"I want to create original songs for my band, but I don't know where to start"—surprisingly, many band members have this problem. If you continue playing in a cover band, you'll eventually want to play your own original songs. Original songs give a band a unique personality and make live performances more special. This article thoroughly explains the "original songwriting process for bands" that even beginners with no songwriting experience can follow, from brainstorming ideas to studio arrangement, demo recording, and handling copyright. We also provide useful information for those who are in a band with foreign members.
1. Why create original songs? — The band's individuality and the thrill of live performances
There's great joy in playing your favorite songs as a cover band. However, as a band matures to a certain extent, many members begin to feel the need for their own songs. The reason is clear— original songs are what define a band's identity .
A comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of cover bands versus original bands.
Cover bands and original bands each have their own unique charms and challenges. There's no "right" way to do things; it's important to decide based on what suits your band's stage presence.
| cover band | Original band | |
|---|---|---|
| merit | You can start practicing right away, it's easier to create a sense of unity with the audience, and your musical skills will improve. | It allows the band to develop its own unique identity, share information on social media and through live streaming, and enter contests. |
| Disadvantages | The focus tends to be on "comparing it to the original song," and even if the performance is skillful, it's difficult to get high marks. | Production can be time-consuming and labor-intensive, and attracting audiences to live performances can be difficult until you've built up a track record. |
| Suitable situations | Newly formed, currently recruiting members, in the skill development phase. | When the band's direction has solidified and they want to start performing live more seriously |
When playing cover songs, the audience already knows the song. No matter how well you play, the criteria for evaluation tends to be "comparison with the original song." On the other hand, with original songs, there is no point of comparison. More than the quality of the performance, an emotional connection is more likely to be formed, such as "I like the message of this song" or "I like the worldview of this band."
In fact, one of the most exciting moments in a live music venue is when the band announces, "Next, we'll play one of our original songs." The audience listens with a sense of excitement, not knowing what's coming, and if the song resonates with them, it becomes an unforgettable memory.
The band's bond strengthens.
The process of creating original songs together is one of the most effective ways to strengthen a band's bond. The sense of accomplishment when you finally complete "your own song" after brainstorming, discussing, and compromising is exceptional. A band that goes through this process becomes not just a group of people who play together, but a team that has created something together.
When you're in a band with foreign members, the experience of communicating through music, transcending language barriers, becomes even deeper. The joy of foreigners and Japanese people forming a band together will be further enriched by creating original songs.
Expanding future possibilities
Having original songs opens up doors that cover bands can't access, such as sharing their music on social media and streaming services, entering contests, and submitting demos to labels. When combined with methods for promoting the band on social media , the reach of original songs increases dramatically.
The psychological hurdle of creating your first song is certainly high. However, it doesn't need to be perfect at all. The important thing is to "start creating."
2. The overall process of creating original songs
When you hear the word "composing," you might think that you need some special talent. However, the essence of composing is the process of combining ideas of sound and rhythm to give them form. It is perfectly possible to create songs in a band even without special musical training.
First, let's understand the overall process. There are roughly the following steps involved in completing an original song as a band:
Step 1: Brainstorm ideas (individually or as a band)
The first note, the first chord progression, the first fragment of melody—these are the "seeds." Sometimes one person brings a guitar riff, sometimes the drummer says, "I came up with this rhythm pattern," and sometimes the vocalist brings a melody they're humming. You can also search for ideas by jamming together as a band.
Step 2: Determine the general structure
Once the basic idea is decided, we'll create the song's framework. We'll discuss things like the structure (verse A → verse B → chorus), whether or not to include an intro and outro, and how to set up the bridge section. It doesn't have to be perfect; it's fine to just start by creating the verse A and chorus.
Step 3: Each part adds its own arrangement.
Once the basic structure is decided, each instrument—guitar, bass, drums, keyboard, etc.—starts thinking about their respective parts. This process is the core of "band arrangement." The most common method is to go into a studio and create the arrangement together while playing. Refer to articles about your first band practice session and make the most of your studio time.
