My Songwriting Process + whatever I feel like talking about

Good afternoon Elijah Leano family 🙏

It's been a few months since I blogged but I recently got inspired to jump back on it. It's nice for me to write down my thoughts for a number of reasons, the main one being that I don't express myself in such a clear and concise way than I do with writing. I love my lyrics for music, but I love them because I can be more artistic with it and a little cryptic too. Though I do feel expressive with blogging, I also feel obligated for some reason to just be more straight up. It's a different type of self-expression which I feel like I don't explore enough. Anyways, I wanted this entry to be based around my songwriting process, but I sort of segue and jump around a lot of music topics. Either way, I hope this captivates you just a little bit.

When it comes to my songwriting process, there really isn't much of a formula. I know many artists of all mediums say they need to be in this location with this feeling and only this specific brush or pen, but it doesn't work for me that way. When I write music, it could mean messing with modes on guitar or dissecting the theory between a chord relationship I like on piano, or noodling on the bass. I definitely like it more this way though, because it allows me to be more free. Other than the few people who actually do work better that way, I think most people who say they only work well in certain environments are trapping themselves in an unhealthy mindset. If you only work well in XYZ conditions, then (1) if you're not in exactly those conditions it serves as an easy copout as to why you're not writing your best material and (2) it's gonna limit you creatively in the long run. That's why I force myself to write in all states, whether I love it or hate it. My approach to songwriting is like the monkey-typewriter-Shakespeare scenario, and I'm super proud of it.

When it comes to the actual composition itself, that's a whole other issue, especially for me. I'm incredibly inspired by my favorite bands, and the reason I like them is because they are so unique and coming up with ideas nobody would think of. However, I sometimes feel like I'm closer to copying than being inspired, and I feel this way most with chord progressions. Before lyrics, riffs, or anything else, I go for chord progressions. I've always thought chord progressions are one of the most important parts of a song, if not the most important. Therefore, when this integral aspect is exactly like my favorite band, I can't help but feel guilty. From that point, I subconsciously start adding my riffs, lyrics, melodies, and more based off of that initial song, and it just starts to snowball. I know that chords can't be copyrighted, but I think my admiration and respect for people still coming up with interesting chord progressions and voicings makes me just feel more upset when I write similar chord progressions. That's why for my new EP, I've been trying to not write when I'm inspired by an artist, but write whatever I'm feeling at that moment.

Wait what?!?!?!? Elijah Leano new EP????? Yes, it's true - I've been working on finalizing my EP so I can try to pump it out by the end of the school year, but knowing me, it might fall on coming out summer.

And yeah that's it! If you wanna see more things about my personal music career, check my instagram: @elijahleanomusic

If you wanna check out my band's music and music process in general, we also have a website and more that you can access through our instagram: @nothing_wrong_with_wet_socks

Here's a photo of me singing with one of my favorite bands Oolong to get a clickbait blog cover.