tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54864254643119544252024-03-22T02:12:59.686-07:00Songwriters talk about SongwritingSongwriting tips from some of the finest songwriters around. Ben Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15379695904346390107noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5486425464311954425.post-86850616958048290802017-05-12T09:06:00.003-07:002017-05-12T09:06:20.838-07:00River Matthews<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">River Matthews has been described by Jo Whiley on BBC Radio 2 as 'our new favourite thing' and by Clash Magazine as 'Uniquely Therapeutic'. He has also supported Rag 'n' Bone Man on tour. His new EP 'Sunshine' is out in May. Here he discusses his songwriting tips.</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Do you have a daily songwriting routine or do you wait for inspiration to strike? </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If I know I’m gonna be sitting down and writing the next day then I’ll try and get some good sleep the night before, wake up fresh, not drink too much coffee, eat some good food, have a run… that’s usually a good start! </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sometimes though, especially when I’m in the middle of song, and specifically with lyrics, good ideas come up when you least expect them to. For example, a lot of the lyrics for the song ‘Sunshine’ came when I was in the bath! As long as my phone’s near me I can write the idea down to try when I’m next to the guitar or piano. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A lot of times when I’m writing lyrics I’ll take a melody as a voice note and go for a walk, writing down ideas if they come to me. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Most of the songs I’ve written develop from a feeling about something, so whatever it takes to be centred in that feeling, even if you’re not sure exactly what it is yet.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Do you have any tricks to get the creative juices flowing? </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A run, a shower or cold bath can work pretty well to get you in a good state for writing. But I just end up singing a lot over a chord sequence and trying not to think too much about it. I usually just sing random words and sounds until a feeling develops, writing down interesting lines or words as I go. The more my mind enters the picture, or I put expectations on myself, the more difficult the process tend to be.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Do you find you normally start with a melody or lyrics?</span> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Melody always. I might write down ideas for a lyric or title now and again but at the start of a new song melody comes first 99% of the time, then the feeling, then the lyric.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Do you think that melody is the most important aspect of a song? </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I used to listen to the melody of a song first when I was younger but now it’s the feeling/lyric that I listen to above anything else. But these two things without a melody is like a train without a track.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">How long does it take you to write a song?</span> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Ah, this depends on so much. It can take a few hours to write a melody but lyrics always take me much longer. Anything from a week to a month in some cases. If I rush something it pretty much ain’t gonna be a strong thing.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Could you explain a little about the writing process behind a few of your songs?</span> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So, the song ‘<b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4EkzYHGSDs">Stars</a>’</b> was a concept I had years ago. I was staying somewhere out in Scotland, miles from anywhere and I went for a walk one night. There were millions of stars in the sky but three stars were the brightest. And it hit me right then that they were the most important people in my life, my Mum, my Dad and my Sister. Years later I was playing some chords on the guitar when I starting singing ‘Count all the stars…’ and that idea came back in my head, so I knew quite early on what the song was going to be about. I also realized there was another most important person in my life who wasn’t there before, my niece Imogen. So, I decided to write the song like I was talking to Imogen, telling her to count her own stars. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The idea behind the song <b>‘<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YrQ9bUhY8cY">Feels Like Morning</a></b>’ kinda came from no-where. I had a melody which felt good and I just kept singing over the melody with random words and sounds until lines and words came out which felt good. I wrote everything down and started to get a feeling about what the song was about, although I still wasn’t 100% until it was finished. It sounded like a love song but it turned out to be about new beginnings, which was perfect for that time and place. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The song <b>‘<a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/records/n4rmg4">Sunshine</a>’</b> was much more obvious. I started writing it on the first real sunny day of the year last year, and knew it was gonna be a song about the sun from the beginning. But I had no idea how I was gonna write it. Most of my favourite lyrics in that song popped out when during time away from the song.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">What songs that other people have written do you particularly admire? </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I love most of Bob Dylan’s songs from the 60’s; Desolation Row, It’s Alright, Ma (I’m only bleeding) still kill me years and years after first hearing them. John Lennon’s Across the Universe is just perfect too. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There’s so many. Van Morrison’s first album Astral Weeks is incredible. There’s nothing else like that album. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I was listening to Pink Floyd’s Wish You Were Here album the other night for the first time in a long time. It still blows me away.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Do you think that a technical knowledge of theory is important or does it get in the way?</span> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I think you need some theory, even if you don’t realise it’s theory. I mean, I know certain chords go together and that helps me write something without thinking about what I’m playing. Above that just listening to music has been the most important thing for me I think, and letting go / not thinking about it. The thinking comes later when I’m trying to make sense of things as a story.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Do you tend to revisit your songs and rewrite them?