The Secrets to Noel Gallagher’s Songwriting Success
Known to many as the primary songwriter, guitarist, and co-lead vocalist of British Rock band Oasis, it’s undeniable that Noel Gallagher is one of the most prolific songwriters of his generation. As songwriters ourselves, it’s important that we take a step back to figure out the thought process behind his success. So, join us as we go through the songwriting process of Noel Gallagher in this article.
This article is a summarised transcript of our video “The Surprising Truth to Noel Gallagher’s Songwriting Process”. Click here to watch the video for more details, explanations and examples.
Create Distractions
In a Sodajerker podcast on songwriter, Gallagher revealed that he usually sits down in front of the television with his guitar to write songs. He turns the sound down, and just aimlessly noodles on his guitar – allowing to take him where it will.
According to Jonah Lehrer – author of the book “Imagine How Creativity Works – being unfocused or distracted can boost creativity levels. To support this statement, he shares a study conducted by two neurologists from Harvard and Toronto University. This study was meant to test the ability of 86 graduates to ignore external stimuli. Through this, it was found that those who had a tougher time ignoring external stimuli were also seven times more likely to be rated as ‘eminent creative achievers’.
The phenomenon taking place here is known in neuroscience as the ‘gamma spike’ or ‘aha moment’. These moments occur more frequently when the mind is at rest – such as during a shower, driving or relaxing. By playing TV in the background as he noodles on guitar, Gallagher is mimicking this phenomenon. Thus, helping him come up with ideas easier and faster.
Write Everyday
An age-old debate that songwriters have is “Do you wait for inspiration to strike before writing, or write everyday regardless of inspiration?”. The answer is actually a combination of both. If you write everyday, you increase the chances of inspiration striking.
Gallagher likens this process to fishing. According to him, you need to go down to the river everyday in order to catch some fish. Sometimes, you catch a fish and sometimes you don’t. However, the important thing is that you went down to the river to fish. Similarly, you have to practice songwriting everyday if you want to increase the chances of inspiration striking.
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Take a Walk
Many artists have gone on record about how walking has helped them come up with song ideas. This includes Noel Gallagher who has even said that he’s nearly been knocked over a few times as he was writing in his head during a walk. He also says that it often helps him particularly when he’s stuck, and isn’t sure where to go with his songwriting.
This method of opening up our creative channels has a lot of scientific evidence behind it. Both the American Psychological Association and Stanford University have done studies on how creativity is enhanced when walking compared to sitting.
Decide What Comes First
When asked if the music or lyrics comes first for him, Noel Gallagher replied that it’s always just been him and a guitar waiting for a melody. He isn’t interested in the words or chords at the start – just melody.
Of course, this isn’t the only method in the world to write songs. For example, Bernie Taupin sends a bunch of lyrics to Elton John, and then Elton puts music to that. On the other hand, Jason Isbell writes a whole set of lyrics first.
Gallagher putting melody first before anything else might explain why his songs get stuck in our head. After all, melody is generally the catchiest part of a song. It’s meant to draw us in and hold our attention. Perhaps putting melody first is what allows him to connect with his audiences so effectively.
Conclusion: The Secrets to Noel Gallagher’s Songwriting Success
All-in-all, Noel Gallagher has a very clear way of defining and articulating his songwriting process. Emulating his methods doesn’t guarantee success. However, as long as you practice daily, you’ll surely be able to find a method which works for you.
If you would like more details, explanations and examples, then be sure to check out the video now.
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