Songwriting Gym: How to Build a Daily Songwriting Practice (The Exercises, Habits and Mindset That Make You Better)
Normally on this show, I'm the one teaching or asking the questions — but today I flip the script. This is a conversation with Ines Andre from Lisbon, Portugal, where she interviewed me.
You don’t have to wait for inspiration to write a worship song that moves people. This episode gives practical songwriting habits, melody techniques, and chorus-writing strategies to help you create songs that are memorable, singable, and fresh. Drawing on a lifetime of songwriting and teaching, Ray explains how a consistent writing practice can build creativity over time. This conversation explores daily songwriting exercises, sensory language, melody rhythm, writing away from your instrument, and how to shape a strong chorus. It also covers the balance between writing for your church and developing your own voice, while keeping your theology grounded in the Word of God.
For worship leaders, church songwriters, and creatives looking to improve their craft, this conversation offers practical songwriting advice and encouragement to write with greater confidence.
In This Episode:
My Songwriting Journey
Daily Practices for Songwriting
When to move on from a song, when to know a song is finished
Inspiration vs. hard work
Daily habits of a worship songwriterPat Pattison's Object Writing
Better, stronger melodies and the art of rewriting
Songwriting process: lyrics first, melody first, or chords first?
Chorus-first writing
Writing for church, and from your uniqueness
Finding Your Unique Voice as a Songwriter
Be a student of songs
Resources Mentioned:*
Writing Better Lyrics: The Essential Guide to Powerful Songwriting, by Pat Pattison
*This page contains Amazon affiliate links. If you buy something through one, I earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you. It's one small way you can support my work while grabbing gear or books you were probably going to buy anyway. Thanks for being here.