In either case, if you opt for Audacity or some other computer recording program, you’ll need a mic that’s compatible with your inputs. USB mics are the simplest to use and if you have a USB input on your computer, it might be just what you need. If you don’t have a USB input there’s probably a small mic input either on the front of your computer or in the sound card. If you’d like better fidelity I recommend getting an audio interface. I like Focusrite Scarlett. You can learn more here.
Still another option is a digital voice recorder. You can’t multi-track with them, but as another audio sketch pad option they also work fine. You can usually upload songs to your computer.
One last suggestion for when you’re away from your ‘safe place’, you may well have a recorder in your pocket or in your purse. Do you have a cell phone? Most cell phones have a ‘recorder’ function that allows you to record short messages. Also, assuming you have voicemail, you can always ‘phone your song in’ so to speak!
Whatever recording software you choose, you may want to keep the recorder going the whole time that you’re creating. I once read that the Rolling Stones never turn off the recorder when they’re in the studio that some of their best ideas came spontaneously and that they would have lost them had they not have the recorder on at the time.
One more low-tech suggestion…pick up a notebook that’s just for writing lyrics. Hang on to it and don’t lose it. Spiral notebooks are preferable because they will stay open. Some books recommended by them in the sections. For instances, the first section could be miscellaneous ideas and titles observations that sort of thing, and section 2 could be songs that you’re currently working on. And so on and so forth. I personally don’t find divided into sections and beneficial.
Another thing to keep in mind is that spiral notebooks can be very small. Michael Winger, a terrific producer, carries around a tiny spiral notebook and keeps track of not only songs but appointments, recording dates, etc.
Page 2/5
Jim Bruno's Songwriting Class 