Articles by Sarah Bella

Find Your Weakness

I know the areas I’ve got down, and I know where I need some work. Lyrics come easiest for me…I always have some sort of line already in my head when I pick up the guitar. So, I usually don’t second-guess myself when the words start flowing. I will, however, try out a variety of [...]

Understand Your Song’s Construction

Understanding the construction of a song can really help with the writing process. A typical song consists of a few key components: verse, pre-chorus (sometimes), chorus, and a bridge. I like to think of each part of a song as a body part, making up one body. It should all go together. The verse should [...]

Be Fearless

Keep going, even when you’re completely blank -says Sarah Bella Have songs you’re embarrassed to say you wrote? I know I do, but at the end of the day, these “bad” ones are good practice; continue to push yourself even when it if feels like you’ve got nothing. Write everyday and be fearless. Even on [...]

Writing Songs – Location, Location…location.

You may not have a choice of location when a song strikes you, but if you’re planning ahead of time to sit down and write, think about your location. Where you are can be very influential in your songwriting. Near a park or lake? Perfect spot to write relaxing or slow tempo songs. Stuck in [...]

Know Who’s Listening to Your Original Songs

If you’re serious about songwriting, you have to know who you’re writing for. Who is listening to your music? Knowing your audience will help set goals and give you a sense of direction while writing. While you may understand what you’re expressing in a song, ask yourself if your audience will. How will your listeners [...]

Missing a Piece

For many songwriters, the music and lyrics don’t come out at the same time. You may have amazing lyrics but no music, or powerful music but no words. When you have one piece of the puzzle don’t settle for a “so so” other half. When those lyrics are matched to the perfect music, it is [...]

Role Play

Sarah Bella recommends an experiment to move your songwriting forward. When your notepad is blank, and you just can’t seem to fill it, try to role play. Think of an artist you are inspired by and try to write a song that the artist would sing. It may help to steer you in a new [...]

Is Your New Song “Good”?

You’ve just finished a new song and what a great feeling that is. Then you ask yourself, it is any good? I write constantly and the majority of my songs will probably never have an audience. Songwriting is like a muscle that always needs to be strengthened. But after many “so so” songs comes a [...]

Set Lists

You’ve landed a gig, Congrats! Next step is deciding not only what to play but what order to play it. There are times when I decided to feed off of a crowd and play whatever felt right, but it may be best to be prepared and have a well thought out list. Think of your [...]

Record Everything

When a melody or line strikes you, record it asap! I have dozens of garage band recordings that are nothing but a few lines here and there that come to me throughout the day. You never know which one will turn into your next hit! Same thing with lyrics. Always have a notepad on hand [...]