Blog Post:
Exploring the Depths of Inner Creativity
There is a prevailing misconception surrounding Christian songwriting, which suggests that acquiring a multitude of tips, tricks, and shortcuts can enable one to sidestep the laborious process of mastering the art of creating captivating songs that resonate with people.
In my opinion, having a deep connection with God and being a skilled songwriter are more important than relying on tips and tricks. If you possess these qualities, you don't need to rely on shortcuts. The ability to write well with clarity and confidence is always accessible to you when you feel inspired by the Holy Spirit.
The photograph is credited to Laura E. Part
The prevailing culture of instant gratification in our digital era has influenced us to adopt a mindset akin to microwaving, leading us to believe that we can emulate the capabilities of CHATGPT or AI. We have the expectation that with just a few prompts, we should be able to effortlessly generate a song within a mere three seconds that will astound everyone.
However, based on what I have observed, the songs that have a lasting impact on the world are not created by writers who take shortcuts. These songwriters are skilled practitioners of the art of Christian songwriting, communicating profound messages through their craft. They didn't simply attempt to write a song one day and accidentally create masterpieces like "Amazing Grace," "In Christ Alone," or "10,000 Reasons."
Before the prominent figures arrived, these individuals were already dedicated to studying and improving their artistic skills. They were continuously learning how to create impactful compositions by combining meaningful lyrics and melodies, aiming to captivate listeners on a deep emotional level. Their goal was to create something that had an indescribable "WOW" factor, which could instantly resonate with anyone who heard it.
Professional golfer Gary Player once stated that the more effort and dedication he puts into practicing, the more fortunate he becomes in his endeavors. In other words, Player believes that consistent practice increases the likelihood of positive outcomes or opportunities presenting themselves.
These individuals are not seeking free Christian songwriting workshops or giveaways as a means to improve their skills. They are dedicated and ambitious songwriters who are already engaged in their craft, actively learning and practicing advanced poetic and lyrical techniques. Unlike many aspiring writers, they are willing to invest their time and effort to create at a much higher standard.
We greatly appreciate individuals such as Matt Redman, Matt Maher, Lauren Daigle, and the Gettys for their incredible impact on Christian worship songwriting. It's hard to imagine where we would be without Chris Tomlin's powerful rendition of "Amazing Grace/My Chains Are Gone." However, we tend to overlook the fact that these songwriters have dedicated years to perfecting their skills and have faced numerous challenges in order to enhance their songs and ministries.
No one becomes skilled at creating captivating song titles, or "hooks," overnight. This applies to everyone, including Katy Nichole, the rising star of Centricity Music. Katy has been sharing her songs online since she was only fourteen years old. While her hit "In Jesus' Name (God of Possible)" may seem like it gained sudden popularity, it is not the result of luck or chance. Katy has been honing her craft for years. (Congratulations to Katy for her hard work and dedication!)
Tips for Cultivating a Fulfilling Inner Life as a Christian Songwriter
As a Christian songwriter, there are numerous approaches to nurture and enhance your inner life. Here are three essential factors to consider while striving to expand and convey your faith through your music.
Make soul care a priority. In our fast-paced and busy lives, it can be easy to neglect taking care of our own souls. However, it is essential to find time for rest and rejuvenation in order to avoid burnout. While it is important to care for others, we cannot neglect our own needs. Taking care of ourselves is crucial for maintaining our inner well-being, which is interconnected with the care of our external lives and physical bodies.
Nourish your intellect. Many Christian songwriters tend to overlook the importance of intellectual growth and assume that solely focusing on Bible study, prayer, and singing worship songs is enough for a holy life. However, the most skilled songwriters understand the necessity of delving deep into reading. They recognize that they cannot craft exceptional lyrics if they haven't been filled with brilliant words themselves. If you haven't pursued reading since college or even high school, it is vital for you to pick up a book again. Merely consuming fear-based and culturally biased content through network or cable news is not sufficient. If you aspire to write something impactful that will endure beyond your lifetime, it is imperative to nourish your mind with exceptional literature, poetry, and other sources of inspiration.
Disconnect from negativity. Cable news is solely focused on boosting their ratings by spreading fear. Even the "Christian" stations thrive on angering you so that you continue watching and endure their sponsored advertisements. Talk radio hosts, shock jocks, and even conservative commentators maintain their jobs by generating high ratings and attracting sponsors. However, the constant stream of negativity they emit is detrimental to your soul and creativity. Try abstaining from any form of news for a few weeks and utilize that time to reflect quietly on the love and goodness of God. You will notice that your positivity will start to overflow into your songs. Negativity robs you of joy and intensifies fear and anxiety. Take a break and replenish your heart and mind with the spirit of Jesus.
Christian artists and songwriters such as Nichole, Tomlin, Redman, Maher, and many others are able to create their music because of the abundance of their connection with God. However, their achievements can also be attributed, at least to some extent, to their expertise as Christian songwriters. A quote by Australian golfer Gary Player perfectly captures this idea: "The more I practice, the luckier I get."
While you are honing your skills in Christian songwriting, it is important to also focus on nurturing a deep and meaningful personal life. It is crucial to offer something fresh, courageous, and freeing to the world through your music, rather than simply repeating clichéd phrases and ideas that have been heard countless times before.
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