With singer-songwriter, composer & vocal coach - Hannah Cheetham
If you are getting started on your songwriting journey, it can be easy to get lost in the vast chasm of songwriting & music production tools. In this post I have listed the 5 essential tools that I use daily to help me with my songwriting - both in the crafting & recording process,
For those getting started, it can be a tough decision to invest in expensive software and tools, so I am also including free or inexpensive options for all the purchased items on this list.
1. RHYMEZONE: Rhyming Dictionary
Free Online Rhyming Dictionary
The first tool that I use very often in my songwriting process is the RhymeZone rhyming dictionary. Now this tool is super simple, I know. But it really can be a game changer for jogging your imagination when you are stuck on a lyric. When I use this tool, I will set the search to 'near rhyme' to give me both full and slant rhyme options for a word.
Visit RhymeZone here: https://www.rhymezone.com/
2. Digital Audio Workstation
Recording & Audio Editing Software
There are a plethora of fantastic DAW's out there including Ableton Live, Logic Pro and FL Studio just to name a few. But my DAW of choice is Avid Pro Tools. I use this to quickly lay down & edit my demo's and also for the full production of my songs.
Now, I use full version - Pro Tools Ultimate because I use my software for music composition also and enjoy its full capability. But Avid offer a few different price point tiers depending on what you require. They offer a free version called Pro Tools Intro which offers all you need to get started in recording demos as a songwriter. Including some stock editing software and VST's,
Access the free version, Pro Tools Intro here: https://www.avid.com/pro-tools/intro
3. Word Processing Program
Google Docs or Microsoft Word for Lyrics & Charts
When I am writing a song, I find it most efficient to write on an electronic document. Now, don't get me wrong - I am a big fan of paper and pen. But, when it comes to editing, collaboration with other songwriters and overall idea to finished product efficiency, I find that writing on an electronic document is most useful.
I generally use Microsoft word when I am writing, however Google docs are also a fantastic option - especially when it comes to collaborative writing as more than one writer can use the document at a time.
Access Google Docs here: https://docs.google.com/
4. Metronome
Metronome To Determine Song BPM
Another item which I use a lot when it comes to the demo recording process is a free metronome app. I enjoy using the free Soundbrenner App because I can tap out the tempo I feel and play along to check that the song is sitting well at its speed. This is really helpful for setting the click track up in your DAW as you record. Hot tip: Always record your demo to a click track! this makes future edits much easier.
There are countless free apps that you can use for a metronome, so I am just linking the one that I use on the daily.
Access the Soundbrenner App here: https://www.soundbrenner.com/the-metronome-app/
5. Thesaurus
Discovering A Wider Array Of Vocabulary For Your Lyrics
Say you know what you want to say, but your word choices are feeling limited. This is where our old friend the thesaurus comes in. The thesaurus is a tool that you can use to expand your vocabulary around an adjective or describing word by searching for synonyms. The advantage here is that the more you discover new words and their meanings, the further your vocabulary will expand - Improving your scope and efficiency as a lyricist. I use the free site Thesaurus.com
Access the free online thesaurus here: https://www.thesaurus.com/
6. Recording gear: Microphone & interface
Hardware To Record Your Demo
To record a demo, you are going to need some hardware to go along with your recording software. There is a WIDE range of equipment out there to choose from. You can get usb microphones which are a 2 in one (interface and microphone), you can get professional studio gear and everything in between. The gear that I use in my home studio would be considered mid-tier in price range, but it gives a professional quality sound which can easily be used in high end production (I use this gear when I complete freelance work as a session writer and singer). I currently use the Audient iD14 Interface, Aston Origin microphone with its Swift Shield shock mount and Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro Studio Monitor headphones. Now, you don't have to invest a lot into gear get started - this is just what I enjoy using at the moment.
Some great inexpensive options:
Budget All In one microphone + interface:
Budget microphone, interface & headphones Kit:
Did you know we offer 1-1 songwriting coaching? Enquire with Hannah today to find out more.
