Best gifts for singers, songwriters and vocalistsShopping for loved ones is rarely as straightforward as you hope. You’re busy wrapping up the year at work as the holidays rapidly approach. Suddenly, you’re days away from Christmas without a single gift idea for that one singer-songwriter in your life.

READ MORE: Best gifts for musicians and producers this holiday season

Luckily, you’ve found a sensible guide that narrows down your options. From music creation apps and tools to voice-friendly stocking stuffers, we’ve compiled the essentials that any singer-songwriter will be grateful for.
Gadgets that help capture ideas anywhere

Songwriting requires an open mind that’s ready to welcome any idea whenever it emerges. Sometimes, you sit down in front of a piano for hours and struggle to come up with anything good. Other times, you’re at a coffee shop, and a random melody or lyric interrupts your thoughts.
Most songwriters use the voice memo app on their phones to capture such inconvenient bursts of creativity. But what if they had access to tools that improve the audio quality of their sketches?
Shure’s MV88+ Stereo USB Condenser Microphone offers a multipurpose solution for recording and streaming professional audio on the go. It’s a pocket-sized microphone that plugs into smartphones, tablets, and computers. It comes in a simple case with standard accessories like a microphone clip, windscreen, and cables. But it becomes more powerful when paired with Shure’s MOTIV video and mixing apps. The MOTIV apps have audio clean-up presets and various polar patterns, as well as effects like EQ and compression. All in all, the MV88+ has proved its worth in my collection over the past couple of years. I often use it for recording voiceovers and field sounds, which I sample in my music.
[products ids=”7DtH4coj8Iqu0F7sgQhq6z”]
Still, Shure’s MOTIV apps don’t provide extensive functions for building basic song arrangements. The cloud-based music creation platform, BandLab Studio, is a much better fit for demo-making. Although it has a free version, the paid BandLab Membership gets you additional features. For example, the new Voice Cleaner effectively removes surrounding noise from any vocal recording. Apple customers automatically gain access to GarageBand, which can be stored in iCloud. However, BandLab artists can open their projects even in a web browser, which makes it perfect for touring artists who enjoy spontaneous collaborations.
[products ids=”5dPkN91i4h3iJ1EnQDfNI”]
Editor’s note: BandLab Technologies and MusicTech are both part of the Caldecott Music Group.
Meanwhile, a hi-fi recorder like the Zoom H4essential is a better fit for songwriters who don’t want to be around screens while they’re writing.
It’s a standalone device with sensitive stereo microphones, high-capacity storage, and two XLR inputs. Many musicians use it to capture their rehearsals because it can handle high sound pressure levels well.
Home studio must-haves
It’s important to capture a fleeting idea. But it’s just as important to see it through in the studio. Making full demos at home is common practice for songwriters, and their setup can always benefit from a little support.
[products ids=”197g2De6ZETpHAFTGI7J8N”]
The Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO X closed-back headphones are a solid choice for recording vocals. They’re comfortable to wear and do a decent job of preventing headphone mixes from bleeding into the recording. Some headphones make audible clicking sounds with every jaw movement, which can ruin an otherwise beautiful vocal take – but not this pair. And while closed-back headphones aren’t ideal for mixing, the DT 770 PRO X sounds detailed enough for demo production.
[products ids=”1PUbDYxQxij9LFJ7HKkvWW”]
Another device that makes demo-making easier is a MIDI controller, like the Novation Launchkey Mini 37.
Artists who want to step beyond the limitations of playing a single instrument get into producing music with a DAW. A MIDI controller that has pads for finger drumming and keys for playing virtual instruments is destined to become a long-term staple. It’s easy to set up for beginners, but also versatile enough to entice advanced producers. Plus, it comes packed with a software bundle that includes Ableton Live Lite, Cubase LE, and Komplete 15 Select from Native Instruments.
Live performance tools
You can’t assess the true potential of a song until you put it in front of an audience. Even if they don’t have a show booked yet, many artists start by performing at open mics, busking, and posting live clips on social media. Gifting a piece of equipment to help them improve their sound will go a long way.

For social media performers, check out Roland’s battery-powered audio mixer for smartphones, the GO:MIXER PRO-X. It’s small enough to fit into your hand, yet houses multiple channels with four control knobs.
It can connect a microphone, guitar, or any mono/stereo instrument to your phone. And from there, whether you livestream or record videos to share later is up to you. GO:MIXER PRO-X has a stereo output, so it’s unsuitable for multitrack recording. But it’s handy for capturing quick performance videos.
One key feature that simple audio mixers lack is effects processing. For that, a multi-effects station like the BOSS VE-22 Vocal Performer sets a high bar. With it, singers can control their reverb, delay, and distortion effects on stage. The VE-22 is also capable of generating harmonies, looping, and improving the vocal mix with EQ, compression, and chorus effects.
Thoughtful stocking stuffers
Last but not least, here are some stocking stuffers for gifting on a tight budget.
For hearing protection at loud rehearsals, earplugs like the Loop Switch 2 get the job done. Though they’re not as effective as some of the more premium, customised pairs on the market, they’re a huge step up from foam earplugs that muffle the sound.
There are also numerous resources that support musical growth. Anne Peckham’s Vocal Workouts for the Contemporary Singer focuses on expanding range while keeping vocal cords healthy. Pat Pattison’s Writing Better Lyrics is a complete introduction to Nashville-style songwriting, but it will benefit all writers just the same. The online learning hub Soundfly offers courses not only in songwriting, but also in harmony and music production for as little as $12 a month.
Though they may seem small, pastilles like Grether’s, Throat Coat tea from Traditional Medicinals, and single-serve honey packets from Nature Nate’s are especially welcome in winter.
Accessories such as windscreens and XLR cables for microphones are as useful as they are easy to misplace. As for musical keepsakes, a pitched percussion instrument like a kalimba or a keychain that stores guitar picks can be a good choice.
No matter which gift you pick, you’ll earn compliments for putting in extra thought.
The post Best gifts for singers, songwriters and vocalists appeared first on MusicTech.