How to Find Your Unique Songwriting Voice
How to Find Your Unique Songwriting Voice: A Guide for Beginners by
Hit Song Hero
Finding your unique songwriting voice is one of the most important steps in your journey as a songwriter. While many beginners feel the pressure to sound like their favorite artists, what sets successful songwriters apart is their ability to blend influences and create something distinctly their own. Whether you’re just starting or looking to refine your craft, understanding how to find your unique songwriting voice will help you stand out and connect with listeners on a deeper level. In this guide, we’ll cover key strategies to help you discover and develop your own voice in songwriting.
Pro Tip: Download our free Pro Songwriting Launch Kit to elevate your storytelling kills.
1. Explore Your Influences, but Don’t Copy Them
It’s natural to look up to the artists and songwriters you admire, but the key to finding your own voice is to blend these influences with your own ideas rather than copying them. Most successful songwriters started by emulating their idols, but they eventually learned how to channel those influences into something original.
How to Explore Your Influences:
Make a Playlist: Compile songs by artists who inspire you. Analyze what makes their style appealing to you—whether it’s their melodies, lyrical content, or vocal delivery. (check out my personal inspo playlist!! click here)
Deconstruct Their Work: Try breaking down the structure of your favorite songs. What do you notice about the chord progressions, themes, and rhythms? This can teach you important techniques without directly copying them.
Write in Their Style, Then Evolve: Start by writing songs in a style similar to your favorite artist. Once you’re comfortable with this, gradually add your personal flair—whether it’s through lyrics, melodies, or instrumentation.
For example, if you love the storytelling of Bob Dylan or the raw emotion of Adele, use these as starting points. However, allow your own voice, experiences, and interpretations to guide you as you evolve your songwriting style.
2. Experiment with Genres and Lyrical Styles
Another critical part of discovering your songwriting voice is experimenting with different genres and lyrical styles. When you step outside of your comfort zone, you open yourself up to new possibilities.
Techniques to Experiment:
Genre Exploration: Try writing songs in genres you aren’t familiar with. If you usually write folk, experiment with pop or rock. Not only will this challenge you creatively, but it can also help you discover new elements to incorporate into your style.
Lyrical Themes: Don’t limit yourself to a single subject or emotional tone. Try writing songs from different perspectives—some deeply personal, others completely fictional. You’ll find that varying lyrical content can lead to surprising breakthroughs in finding your voice.
Song Structure: Play around with different structures. Don’t feel confined to the typical verse-chorus-verse pattern. Instead, try writing songs with a more unconventional structure, such as starting with the bridge or using an instrumental section to tell part of the story.
By experimenting across genres and styles, you may discover that your voice flourishes in unexpected spaces. For example, blending the introspective nature of singer-songwriter music with the driving rhythms of electronic music could give your songs a fresh, modern sound.
PS: If you wanna DEEP DIVE into breaking down song structure, check out our Chorus Creators Lab.
3. Tap Into Personal Experiences for Authentic Songwriting
Authenticity is at the heart of memorable songwriting. The best songs resonate with listeners because they come from a place of genuine emotion and personal experience. Tapping into your own life stories, emotions, and perspectives will allow your voice to shine through in your music.
How to Tap into Your Experiences:
Journaling: Start keeping a songwriting journal where you jot down personal stories, emotions, or observations. These raw entries can serve as inspiration for your lyrics.
Write What You Know: Your personal experiences—whether they are about love, loss, joy, or frustration—can make for powerful songs. By writing about what’s real to you, your voice will naturally become more distinct.
Channel Your Emotions: Whether you’re going through a difficult time or feeling on top of the world, don’t be afraid to channel your emotions into your songwriting. Listeners are drawn to vulnerability and authenticity in music.
For example, my house burnt down this year. I was really struggling to overcome this chapter of my life. For 8 months I renovated a home with my partner, while working full time and spending late nights building Hit Song Hero… all for our house to burn down 3 weeks prior to move in. I couldn’t fathom telling people.. instead I turned to my songwriting journal and after writing everyday for 4 weeks, I had the foundation for a compelling and unique song and additionally was overcoming these intense, overwhelming feelings about moving forward.
Your life experiences set you apart from others, and incorporating them into your songs is the key to creating authentic songwriting that resonates with others.
4. Consistency and Practice: The Path to Honing Your Voice
Like any other skill, finding your unique songwriting voice takes time, practice, and consistency. The more you write, the more you’ll refine your voice and begin to understand what works best for you.
Building Consistency:
Daily or Weekly Writing Habit: Set aside time each day or week to write, even if you don’t feel particularly inspired. The act of writing regularly helps to develop your voice and style over time. (Our free Songwriting Launch Kit will help TEN FOLD)
Embrace Imperfection: Don’t be afraid to write “bad” songs. The goal is progress, not perfection. Every song you write helps you get closer to defining your sound, even if it’s not your best work.
Seek Feedback: Share your songs with others, whether it’s friends, a songwriting group, or online communities. Getting feedback from others can offer new perspectives and help you identify strengths and areas for improvement.
Over time, you’ll notice patterns in your writing—whether it’s a specific lyrical theme, a favorite chord progression, or a unique approach to melody. These patterns help form the backbone of your songwriting voice.
5. Stay True to Yourself
It can be tempting to follow trends in the music industry to gain quick recognition, but the most successful songwriters stand the test of time because they remain true to themselves. Your unique voice comes from staying authentic and creating music that feels genuine to you.
How to Stay Authentic:
Trust Your Instincts: If a particular melody, lyric, or theme feels right to you, don’t second-guess it. Even if it doesn’t conform to popular trends, it could be the key to standing out.
Don’t Chase Trends: It’s natural to want commercial success, but your authenticity is what will ultimately resonate with listeners. Don’t sacrifice your voice for the sake of following the latest musical fad.
Keep Evolving: Just because you find your voice doesn’t mean it won’t evolve. As you grow as a songwriter and a person, your voice will naturally adapt. Embrace these changes and let them guide your creative journey.
Staying true to yourself will not only lead to better songs but also foster a deeper connection with your audience. Your authenticity is your superpower—it’s what makes your music relatable and memorable.
Conclusion: Finding Your Unique Songwriting Voice
Finding your unique songwriting voice is a journey that takes time, exploration, and dedication. By blending influences, experimenting with different styles, and staying true to yourself, you’ll discover a voice that is unmistakably your own. Whether you’re an aspiring songwriter looking to make a career in music or simply writing for the joy of it, your unique voice is what will set you apart from others. Keep practicing, stay consistent, and most importantly, be authentic. Your audience is waiting to hear your song.
By following these steps and using tools like Hit Song Hero, you’ll be equipped to find and hone your unique songwriting voice. Remember, every great songwriter started where you are now—what matters is the commitment to discovering and refining your personal style. So keep writing, keep experimenting, and let your voice be heard!
Bonus: Free Resources for Aspiring Songwriters
At Hit Song Hero, we believe in supporting aspiring songwriters with practical tools. Download our Pro Songwriting Launch Kit for free to get access to workbooks, templates, and tips that will help you master the art of songwriting.
