Genre Blending for Songwriters: Mix It Up to Find Your Sound
- Tara Henton
- Sep 8
- 3 min read
Have you ever noticed how the artists who stick with us the most seem to have a sound that’s entirely their own? Often, it’s because they’ve blended elements from different styles in a way that feels fresh and distinctive. Songwriters have always been innovating like this—but in recent years, genre blending has become increasingly common and widely embraced.
For some, holding true to a genre in its traditional form feels most authentic—and there’s real value in that. But for others, experimenting with different styles can be a way to spark new ideas and keep the writing process feeling alive. If your songwriting has been feeling a little stale, playing with genre blending might be just the push you need to explore fresh horizons.
Why Genre Blending Works
At its heart, genre blending is about curiosity and connection. Listeners love hearing something familiar, but they also light up when there’s a twist—an unexpected instrument, a rhythm borrowed from a different tradition, or a melody that feels slightly out of place in the best possible way.
It works because:
It catches the ear. Our brains notice when something stands out from the norm.
It reflects who you are. We all carry a mix of influences—blending genres makes space for all of them.
It sparks creativity. Constraints can be helpful, but sometimes breaking them opens the door to fresh ideas.
How to Start Blending Genres in Your Own Writing
1. Identify Your Core
Start with your comfort zone—your natural “home” genre. Ask yourself:
What style do I write in most often?
Which instruments and rhythms do I gravitate toward?
Who are my biggest influences?
Knowing your base gives you something to push against.
2. Borrow a Single Element
You don’t have to mash two full genres together. Instead, borrow one element from another style:
Instrumentation: Add a banjo to a pop song, or a synth pad to an acoustic ballad.
Rhythm: Try a bossa nova groove under a folk melody.
Harmony: Bring in jazz chords to a straight-ahead rock track.
Production: Use lo-fi filters on a glossy pop chorus.
3. Use Reference Tracks
Pick one song from your home genre and one from the style you want to explore. Listen for:
Tempo and feel
Melodic shapes
Lyrical tone
Sound palette
Then, imagine what would happen if they had a “musical child.”
4. Give Yourself Permission to Make a Mess
Blending genres might sound clunky at first—and that’s okay. Some combinations won’t work, but others will surprise you. Treat it like cooking: taste often, adjust seasoning, and know when to leave the flavours as they are.
Over to You! 🎶
Choose your home genre.
Pick a genre you rarely (or never) write in.
Borrow one element from the second genre—instrumentation, rhythm, harmony, or production—and write a verse/chorus or an 8-bar instrumental section.
Record a rough demo—don’t overthink it.
Share it with a trusted listener and ask what stands out. (If you're a WWS member, bring it along to a Song Refinery session—we'd love to hear it!)
Looking for Inspiration? 🌟
Sometimes the best way to spark ideas is to see how others have done it. Here are a few artists—past and present—who show just how powerful genre blending can be:
The Beach Boys – Took surfer rock and infused it with SATB-style vocal arrangements, classical harmony, and experimental studio techniques.
Chicago – Blended horns with rock, jazz, and even classical-inspired extended suites (like Ballet for a Girl in Buchannon).
Prince – Defied categorisation, weaving funk, rock, pop, R&B, and new wave into something entirely his own.
Joni Mitchell – Moved beyond folk to embrace jazz harmonies, unusual tunings, and experimental structures.
Beyoncé – Wove country, soul, hip-hop, and rock into her genre-crossing album Cowboy Carter.
Anderson .Paak – Seamlessly fuses soul, funk, hip-hop, and R&B, creating tracks that feel vintage and modern all at once.
Bon Iver – Merges indie folk roots with experimental electronica, layered effects, and unexpected song structures.
This is just a snapshot—inside our We Write Songs community, we’re sharing a fuller list and inviting members to add their own favourites. If you’d like to dive deeper and take part in the discussion, come join us there.
Final Thought
Genre blending isn’t about forcing something that doesn’t feel authentic—it’s about allowing your influences to have a conversation. You might find that a simple sprinkle of another style is enough to make your music feel fresh. Or you might discover an entirely new lane for yourself.
Either way, the only way to know is to try. ✨
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