Step 4: Add lyrics (or leave it as instrumental)
Once the song's image is solidified, I add the lyrics. If I proceed with the lyrics first, I write the lyrics first and then think about the melody. If I proceed with the melody first, I add temporary lyrics (such as "la-la-la") to finalize the melody before writing the final lyrics.
Step 5: Record a demo track
Once the song has taken shape to a certain extent, record a demo track using your smartphone or DTM software. The demo doesn't have to be the "final product." It's just to share the idea among band members and use it for the next practice session.
Step 6: Polish and finish
We listen to the demo, look for areas for improvement, try them out in studio rehearsals, and record again—we repeat this cycle to bring the song closer to completion. The criteria for "completion" vary from band to band, but a good goal is to have a song that is "ready to be played live."
If you don't have all the necessary members for this process, another option is to look for people to collaborate with on a song on Membo's recruitment board .
3. How to come up with ideas—chords, riffs, melodies, lyrics—you can start anywhere.
There's no "right way to start" composing music. Even great songs begin as small fragments of ideas. Here are four representative approaches.
Approach A: Start with chord progressions
One of the most popular approaches is to first decide on a chord progression. A chord progression is a sequence of multiple chords arranged along a timeline. Learning chord progressions commonly used in J-pop and rock music can be a useful starting point for songwriting.
Learning common chord progressions in J-pop is extremely helpful as a starting point for songwriting. The following are all representative progressions that even beginners can use immediately.
| name | Example of the C key | atmosphere | Typical examples of use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canon progression | C → G → Am → Em → F → C → F → G | A bright, flowing sense of stability | J-Pop in general, ballads |
| Royal road progress | F → G → Em → Am | Touching and poignant | Often used in choruses |
| Komuro progress | Am → F → G → C | Dramatic and emotional | Often found in the A section and B section. |
| Circular code | C → Am → F → G | Simple and approachable | Pop, folk, and rock in general |
| A classic in the niche genre. | Am → F → C → G | Dark, emotional, and authentic | Rock/garage bands |
Once you've decided on the chord progression, add a melody. Simply following the notes of the chords will create a melody that sounds decent, and adding passing tones and leaps will make it more expressive. Try playing your favorite songs and find combinations of chord progressions that feel good to you, and discover your own sound.
Approach B: Start with guitar riffs or basslines.
"This riff sounds cool"—often, small discoveries like this become the core of a song. Especially in hard rock and funk, memorable riffs and groovy basslines become the engine of the entire song.
The key to creating a riff is that it should be "something you don't get tired of repeating" and "something that sticks in your mind." Try looping a 2-4 bar phrase, and if it sounds good no matter how many times you listen to it, that riff has potential. I highly recommend that band guitarists and bassists record any phrases they come up with during their individual practice sessions—you might be surprised at how often those spontaneous flashes of inspiration turn into the best riffs.
Approach C: Start with a melody (composing by humming)
Often, a melody hummed casually becomes the starting point for a song. A vocalist or guitarist might simply say, "This melody just came to mind," and record it on their smartphone's voice memo app; that could later become the seed of a great song.
If the melody comes first, you then fit the chords that suit the melody. You explore harmonies by trial and error with chords, thinking things like, "C suits this melody," or "Am sounds more emotional here." Knowing the basics of music theory makes this process much smoother.
Approach D: Start with the lyrics (lyrics first)
If you have a strong motivation, such as "I have something I want to convey" or "I want to turn this emotion into a song," then writing the lyrics first (lyrics-first) can be an effective method. This is because the rhythm and intonation of the words can naturally give rise to a melody.
When writing lyrics first, try reading them aloud and translate the natural rhythm and intonation of that reading directly into a melody. Japanese has clear syllables, making it easy to create melodies that utilize the feel of the words.
Approach E: Start with drum patterns and rhythms
Another approach is for the drummer to initiate the songwriting process by presenting a beat they envision, saying, "This is the kind of groove I want to create," and then the entire band builds upon that rhythm. This is a particularly effective approach in rhythm-driven music genres such as funk, hip-hop, and reggae. When the drummer actively participates in songwriting, it also enhances the overall sense of unity within the band.
