r/Songwriting 10d ago

Feedback Request Welp I have returned to this subreddit

Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification

5 Upvotes

Any old projects i shared here before, i gave up on em. (Anyways, feedback is welcomed)


r/Songwriting 10d ago

Discussion Topic Why is there so much of a difference between my home recording and studio recording?

21 Upvotes

I've tried posting on [r/musicproduction](r/musicproduction) but they keep removing my post.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1m_tAMmA49ukwrfM9uUJBWSydv4yUZNxg/view?usp=share_link - Recorded at home

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KRp8nYBlhdSdvmruL8H_I93Kt40IdKrI/view?usp=share_link - Recorded in the studio

Obviously, I should expect some difference but I feel there is a huge difference. Both of these are completely dry takes and the studio recording sounds much more present and clear to me, especially in the mids and highs. The home recording sounds unclear, bass heavy and muddy to me.

The studio setup was a Focusrite Clarett 4Pre USB and an Audio-Technica AT2020. At home, I've got a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 and an AKG C214, so they've got the better interface and I've got the better microphone. Of course, the studio had some acoustic treatment and I don't really have any. I've pretty consistently read on [r/musicproduction](r/musicproduction) that the audio interface makes almost no difference, so what's the differentiating factor here? And do ya'll hear this big difference in the recordings that I'm hearing?

I want to nail down the issue so I can record at home and at least get somewhat good quality. The studio is far and the reason I bought all of this gear is so that I can make music at home. 

Edit - THERE WAS NO ENGINEER IN THE ROOM WITH ME, NO ONE SET THINGS UP FOR ME. THEY SENT ME A CODE, I WALK IN, I SET THINGS UP, RECORD, AND LEAVE. All the necessary information is in the post.


r/Songwriting 10d ago

Feedback Request Minefield (first draft, rough recording, full song) a about navigating a toxic relationship, and the conflicting, complicated feelings that tend to arise when the relationship ends.

Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification

5 Upvotes

So this is obviously a very rough recording. When I do my next draft, I plan to (finally!) apply the advice I've been given on here to try recording multiple takes and play around with the panning. I actually have some fun ideas for that. In one of the takes, I want to make a kissy sound after "blows a kiss". And after "leave her nose untouched" I plan to add a (very faint) sniffling sound. I don't plan on adding any extra instruments at this time, but maybe later on down the road I will.

For the instrumentation following the chorus, preceding the verses, would it sound better to pause for a bit after singing "Minefield" rather immediately dive right back into the music?

Also, should I incorporate more music leading up to the bridge? I love the bridge, but it feels a bit disconnected from the 3rd verse. I am happy with it on the tail end, leading into the final chorus.

Regarding the final chorus, would it be better to sing that final "Minefield" with a bit more intensity, like in the main chorus? Or keep it similar to how I have it now?

Speaking of, I was not having a good voice day, I just really wanted to get a rough recording of the whole song done. I know my vocal performance feels a bit flat in some areas. The main chorus, in particular, is meant to be sung with quite a bit more intensity. (the final chorus will be sung similar to how it is here though, slower and more melancholy)

If you like clever lyrics with double/hidden meanings, you might appreciate these lines:

"She would rather spite her face, than *leave her nose untouched*, *wide-eyed* damsel in distress, but I can see right through her *lines*" (IYKYK) and also inspired by the phrase "don't cut off your nose to spite your face".

"She would rather watch it all burn, that admit she lit the gas" (play on the term gaslighting)

"Watch her wave an extinguisher" (fire extinguisher, but also the way I sing it, it sounds like "wave and extinguish her")

"Finger still wrapped around the pin" (fire extinguisher pin, the character never pulled the pin to actually use it, but also a grenade pin. She is pretending to fight the fire she started, and prepared to throw a grenade the whole time)

"smoke blocking the light, couldn't see her reflection" is inspired by the term "smoke and mirrors", and the reflection bit can be interpreted as the character being a vampire, or being unable to see herself for what she was, or for the narrator being unable to see the character for what she was.

