5 Tools That Improved My Songwriting (And Might Work for You Too)
Created:
Dec 10, 2023
These days we’re constantly bombarded with apps, tips, and magical techniques for writing songs. Some of them are helpful, others… just distractions.
After years of writing, producing, and collaborating with artists, I’ve learned one thing: less is definitely more. That said, I’ve come across a few tools and habits that really made a difference in my creative process — and I’m sharing them here in case they can help you too.
1. The Notebook: My Secret Weapon
Yes, I’m talking about actual paper and pen. No apps, no screens. A few months ago, I started carrying around a pocket-sized notebook, and it completely changed the way I write.
Now, when I’ve got a free moment, instead of scrolling through social media, I pull out my notebook and write. Anything. Lyrics, ideas, random thoughts. Writing by hand helped me stay focused, clear-headed, and way more inspired.
Try it — it’s simple, cheap, and surprisingly powerful.
2. Staying Organized with Hum
There are plenty of apps out there for organizing your ideas, but one I keep coming back to is Hum. It’s built for songwriters — you can save lyrics, voice notes, and musical ideas, all synced to your Dropbox account.
You can also share your material with co-writers or friends via email or iMessage. It’s clean, easy, and does exactly what you need — no more, no less.
3. Daily Writing Challenges
Want to get better at songwriting? Then write every day — even just 10 minutes.
A book that helped me a lot is Composing Music by William Russo. I found an older copy in a secondhand shop, but newer editions are still available. It’s full of creative, thought-provoking exercises that push you to step outside your usual habits and explore new ways of writing. Not your typical dry theory book — it’s hands-on and inspiring.
4. Speed Writing: Pure Creative Flow
Another technique that unlocked something for me is speed writing. Here’s how it works:
Pick a time of day (for me, it’s first thing in the morning)
Choose a prompt — a word, a sentence, an object, a feeling
Set a timer for 1, 5, or 10 minutes
Write without stopping, and don’t worry if it makes sense or not
This freed me from perfectionism and helped me express ideas more naturally. Some of my best songs started as a random freewrite I never planned to use.
5. My Go-To Songwriting Apps
Here are three apps I use constantly:
Pro Metronome
Great for practice, but also for finding the BPM of a song using the Tap Tempo feature. It has lots of advanced features (which I rarely use), but it’s rock-solid and reliable.
FunkBox
My favorite drum machine app. You get vintage kits like the 808, 909, 606, CR78, and more. It comes with 12 preset grooves (each with 3 variations), a step sequencer, mixer, and more. Perfect for jamming, rehearsing, or kickstarting a new idea.
RhymeZone
Simple, fast, and incredibly useful when you need a rhyme on the fly. The app version is $2.99, but there’s also a free website version. I use it all the time.
Bonus: Writing Without Screens
If you’re trying to disconnect from phones and laptops while writing — I get it. Screens can be a huge distraction. Sometimes we just need a more natural, unplugged way to create.
There are standalone devices for this. Personally, I use the Tascam Model 24, but there are smaller versions like the Model 12 and 16 that are just as great. They let you record ideas without needing to open a laptop.
I also highly recommend the Tascam DP-008EX — a portable unit with two built-in mics that sound ridiculously good.
Zoom also makes solid portable recorders like the R4, which is easy to use, sounds great, and doesn’t break the bank.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a mountain of gear to write great songs. Just a few tools that actually help you focus and stay creative.
Try out some of the ideas I’ve shared here. Even if just one of them sticks, it could change the way you write forever.
✍️ Written by Andrew de La Foix
Music producer, songwriter, and founder of Audiolance.com — a global platform for freelance music services.
Grooves, soul, and inspiration… one idea at a time.
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