Session-style approach: Everyone improvises together.
This method involves the entire band entering the studio, someone starting to play chords or riffs, and the other members joining in on the spot—creating songs through what's known as a "jam" or "jam session." By jamming while recording and later reflecting on which phrases sounded good, you can discover unexpected song ideas. Why not use this method of maximizing band practice time as inspiration for a jam-style songwriting session the next time you're in the studio?
There's no single right approach; it varies from person to person. Some feel more comfortable starting with the chord progression, while others prefer to let the melody come to mind first and then organize it using music theory. Just keep experimenting and find the approach that feels most natural to you.
4. The process of arranging music as a band—roles for each part and how to utilize studio rehearsals
Arranging is the process of refining individual demos or humming-level ideas into a complete band sound. Here, we'll explain the role of each part and how the process works in the studio.
The role of each part in a band arrangement
Guitar: Responsible for the structure and color.
The role of a guitarist is multifaceted. From "chord work" that creates the structure of a song by strumming chords, to "obligato" that colors the memorable phrases in the chorus, to "intro riffs" that enhance the beginning of the song, and even "guitar solos" in the interlude—the appropriate placement of these elements brings depth and movement to the song.
In a band with two guitars, it's helpful to think of the rhythm guitar and lead guitar as separate roles. The rhythm guitar provides the chords, while the lead guitar adds melodic phrases, creating depth in the layered sound.
Bass: The foundation of groove and low frequencies
The bass, along with the drums, is the cornerstone of the band's rhythm section. While simply playing the root note of chords is functional, creating lines that intertwine with the guitar and drums significantly improves the song's groove. It's crucial to create an environment where the bassist can actively participate in the arrangement. Refer to the points to consider when searching for a bassist and choose someone who can create musical chemistry.
Drums: Control the overall dynamics.
The drums not only keep the rhythm, but also play a crucial role in creating the song's build-up, calm, and turning points. Dynamic expressions such as playing the hi-hat in the A section and switching to the ride cymbal in the B section, adding a fill before the chorus, or emphasizing the crash cymbal in the interlude enrich the band's sound. Be sure to prioritize collaboration with the drummer when creating arrangements.
Keyboard synth: Creates depth in the sound.
Keyboards offer a wide range of sounds and tones, allowing you to create orchestral expanses with strings or ethereal atmospheres with pad sounds. Adding keyboards to sections where you want to enhance the song's presence results in a more polished sound. Please also refer to the information on collaborating with keyboardists .
Vocals: Delivery of emotions and words
The vocalist is the "face" of the song. Not only do they sing the melody accurately, but their choice of expression—including breath control, vibrato, and switching between falsetto and chest voice—significantly changes the song's impression. Working closely with the composer on the vocal line ensures a delivery that aligns with the band's overall direction.
How to proceed with work in the studio
Preparation is key.
Before entering the studio, if the composer (or the person who brought the idea) records a demo on their smartphone, it makes it much easier for the whole band to share the same vision. Just letting them listen to it and saying, "It's a song like this," will get each member thinking about how they want their part to sound.
First, try playing through it together.
In the first studio rehearsal, prioritize confirming the overall flow rather than getting bogged down in details. It's important for everyone to experience the basic structure, such as "the verse uses this chord progression, the chorus comes here, and the instrumental break is this length." Also, refer to tips on how to use the studio effectively and make the most of the limited time.
Polish each part
Once we have a grasp of the overall picture, the next step is to refine the arrangements for each part. We exchange specific requests, such as "I want the bass to play this phrase here" or "I want to shorten the guitar intro riff a little," and then we go through a process of trial and error.
I work while recording.
I strongly recommend always recording your practice sessions on your smartphone. You might never be able to recreate that moment when you think, "That phrase was great just now." Listening back to the recordings can help you discover areas for improvement that you hadn't noticed, as well as unexpected strengths.
