Do one tiny act of songwriting every day for 100 days in a row.
The smaller the better. You can always get extra credit by doing more. Lyrics (sung or spoken), instrumentals, and beats are all fair game. Some people upload audio snippets of their work, other people type up lyrics, take a photo, or post a link from Youtube or Soundcloud.
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How to Get Started
Step 1. Create your own rule: Try to be realistic, something you can commit to for 100 Days. Make adjustments if what you're doing is not sustainable. A creative habit should be able to fit into anyone's life no matter how busy it is. Here are some example from our members:
- Twenty minutes of any songwriting activity a day (activities include: lyrics, melody, chords, beats, free-writing, titles).
- 5 minutes of songwriting a day (same as above)
- Four bars of instrumental a day.
- Two lines of lyric.
- Finish one song every ten days.
- Finish a song before starting a new one.
- Use the 100 Days to work through a songwriting book or online course.
Step 2. Share your rule with the group. Learn in front of others. If we all do this we will learn from each other.
Some of the most valuable learning happens in groups where we get to see in live action other peoples process. You never know who you will learn from and who will teach. Show your work!
Step 3. Post your daily work: Inside our private community you are invited to post audio snippets (mp3, m4a), Youtube links, photos, or text of your works in progress. If you didn't produce anything tangible, that's okay. If it's ugly and messy that's okay. The less polished the more it gives others permission to do the same. Remember it's about creating a habit, not impressing others.
Step 4. Encourage others. Inside our private network we aim to create a safe space for anyone to share no matter what genre or experience level they are at.
It is important to separate the creator from the editor. Both are vital parts of songwriting, but they don't mix well.
That's it!
Happy songwriting, I'll be doing my own 100 days right a long side you!
100 Days of Songwriting is a motivational and inspirational community that helps songwriters get into the habit of writing.
Song is where it all starts
As a DIY musician who has to wear all the hats of the new music industry, it's easy to forget sometimes that the actual song is where it all starts. 100 Days Of Songwriting was a refreshing way to make sure I carved out a little time each day to song write! There was no pressure to get anything finished or perfect, but I could sleep easy knowing I had moved a little closer to writing a great song!
Rubbing minds together
Being a part of the 100 Days of Songwriting back in 2018 gave me that push and stimulation I very much needed to improve on the frequency and quality of my songwriting. Rubbing minds together with, and receiving invaluable advice from experienced professionals and amateurs like myself, has helped me hone my writing skills. I'm very glad to be a part of a group that feels very much like home. Thanks Rigel for that wonderful initiative!
A community of like-minded souls
Let's face it - we songwriters are an odd breed. We're out here, doing our strange little thing - hashing out melodies, jotting down snippets of conversation, tapping out rhythms on random restaurant tables.....It's nice to spend time (even virtual time) among people who understand our weirdness and know how to weird right along with us. That's one of the benefits I found in Rigel's 100 Days of Songwriting: Feeling less alone and being part of a community of like-minded souls on this songwriting journey.
Opened up a whole new aspect of my career
Participating in the 100 Days of Songwriting started out of curiosity for me, but has grown into an incredible tool for accessing creativity. Through composition and arranging I have opened up a whole new aspect of my career, and I believe coming at it through 100 Days has helped keep me feeling adventurous and lighthearted about my creations. I love the format and the non-judgmental, quasi-accountability nature of the group.