Tips for songwriting/improving singing

[TomJ]

Just wondering if anyone could help me out here. I'm 16 and write songs just for fun and through boredom, but I was wondering if anyone had any tips on how to write better, and more importantly, how to become a better singer. Any help appreciated

[trebledamage]

There are books available that will give you some of the fundamental do's and don't on songwriting. I don't know of any offhand, but I've seen them at Borders or Barnes & Noble.

As for singing, I'm no singer but I know one thing you should avoid doing. When you practice, if you sing through a microphone don't use any effects, such as reverb. I see too many singers who rely on reverb to "make them sound good." If you sound good without any effects, you will sound that much better when you add them when you perform.

[Willdridge]

Just keep writing. I've found the more you write, generally speaking, the better your songs get. At first they're always a little awkward and/or cheesy, but with experience you tend to get better.
As for proper advice, try and think about what you want to tell your listener...as is often the case with me I've been distracted and forgotten where I was going with this...
Singing is largely a case of practise and be prepared to recieve constructive critism. A good, tactful friend is handy there, or perhaps look at finding a music teacher?...
Good luck, hope I've helped some.

[hrckid]

Not that I'm a great songwriter or anything but the actual lyrics themselves aren't that important it's the vocal line that has to be really good.( e.g.I am the walrus by the Beatles nobody knows what that ****'s about but Lennon/McCartney are generally recognised as the best ever songwriters)

I've figured out some good vocal lines by jamming over the chord progression Im using. However, if you've got a singer in your band worth his salt you won't need to do this.

[Parrot Head 1970]

Song writing is all about what you want to say. Some say less is more others say be descriptive. This is a hard time for quote/unquote songwriters. Songs of the week prevail. So write for yourself first. If someone else likes it, that's your bonus. Don't rehash. When it's done it's done. Constantly banging your head on the wall trying to pollish something that is into something you want wont happen right now. Wait and it will come to you.

As for singing. There are many reputable teachers out there. Proper breath control is everything, and something learned and practiced over many years just like guitar. There are some videos and books out there, but, a teacher would be your best bet if you're that serious.

All the best!!!!! :cool: