Editing your song too early in a co-write slows the process down and damages the creative flow. This songwriting tutorial by veteran songwriter Cliff Goldmacher suggests that it's better to keep a line that's only decent and move on to maintain the momentum that will help you finish your song. Remember that you can always edit more carefully later but maintaining the flow takes precedence in a collaborative environment.
- Another thing to keep in mind,…especially if you haven't done…a lot of songwriting or collaboration,…is remember not to edit too harshly…early on in the session.…There is real value in keeping a co-write moving along.…Squeezing too hard on a single line…or a section of the song too early in the process…can really take all of the creative energy…out of a session.…Um, I remember when I got started…I would sit with my collaborators…and I kid you not,…we would spend hours on a single line,…to the point where we were exhausted…by the time we got something we both felt good about.…
Here's my take on this.…I feel like it's better to either keep in…a good enough line with the understanding…that you'll come back to it when you begin to review,…or just skip over it if the line isn't coming.…But flow, it's all about flow,…and about keeping your momentum.…There will always be time for editing,…but I would highly suggest not going too deep…on that front at the expense of getting…the shape and the form of the song together first.…
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Video: Don't edit too harshly early on in the session