Songwriters reveal top tips for making a hit

Two award-winning songwriters have revealed their secrets to making a hit record.

David Arnold and Cathy Dennis gave their tips in a series of essays by British music writers before the Ivor Novello Awards tomorrow.

Dennis, 41 — who wrote Kylie Minogue's Can't Get You Out Of My Head and Katy Perry's I Kissed A Girl — said the key was never to give up. "I don't think I got where I am today because of talent, I think it's because I'm tenacious," she said.

"Try to find a unique sound. Even if you write a familiar lyrical idea again ... twist it and make it fresh. There's always a way of doing it."

Arnold, 48, has worked on the scores of five James Bond films and collaborated with acts including Kaiser Chiefs, Björk and Shirley Bassey.

He advised steering away from technology: "You tend to find the more resonant and memorable material is written when it's a little bit more steam-powered," he said.

"When I'm writing a song, I tend to start from the bottom up, hopefully with a melody and the start of an idea for a good lyric. Usually, I'll begin with the guitar or piano."

Acts competing at the awards tomorrow include Dizzee Rascal, Bat For Lashes, La Roux, The Leisure Society and Lily Allen.

For more information on The Ivors Essays visit basca.org.uk