Create a list of components
Once the arrangement is somewhat finalized, create a song structure chart (chord chart). Summarizing it in the format of "Intro (4 bars) → Verse A (8 bars) → Verse B (4 bars) → Chorus (8 bars) → Repeat → Outro" will ensure everyone has the same understanding when practicing. Handwritten notes or Google Docs are both acceptable.
5. How to Write Lyrics—From Choosing a Theme to Setting It to a Melody
Many people find writing lyrics daunting. Anxiety about "not being able to express oneself poetically" or "not knowing what to write" is common among beginner lyricists. However, what's needed for songwriting isn't literary talent, but rather "clarity of what you want to convey."
Choose a theme
First, clarify "what you want to convey with this song." The theme doesn't need to be grand. "The feeling of the night after a breakup," "the moment when practice pays off," "the feeling of distance from someone you like"—by focusing on relatable emotions and experiences, the lyrics will become more compelling.
The key to choosing a theme is to be specific. A theme like "About Love" is too broad and difficult to put into words, but if you have a specific scene like "What I was thinking on the train after we broke up," the words will flow naturally.
Gathering words—brainstorming
Once you've decided on a theme, start writing down all the words related to that theme. Don't worry about quality; just write down every word that comes to mind on paper or in a memo app. There's no need to decide at this stage that "this word can't be used."
From the words I've collected, I select those that I like the sound of, those that convey emotion, and those that fit the image of the song, then I rearrange and combine them to create the framework of the lyrics.
How to put it to a melody
When setting lyrics to a melody, the biggest challenge is matching the number of syllables with the number of notes in the melody. Since Japanese is basically one character per syllable, the number of characters in each word must be adjusted to match the number of notes in the melody.
For example, the phrase "ka-e-ri-mi-chi" (four syllables) fits well with a melody of four notes. "Ie ni kaeru" (go home) (six syllables) doesn't have the right number of notes, so adjustments like changing it to "kaerimichi" (four syllables) are necessary.
In Japanese, accent is also important. If the melody is set with an accent opposite to that of normal spoken language, the lyrics will be difficult to understand. Try singing it aloud and adjust it while checking whether it is easy to say and sounds natural.
The lyrics of the chorus are especially important.
The chorus is the climax of the song. This is where you should place the most memorable phrase and the words you want to convey most. Having the same words as the title appear in the chorus is a classic way to improve the overall quality of a song. Once the chorus lyrics are decided, the direction of the verses and pre-chorus becomes clearer.
I'm going to try writing lyrics in English and multiple languages.
For bands with foreign members, or those looking to reach a wider audience, exploring English lyrics or multilingual lyrics is a viable option. Lyrics mixing Japanese and English are becoming increasingly common in pop music. Collaborating with foreign members on songwriting can create unexpected linguistic chemistry. When searching for members on Membo , specifying "foreign vocalist who can write lyrics together" as a requirement might help you find your ideal partner.
Refining the lyrics
The first lyrics you write don't have to be the final version. It's important to rewrite them many times, sing them aloud, let your bandmates listen and get feedback, and gradually refine them. Pay attention to any insights you get, such as "This word might be hard to understand" or "This expression sounds trite." Reading them again after some time has passed often allows for a more objective evaluation.
6. How to create recordings and demo tracks—from smartphone recording to DTM (Desktop Music)
Once the song arrangement is finalized, create a demo recording. Demo recordings serve several important purposes. First, they act as a tool for sharing ideas among band members; second, they serve as a tool for reviewing practice sessions; and third, they function as a reference recording for future recordings and live performances.
Level 1: Smartphone recording (the easiest method)
All you need for your first demo recording is a smartphone. Simply use your smartphone's standard voice recorder app to record the overall sound during band practice in the studio, and you'll have a sufficient reference track.
The key to recording with your smartphone is to place the microphone a little distance away from the amp and drums (near the center of the room). If it's too close, certain instruments will be recorded too loudly. You can get decent sound quality even with free software, but you can further improve the quality by using an app like "GarageBand" for iPhone.
