10 Expert Tips from Music Professionals on How to Write a Song (2025 Guide)

Writing a great song doesn’t always start with magic — it often begins with a simple idea, followed by hard work, structure, and learning from those who’ve done it before.

In this guide, you’ll find 10 practical tips from top music professionals to help you write better songs in 2025 — whether you're a beginner with a notebook or a recording artist in a home studio.

1. Start with a Strong Concept — Finneas

"A great song starts with a strong idea. Don't write words first, write the world first."
– Finneas, Grammy-winning producer & songwriter (Billie Eilish)

When you begin writing a song, don’t rush into lyrics or melodies without knowing what you want to say. Finneas suggests imagining the “world” of your song first — what it looks, feels, and sounds like.

Whether it’s a breakup ballad, a party anthem, or a moody reflection, having a clear concept gives your song directionand makes writing easier. Think of it like planning a destination before starting a journey.

📝 Relatable Tip: Before writing, ask yourself: “What moment, mood, or message do I want people to feel when they hear this?”

2. Keep It Personal and Honest — Taylor Swift

"If you're honest in your music, people will relate to it. Vulnerability is powerful."
– Taylor Swift, singer-songwriter

Taylor Swift built a global career by sharing her personal stories through music. What she teaches us is simple: your real feelings make powerful songs. Listeners connect more when they hear something genuine.

You don’t need big words or dramatic situations — just truth. Maybe it's how you felt yesterday after a conversation, or something you're afraid to say out loud. That honesty creates emotional impact.

📝 Relatable Tip: Instead of trying to write a hit, try writing like you’re sending a voice note to a close friend.

3. Write the Chorus First — Max Martin

"The chorus is the anchor. Nail that and everything else can fall into place."
– Max Martin, legendary pop producer

The chorus is usually the catchiest and most repeated part of a song — it’s what people hum in the shower or scream in the car. That’s why Max Martin often starts writing there first.

If your chorus is strong, the verses naturally fall into place because they’re just leading up to that big emotional moment. This approach saves time and ensures your song has a solid backbone.

📝 Relatable Tip: Imagine someone hearing just your chorus — would they know what your song is about? If yes, you're on the right track.

4. Create Contrast Between Sections — Ryan Tedder

"The verse and chorus need to feel like they’re in conversation with each other, not echoing the same thing."
– Ryan Tedder, OneRepublic & hit songwriter

If every part of your song sounds the same, it becomes flat. Ryan Tedder encourages songwriters to make each section feel fresh and purposeful. Your verse can be quieter or more introspective, while the chorus explodes with energy or emotion.

This contrast helps the song build and breathe, making it more exciting and easier to follow. It keeps the listener hooked from start to finish.

📝 Relatable Tip: If your verse and chorus feel too similar, change the rhythm, melody, or vocal delivery in one of them.

5. Record Voice Memos Constantly — Billie Eilish

"Don’t wait for the studio. Some of our best stuff started on a phone memo."
– Billie Eilish, Grammy-winning artist

Song ideas don’t always come during a writing session. They pop up when you’re walking, driving, or half asleep. That’s why Billie Eilish always records voice memos — even just a quick melody or lyric line.

Your phone is your best songwriting tool. Don’t lose a good idea because you didn’t write it down fast enough. It’s better to have a rough idea saved than a perfect idea forgotten.

📝 Relatable Tip: Anytime something catchy pops in your head — sing, hum, or describe it into your phone. You can shape it later.

6. Use Simplicity to Your Advantage — Ed Sheeran

"You don’t have to be complex to be brilliant. Some of the best songs are incredibly simple."
– Ed Sheeran, singer-songwriter

In a world filled with noise, simplicity stands out. Ed Sheeran reminds us that you don’t need ten chords or a complex rhyme scheme to write a great song — just a clear message and strong emotion.

Listeners remember simple lyrics and melodies because they’re easy to sing along to and emotionally digest. It’s not about dumbing things down — it’s about getting straight to the point.

📝 Relatable Tip: Try saying what you want to express in the fewest, most direct words. Think of how people naturally speak — and start there.

7. Collaborate with Other Songwriters — Sia

"Two brains are better than one when it comes to writing songs that move people."
– Sia, songwriter for Rihanna, David Guetta

Some of the biggest songs are co-written by two, three, or even more people. Sia believes that bringing in other perspectives helps turn a good idea into a great one. Someone else might suggest a better lyric, a stronger melody, or just spark inspiration when you’re stuck.

You don’t have to do everything alone. Collaboration leads to growth, learning, and better songs.

📝 Relatable Tip: Join local music communities, attend virtual songwriting groups, or connect on platforms like SoundBetter or Discord.

8. Use Technology and AI Tools Smartly — T-Pain

"AI won’t replace your soul, but it can help organize your ideas or spark inspiration."
– T-Pain, artist & innovator

AI and technology in music are tools — not crutches. T-Pain encourages musicians to use them wisely, whether it’s generating lyrics, organizing beats, or cleaning up demos.

Apps like ChatGPT, BandLab, or chord progression generators can help kickstart creativity when you're stuck — but your emotion and ideas still matter most.

📝 Relatable Tip: When you hit writer’s block, try using AI to brainstorm titles or lyric prompts — then rewrite them in your own words.

9. Edit Ruthlessly — Julia Michaels

"The first draft is not the final draft. Great songs come from great editing."
– Julia Michaels, Grammy-nominated songwriter

Writing is rewriting. Julia Michaels often changes lines, cuts verses, or rearranges structures until her song feels just right. Most first drafts are messy — that’s normal.

What matters is how you refine your song after the first wave of inspiration. Editing helps tighten your message, clean up clutter, and make every word count.

📝 Relatable Tip: After writing a song, take a break. Come back later with fresh ears and ask: “Is every part of this really needed?”

10. Study Great Songs Like a Student — Rick Rubin

"Break down the music you love. Dissect the greats until you understand why they work."
– Rick Rubin, legendary producer

Every great artist studies the greats. Rick Rubin’s advice is to analyze songs you love — don’t just listen for fun, listen to learn. Pay attention to the structure, the storytelling, the way a chorus hits or a bridge lifts the emotion.

The more you understand what makes a song work, the more equipped you are to build your own style.

📝 Relatable Tip: Choose a few favorite songs and write out their structure (verse, chorus, bridge). Look at the lyrics — what makes them powerful?

🔚 Final Thoughts

Songwriting in 2025 is still about what it’s always been: connection, emotion, and storytelling — but with more tools and resources at your fingertips than ever before.

These expert-backed tips aren't just theory — they’re habits and mindsets that helped shape hit records heard around the world. Apply them at your own pace, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to evolve.

🎶 Remember: Your voice matters. Keep writing. Keep refining. Keep growing.