Songwriting Apps You Need (Top 5)

Gone are the days when songwriters were limited to pen, paper, and a trusty musical instrument. In today’s digital age, technology has revolutionized the way we approach songwriting, making it easier and more exciting than ever before. With a plethora of innovative apps at our fingertips, staying organized, creative, and productive as a songwriter has never been simpler.

In this article, we will unveil the top 5 apps that every songwriter should have in their arsenal. These apps offer a wide range of features designed to inspire your creativity, streamline your workflow, and enhance your songwriting experience. From lyric-writing tools to virtual instruments and recording studios, these apps have it all!

Whether you’re a professional musician, a budding songwriter, or simply someone who loves to jot down melodies and lyrics, these apps will be your faithful companions on your musical journey. They will help you capture and organize your ideas, experiment with different sounds and arrangements, and transform your thoughts into polished and professional-grade compositions.

So, without further ado, let’s explore the exciting world of songwriting apps and discover the tools that will take your musical creativity to new heights!

#1: MasterWriter

MasterWriter is an amazing service for anyone who writes lyrics. It’s a combination of notebook, rhyme dictionary, and thesaurus, making it easier than ever to write creative lyrics without getting stuck on verse 1. It also includes an onboard audio recorder, so you can capture your melodies without leaving the app. If you’re not writing your lyrics in MasterWriter, you’re missing out.

#2: Voice Memos

Yes, this app is built in to your phone, but it’s totally slept on for songwriting. Pulling out your phone and recording a melody is the easiest way to remember it. Lauv used his Voice Memos for the mega-hit “i like me better,” but even if you’re not actually recording with your phone, you should have Voice Memos rolling during your songwriting sessions. Before you start writing, just hit record on Voice Memos and then forget that your phone is there. If you’re struggling to remember a melody or lyric you sang, you can push stop, scroll through the memo, and easily listen back to what you came up with. This has been a lifesaver in so many sessions.

#3: GarageBand for iPhone

Even if you use a computer based DAW for your actual recordings, making loops and basic beats on GarageBand is a great way to write on the go. If you’ve got an idea for a song, but you’re nowhere near a computer, using GarageBand’s mobile app is a great way to get your ideas down in a flash. If you’re not an iPhone user, our next app is a great option.

4: BandLab

BandLab is available for both Apple and Google devices, and it’s a super powerful app for getting your ideas down quickly. You can make beats, create loops, record vocals and instruments, and even do basic mixing all within the app.

ImageProductFeaturesPrice
IK Multimedia iRig HD 2 guitar audio interface for iPhone, iPad, Mac, iOS and PC with USB-C, Lightning and USB cables and 24-bit, 96 kHz music recording

IK Multimedia iRig HD 2 guitar audio interface for iPhone, iPad, Mac, iOS and PC with USB-C, Lightning and USB cables and 24-bit, 96 kHz music recording

  • High-definition digital guitar interface for you with a high-quality instrument-level 1/4" Hi-Z input jack, for iPhone, iPad, Mac, and PC.
  • 1/4" Amp Out jack with switchable output “FX” and “Thru” means you can play into your phone and through and amp at the same time.
  • Headphone output with preamp and level control let you lost in your practice.
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TC Helicon GO TWIN High-Definition 2 Channel Audio/MIDI Interface for Mobile Devices

TC Helicon GO TWIN High-Definition 2 Channel Audio/MIDI Interface for Mobile Devices

  • Go inspire the world with a professional-quality audio interface
  • Record high-quality audio using your mobile device
  • Control sounds, samples and more with integrated MIDI
  • Dual combo XLR* jacks for microphone, line level and instrument inputs
  • High-quality microphone preamps with +48 V phantom power
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Shure MV5 Digital Condenser Microphone with Cardioid - Plug-and-play with iOS, Mac, PC, Onscreen Control w/ ShurePlus MOTIV Audio App, Includes USB and Lightning Cables (1m each) - Gray w/ Black Foam

Shure MV5 Digital Condenser Microphone with Cardioid - Plug-and-play with iOS, Mac, PC, Onscreen Control w/ ShurePlus MOTIV Audio App, Includes USB and Lightning Cables (1m each) - Gray w/ Black Foam

  • Apple MFi (Made for iPhone, iPod, iPad) Certified for direct connection to any iOS device without the need for any additional adapters or connection kits.
  • 3 DSP Preset Modes (Vocals, Flat, Instrument)
  • Automatically applies gain, EQ, compression and limiting for optimal results
  • Built-in headphone output for real-time monitoring
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5: WordPalette

WordPalette for iPhone allows you to write lyrics by suggesting randomized words to pull from as you type. Where something like MasterWriter is all about rhymes, WordPalette is more about offering off the wall inspiration. This app is a great way to shake the funk of using obvious words in your lyrics, and helps you break out of your usual patterns.

Honorable Mentions:

Organization Apps: Any songwriter should have an app for staying organized. Whether you use Notion, Trello, or another choice, you should have some sort of productivity tool to help you stay on track.

Tuner Apps: Having a quick tuner app on your phone is super handy. Whatever stringed instrument you play, being able to tune up on the go is always helpful.

Final Thoughts on Apps for Songwriters

These top 5 songwriting apps are game-changers for any aspiring songwriter. They provide a treasure trove of tools and features that will help you stay organized, creative, and productive throughout your songwriting process. Whether you’re seeking inspiration for lyrics, experimenting with melodies, or fine-tuning your compositions, these apps have you covered. Embrace the power of technology and let these apps be your creative companions, guiding you towards musical brilliance. So go ahead, download these incredible songwriting apps and unleash your inner songwriter. The possibilities are endless, and your next hit song could be just a few taps away!

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About the Author: Adam Sliger

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I'm the founder of makethatlouder.com, and a producer, musician, and songwriter based out of Orlando, FL. I have 10 years experience producing and owning a commercial recording studio. I write and produce music for artists, TV, and for my solo project, Night Winds. When I'm not writing and recording, I'm into food, coffee, and riding rollercoasters!

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