Last weekend, I spent two days attending a songwriting workshop in the small town of Smithville, Texas.
It was facilitated by a singer/songwriter that I’m a fan of, a musician by the name of Matt the Electrician. Matt’s awesome. Check out his song “Got Your Back.”
Matt rocks.
And the first thing he did was share his songwriting rules…
- there are no rules
- there are many rules
- don’t follow the rules
- embrace the rules
- treat songwriting like calnesthenics
- finish everything
- sometimes abandon songs
- start over
- write/listen/learn every day
- 10.take breaks
- 11.have fun
And, for songwriting, business, or life in general, these rules can help you.
(even if they might contradict themselves.)
Consider:
1. There are no rules
When you’re stuck, remember you’re not boxed in. You can try anything, do anything, create anything.
2. There are many rules
But sometimes constraints help. A structure and limits can spark new ideas.
3 & 4. Don’t follow the rules / Embrace the rules
Paradox is fuel. Sometimes freedom breaks you open, other times discipline carries you through.
5. Treat it like calisthenics
Progress comes from reps, not waiting for inspiration. Show up, stretch, practice. Do the work.
6. Finish everything
Completion builds momentum. Even if it’s not perfect, you’ve proven you can move forward. And everything you finish, even if it sucks, helps build confidence and serves as a learning opportunity.
7. Sometimes abandon songs
But not every idea deserves your energy. Freeing yourself from dead weight creates space for new flow.
8. Start over
A fresh canvas resets your energy. Beginning again is often the breakthrough.
9. Write/listen/learn every day
Staying in motion prevents stagnation. Small, daily steps compound into growth.
10. Take breaks
Rest isn’t quitting—it’s recharging. Clarity often comes in the pause.
11. Have fun
Joy breaks stuckness faster than grind. Play keeps the spark alive.
So there. Follow the rules.