</span> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Yeah. I sing through a finished song lots and leave a few days before revisiting them to change a line or word here and there. Again, it’s a feeling you get whether it’s finished or not. Someone said once that a song’s never finished, it’s a snapshot of where you are at that time. I think you could always rework something, but that doesn’t always mean it would be better for it.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Do you write songs with a view to being commercial and following current trends? </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The moment I start thinking about that is the moment where I can’t write. The commercial aspect is at the back of my mind a lot more now, but so far it’s never made for an idea or a song I feel good about.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Have you done much co-writing, and if so what do you see as the benefits?</span> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Yeah, I’ve written with a few people, and enjoy collaborating over melodies. I don’t really enjoy writing lyrics with other people though. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There’s loads of benefits from writing with others. If there’s a good feeling in the room it can really flow and the song can end up absorbing the best of everyone. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Who do you view as great songwriters. Who has inspired you musically/ lyrically?</span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There’s so many; Bob Dylan, The Beatles, The Stones. I love Nina Simone and her versions of songs which came before her. The feeling which comes out of that lady is something else. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I really love some of The Arctic Monkey’s lyrics too, and Amy Winehouse was an incredible songwriter.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Do you feel that when there's conflict/struggle in your life that it inspires better songs?</span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sometimes. I don’t enjoy writing when things are feeling heavy, but when that feeling settles and I can view it from some place else I think it can make a strong catalyst for a song.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Do you have any idea where your ideas come from?</span> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I have no idea… probably from some experience or another somewhere in my life, which turns into some kind of daydream when I’m singing over some chords.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Do you have any advice you'd like to share with budding songwriters out there? </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Don’t be scared. Or rather be scared and just do it. I went years feeling scared to write something because I didn’t want to be judged. Also, patience. Everyone’s in a hurry to be something as quickly as possible. We grow up now with the message you can be anything you want / have everything you want, and you don’t need to wait or work for it. And that’s just bullshit.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">MORE INTERVIEWS <b><u><a href="http://www.songwriterstalkaboutsongwriting.com/p/contents_26.html">HERE</a>.</u></b> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Click on the following to find River on the web.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.rivermatthews.com/">WEBSITE</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/mrrivermatthews/">FACEBOOK</a></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnUC1Zx5r_1xUYqyw33uh3g">YOUTUBE</a></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This interview was by </span><a href="http://www.benpwilliams.com/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ben Williams.</a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Find Ben on </span><a href="https://twitter.com/benpwilliams" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">TWITTER</a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/BenPWilliamsGuitar?ref=hl">FACEBOOK</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Ben Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15379695904346390107noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5486425464311954425.post-13610363168259817842017-02-06T11:10:00.002-08:002017-02-06T11:11:43.040-08:00Anna Pancaldi<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Anna Pancaldi is an international songstress who has received heavyweight support from BBC Radio 2 and BBC 6 Music. Following a string of sold out London shows, appearances at Glastonbury festival and a debut TV appearance in the US, Anna is set to release her third EP 'Sweet Charity' in March. Anna has also penned a song for a Levis commercial. Here Anna shares her thoughts on songwriting. </span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Do you have a daily songwriting routine or do you wait for inspiration to strike? </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Not really, writing is so personal and delicate and I can't force it by making it too scheduled, but we're all different.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Do you have any tricks to get the creative juices flowing?</span> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I like to be in a still, peaceful and intimate setting so it almost feels like a show.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Do you find you normally start with a melody or lyrics?</span> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's probably equal as to which I start with, depending on where I am. Sometimes I'm on the road (not driving haha) and start writing lyrics, other times I am sat with my guitar and start there.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Do you think that melody is the most important aspect of a song?</span> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I think lyrics and melody are equally vital, what are you trying to say, convey and make people hear and resonate with? You can't have an unforgettable song without the two married together.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">How long does it take you to write a song?</span> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Wow, so varied haha. Sometimes I have written one start to finish in 10 minutes, like my latest single 'Brother' and others take months! </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Could you explain a little about the writing process behind a few of your songs?</span> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">'<a href="https://soundcloud.com/annapancaldi/brother"><b>Brother</b></a>', I think I am most proud of, I wrote it back in the summer in the studio preparing for my EP 'Sweet Charity' coming out March 20th. I sat there one evening at the piano (which I haven't ever finished a song on before due to lack experience on) and it fell out in under 9 minutes, a rare moment for me, but a special one. