FILL THE WELL with RYAN HURD

FillTheWell

In this series, I ask other songwriters about their quest for inspiration and how they tackle the day-to-day tasks of writing quality, engaging songs. Behind every good song is a hard-worker. I want to know how songwriters work and how they fill their well so it never goes dry.

ryanhurd

RYAN HURD is living the Nashville songwriter’s dream – the young writer signed a publishing deal with Universal last summer. Some readers have expressed that they are just songwriters (not artists) looking for a publishing deal. So today we pull back the (Manuel-sequined-&-embroidered) curtain to life as a Music Row songwriter. Ryan shares his journey to a coveted seat in a Music Row writing room and how he stays inspired to write 5 days a week…

1. What is your typical work day? 

Most days I have a co-write scheduled at the publishing house around 10:30 or 11. That means all business stuff gets taken care of ahead of that, including emails and calendar issues. Usually writes end around 3 or 4. Sometimes we’ll finish a song, sometimes we won’t. I try not to put much pressure on it. Every 6 weeks I’ll have studio work, which can feel like an extra job on top of a full schedule, but it can be its own reward for sitting in a room with a notepad for 150 hours.

2. What tools do you use to keep you organized and productive? 

I have a shared Google calendar with my publisher, I buy legal pads in bulk, play an old J-45 Gibson, and don’t do much home recording.

3. Do you have any habits, exercises or activities that jumpstart your creativity? 

I co-write almost every day of the week, so just having that accountability will kind of force me into a creative mindspace. That makes it sound like homework, but having someone else counting on me to be there and to be sharp really helps a lot. About once a month though I’ll have space in my calendar where I’ll write by myself, and that sort of resets my brain. I listen to a bunch of music too, including other writers’ demos. This just keeps me reminded of how high the standard is.

4. Are there any specific (or favorite) books, films, lectures, etc. that have impacted your creative process? 

Elizabeth Gilbert’s TED talk Your Elusive Creative Genius. I try to read every day too, just because I feel like I should put something into my brain if I want to get something out of it. Those aren’t usually songs related.

5. Where do you find inspiration for songs? How do you catalog it?

Music Row loves starting with titles, and I don’t think I would necessarily call that inspiration. I generally start with a feel and then see where it takes us. One thing that I’ve gotten better at is writing when I’m not inspired, and it’s really cool when something beautiful emerges from those sessions. I think that kind of writing is more leaning on your craft as opposed to the fits and spurts that come and go with inspiration. But sometimes you’ve just got to show up and things will fall into place. It’s amazing what giving a shit will do for a song, too.

As far as cataloging, my publisher keeps all of my lyrics and worktapes in a database, and I keep my own catalog with titles and date of creation so I can see progress have independent records.

6. How do you combat writer’s block?

I really don’t know. But I honestly feel like everytime I sit to write a song I can’t remember how to do that either. Lunch helps. Sometimes I just quit and go drink beer. Sometimes I sit in the room all day and wrestle that bear. Staying emotionally buoyed through writers block is something I can really struggle with.

7. Who is your songwriting hero?

This is always changing, but Rivers Rutherford has written some of the best songs I’ve ever heard in my life. I love David Bazan. I think I have a lot more heroes now than I did a year ago and it would be weird to list them all. I had coffee with Luke Laird recently, who was BMI Songwriter of the Year last year, and that was an awesome experience and meant a lot to me. There are so many great writers in Nashville that the list grows and grows.

8. Do you have any advice to offer a new songwriter?

As far as being a writer chasing a publishing deal in Nashville, I would say it’s really easy to focus on getting somewhere rather than getting better.  Don’t chase hot co-writes, but focus on writing with people that are excited to be writing with you. Oh, and if you can find a job that allows you to write during the day, that’s going to help more than you can imagine. Other than that, celebrate every little accomplishment, don’t talk shit, and find a group of friends to share it with.

Thanks Ryan! There are so many gems in here with tangible, practical advice. If you are looking for a publishing deal, here is an informative post (featuring some of Ryan’s advice) on “Getting a Publishing Deal” from Safford & Motley – Music Row Attorneys.

photo from facebook

2 Responses to FILL THE WELL with RYAN HURD

  1. i love this – “It’s amazing what giving a shit will do”

  2. Kyle says:

    Saw Manuel at Roberts the other night. Lookin fresh as ever.

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