If you’re a songwriter aiming to stay productive, improve your craft, or build a catalog, you might wonder: how many songs should I be writing each month? The right answer varies based on your goals, experience, and schedule. This guide breaks down practical benchmarks and considerations to help you decide the ideal number for your situation.
1. Aim for 4 to 8 Songs a Month if You’re a Hobbyist or Emerging Artist
For those just starting out or balancing songwriting with a full-time job, setting a goal of 4 to 8 songs per month is realistic. This range allows for consistent progress without burnout, giving you enough material to refine and select the best for release or pitching. Consistency here helps develop your songwriting muscles and builds confidence over time.
2. Write 10 to 15 Songs Monthly if You’re a Developing Professional
Emerging songwriters striving to get noticed should aim for around 10 to 15 songs each month. This volume increases your chances of hitting a hit or standout track, especially when you consider the importance of editing and rewriting. Many successful songwriters, like Liz Rose or Chris Stapleton, emphasize quantity early on to find their unique voice and style.
3. Produce 20+ Songs a Month if You’re a Full-Time Songwriter or Producer
Full-time professionals, including producers and songwriting teams, often aim for 20 or more songs monthly. This high output is necessary to maintain a steady pipeline of material, especially when collaborating or pitching to multiple artists and publishers. The key is balancing quantity with quality, ensuring you don’t sacrifice craft for volume.
4. Focus on Quality Over Quantity for Long-Term Success
While volume can be beneficial, some songwriters prioritize crafting fewer, high-quality songs—around 3 to 5 per month—that truly resonate. This approach is common among Grammy-winning artists like Adele or Ed Sheeran, who focus on perfecting each track before releasing it. Quality often leads to better licensing opportunities and a stronger reputation.
5. Adjust Based on Your Genre and Goals
Different genres demand different workflows. For example, electronic music producers like Deadmau5 or Flume might produce dozens of tracks monthly due to the nature of their craft, while singer-songwriters like Joni Mitchell or Norah Jones may focus on fewer, more polished songs. Clarify your goals—whether to build a catalog or create singles—and adjust your output accordingly.
6. Consider Your Creative Process and Inspiration
Some songwriters produce quickly when inspired, while others need more time to polish ideas. If inspiration strikes often, you might write more than the average; if not, setting a lower, steady goal keeps you moving forward without frustration. Tracking your natural rhythm helps set realistic expectations and prevents burnout.
7. Use a Workflow That Supports Consistency
Establishing a daily or weekly routine—such as writing for 30 minutes every morning—can help reach your monthly goals effortlessly. Tools like Ableton Live, Logic Pro, or even simple lyric notebooks support consistent output. The key is making songwriting a habit, not a chore, to sustain long-term productivity.
8. Track Your Progress and Adjust Accordingly
Regularly review your monthly output to see what works. If you find you’re consistently hitting 12 songs but feeling burnt out, consider scaling back. Conversely, if you’re producing fewer than your target, identify obstacles like time constraints or creative blocks and adapt your schedule or goals.
9. Collaborate to Increase Output
Working with co-writers, producers, or lyricists can significantly boost your monthly song count. Collaborations like Max Martin with Shellback or Linda Perry with Christina Aguilera exemplify how teamwork can accelerate output. Plus, feedback from others often improves the quality of your songs.
10. Set Milestones Beyond Monthly Song Counts
While tracking monthly output is useful, also set goals such as completing an album, submitting to publishers, or pitching to artists. These milestones keep your songwriting focused on tangible achievements and help you measure success beyond just numbers.
How to Choose
Choosing the right number of songs to write each month depends on your personal goals, genre, experience level, and schedule. Prioritize quality over quantity if your aim is to create polished, market-ready tracks. Conversely, if you’re building a large catalog or exploring different styles, a higher volume might suit you better. Ultimately, consistency, sustainability, and growth should guide your decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is writing more songs better for my career?
Not necessarily. While higher volume can increase your chances of success, maintaining quality and developing your unique voice are equally important.
2. How do I stay motivated to write regularly?
Set small, achievable goals, create a dedicated workspace, and celebrate milestones. Collaborating with others can also boost motivation and accountability.
3. Should I focus on one genre or experiment with multiple styles?
Experimenting can broaden your skills and open new opportunities, but focusing on one genre helps build a recognizable brand and audience.
4. How long should it take to finish a song?
This varies widely—from a few hours to several weeks—depending on complexity, inspiration, and experience. Prioritize finishing tracks to build momentum.
5. Can I write songs if I only have limited free time?
Absolutely. Even 15-30 minutes a day can add up over time, especially if you establish a consistent routine and use efficient songwriting methods.
Final Thoughts
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to how many songs you should write each month. Your ideal number depends on your goals, genre, experience, and available time. Focus on building a sustainable routine that allows you to grow creatively without burnout. Remember, consistency and continuous improvement often matter more than hitting a specific quota. Whether you aim for a handful of polished tracks or a prolific output, staying committed to your craft will lead to progress and success in your songwriting journey.
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