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">'<b><u>Stay Right Here</u></b>' I began writing many years ago when I used to nanny and then went onto complete it years later when I went travelling around the world for nine months in 2011. I went to see more of the world and focus on composing, have more time and less routine was pivotal for me to relax into writing more and I finished it in my dorm room in Wellington, New Zealand. haha, my poor room mates! </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">'<b><u><a href="https://soundcloud.com/annapancaldi/promise-well-never-grow-old-1">Promise We'll Never Grow Old</a></u></b>' I began writing alone and has been my most favourite co-write to date, I finished it with the wonderful songwriter Carassius Gold who truly brought the best out of me. I vividly remember walking home that day to Bethnal Green with the widest smile and such joy in my heart for composing a song I am so proud of and still am to this day. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">What songs that other people have written do you particularly admire? </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">'Home Again' by Carole King, 'The Man That Got Away' from a Star is Born sung by Judy Garland, 'Hallelujah' by Leonard Cohen and so many more. A few songs I can't help but go back to. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Do you think that a technical knowledge of theory is important or does it get in the way</span>? </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I dropped out of studying music at uni because I wanted to focus specifically on the craft of writing, performing and the business, so I learnt some of that on my diploma before I left, but for me it wasn't what I wanted to spend 3 years doing within a degree. However, it does not get in the way and it can transform the way you write music having studied it, it just isn't for everyone. Laura Mvula is a wonderful example of someone who has studied music at a conservatoire, has brilliant musicianship skills, knows the theory behind it and the stunning music to prove it.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Do you tend to revisit your songs and rewrite them?</span> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Not really to re-write, but to listen yes, it's funny listening to earlier recordings and hearing how you voice develops and grows! Fascinating!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Do you write songs with a view to being commercial and following current trends?</span> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">No, not now. It's something I have really struggled with over the years and many others too, I know. But and it's a big but, it's so imperative that you know who you are as an artist. One, because what is the point of building your life around music you don't care about? It holds no worth at all. Secondly, everyone has an opinion and you can end up being blown about in the wind if you don't know who you are and stand strong in that. I am my worst critic and I trust that, but I also have people around me who are honest and who's opinions I respect too. it's taken me a long time to be comfortable in who I am and the music I am putting out into the world.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Have you done much co-writing, and if so what do you see as the benefits?</span> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I have started doing quite a few recently and see how co-writes can bring out the best in songwriters, take you to places that you wouldn't usually go as I think we tend to have habits within writing, but for me, it has been a challenge and learning curve. What I write is so personal, it can be hard to share that with others.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Who do you view as great songwriters. Who has inspired you musically/ lyrically?</span> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Jeff Buckley, Carole King, Bob Dylan, Stevie Wonder, Joni Mitchell and so many more. Such integrity, honesty, timelessness, truth and some of the artists who I can relate to, who truly make me feel something, transformative. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Do you feel that when there's conflict/struggle in your life that it inspires better songs?</span> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">No one goes through life unscathed and we all experience that on many different levels, so I think yes, these struggles are things that bring real music. Experiences that evoke a powerful emotion in you can't help but make the best music.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Do you have any idea where you ideas come from?</span> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">All my songs have come from my walk through life so far, the things that have impacted and transformed my life which I cannot ignore.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Do you have any advice you'd like to share with budding songwriters out there?</span> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Listen to the greats and soak up their lyrics, their melodies and write write write. Draw on the things that affect you the most and use those experiences to bring out your strongest, deepest emotions. Always pay attention to the turn of phrase, another songwriter told me that once and it made me look at lyrics so differently, but in a beautiful way.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">MORE INTERVIEWS <b><u><a href="http://www.songwriterstalkaboutsongwriting.com/p/contents_26.html">HERE</a>.</u></b> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Click on the following to find Anna on the web.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.annapancaldi.com/">WEBSITE</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/annapancaldimusic/">FACEBOOK</a></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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Ben Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15379695904346390107noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5486425464311954425.post-80532714012298827262017-01-28T04:46:00.000-08:002017-01-28T06:24:54.627-08:00Robbie Cavanagh<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Robbie Cavanagh is a Manchester based singer-songwriter who performs beautifully crafted songs with powerful lyrics and haunting melodies. He has already played several sold out shows this year and his song 'Godsend' , recorded for the Mahogany sessions, has been viewed more than 100,000 times on Youtube. Here Robbie shares his thoughts on songwriting. </span><br />
