Recommended reading for a Natural Songwriter

Here is our (growing) collection of books that we recommend for helping you write songs naturally. One of the ways we as songwriters can get inspired, better our process and overcome writers block is to read and learn from other great creatives. The quality of what we put into our brains directly affects the quality of songs we expect to come out of it. We’ve compiled a list of some of our top recommendations to get you started, but of course suggest exploring on your own (and let us know if you find a potential addition to the list!).

Creativity

  • Mastery

    By Robert Greene

    Mastery is a must read if you're considering living a creative life. Robert Greene is known for deep and complex work and this book is no different. It contains many pearls of wisdom for every stage of your creative career, and should prove indispensable to your art.

    Read it 

  • The Creative Act

    By Rick Rubin

    Rick Rubin has made a significant contribution to music. He's produced many platinum albums over his career, and in many different genre's. This book contains his refreshing and unique philosophy for the creative act itself, along with practical tips for the songwriting process to ensure the best results.

    Read it 

  • Bird by Bird

    By Anne Lamott

    Bird by Bird contains great wisdom for songwriters, even though it's mainly aimed at writers of books and short stories. Anne Lamott gives advice as a someone who's seen it before and knows the struggle as well as anyone.

    Read it 

  • Show Your Work

    By Austin Kleon

    A book about putting yourself out there. How to do it, and why you should. Austin Kleon provides advice on showing your work and forming connections with people, without being a self serving "energy vampire".

    Read it 

Habit

  • The Creative Habit

    By Twyla Tharp

    A creativity classic from one of the best dancers and choreographers of our time. Twyla Tharpe explains her philosophy for creativity using her own practices, and the practices of many other successful creatives.

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  • Atomic Habits

    By James Clear

    A highly touted bestseller that is every bit as good as they say it is. Habits are the foundation of what we are and what we become. This is the best book on the subject and will help you build the habits to become the person you want to be.

    Read it 

  • The War of Art

    By Steven Pressfield

    A book about the struggles faced by the artist when making art. Steven Pressfield's classic introduces the concept of "resistance" and shows how to defeat it.

    Read it 

  • Make Time For Creativity

    By Brandon Stosuy

    A well written guide/workbook to help with creating more time for art. The first book in a three part series for creativity that deserves more acclaim.

    Read it 

Music Psychology

  • This is Your Brain on Music

    By Daniel Levitin

    Daniel Levitin provides a broad view of the way our brains process and interact with music. Gives a great grounding for working in music and further exploring it's psychology.

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  • This is What it Sounds Like

    By Susan Rogers

    A look at the neuroscience of music from the producer of Prince's Purple Rain and neuroscientist at Berklee College of Music, Susan Rogers. The personal insight into the way that some of Susan's research findings apply to the music industry is priceless.

    Read it 

  • Musical Emotions Explained

    By Patrick N. Juslin

    Musical Emotions Explained goes into depth on the latest psychology surrounding emotions in music. Patrick N. Juslin provides a valuable overview of the topic as one of the leaders of the field.

    Read it