As a songwriter, it can be challenging to balance your creative vision with commercial appeal. On one hand, you want to make music that is true to your artistry and vision, but on the other hand, you also want your music to be heard and appreciated by a wider audience. In this blog, we will explore some tips on how to balance commercial appeal with creativity in songwriting.
1. Look at What Trends You Like the Most
First and foremost, it is important to take note of the popular styles that you like and incorporate them into your music in a way that still feels true to your own vision. You can make your songwriting process more enjoyable by experimenting with different genres and styles and finding ways to incorporate them into your own music. This way, you can create a unique sound that still resonates with a wider audience.
2. Write First, Worry Later
Another important aspect is to write from the heart and not worry too much about commercial success when you start the creative process. Let your emotions and experiences guide your writing, and worry about making the song more commercially viable later in the process. This will allow you to create something truly authentic and meaningful, while still giving you the flexibility to make small changes to make it more accessible to a wider audience.
It is also important to keep in mind that you don’t need to edit everything in your song to make it more commercial. Small changes like simplifying a melody or making the lyrics more relatable can go a long way. The key is to strike a balance between staying true to your own artistic vision while also making the song more commercially viable.
3. Transition into your Creativity
Another tip is to start off more commercial to build a loyal fan base, and then gradually move into more experimental and unique styles. The Beatles are a perfect example of this approach. They started with more straightforward pop songs and gradually evolved into more experimental and diverse music that still resonated with their fan base. This allowed them to maintain commercial success while still exploring their own artistic vision.
It is important to remember that while it is important to consider commercial appeal, you should never sacrifice your own artistic vision in the process. The goal is to find a balance between staying true to your own vision and making music that appeals to a wider audience.
In conclusion, finding a balance between commercial appeal and creativity in songwriting can be challenging, but it is not impossible. By incorporating popular styles, writing from the heart, making small changes to make the song more accessible, and gradually moving into more experimental styles, you can create music that is both commercially successful and true to your own artistic vision. Ultimately, it is up to you as a songwriter to decide what is most important to you and your creative process.
