Your Voice
Six ways to cultivate your unique songwriting voice: a special gift only you can share through your songs.
Sharing your heart in a song takes bravery. When songwriters express personal truths in music and lyrics, they build strong connections with listeners. It's not just about technical skills; it's about sharing the human experience from your genuine point of view.
The most enduring songs flow from vulnerability, not formulaic imitation, moving away from the middle of a table towards away from where everyone else writes (click here for more on this). The greatest songwriters explore their inner terrain, excavating insight and self-awareness. They infuse personal revelations into universal themes that resonate through shared humanity.
So, how does this work?
Here are six ways to cultivate your distinctive songwriting voice:
Embracing the Essence of Your Vocal Ability
Letting Your Instrumental Style Shine
Writing Lyrics From a Personal Lens
Incorporating Innate Language
Channeling Your Natural Rhythmic Instincts
Celebrating Sonic Quirks and Imperfections
Six ways to cultivate your unique songwriting voice
1. Embracing the Essence of Your Vocal Ability
I know, it’s always difficult when you hear your recorded voice played back to you. But here’s the truth: Everyone feels like that.
When you create melodies, it's common to compare your singing to others, especially those who sound really polished. However, even if your singing range is limited or your pitch isn't perfect, you can still make a big impact because you contribute your own unique sound. Here’s a good example of this: no Michael Bublé, but he still has over 15 million streams on YouTube.
Instead of trying to sing in difficult ways, stick to the natural way your voice sounds. When your words follow the ups and downs of your voice, they become a way to express yourself. Getting comfortable and familiar with your musical instrument allows you to be creative. Embrace melodies that might seem a bit different but are full of life. By doing this, you encourage listeners to accept themselves as well. So, don't be afraid to use half-spoken verses, offbeat notes, or unique ways of singing if that's what you enjoy.
It's these differences that make your music stand out.
2. Letting Your Instrumental Style Shine
Just like your voice has a unique sound, the way you play your musical instrument also has its special energy. Some chord combinations, rhythms, and tones express your true self more clearly than others. Instead of sticking to what's popular or expected, why not create sounds that match your personality?
Give yourself the freedom to showcase your musical instincts that represent who you are. If you naturally enjoy jazzy tunes or dreamy textures, include more of that in your music. If you prefer lo-fi beats or folk fingerpicking over polished pop or EDM, go with what you love. Even if you’re writing a song for another artist, a splash of authenticity is your hallmark (Click here for more).
By featuring your authentic musical style, you make songs that have a deeper meaning.
A splash of authenticity is your hallmark
3. Writing Lyrics From a Personal Lens
Songs with deep emotional truths connect with people everywhere because they give listeners new ways to understand themselves. So, don't be afraid to share your joys, longings, regrets, discoveries, and questions when you write. Be open without holding back.
Describe familiar feelings using unique images from your life that might surprise your audience. For instance, if you're talking about heartbreak, share interesting details like the color of your walls, the song from your first slow dance, or the flavor of the candy your ex used to love. These vivid, personal snapshots can bring back memories and feelings for others, allowing listeners to hang their stuff on your lyrics (Click here for more)
Don't hide your flaws—talk about them and your achievements to connect with our shared human vulnerability. When Leonard Cohen sings, "I was born like this, I had no choice, I was born with the gift of a golden voice," we relate because of his self-acceptance, not despite his limited vocals. Embracing imperfections turns music into a place where we connect instead of compare.
4. Incorporating Innate Language
Your lyrics sound the most genuine when they're framed in the unique language of your own perspective. Instead of using common phrases, include words and expressions that are a part of your background and personality. Let your cultural heritage, local traditions, and even personal sayings influence your writing. (Click here for more)
Whatever your style or regional idioms, like those from the South, are natural to you, incorporate them into your songs. Skip over generic rhymes and phrases that don't match your way of speaking. By weaving your own language into your lyrics, you create a tone that feels honest and relatable to listeners who share your experiences.
5. Channeling Your Natural Rhythmic Instincts
When creating melodies and lyrics, focus on the rhythms and patterns that you truly feel rather than what might seem polished or trendy. Each of us has an instinctive sense of rhythm influenced by our cultural background. So, tap into rhythms that are natural to you, whether it's the driving beats of Afro-Caribbean music, straightforward Bop phrasing, or the complex patterns of another tradition.
Once, I had the opportunity to stroll into the lively street market of Port Harcourt, Nigeria. There, amidst the bustling atmosphere, I was captivated by the mesmerizing rhythms emanating from a skilled boy who was tapping away on the side of a Coke case balanced effortlessly on his head! It was astonishing.
Infuse your music with a lively energy that can captivate others. Natural rhythms in songs make us want to move, sing, and come together in harmony and joy. It's the magical influence of letting the rhythm flow instead of fitting words into rigid structures.
6. Celebrating Sonic Quirks and Imperfections
In a music world full of perfect singing, flawless edits, and precisely timed beats, it's the small surprises that add soul. Don't erase the human touch from your songs just to make everything perfect. Keep moments of spontaneity: a pause that lasts a bit too long before the chorus, vocals that sway a bit off the beat but sound majestic, or a sudden crackle or whistle in the midst of smooth strings.
Think of these unexpected touches, like adding bits of ginger to a flavorful curry or a burst of tart lemon cutting through hazelnut. These little quirks often make your music more interesting and memorable. Embrace imperfections as charming ways to connect with listeners and showcase your unfiltered creative vision.
By cultivating what sets your songwriting perspective apart without dilution or copying, you kindle bold new energy in music. That inspires listeners to honor their distinctive voices, too. When you ‘play your oddity’ without apology, you liberate others. So trust instincts that feel undeniably intrinsic to you.
Celebrate quirks. Get intimate with your instrument. And through that authentic connection, let your distinctive essence shine. By writing songs from a place of self-acceptance, your music will resonate with others, creating a sense of connection. And that's a special gift only you can share through your songs.
Questions
Here are a few questions for you:
What unique vocal, instrumental, or lyrical quirks make you excited when you're being creative? How can you feature them more to showcase your true self?
What rhythms or textures from your cultural background or personality can you add to bring an authentic touch to your music?
What's one small thing you can do today to embrace unconventional elements that highlight your individuality?
Hope this helps!
Simon