A Closer look at how I edit my songs.
Hey Songsters! Today, I invite you to watch me edit one of my songs!
I post tutorials, songvlogs, and new songs every week on #songstersaturday. If that interests you, consider subscribing to my youtube channel, Kelsey Pray, hitting that like button, and of course sharing this video on facebook!
I chose a song for a bigger project. I'm writing a Children's album with my friends Scott and Mallory, so I chose one of those songs to work on. This way I can see if I'm too repetitive in my themes, chord progressions and melodies as I work through each song.
What's your editing process when you're working on a larger project like an album?
Today, I've decided to work on "Shepherd's Quilt". I'm going to work through each of these points below.
Cohesive idea throughout the song. Am I communicating clearly
Song part function (Checking through each verse, chorus, bridge etc). Is each song part functioning as it should?
Ex. In my Song form video I explain that verses should give us the micro view with the lens zoomed in, and choruses should give us the macro view with the lens zoomed out, and the bridge should take us somewhere new.
Are there any chords, or phrases that are weak and need to be adjusted to strengthen the song?
Is there anything at all about this song that just bugs me, even if I can't put my finger on it? Trust your gut, if something feels off, it probably is.
Get constructive feedback from an outside source. It is important to rely on TRUSTED sources of feedback, don’t pin your whole self worth on something a stranger says to destroy your hopes and dreams. Find a good songwriter’s circle or a singer-songwriter friend who you know will be honest and supportive and most importantly tell you the truth in love.
Editing your songs is an incredibly personal thing, so don't feel like you have to edit your songs exactly like I do. Find your own way to make them shine. That is after all the point to writing!
Write the song you need to hear this week!
