14/09/2025
Why you can’t finish songs…
is because you don’t know what finished looks like.
There are generally two reasons why people write music.
1: to self regulate (and help yourself to feel better)
2: to co-regulate (to connect and help other people feel better)
Often it can be a bit of both.
If your goal is to self-regulate, “finished” just means:
1. You create something from nothing
2. You have fun
3. You express yourself
But if you’re writing to connect with others (and take over the world)
Then “finished” might look like…
The listener:
1. Remembers your song
2. Remembers you
3. Feels seen
When I write for myself (.wav) and other artists ()
I use a 4-step framework called PLAY.
Which balances both: self-expression and connection.
So you can write songs that feel authentic (and take over the world).
Step 1: P - PLAN
In this step we plan what the song is about.
1. What is the title / hook?
2. What is the message of the song and how does it connect with your overall brand?
3. What is the authentic and vulnerable story we are sharing?
Step 2: L - LET GO
Let go of judgement and have fun!
Make a rough draft of your song
As tyler the creator says “create like a child… and edit like a scientist”
Step 3: A - ANALYZE
(This is where we become a scientist)
You may have heard of Max Martin and Melodic Math?
Through psychology we can ensure we create an earworm.
Step 4: Y - YES OR NO?
Review your song
Did we achieve everything we planned in Step 1?
Is the song as memorable as possible using Melodic Math?
If the answer is yes, then congratulations!
You have finished your song!
If not, go back to step 1 and repeat
If you’d like me to make a full-length YouTube video detailing each step
Comment the word PLAY below 🩷
