Beni Bjah became the first ever Indigenous artist to take out the WAM Song Of The Year Grand Prize, when he won the honour last year.
With the final deadline for the comp now extended to Thursday February 16, and with over $40,000 worth of prizes on offer to WA songwriters of all ages, levels and genres (read more and enter the competition here) we thought we’d ask Beni Bjah for five songwriting tips.
Check them out below, and be sure to put them to good use.
1. When writing a song, create a concept or subject matter –
Try to write with clear purpose. It will not only give you direction but will hold the song together. For example, when I wrote ‘Survivors’ it was something impacting me personally so writing it came easy.
Inspiration comes to me in spurts, so try carry a note book around or jot in your phone – a line that comes to you, or inspiration you feel – and a song can come out of that one line!
2. Try to forget bars
I know emcees who got skills but there’s a difference between busting bars and being able to craft a good song. Use intros, outros, bridges, choruses with catchy harmonies, to create a flow that replicates throughout the song like a pattern. But still be original and be yourself think outside the box and do something that’s never been done before.
3. Embrace your own reasons and write with purpose
Tell people what you stand for and what you believe in. Never hold back. Be honest and transparent when writing and create that ‘hero in all of us’ one that we empathise with and relate to.
4. Tap into your imagination
Share your dreams, tell your fears. And always use intuition and gut feelings – if you feel it so will they, the listeners. Unblock your feeling of fear and judgment and connect with your creative inner-child.
Find a space where you feel inspired and which opens up your creativity: whether that’s in the shower, chilling with friends, out in the bush, or beach – whereever gives you that little something. Take your time when writing a song; it doesn’t have to come in a day.
5. Develop your own unique, authentic style.
Let your passion shine through in your own writing. Use conviction with your expression – it’s not just what you say, it’s how you say it!
My wife is my best critic; I can tell just by her facial expressions if it’s a good song, so having someone who is truthful about your music, I find, is important.