Level 2: Using a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation)
If you want to create a more professional demo, recording using DAW software is effective. By setting up a DTM (Desktop Music) environment, you can record each part individually and layer them together.
The following are recommended free DAWs that beginners should try first.
GarageBand (Apple products only, free)
GarageBand , which comes standard on Macs and iPhones, is a beginner-friendly DAW with an intuitive interface and high-quality sound sources. It includes drum tracks, guitar amp simulators, pianos, and other materials needed to create band demos.
Audacity (compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux; free)
Audacity is a free audio editing and recording software that has been used worldwide for many years. It has all the features you need to create demos, such as multi-track recording, waveform editing, and effects processing.
Prepare the recording environment.
When creating a demo with a band in a single take in a studio, equipment placement is crucial. Focus on the drums, paying attention to the direction and distance of the amplifiers when positioning microphones. Recently, many affordable audio interfaces have become available, including models compatible with Android smartphones.
For more detailed information on professional studio recording, please also refer to our complete guide to recording for beginners . Gaining recording experience from the demo stage will make the actual recording process smoother.
Use demos to develop your songs
Always have all band members listen to the recorded demos. Listening back will reveal areas for improvement that you might not have noticed in the studio, such as "we should move the bassline around a bit more" or "there are too many drum fills in the chorus."
In particular, listening to your own part objectively is extremely important. While performing, you tend to focus on your own sound, but listening to recordings allows you to understand "how your part sounds within the band's overall sound." Repeating this process improves the precision of your arrangements.
7. How to handle copyright and band credits
If you create an original song, it's important to understand copyright. Music copyright automatically arises the moment you create the song. No special procedures are required.
Basics of Music Copyright
Music copyright can be broadly divided into two categories. "Copyright (excluding master recording rights)" belongs to the lyricist and composer, and is the right to receive royalties (usage fees) for the use of the music. "Master recording rights (rights of the record producer)" are rights related to the production of the recorded sound source.
The largest music copyright management organization in Japan is JASRAC (Japanese Society for Rights of Authors, Composers and Publishers) . If you are a professional musician and your music is used commercially, you should consider registering with JASRAC. However, it is also possible to manage your own copyrights while working as an independent artist.
Credits within the band
One of the most common problems when creating original songs in a band is the credit issue: "Who wrote which song?" To avoid arguments later on like, "I wrote the verse of this song," or "The chorus developed from a riff I brought," it's recommended to establish rules from the very beginning of songwriting.
The following are common patterns for credit attribution.
Pattern 1: Clearly state the sole lyricist and composer .
If one person contributed most of the ideas, clearly state "Lyrics and composition: ○○". This is the simplest and least likely to cause disputes.
Pattern 2: Collaborative songwriting and composition
When multiple members contribute ideas equally, list all names, such as "Lyrics and composition: Band name" or "Lyrics: ○○, Composition: △△".
Pattern 3: Dividing by Ratio
Another method is to determine who contributed how much by using a ratio (e.g., "Lyrics 60%: XX, Composition 40%: YY"). However, this method is prone to disputes later on, so it is only effective if there is a strong relationship of trust among the members.
In the early stages of the band's activities, it was simple
In the early stages of a band's activities, one option is to credit the entire band. By having a sense of "a band's work," a collaborative spirit of "let's make good music" is fostered, prioritizing the creation of good songs over individual interests. Once the band starts commercial activities, it is recommended to consult with a specialist (such as a music agency manager or music lawyer) regarding credits and copyright handling.
The JASRAC official website provides detailed information on the procedures for rights clearance related to the production of musical recordings . Please refer to it when you plan to release CDs or digital distributions in the future.
Differences from cover bands
When performing cover songs, the live venue usually manages the copyright (most live music venues have a blanket agreement with JASRAC), so the band doesn't need to obtain individual permission. However, when posting original songs to YouTube or social media, you need to be careful not to use other people's copyrighted works (photos, videos, background music) without permission. If it's your own original song, you own the copyright and can freely publish it.
