I love to read. I read all kinds of books – fiction and non-fiction of various different genres. My favourite books to read are classic novels (particularly anything by Thomas Hardy), but I enjoy modern stuff too (if it’s well-written).
I think there are few disciplines as important to a songwriter as reading regularly. Here are five reasons why:
1. It increases your vocabulary. This is one of the main reasons I read classics. If you’re reading high-quality literature there are bound to be words that are new to you cropping up regularly. Keep a dictionary handy (or download one to your Kindle/iPad/whatever electronic device you use for reading) and look up any words you’re unsure of. The wider your vocabulary, the more options you will have when choosing ways to convey your message in a song.
2. It will give you a better command of the English language (or whatever language you’re reading and writing in). Reading well-written books and articles will give you a better understanding of the various ways in which words can be strung together in order to relate an event/concept/meaning to the reader/listener. This will empower you to develop your own creative voice and find a unique way of saying what you want to say.
3. It can provide inspiration. There’s nothing to stop you basing an entire song on a story that already exists in a book. This has been done tons of times by various artists and is totally legit, so long as you don’t actually lift phrases or quotes directly from the book. Alternatively, perhaps a book will inspire you in a more subtle way. Either way, inspiration is something that nearly all of us could do with a little more of!
4. It stimulates the imagination. As songwriters, we are also storytellers, and all good storytellers need to nurture their imaginations. Reading is one of the best ways of doing this, as your imagination has to do a fair amount of work to fill in the sensory blanks. You can’t actually see what’s happening in the story (as you can when watching a movie), so you have to build a mental picture.
5. It’s relaxing. Stress is the enemy of inspiration and productivity (for most people – there are some who thrive under pressure, but even they will benefit from regular unwinding). In order to open our minds to new ideas, we need to be calm and relaxed. How can inspiration get a foot in the door if our heads are cluttered with anxiety and useless information? Reading is a great way to de-stress and focus your attention on one single thing (as long as you’re reading something you enjoy!).
So, whatever your preferred genre, I recommend you make reading a daily habit. It will make you a better songwriter!