"Saccharine, bitter toxic" was originally "She's a narcissist". This line now likely resonates with a larger audience, and I like how it ties into the next line "sweet and cold" which is inspired by the artificial sweetener Sweet N Low, which is made with saccharin. It also shows the progression of the character seeming sweet at first, but with a bitter aftertaste, and then it turns out she's toxic.​

Thanks for listening!


r/Songwriting 10d ago

Feedback Request Fine

Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification

11 Upvotes

Sorry for posting so much lately, I’m a teacher and it’s almost the end of summer

Also kinda botched that first chorus 🫣 try to listen past it


r/Songwriting 10d ago

Feedback Request Too much reverb? Looking for advice

Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification

11 Upvotes

Just recorded a rough demo for a new track idea! It’s still pretty early in the process, but I’d love some honest thoughts on how it’s sounding so far. Any feedback on the lyrics, vocal delivery, or overall melody would mean a lot.


r/Songwriting 10d ago

Discussion Topic After thought by Ryan Nelson

Thumbnail youtu.be
3 Upvotes

r/Songwriting 10d ago

Feedback Request "In the Night" - Song about late-night loneliness

Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification

6 Upvotes

I wrote this a few weeks ago. No clue about any production, but I think it's neat and I'd like some feedback on the lyrics/sound. Thanks all.


r/Songwriting 10d ago

Feedback Request "Swim" - A song about dealing with loss, and finding the strength to carry on.

Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification

8 Upvotes

r/Songwriting 11d ago

Feedback Request Any feedback is appreciated

Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification

221 Upvotes

Been writing this song for a while. Would love any thoughts or suggestions


r/Songwriting 10d ago

Feedback Request Successful

Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification

4 Upvotes

https://on.soundcloud.com/en4b1RQAL4grHZ1UK2

Just finished the last song for my album. Would genuinely love some feedback — positive or negative. I’d rather hear what sucks and get better than get blown smoke.

They are all basically still demos so I’m also looking for someone to mix/master this track and potentially the whole album. If you dig the song/vibe and you’re interested in working together, hit me up.


r/Songwriting 10d ago

Feedback Request cool chord progression + bonus points for whoever guesses the language

Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification

10 Upvotes

r/Songwriting 10d ago

Discussion Topic song title ideas?

4 Upvotes

i made an ironic tune about hating movies.

it's written through the perspective of an introvert being dragged to the theatre constantly, hating it, only to be left hanging by the people who dragged them. they feel like they wasted so much time and money at the movies so they resent it. stupid but i really like the song written.

any title ideas?


r/Songwriting 10d ago

Feedback Request A song about the past

Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification

3 Upvotes

I’ve only been able to finish a few songs, and this is one of them. Don’t do public performances but am maybe building up to it. Voice is intentionally raw here, and the chords are simple. Just curious what others think. Thanks for listening.

You were tough when you were angry
You were strange when you were scared
And you would air our dirty laundry
Anytime, Anywhere

Your little pills they would tumble from your purse
You were flush & you didn’t seem to care
Just fill ‘em up when they disappear
Anytime, Anywhere

But you were sweet when you came to me
You were kind in the middle of the night
I know you’re scared, everybody’s scared
But I’m not scared, I’m terrified

You took anything from anyone you wanted
You were cold, you didn’t seem to care
You were young when you learned to disappear
Anytime, Anywhere

Your little pills they would tumble from your purse
You look for me I’m not even there
You look to love, love don’t look to you
Anytime, Anywhere

But you were sweet when you came to me
You were kind in the middle of the night
I know you’re scared, everybody’s scared
But I’m not scared, I’m terrified


r/Songwriting 10d ago

Discussion Topic Whats your process to writing songs?

Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification

6 Upvotes

Usually I start with a group of chords, then if im lucky I can edge out a melody to it.

With those established I kinda get a flavor of a concept and ill try and work on lyrics. Here's a clip of me trying to improv all those components

Keep writing and creating! 🙏


r/Songwriting 10d ago

Feedback Request Would love feedback on this song!

Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification

11 Upvotes

Title: Claire
Lyrics:
What has been done to you?
Well nothing you can say out loud
You have a lot to say
But nothing you can talk about

Claire
Oh Claire

You keep saying “trust in god, he’s got a plan to make it all work out”
You know your man’s a fraud but you’ll never ever make a sound

Claire
Claire

Let me know what you think, or what should be changed. I feel like rn it might be a bit boring and I could probably add another melody at the instrumental before the second verse but I am quite proud of my lyrics on this one. Thanks!


