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Tapping into your Inner Creativity
There is a prevalent misconception surrounding Christian songwriting that suggests if you gather enough advice, techniques, and shortcuts, you can effortlessly evade the laborious process of mastering the art of creating impactful songs that resonate with people's hearts.
In my opinion, relying on tips and tricks alone cannot replace the importance of having a deep spiritual connection with God as a devoted Christian songwriter. If you possess a strong connection with God and possess good songwriting skills, you won't need to rely on shortcuts or quick fixes. The ability to write well with clarity and confidence will always be accessible to you, especially when you feel the guidance of the Holy Spirit in your heart.
The photo was taken by Laura E. Part
The prevailing culture of quick and convenient digital consumption has deeply influenced our thinking, leading us to believe that we can emulate the abilities of advanced AI systems like CHATGPT. We mistakenly assume that with just a few simple prompts, we should be able to effortlessly generate a highly impressive song in a matter of seconds, one that would captivate everyone.
However, based on what I have observed, the songs that have a lasting impact on the world are not created by writers who rely on shortcuts or tricks. Instead, they are skilled Christian songwriters who communicate their message at a profound level through their art. These writers did not simply attempt to write a song one day and accidentally create masterpieces like "Amazing Grace," "In Christ Alone," or "10,000 Reasons."
Before the influential figures arrived, they were already dedicated to learning and improving their skills in their chosen art form. They consistently worked on developing their ability to create impactful lyrics and melodies, crafting them into captivating compositions that could deeply resonate with listeners. Their goal was to create something that would evoke strong emotions and possess an indescribable "WOW" factor, which can only be understood when experienced firsthand.
According to professional golfer Gary Player, the more he practices, the more fortunate and successful he becomes.
These individuals are not actively seeking out free Christian songwriting workshops or giveaways. They are dedicated and committed songwriters who are already immersed in their craft and constantly striving to improve their skills in poetic and lyrical composition. Unlike many aspiring writers, these men and women are willing to invest the necessary effort and time to create music at a much higher standard.
Many of us hold great admiration for individuals such as Matt Redman, Matt Maher, Lauren Daigle, and the Gettys due to their remarkable impact on Christian worship songwriting. It is difficult to imagine where we would be without the powerful influence of Chris Tomlin's rendition of "Amazing Grace/My Chains Are Gone." However, it is important to remember that these talented songwriters have dedicated years of their lives to perfecting their craft and have faced numerous challenges in order to refine their songs and ministries.
No one becomes skilled at creating catchy song titles or "hooks" overnight, and this is especially true for Katy Nichole, a rising star in Centricity Music. Katy has been sharing her songs since she was only fourteen years old. While her hit song "In Jesus' Name (God of Possible)" may seem like it gained popularity by chance, it is important to note that Katy has been working hard at her craft for many years. Congratulations to Katy for her dedication and success!
Ways to Cultivate a Fulfilling Inner Life as a Christian Songwriter
As a Christian songwriter, there are numerous methods to nurture and enhance your inner life. Here are three essential aspects to consider while striving to expand and articulate your faith through music.
Make soul care a priority. In today's fast-paced world, we often find ourselves overwhelmed with busy schedules and little time for self-care. While it's important to be compassionate and helpful to others, it's equally crucial to take care of our own well-being. Neglecting our need for rest and rejuvenation can lead to burnout. Therefore, it is essential to recognize the significance of self-care in nurturing our inner selves, which is inseparable from taking care of our physical bodies and outer lives.
Nourish your intellect. Many Christian songwriters tend to overlook the importance of using their intellect and instead focus solely on Bible study, prayer, and singing worship songs. However, the most successful songwriters understand the significance of reading extensively. They recognize that it is impossible to create extraordinary lyrics unless they themselves are filled with exceptional words. If you have stopped reading after college or high school, it is crucial for you to pick up books again. Merely consuming fear and cultural biases through watching network or cable news does not suffice. If you aspire to write something impactful that can endure beyond your lifetime, it is necessary to feed your mind with great literature, poetry, and other inspirational works.
Disconnect from negativity. Cable news is solely focused on generating high ratings by instilling fear. Even channels that claim to be "Christian" thrive on provoking anger in order to keep viewers engaged and promote their sponsored content. Talk radio hosts, shock jocks, and conservative pundits also rely on building a large audience and securing sponsorships for their shareholders. However, the constant stream of negativity they propagate is detrimental to your spiritual well-being and creativity. Consider abstaining from consuming any news for a few weeks and instead spend that time in quiet reflection, contemplating the love and goodness of God. You may find that your newfound positivity starts to overflow into your artistic expression. Negativity steals your joy and amplifies feelings of fear and anxiety. Take a break and allow Jesus' spirit to reinvigorate your heart and mind.
Christian artists and songwriters, such as Nichole, Tomlin, Redman, Maher, and many more, create their music based on their deep connection with God. However, their achievements can also be attributed, to some extent, to their talent and expertise in Christian songwriting. It reminds me of a famous quote by Australian golfer Gary Player, who said, "The more I dedicate myself to practice, the more fortunate I become."
While you focus on growing your abilities in Christian songwriting, it is important to also nurture a deep and fulfilling personal life. It is crucial to offer the world something fresh, daring, courageous, and freeing through your music, rather than simply repeating the same old phrases and concepts that have been around for years.
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