8. Habits for continuously increasing the number of original songs
Completing your first song is a great achievement. However, to continue as a band in the long term, you need a system to continuously create new songs. Here, we introduce some ideas and specific methods that can help you make songwriting a habit.
Always keep an eye on ideas.
If you only compose when you have a good idea, you won't be able to increase the number of songs you write. It's important to create a system for regularly stockpiling ideas. Recording yourself humming on your smartphone's voice recorder, sketching out chord progressions as soon as they come to mind, jotting down words when you feel moved—simply making these things a habit will help you build up a stock of ideas.
There's no need for self-censorship like, "This riff might not be good." You can judge it by recording it and listening back later. First, get into the habit of recording.
Set aside time for regular "composition sessions".
It's effective to set aside a separate session, designated as "a day for creating original music," in addition to regular band practice. While improving the quality of your covers is important, even just an hour once a week dedicated solely to songwriting will help your songwriting process progress.
By booking studio sessions on a regular cycle, a sense of "this day is for creating original music" will become ingrained throughout the band. Refer to tips on how to use studios effectively and set aside dedicated studio time for songwriting sessions.
Lower your expectations: Let go of perfectionism.
The idea that "a song can't be released to the world unless it's perfect" is the biggest enemy of creative activity. You only know the audience's reaction after you release a song. Even if your early original songs are unfinished, that's part of the band's growth. Starting with the mindset that "the first song can be on the B-side" is the secret to continuing.
Songs grow even more when performed live. Every time you play in front of an audience, you'll discover something new and feel motivated to improve, thinking, "I want to do this even better." Don't be afraid to showcase your originals live as soon as possible.
Take in external stimuli
If we only focus inward, our ideas can run dry. Watching other bands perform live, listening to new genres of music, getting emotional inspiration from movies and books—these external inputs can provide unexpected songwriting inspiration.
It's also effective for band members to have a "music sharing" habit, where each member shares "music they listened to this week that inspired them." By getting to know each other's preferences, members with different tastes can broaden the range of the band's sound.
Increase the number of members to create a chemical reaction.
If you're stuck in a rut with the same members and studio sessions, adding a new member can be the breakthrough. There are many examples of bands whose sound has expanded dramatically after a new member with songwriting talent joins the mix.
Membo allows you to recruit members who want to participate in creating original music for your band. If you browse the recruitment list with the condition "Seeking members actively involved in original songwriting," you might find musicians who share your vision. Teaming up with foreign members could also bring a fresh perspective to your lyrics and musical style.
Let's define "completion".
It's also important for the band to share a common standard for what constitutes a "finished song." Setting criteria such as "it's finished after we've played it three times live" or "it's finished when all the members approve of the demo" prevents the band from getting stuck in a loop of thinking, "it could be even better."
Share your original content on social media.
Actively share your completed original songs on social media. Creating short videos of parts of your songs, posting image snippets of lyrics, and sharing progress like "We're working on a new song"—these kinds of posts, when accumulated, will make your followers look forward to your band's growth. Refer to these band social media strategies to enhance the reach of your original songs.
Furthermore, documenting the "process of creating original songs" on the band's social media accounts is an effective way to gain fans. Listeners are very interested in the "behind-the-scenes" aspects, such as scenes of creating songs in the studio, writing lyrics, and discussing demos.
Let's find the members needed to keep making music as a band.
To continue creating original music, the members' enthusiasm and a stable band structure are essential. If a drummer has left or a guitarist hasn't been found yet, finding replacements as soon as possible will help ensure the continuation of songwriting.
Please also check out our articles on how to find a bassist, drummer , vocalist, or guitarist . Posting a job opening on Membo is free, so give it a try!
9. Creating Original Songs for Actual Bands—Numbers and Personal Experiences
The reality of original song production by amateur bands
Understanding the realities of amateur band activities in Japan can be aided by examining the usage trends of music studios and live music venues. According to a survey by the Japan Music Studio Association, approximately 40-50% of bands that regularly use studios cite "creating and practicing original songs" as their primary purpose. Furthermore, there is a tendency for bands to shift from primarily playing cover songs to primarily playing original material once they have been active for two to three years.
