.
See more about pre-writing here
3. In the Co-write: Mindset and Etiquette
Once you are in the writing room, adopting the right mindset and adhering to co-writing etiquette is essential, especially when writing up. Now, some pros would never say there is such a thing as writing room etiquette. But it’s there, really. An experienced co-writer would always want to know this: Doing your best to serve your co-writer.
Doing your best to serve your co-writer
This is particularly true when writing up. This means prioritizing the relationship and the collaborative process over pushing your own agenda or ideas. Be flexible and willing to work on their ideas if they have something they are excited about.
Being positive and supportive is crucial. Make your co-writer feel good about their contributions. If you have concerns about an idea, phrase them positively using softening language, such as "Maybe..." or "What about...". Avoid negativity or bringing unrelated problems into the room. Listen actively and don't talk too much. Sometimes, the most valuable contribution is simply giving your co-writer space to explore their thoughts. Remember, "good hangs" are generally asked to write again.
There’s a lot of further information on this in The Organized Songwriter.
4. In the Co-write: Contributing Fearlessly - Daring to Suck
Despite any nerves, it is vital to contribute your ideas fearlessly in a co-writing session. Don't censor yourself or dismiss ideas just because they seem "silly" or "dumb". Of course, no one wants to feel silly. But as one of my co-writers said,
“The co-writing room should really be a ‘no-free’ zone”.
Say everything that comes to mind; silence is a request for more ideas.
Experienced co-writers often appreciate writers who are brave enough to say something unconventional (see Edge of the Table, here), as it can spark creativity and lead to a better idea later in the session. Daring to suck is part of being a better co-writer. Never hold back your best ideas, even when writing up. Your idea might be exactly what the song needs, and your more experienced co-writer might be the perfect person to help it reach its full potential.
5. How to Get a Co-writer Who Is More Experienced
This is a little trickier than I thought. Building your network is crucial for any songwriter. Reaching out to more experienced writers can feel challenging, but it's a necessary step. Professional associations and conferences, such as Write About Jesus (WAJ), are excellent for connecting with other writers and industry professionals. Workshops and seminars can also provide opportunities to meet accomplished writers. Online communities and mutual friends can also be pathways to connections.
When reaching out, focus on building a genuine connection. Be yourself and be enthusiastic. Having a brief, punchy introduction about yourself and your music is helpful. The most effective way to approach an experienced writer about co-writing is to be prepared with great, researched, "writable ideas" that you think they would be excited about. And genuinely convinced that it would work in the room with them.
Mentioning that you have some ideas you'd love to explore with them, based on your research into their work, is a professional way to suggest a co-write without coming across as awkward. It shows you are serious about your craft and have done your homework. Being a "good hang"—someone enjoyable to work with—also significantly increases your chances of being asked to write again.
In Summary
Writing up is a fundamental part of a songwriter's journey, offering invaluable learning experiences and accelerating your development. It requires diligence in preparation, a supportive mindset, the courage to share your ideas openly, and a strategic approach to networking. By embracing this process, you not only improve your songs but also build crucial relationships in the industry.
Ultimately, writing up is not about learning, but about crafting the best song in the room. Having said that, I’ve always come out as a better songwriter having written up!
Questions
Here are three questions to think about –
How can you better prepare "writable ideas" tailored to potential co-writers you admire?
What steps can you take in your next co-write to ensure you are serving your co-writer effectively?
How can you practice "daring to suck" and contribute more fearlessly in your writing sessions this week?
Hope this helps!
Simon.