Inspiration for Songwriting: 5 Tips From Usher

Born Usher Raymond IV, but simply known as Usher, the R&B singer has won eight Grammy Awards and captivated audiences for more than twenty-five years. The singer-songwriter calls Prince and Michael Jackson large influences but simultaneously creates his own brand of R&B and hip hop, leading to Billboard-topping songs.

Whether it’s your first time writing or you want to try something new in your next song, experiment with these music and lyrical ideas from Usher to step out of your comfort zone and pen great songs:

1. 1. Being open aids the creative process. The songwriting process requires emotional vulnerability to get the creative juices flowing. “To be vulnerable is a great thing,” Usher says. “Confessions probably was the first time that I allowed myself to be completely vulnerable. Here I Stand was the second time I was completely dedicated and vulnerable in my conviction of where I was at the time.”
2. 2. Collaboration can bring about new ideas. “Collaboration starts with the admiration and appreciation of an artist or a producer’s work,” Usher says. Their artistry may unlock your own, so reach out to musicians you admire. Ask them to meet up for a brainstorming session, swap samples, and see if an opportunity exists to feature one another in your songs. Collaborating is an excellent way to get out of a songwriting rut.
3. 3. Inspiration can come from everyday life. Song topics vary wildly: love songs, breakup songs, party songs, and so much more. Real-life situations often inspire artists’ work. “The source of inspiration always comes from the [most] real places,” Usher says. “The most incredible songs come out of that: As a father, I was writing songs to my children, [and] I was writing songs for my marriage.”
4. 4. Prioritize what makes you unique. There is only one you, and that’s what people want to hear: Don’t feel pressure to repeat others’ sound or music style. Celebrate what makes you stand out and bring that to the table. “Individuality is everything in artistry,” Usher says. “You have to figure out what your brand is.”
5. 5. Turn hard times into hit songs. In the song “Raymond vs. Raymond,” Usher riffs on the Oscar-winning film Kramer vs. Kramer, starring Dustin Hoffman and Meryl Streep, about a couple’s divorce. “I’ve talked to you about being able to pull references or ideas to create the story. ‘Raymond vs. Raymond’ did come at the face of a very tumultuous and difficult time in my life,” Usher says. “I pulled from Kramer vs. Kramer and created ‘Raymond vs. Raymond.’ You know, it’s difficult when you're walking away from a relationship, but it’s also enlightening; you pull from some of the bad things that have happened.”

Before taking the stage, you must prepare for the performance. Learn Usher’s approach to gathering inspiration, vocal health, planning for performances, and capturing audiences when you sign up for the MasterClass Annual Membership.