Niall Breslins tips for song writing!

here is 5 long ones dude rather than 10 short

(1) Dont be a musicial snob.
The best writers/producers i have ever met embrace all genres of music. You may not like all of it but appreciate how its written.
I started my musical career as a death metal guitarist and ended up as a pop writer/performer. Bands i love range from Abba to Sepultura to the Clash.
Also, even if your writing is not geared towards the pop market listen to them to gain production ideas and song writing tips. Dont be a snob. It aint easy to write a good pop song. The uk top 40 is evidence of this. Currently its awful . However, the americian top 40 illusrtates a much higher level of song writing( justin timberlake, katy perry etc)
Pop writers/producers to listen to,
Claude kelly
Doctor Luke
Toby Gad

(2) start with a title. My rule is if the title could go on a T-shirt its a good title.
Too many songs have shite titles and remember its the first thing the listener will notice.
The title will define the mood and flow of the track.
Great song titles are as catchy as a great hook or melody.
Examples
"PArty in the usa"
"this charming man"
Also, 3 words i dread in song...love, heart, soul.

(3) Melody is key
You hear this alot. Believe it. DOnt hide behind distortion or guitar solos unless they really add to tune. When i produce its usually the first thing to be cut from track. If anything takes listeners attention away from the melody its got to go.
Although melody is vital the singers phrasing and diction is key. If the lyrics feel awkward and dont flow try re phrase them so they slip off tongue. This is the downfall of most modern writers.
I spend hours/days on tracks to make sure the melody and phrasing flows and you should too.
Listen to great rap artists like Jay z and Kanye west and notice their phrasing.
For great melody writers look no further than The beatles, abba and Electric light orchestra.

(4) Lyrically, try be honest.
The average listener says they never listen to lyrics but that is often because they are so bland and play on the same subject.
There is nothing more powerful than an honest lyric. It can be simple, humourous or very emotional but once its something that you have experienced it will be honest.
also, abstract lyrics are amazing as are metaphorical lyrics but often people use these to sound poetitic . Be careful.
Songs to listen to lyric wise
"God only knows" The beach boys
"Paper planes" Bob
"Moon river" frank sinatra
"nothing man" pearl jam


Any leonard cohen song

(5)
May attention to production. Listen to trends. Dont chase sounds develop them. By the time you have figured out how to sound like timberland that sound will have moved on. Its like computers.
A classic song is timeless. A classic production isnt.