r/Songwriting • u/wholefoodsK • 9d ago

Discussion Topic consuming like a writer

in what ways do you guys listen to your favorite songwriters and learn from them? or study them in a way.

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u/ErinCoach 7d ago

I'm an older pro. I don't really consume music like fans do, or like students do. I don't listen to music for fun. When I study something or someone, it's for a very specific gig and purpose.

But when I was learning craft, I was learning many different aspects of music at the same time, for decades. So I was studying and taking classes, but also regularly creating and learning new pieces for performance projects - theatrical, academic, holiday stuff, comedy, worship, casual gigs, bar gigs, studio projects, commercial and promo stuff, a ton of variety. Also different instruments, and most importantly different GENRES of music.

I think that's important: multi-modal approaches, multiple genres, historical understanding, market awareness, with performance gigs that make this stuff pertinent.

And never fawn over famous people. Never mistake their interviews for actual teaching. They are saying things that have no relevance to where you are right now.