Songs That Connect with Audiences By Daniel Siegel Loanso

 

Songwriting isn't rocket science. Instead, it's more like emotional alchemy. You're blending raw emotions with melody to create something that resonates in people's hearts (and playlists). What's the trick? Crafting tunes that make people say, "Wow, this song gets me." Daniel Siegel Loanso shares eight methods for songwriters to explore to write songs that connect with audiences.

1. Go with what you know

Siegel Loanso reminds aspiring writers that great songs arise from great stories. Think of Someone Like You by Adele or Fast Car by Tracy Chapman. They're specific yet universal. Listeners relate to songs when they recognize themselves in the narrative. Write about love, heartbreak, triumph, or even that weird time at the DMV. Just make it honest. One tip: get specific, then zoom out. "The sunbeams pierced the cafe window as I realized I'd been ghosted" is more vivid than "I felt blue."

2. Emotional content

Every memorable song has that one emotional gut punch. It might be a line, a chord progression, or even how a voice cracks on a high note. This is where people feel something—delight, despair, nostalgia, or empowerment. Ask yourself, what do I want my audience to feel when they hear this?

3. Keep It Simple, Genius

Ever notice how people remember lyrics like Hey Jude or Let It Be but forget the verbose verses of less successful tracks? That's because simplicity resonates. Ditch overly winding lyrics and focus on words that carry weight. The same goes for melody—keep it catchy but not convoluted. Simple doesn't mean boring; it means memorable, Siegel Loanso reminds up-and-coming songwriters.

4. Write a Killer Chorus

The chorus is where your song's throbbing heartbeat lives. It should be the part that listeners want to shout in the car on the open highway or whisper at 2 a.m. Keep the lyrics crispy and the melody infectious. Think of it this way--if your friend can't hum the chorus after two listens, it might be time to go back to the drawing board.

5. Don't Forget About the Melody

Sure, words are essential, but a melody can carry an entire tune (looking at you, Sigur Rós). Play around with your instrument of choice until you find a progression that feels right. One hack is to try recording yourself noodling on the strings or piano—you never know when a genius riff will pop up.

6. Be Vulnerable, Not Perfect

People crave authenticity, not perfection. Your voice doesn't need to sound like Beyoncé's; it just needs to sound real. Don't polish every crack out of your lyrics or production. Sometimes, the flaws are what people love the most.

7. Take it for a Test Drive

Play your song for someone whose opinion you trust (preferably someone who isn't afraid to tell you the truth). Watch their reaction. Do they lean in? Nod along? Or do they check their phone? Even when it hurts, remember, feedback is gold.

8. And Always Trust Your Gut

At the end of the day, songwriting is a personal craft. If the work moves you, chances are it will move someone else, too.

Composing songs that connect is about empathy, honesty, and a dash of magic. Keep it simple, stay faithful, and aim for that emotional hook, says Daniel Siegel Loanso. Your audience is waiting to hear something that gets them—why not write it?