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# Songwriting: The Art of Co-Writing
- URL: https://www.backstagecircle.com/songwriting-the-art-of-co-writing/
- Published: 2026-08-21T17:15:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-11-06T23:24:28.000Z
- Author: Sarah Sokal
- Tags: Music, Advice

When the songwriting “mosquitos” start buzzing in my creative brain, my instinct is to jot down ideas — pen on paper. Yes, some prefer digital tools, but I’m old-fashioned and love the organic feel of writing by hand. Songwriting often begins as a personal process, but it’s a craft that thrives on collaboration. While writing solo has its charm, I strongly encourage every songwriter to experience co-writing sessions with different teams — it’s an incredible way to grow.

**Teamwork Fuels Artistic Growth**

I’ve written over 60 songs throughout my career, and the most memorable experiences came from a virtual songwriting camp organized by the Canadian Songwriters Association (SAC SONG). This initiative, led by Canadian producer Rob Wells during the COVID-19 pandemic, turned into a creative lifeline during those challenging times.

The camp was a masterclass in exploration. Rob placed participants in rotating teams via a spreadsheet, encouraging us to switch roles weekly to explore all aspects of songwriting. For 14 weeks, we had to produce one song per week. The challenge was real — not only did we have to match schedules (often in groups of four), but we also had to present our creations at the end of each week.

Some results were quirky, others remarkable, but each session pushed our creative limits. One particularly daunting challenge was writing a holiday song. I remember the collective panic: *What makes a Christmas song? Bells? Special chords?* Ultimately, the exercise stretched us in ways we never anticipated.

That challenge gave birth to one of my proudest works: *“One Heart, Two Lights,”* a song I later released.

**The Magic of Co-Writing**

Collaborating with others can elevate your songwriting to new heights. It opens your mind to fresh perspectives, diverse creative processes, and unique ways of expressing ideas. Every songwriter brings something different to the table, influenced by their personal experiences and skills.

Some are masters of rhyme, others excel at crafting evocative lyrics. Some have a knack for melody, while others shine in arranging, producing tracks, or mixing. When you co-write, you get to learn from these strengths and incorporate them into your own creative process.

I encourage you to collaborate with writers of similar skill levels and those with more experience. You’ll be surprised by the results and by how much you’ll grow in the process.

**Navigating Songwriting Shares**

One of the trickier aspects of co-writing is dividing songwriting shares. To avoid confusion or conflict, it’s important to document everything. Use apps designed for tracking songwriting contributions, including audio files, lyrics, and share percentages, along with the SOCAN/BMI IPI numbers for each songwriter. This not only protects your work but also ensures that everyone’s contributions are acknowledged if the song is recorded or released.

In most cases, equal splits are the norm in collaborations, even when one person contributes more than the others. While I’ve sometimes done the bulk of the work and split 50/50, there have been instances where I contributed less but received the same percentage. The key is to establish share divisions upfront and stick to the agreement. Changing percentages after the fact can lead to frustrations, disputes, or even legal issues.

**Build Strong Relationships**

In any business, maintaining good relationships with clients and collaborators is essential. This principle holds especially true in music. When everyone feels valued, the process becomes more enjoyable, and the results are often better.

Music is a gift meant to be shared, bringing joy and connection to the world. Imagine life without it! So, embrace collaboration, enjoy the process, and let your creativity flow. Great things happen when you share ideas with new people.

Make it happen — and have fun along the way.

Singer, Songwriter Composer /MUSIC ENTREPRENEUR

Website: [sarahsokal.com/](https://sarahsokal.com/?ref=canadianmusicspotlight.com)