
Do one simple act of songwriting every day for 100 days in a row.
It doesn't matter how big or small; lyrics (sung or spoken), instrumental, 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: It must be something you can realistically commit to for 100 Days in a row.
The first time I did a 100 day challenge (Spring of 2017) my rule was to either record four bars of instrumental composition, or one lyric line. I liked that at first, but then I found myself spending four hours on four bars of music doing multiple takes and tweaking reverb and compressors—can't sustain that—I have a wife and a three year old. So I changed it to a time limit of 20 minutes a day. Some days I have an hour or two to spend, but normally I get my 20 minutes in, post what I've got, and go to sleep knowing I did my work.
Start out as realistic as you can and 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.
Step 2. Share your rule with a group. Join our community ($5.00/mo.), or start your own.
Step 3. Post your daily work: An audio snippet (mp3, m4a), Youtube link, a photo, or text. 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 other musicians.
What I have learned about myself, since the first one I did in 2017, is that when I keep a close distance between my creation and my post, I tend to stay balanced over my own two feet. When I let the distance between my creation and my post grow I tend to wobble—trying to impress other people.
There are shades of grey here because some people might be doing their work, but simply don't have time to post every day. That's okay! Just try and post recent work—whatever is reasonable to your situation.
Step 4. Encourage others. Positive feedback is welcome, but no critiquing during the 100 day challenge.
It is important to separate the creator from the editor. Both are vital parts of songwriting, but they don't mix well. We invite members to participate in closed structured feedback sessions where we share our songs and receive feedback in a safe and productive environment.
Please read all the guidelines before posting to the group.
That's it! It sounds simple, but at some point it's going to feel like 100 days—I guarantee it!
Happy songwriting, I'll be doing my own 100 days right a long side you!