The proliferation of music streaming services has greatly expanded the opportunities for amateur bands to release their original songs. Registering music on services like Spotify and Apple Music is possible for as little as a few thousand yen through services like DistroKid and TuneCore. It's said that the availability of these low-cost release options is encouraging more bands to venture into creating their own original music.
The voices of a band that completed their first song despite having no prior songwriting experience.
There are many commonalities in the experiences shared by bands that have actually created original songs.
"Our first song only used four chords, and its structure consisted only of a verse and a chorus. But just because we created it ourselves, it feels special every time we play it. We realized that it doesn't have to be perfect, and that the most important thing is to just create one song." (Indie rock band with 3 years of experience)
"It all started when I, the drummer, recorded a rhythm pattern and sent it via LINE. The guitarist added the melody, the vocalist wrote the lyrics—and before we knew it, it was a song. I realized that songwriting doesn't have to be done by just one person." (A four-piece band that includes a foreign bassist)
"We played a riff in the studio and it just became a song. We didn't do anything formal. But that original song was the one that got the audience the most excited at that live show." (A six-member band that transitioned from a cover band to an original band)
What they all have in common is that they "started without aiming for perfection." The first song is "practice for the sake of practice," and they learn from it and move on to the next song. Membo has many bands and individuals registered who are looking for members to create original songs together. Check out the recruitment list and find like-minded people.
10. Summary – Creating the first song is the beginning of everything.
Creating original songs as a band is a special experience within the realm of musical activity. Starting with deciding on a single chord, then working together as a band to refine the arrangement, cutting down the lyrics, recording, and listening back—every step of this process deepens the bond within the band and contributes to our growth as musicians.
Here's a summary of the points discussed in this article.
When brainstorming ideas , you can start anywhere—chord progressions, riffs, melodies, lyrics, rhythm—it doesn't matter. The important thing is to "just get started." Make it a habit to record any ideas that come to mind on your smartphone as soon as you think of them.
When arranging a band , understand the role of each part and create the overall sound through trial and error in the studio. Working while recording allows you to objectively evaluate how your sound sounds from an external perspective.
When it comes to lyrics , the key is to narrow down what you want to convey specifically. Whether you start with the lyrics or the melody, it's important to begin writing using the approach that suits you best. Sing them aloud to check how they fit with the melody and refine them as you go.
Recording and creating demos can be started with just a smartphone. Multi-track recording is also possible for free using GarageBand or Audacity. Repeatedly listening to your demos and identifying areas for improvement is the quickest way to raise the quality of your music.
Regarding copyright , copyright arises the moment a song is created. Establishing clear rules for credit attribution within the band early on can prevent future problems.
When it comes to consistency , abandoning perfectionism and performing live as soon as possible is the best way to learn. Establish regular "composing sessions" and make it a habit to stock up on ideas on a daily basis.
The real journey as a band begins the moment you have your own original songs. All the experience you've gained as a cover band becomes the foundation for creating original music. I understand that you might feel like you're not ready yet, but in reality, the best preparation is to simply start creating.
If you haven't yet found the members you want to create music with, try finding some collaborators on Membo . The recruitment list features players of various instruments who are interested in creating original music. Posting a member recruitment post is easy. It's also available as an app, so if you install Membo , you can search for members anytime. Let's start your original music creation journey together with Membo.
Also, before you start recruiting members, make sure you understand how to write a self-introduction. How you write a self-introduction when applying to join a band is helpful for the recruiting side as well, as it helps them understand what kind of information you are looking for.
Find people to create original music with on Membo.
Do you have songwriting ideas, but just can't find band members to bring them to life? For band members facing this dilemma, Membo is a member-finding platform supporting eight languages, including Japanese, English, and Chinese. Find the perfect partner to create your music with, including the opportunity to connect with international musicians.
Post a recruitment ad to find members .
