Guide · Song ideas

A kanban board for songwriters

A songwriting kanban board has one card per song and columns for stages, such as Ideas, Half written, Demo and Finished. Move a card right as the song improves, and you can see at a glance what is stuck. You can build one in Trello or Notion, or use songdrafts, which is a board made for songs.

Updated 25 Oct 2026

The columns to use

1. Inbox: every raw idea, memo or lyric line, not yet judged.
2. Ideas: worth keeping, not started.
3. Half written: a verse and a chorus, or a strong hook.
4. Finished demos: complete, recorded, ready to hear.
5. Released or pitched: out in the world.

What goes on a card

• One song, with a working title.
• Every recording of it, in order.
• Key and tempo, if you know them.
• Lyrics, and one line on what to do next.

Rules that keep it useful

• Limit the Half written column to a few songs, so you finish before you start.
• Review the board weekly and move one song.
• Never delete a stalled song. Move it back to Ideas.

Build one yourself

Trello and Notion both make boards with cards you can attach files to. You set up the columns, name each card and add each recording by hand, and that upkeep is the catch. See songdrafts vs Trello and songdrafts vs Notion.

Common questions

What columns should a songwriting kanban board have?

A simple set is Inbox, Ideas, Half written, Finished demos and Released. Rename them to match how you work.

Can I use Trello for songwriting?

Yes. You can attach audio to cards, but you set up and keep up the board by hand.

Is there a kanban app made for songwriters?

songdrafts is a board for voice memos and unfinished songs. There are other songwriting tools with boards too, so compare what each does.

How many songs should be in progress at once?

Few. Keeping the Half written column short helps you finish songs instead of starting new ones.