When writing original music, you have to listen to as many different styles as you can and step out of your comfort zone. I’m not talking about blues, country, jazz, etc., but things like drumming patters from Angola or Celtic music from northern Portugal. Writers try to write the best song in a specific style, but the key is to go for the unusual and add something that might not be ‘permitted’ in that style, like adding some Basque rhythms to a blues composition. Experiment and be brave!
Contributor: David Villa of the Rumba Madre from rumbamadre.com