It's happened to all of us. We've written a song that is so personal, so important to us. That moves us. We're sure it going to move others too.  And when we play it for someone. . . nothing. Or we bring it to a song circle and someone says: "I get what you're trying to say but I just don't feel moved."

Figuring out how to evoke emotion in listeners is something all songwriters strive for. How do we write songs that don't just feel important to us, but that resonate with our listeners and evoke emotion? How do we write songs that move people?

Bonnie Hayes has a whole series of videos that will point you in the right direction in terms of lyrics, chord choices, and melody. These videos describe how to tap into emotion in genuine ways and avoid leaning on piano ballad cliches or violin swells. And in her video about toggling, Andrea Stolpe explains how finding a balance between "show" and "tell" can be a great way to write about emotion directly and effectively within a song. 

Bonnie Hayes:
Lyrics, Emotional Songs Part 1 (0:30:51)

Notes, Emotional Songs Part 2 (0:23:16)

Chords, Emotional Songs Part 3 (0:24:11)

Andrea Stolpe:
Writing without Limits, Part 2: Toggling (0:32:52)

Happy (or sad or angry or wistful...) songwriting! ;-)

Warmest wishes,
Diana

 

P.S. You can read past newsletters and check out other video recommendations on our newsletter archive page.

  

 

 

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Diana Korpi
Member Services
diana.korpi@songwork.com