A really stupid question for songwriters/musicians?

Question

Sorry in advance for the ignorance, but here goes. Often times when I'm singing a song, I get complimented on my vocals, even if I'm just bullsh*tting. I honestly think it's because I just have a knack for listening to different genres of music and imitating it, staying on key and pitch, and adding my own little rifts on the end of a song to make it "mine". I've even considered singing the national anthem at major sports events. Anyway, to the point: if my degree in journalism falls through, music is my plan B. 

I love to cover songs, but I also love original music. My [stupid] question is how can you be a songwriter without being a producer? I obviously understand the concept of writing a song. But when you do, do you hear the tune in your head? And if you do, how do you not hear a beat that goes with it? I feel like I could be a legit songwriter, but I'm not so skilled in producing and making beats (although I'd like to be). I don't understand how you can fully compose original music if someone else is producing part of it for you. In short, is it normal to write songs without having a specific beat in your head (and if it's not, how do you know what the song will sound like?)

Justin · Accepted Answer

In hiphop/RnB it's probably more common to write the song based on a beat that has already been recorded. In other forms of music like pop or rock, it is very normal for a songwriter to write a song by coming up with a melody for the lyrics, which they sing over some guitar or piano chords. The song then goes through the process (with the help of a producer or co-writer) of being arranged for different instruments, produced, recorded and mixed into a final product which will sound very different to the basic original song. So, writing songs this way means you won't know what the final song will sound like - but that's the fun in it - let the music evolve - someone else (like a producer) will have fresh ideas that you wouldn't have come up with yourself, that make the song sound better. You just need to work with someone on the same wavelength.

vail · Answer

i deff. select singer/songwriter for the reason that i am not so much of an athlete im into poetry and humanities extra omg i believe its so scorching while a man can write songs and performs the guitar i presently like this man who writes songs and play the guitar i have learn probably the most songs they are particularly well ah its so cutee! and they are as a rule candy and style and now not stuffed with themselves athletes believe there all that and a bag of chips there cocky! grr =]

Anonymous · Answer

lol  it's not that stupid. 
Any they would probably just hear the tune in there and maybe play an intrument or something? I really don't know. Maybe they just write the lyrics or have someone else play there song? haha

Maddie · Answer

first: find someone who can sing but suck at writing songs.

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A really stupid question for songwriters/musicians?

4 Answers