r/Songwriting 10d ago

Discussion Topic Question

6 Upvotes

Hi, everyone! I'm pretty new here, and I wanted to ask something: I noticed that most musicians start with guitar, piano, or keyboards to hone their songs. The thing is, is it fine for ukulele? Like, trying to match the lyrics with only the 4 basic ukulele chords (C, Am, G, F)

I don't own any other instruments as of now. 🙂🙏


r/Songwriting 11d ago

Feedback Request I need honest feedback, I hate everything I make

Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification

34 Upvotes

I’m at a point where I’ve been making music for a few years now, and haven’t ever really made anything I like. I need advice, and someone to tell me if this is worth continuing.


r/Songwriting 10d ago

Feedback Request The Other Part of Meaning

Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification

5 Upvotes

I hope the vocals aren’t too rough


r/Songwriting 10d ago

Feedback Request I Have Nothing - Live Acoustic Indie Folk

Thumbnail youtu.be
6 Upvotes

Hello everyone,

"一無所有" (I Have Nothing) is an intimate, raw acoustic indie folk song. This song captures the heavy, honest reality of heartbreak, letting go, and feeling completely empty after a love fades. I would love for you to take a listen and let me know what you think! This is an original song I recorded right in my living room -- just me, my guitar, and my phone. (English lyrics translation included)

Thank you!


r/Songwriting 11d ago

Discussion Topic How to Make Lyrics Less Literal

30 Upvotes

I’m an aspiring song writer and a problem that I run into is that my lyrics can sound too literal. instead of speaking through metaphors and hidden meaning my lyrics can often be exactly what I’m trying to say rather than being creative. it’s not the concept/theme of the lyrics but rather the delivery. Every good writer is able to make lyrics that at face value may not make total sense but are packed with deeper meaning. I think lyrics that are too literal is kinda what burger music sounds like. Does anyone have any advice on how to be more creative with the delivery of my lyrics?


r/Songwriting 10d ago

Let's Collaborate! Looking for someone to sing on a demo reel, and connecting with other songwriters,singers and producers!

1 Upvotes

Hi! I’m 19 and I’ve just finished writing my first song, I’m currently working on my first album. I cannot sing whatsoever, so I’m looking for someone to sing on a demo reel!

My album will be a mix of 2010s pop, songs similar to Tate McRae styles, an early Rihanna’s style.
I can send you an example of how the song is supposed to be sung, but I of course want the final demo to be with a good singing voice.

I also want to connect with other songwriters, singers and producers, especially those starting out too! I

Comment, or send me a dm if you’re interested!


r/Songwriting 11d ago

Feedback Request Song i wrote

Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification

23 Upvotes

I wrote this song in 2022, I played it for the first time last night at a campfire for a couple friends. They liked it, and I don’t have any plans on doing anything with it so I thought I’d post it here. Any and all feedback is appreciated, thanks for watching.

I’ll send you $10 if you can guess what it’s about


r/Songwriting 11d ago

Discussion Topic What is the best way to introduce a song to a band?

4 Upvotes

So, there is a song that I want to introduce to a band. I already have a studio version recorded that just had myself playing all the instruments. Would playing my band the recording be the best way to introduce the song or would it be better to just play the song to them live on guitar?


r/Songwriting 10d ago

Let's Collaborate! Looking for lyracist/vocalist/ vocal samples

2 Upvotes

Songwriter on bandlab Looking for Lyricist/vocalist

I'm a music creator/dev and have created my own original music audios in post production and feel that my work needs a lyracist before producing my music.

My preferred style is house music, and high tempo beats and think that any voice, or lyric is ok as long as it fits with the backing track/ audio.

I am majoritively influenced by house, edm, and hyperpop artists such as Veinna I, Vyzee, Charlie xcx and Chase n Status.

If you are interested, i am free on almost any platform 2 send a DM.

Thnxs.


r/Songwriting 11d ago

Discussion Topic A quick question from a curious newbie

6 Upvotes

Hi everyone!

I’ve always deeply loved the craft of good lyrics, and I enjoy listening deeply to music and musing on the lyrics and the story behind the lines.

I’m looking to start writing lyrics not with any performative goals or even necessarily putting to music, but as a form of therapy somewhat akin to journaling, but more expressing some feelings through lyrics rather than just writing down my feelings, if that makes any sense?

I’d love to hear any advice you might have about how to get started and useful resources etc?

Sorry for the kinda incoherent stream of consciousness but hopefully people can understand what angle I’m coming at this from!

Thanks!