As human beings, we all have our unique talents and skills from one another. The beautiful thing about this is we can all learn from one another and add new skills or even discover new talents that we never knew we had. Collaborating with people musically is no different.
I’ve come up with three reasons why you should consider collaborating for your music craft:
You Get To Learn New Stuff
I’ve learned so many new different things by collaborating with people who were better than me. For example, co-writing songs with other people has given me the opportunity to learn new techniques. In some cases, it opens me up to areas of weakness where someone might positively critique or suggest something that I should do better.
These type of interaction during co-writing sessions has had a significant impact on my craft. By doing this, I’ve turned my weaknesses into strengths and improved my skills drastically. Nonetheless, we should always be working to improve and develop ourselves. This involves learning new information. Co-writing gives us this option and I think it’s important for every creator to actively do so.
Two or More Heads Are Better Than One.
Most songs on the billboard or Top 40 are almost written by at least two or more writers. This is no coincidence because great records are a collection of great ideas. I’ve been in countless of co-writing situations, where I think my idea is the bomb. However, a suggestion from a fellow co-write turns the original idea into something better!
Nevertheless, if you’re a stand alone writer I suggest you create the habit of collaborating more if you don’t frequently already. Sometimes music creators are very personal about their work and feel awkward working with somebody else. On the contrary, you co-writing might produce some of the best music you ever made.
Step outside your comfort zone and be open. Try it!
You Can Be More Efficient by Putting Resources Together
This is a big one, especially for all the artists struggling to afford to produce to get their records made. For example, suppose you’re a songwriter and you want to build your catalogue. However, a lot of you may not have the budget pay for studio time, hire a singer, and etc. One could perhaps team up with a producer who has all the things you need and form a writing team. It’s an efficient way of getting things done instead of wasting time and losing opportunity to develop your craft.
Find the people who have what you need and vice versa. Make them part of your team.
Don’t make simple limitations slow you down.