Video:Songwriting With Nelly Furtado: Tips to Succeed as a Songwriter

Transcript:Songwriting With Nelly Furtado: Tips to Succeed as a Songwriter

Listen to New Music to Succeed as a Songwriter

I think you have to write every day.  It's really good to listen to new music -- those types of things open up your mind.  And I think you just have to really tasteful in the way you combine sounds.  I think that sometimes less is more. I would really recommend just working with a couple of people you really trust and you really have a good flow going, and you're being individuals about it.  I think be yourself, and if you have your own interests, be organic and be honest about what your influences are.  

Use Personal Experiences to Succeed as a Songwriter

I believe you need to change and grow as a person and live your life and make mistakes and get your hands dirty and then you can write about it.  I think you have to be vulnerable to write songs and you have to allow yourself to be honest -- you know, you have to follow your heart.  You know, someone told me early on in this business -- in the business, it's your vision, it's no one else's, so along with obviously trusting the people that you instinctively feel you should trust, you really have to stick to your vision.  And solitude helps, just time to clear your mind, you know, unplug your phone, get off the grid and write.

More information on Nelly Furtado and her music:

• About.com: http://top40.about.com/od/artistsdk/p/nellyfurtado.htm

• Nelly Furtado's Official Site: http://www.nellyfurtado.com/

• "Big Hoops" on iTunes:  http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/big-hoops-bigger-better-single/id517307236