<ol><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Do you have a daily songwriting routine or do you wait for inspiration to strike? </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For me songwriting is quite a natural thing. It's a thing I do because it feels right to do it. So I don't have a routine at all. Mainly because I don't have to write. I choose to. So there is no methodical way of doing it. Things happen, and then they are songs. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Do you have any tricks to get the creative juices flowing? </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Unless you're tied into a contract with deadlines, my recommendation is always if you can't write, don't. Just wait it out. Sometimes things happen in your life that you know you need to get down into a song, but you can't rush those things. It will happen when it's ready to happen. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Some people have some cool techniques. Ryan Adams uses a technique where he plucks sentences from books and builds a story, but for me it's important that it happens naturally, or I just cant buy into it. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Do you find you normally start with a melody or lyrics?</span> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I like to write both at the same time. I'll always pick up a guitar and start to sing and find chords as I go. Again, it's all just a really natural process for me. The lyrics inspire the music and the melody, and the melody and chords inspire the direction of the lyrics.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Do you think that melody is the most important aspect of a song?</span> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sometimes, yes. But great melodies and terrible lyrics is a crime. Just like great lyrics and poor melody is. It has to have the right level of everything. Of course it varies, song by song, but for me, there is no most or least important part. Everything has to fit together or it's not going to work. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">How long does it take you to write a song?</span> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Some songs are an idea for months. years even. Returned to and finally finished. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Some songs are completed in a couple of hours in an evening. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The important thing for me is that it feels like it was supposed to happen. If I force an ending, or try and make something fit that doesn't, I'll fall out of love with the song. It takes as long as it takes I guess. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I've written songs in a night. Some I'm very proud of. Sometimes the longer it takes the more you over think it and it starts to feel forced. But thats why it takes the time. You know when its right. That might take years. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Could you explain a little about the writing process behind a few of your songs?</span> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><u><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQ1i4RF3qho">Godsend</a></u></b>: </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My girlfriend had put me onto this tuning that I'd never worked with before, so I'd spend a few days messing around with it and late one night, having returned from her house, feeling completely in love, I picked up my guitar, which happened to still be in that tuning. And Godsend sort of happened. Again, I said what I was feeling, a mixture of love, frustration and unfaltering adoration. The ending just sort of happened on the first voice note I made of it, where I was just repeating the chorus line and getting quite passionate with it, and it sort of stuck from there. It was a very natural process of just reliving the night I'd just had, and how in love I felt. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><u><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVuf7Chklbg">Let You Down</a></u></b>: </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When I'm pensive I like to lie down and play my guitar quite slowly. Whilst I think about things. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The pace of this song is so spaced and chilled, cause it was basically written that way. I didnt want to think about a rhythm or anything. The only important thing was to have time to breath so i could gather my thoughts and perform them. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It just remained that way. No rhythm, no real timing to it. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><u><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQ_S2ZZ0tEc">Choked Up</a></u></b>: </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I was thinking alot about a long distance relationship I was in, and this song was meant almost as a joke really. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The silly threat of 'what If im entertaining more of a local girl' seemed funny to me. The song was sort of built around that. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'd been listening to alot of country music, so that kind of shuffle rhythm was in my head and it kinda flooded out. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">What songs that other people have written do you particularly admire?</span> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Everybody Hurts - REM, </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sound Of Silence -Simon and Garfunkel, </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Perfect Day - Lou Reed, </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Life On Mars - Bowie, </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Gold - Prince. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">All perfectly crafted songs that feel like they were just honest, not over thought and just written and performed straight from the heart. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Do you think that a technical knowledge of theory is important or does it get in the way?</span> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I think theory knowledge is something that should come in the production side of a track. Writing the bones of a good song should be more about feel and vibe. Theory can get in the way of just playing what feels right. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But once you are producing a fully written song, then theory can be really useful to help make chords and melodies more interesting and unpredictable. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Do you tend to revisit your songs and rewrite them?</span> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I tend not to. I like to think, once I've declared it finished, its a piece of work that shouldn't be messed with. If I made a mistake, then I can not make that mistake next song. There are so many songs. Why keep changing one when you could write another? </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Do you write songs with a view to being commercial and following current trends?</span> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I think natural songwriters have a style. The way they write without really thinking too much about it. You can't change that without it becoming forced. Becoming work, not art. Formulaic. The production is where a song can start to follow a current trend. A really great song can be produced in whatever style and feel you choose. So long as the song is strong, anything is possible. But commercial success of style is not something I ever think about when I'm writing. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Only ever once I've written it. