Current Processes
Chords First
I tend to gravitate toward writing chord progressions first. Using the circle of fifths I'll start on a chord and work out what other chords fit with the chord I've chosen. I'll play around with how long I hang on certain chords and try to get a sound I really like. I'll then try either finger picking or strumming at different tempos and time signatures to see which I find most appealing. This gives me a feeling of what the song should be about and then leads me to writing lyrics for it.
Lyrics Next
I tend to find once I have written a chord progression I then begin to write lyrics afterwards. Often as I play the chord progression I'll scat a rhythm that I would like to incorporate into the song later on or I may sing a lyric that I like, write it down and develop it later. There have been very few times I have written lyrics before applying to a chord progression I wrote later on, though it has happened.
Recording
As I write chord progressions and lyrics I will record myself playing and singing on my phone as often the way a song sounds as I play it is a different experience from listening to a recording and I often learn what sounds good and what doesn't. I do occasionally record myself singing basic melodies I come up with when I'm outside or without an instrument. I'll briefly record a small chord progression so I have a reference for if I want to expand on the idea. Listening back I'll then write on a word document on my PC or laptop what I have recorded on my phone. I do have Logic at home but before I dive into that I'll just use my phone to quickly record ideas with the voice recorder and lyrics in my notes.
Environment
I usually write my songs at home in my living room now and when I stayed with my parents I would write in my bedroom. Having my own place means having my space laid out how I like it and that really helps, having a guitar stand close so I can easily pick up and play and put back down to do some writing. I find that having a computer near by is almost essential for my writing. I am able to write down ideas that I have for chord progressions and lyrics very easily on the computer. Editing on a PC is so much better than writing with a pen and paper which I am likely to lose, forgetting which notepad I wrote down that one line I can't remember how long ago. I tend to find that I write my best late at night rather than the morning.
Themes
When writing songs I find the chord progression makes me think about certain themes. I usually write about how I feel about events from my past but I also like writing stories about characters. I am a fan of fantasy settings and have written songs of a fantastical nature, I find it fun as well as challenging. I find that I can say things in song that I might not usually say in conversation, music is a great way to express and process certain events and feelings. It's more than a hobby, it's a kind of therapy.
Writing Alone
I have been in a few bands growing up but only one of them I wrote material with. I would both write chord progressions and also write lyrics to chord progressions the other band members brought. Other than that one band, I have written alone. When it's just myself I am responsible for everything I write. I don't have to worry about someone else's opinion or preferences. That may seem a bit self-centred but I don't mean that I'm against collaboration. I've found writing with another person great too and I've doing a fair bit of it in the BA course. I've just tended to write songs by myself.
New Processes
Using DAW
I have used a little bit of ProTools in the past but I don't have much experience using DAW's. I have learned to use the basics of Logic for the HNC so can use DAW's but need to use it more to get better at using them. I should use it to record demos as the recording software is much better than my phone, it just takes some time setting up so I tend not to use it as much as I should.
Collaboration
I have collaborated writing songs in the past, about 15 years ago when I was still in high school. I have recently done some collaboration as part of my BA and have enjoyed it. I like that everybody has their say and sometimes we agree and other times we disagree but we all work together in creating a totally new song. Every input is valued and it's a lot of fun sharing the creative process. Having other people bringing new ideas that nobody else has thought of is part of the fun.
Planning
I don't plan songwriting, usually I will just pick the guitar up and see what happens. Scheduling a time to be creative seems alien to me but I've only heard good things about it. It is something I need to develop in order to generate as much material as I can. I suppose I have scheduled time in the BA for rehearsals in which some writing happens, but outside of that I don't have a specific time I allocate for writing chord progressions or lyrics, I wait until I'm inspired to do so.
Gear
Some of the recording equipment and instruments I have are fairly old but are still effective. I have my Freshman electro/acoustic guitar I got when I was 16 and a Red5 Audio RV6 condenser mic I got when I was about 18. I had an Avid mini box which I have now replaced with a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2. I also have a BOSS RC-30 Loop Station which I have neglected but that would be used more for live performances. I think I'll get myself a new mic or two just to try different mic placements when recording. I have an electro acoustic bass which I haven't recorded or written with but it's something I will explore in the future. I recently got a Guitalele for Christmas and have been playing around with that so I think I'll try to incorporate that into my original material too. I haven't looked into specific brands or specs of certain equipment but will be something I need to do in the future.