20 things I’ve learned the hard way as a songwriter

As a ‘seasoned’ songwriter, I've learned a few things the hard way. Some of these lessons were tough to swallow, but they've all helped me grow as a musician and as a person. So, without further ado, here are 20 things I've learned - with a little bit of sass and humor thrown in for good measure.

1. Life is a roller coaster, and sometimes it feels like the ride will never end. But no matter how many times you're thrown for a loop, it's important to hold on and enjoy the ride.
2. Family is everything. They're the ones who will always have your back, even when you're acting like a diva. So, cherish them and show them some love (even if it means putting up with Uncle Vlade's terrible karaoke skills).
3. Friends come and go, but the ones who stick around are worth their weight in gold. They're the ones who will listen to your demos, give you honest feedback, and share a bottle of wine (or three) with you after a long day of recording.
4. Making music is not easy. It takes a lot of hard work, dedication, and practice. But hey, if it was easy, everyone would be a rockstar, right?
5. Failure is inevitable, but it's not the end of the world. Sometimes you'll write a song that's a total dud, but that doesn't mean you should give up on your dreams. Dust yourself off and get back to writing (or, you know, take a long nap).
6. Hard work pays off, but it takes time. You might not see success overnight, but if you keep grinding, you'll get there eventually (just like those coffee beans you're brewing in the studio kitchen).
7. Being liked is nice, but it's not the most important thing. You don't need to be the most popular kid in the cafeteria to be a great songwriter. Just be yourself, and the fans will come to you (or, you know, they won't, but that's okay too).
8. Creativity is like a muscle - the more you use it, the stronger it gets. So, flex those creative muscles and don't be afraid to experiment with new sounds and styles (even if it means trying to write a country song when you're a diehard metalhead).
9. Collaborating with other musicians can be a blast. You never know what kind of magic can happen when you team up with someone else. Just make sure you're on the same page about what "key" means (spoiler alert: it's not a metal thing).
10. Take care of your mental health. Being a musician can be tough on your brain, so make sure you're taking care of yourself. Whether it's meditation, therapy, or a steady diet of dark chocolate, find what works for you.
11. Time is precious, so don't waste it on things or people that don't bring you joy (except maybe laundry - you kind of have to do that one).
12. Your voice is unique, so embrace it. Don't try to sound like anyone else. Unless you're trying to channel your inner Freddie Mercury, because let's be real, who doesn't want to be a little bit like Freddie?
13. Surround yourself with positive influences. Whether it's listening to your favorite song on repeat or hanging out with a friend who always makes you laugh, find things that uplift and inspire you.
14. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Whether it's from a mentor, a friend, or Siri (hey, we've all been there), there's no shame in admitting that you need a little assistance from time to time. We all need a helping hand sometimes, and there's no shame in reaching out.
15. Learn from your mistakes. Yes, you might cringe at that one song you wrote in high school, but you can also learn from the mistakes you made while writing it. Use those experiences to become a better songwriter and a better person.
16. Practice makes progress, not perfection. No one is perfect, and that includes your music. But by practicing consistently and making small improvements, you can make progress towards your goals.
17. Don't compare yourself to others. It's easy to get caught up in comparing your success (or lack thereof) to others, but remember that everyone has their own journey. Just focus on your own growth and progress, and the rest will fall into place.
18. Be open to feedback. Sure, it might sting a little to hear criticism about your music, but it's important to listen to constructive feedback and use it to improve. And who knows, maybe that person who told you your lyrics were "meh" will inspire you to write your next hit.
19. Keep it fun. At the end of the day, making music should be fun. Don't take yourself too seriously, and remember to enjoy the process (even if that means dancing around the studio in your socks).
20. Finally, don't forget to celebrate your successes (no matter how small they may seem). Whether it's getting a new follower on Instagram or finally mastering that tricky chord progression, take a moment to pat yourself on the back and celebrate your accomplishments.

So there you have it - 20 things I've learned the hard way as a songwriter. Remember, life is too short to take everything too seriously, so have fun, be yourself, and keep on making beautiful music.