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Have you done much co-writing, and if so what do you see as the benefits?</span> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Co-writing is something I do quite often for other peoples material. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I think its an important part of experience as a songwriter. Every time you get into a room with someone else and start to write, your influence and your ideas are altered and directed by who you are with and what you are doing and what you are talking about. So you'll write songs you never would have written alone, or in a different room with a different person thinking a different thing. Experience is so important, so to experience writing with other people in other environments is a very healthy thing. Even if nothing comes from the session. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Who do you view as great songwriters. Who has inspired you musically/ lyrically?</span> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I've always been inspired by Randy Newman, Michael Stipe and James Taylor. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">More recently Foy Vance and Counting Crowes. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">They all write with a seeming disregard and a natural feel. It never feels forced. It feels like they got in a studio, recorded what was on their mind, got it all off their chest and then left. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Thats what I love. Nothing was over thought. Nothing was forced and created for the sake of it. They had to get something off their chest, so they recorded music instead of writing a diary. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Do you feel that when there's conflict/struggle in your life that it inspires better songs?</span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Not better songs necessarily. But maybe just songs that mean more to me. Writing a song about a conflict or a struggle in your life is a real therapy. Performing a song each night thats about something that was a real struggle is a really healthy way to revisit and rethink things. So those songs are maybe the most important, but that doesn't make them better. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Do you have any idea where you ideas come from?</span> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My ideas come from my life. People I meet and care about. People I love. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My songs are almost always about my relationships with other people, whether good or bad.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Do you have any advice you'd like to share with budding songwriters out there?</span> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Don't try too hard. Don't try to copy, or replicate. Don't try and make a hit single. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Write what feels natural. Write what you don't have to think too hard about. The rest will come after.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">MORE INTERVIEWS <b><u><a href="http://www.songwriterstalkaboutsongwriting.com/p/contents_26.html">HERE</a>.</u></b> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Click on the following to find Robbie on the web.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.robbiecavanagh.co.uk/">WEBSITE</a></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/passthemanual/">INSTAGRAM</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/robbiecavanaghmusic">FACEBOOK</a></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://twitter.com/robbiecavanagh">TWITTER</a> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/robbiecavanagh">YOUTUBE</a></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This interview was by </span><a href="http://www.benpwilliams.com/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ben Williams.</a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Find Ben on </span><a href="https://twitter.com/benpwilliams" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">TWITTER</a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/BenPWilliamsGuitar?ref=hl">FACEBOOK</a></span></div>
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<br />Ben Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15379695904346390107noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5486425464311954425.post-21414692135861461782016-03-31T13:34:00.001-07:002016-04-07T20:46:25.150-07:00Andy Platts (Mamas Gun)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Andy Platts is a songwriter and vocalist best known for his work with the band Mamas Gun, a ferociously funky live act, whose sound bridges classic melodic pop songwriting with retro and contemporary soul/groove sensibilities. The song 'Red Cassette' from Mamas Guns third album recently made the BBC Radio 2 playlist, as well as being playlisted on major radio stations across Europe and Asia.</span> 'House on a Hill', a song from the bands debut album, was the most played song on Japanese radio in 2009. As well as his work with Mamas Gun, Andy has also enjoyed chart success working with other artists, including several number one singles in Korea, number one albums in Japan and top 20 successes in Europe. Most recently Andy has been working with </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Dutch singer Steffen Morrison and Korean Superstar Park Hyo Shin</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">. Here, Andy discusses his songwriting tips. </span><br />
<ol><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Do you have a daily songwriting routine or do you wait for inspiration to strike?</span> It really does depend on what else is happening at the time. Historically I'm at my most active in between albums (which is logical!). During this time I'm inspired to want to implement a daily routine. Typically during this type of period I will get up very early, sometimes as early 6am. I find this time of the day especially conducive to writing lyrics or following streams of consciousness with a certain level of clarity. I tend to try and use a day to pursue an idea as far as I can take it, as opposed to flitting between unfinished ideas but sometimes a song won't let you do that and you have to walk away.</li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Do you have any tricks to get the creative juices flowing? </span>No, no tricks. You just have to remain constantly interested in the process and retain a certain amount of romance (and even naivety) and be prepared to take full advantage when the really special lighting bolts strike. I used to smoke a lot of weed (not to write, specifically, just all day every day…) which certainly puts your mind into a different sphere, and I know quite a few people who won’t play a note without it, but I wouldn’t say is necessarily better for getting things started or being creative. On a basic level, you can of course foster good conditions for songwriting. Obviously listening to music can be very inspirational, but I am also a big reader. Engaging with words/language and the infinite ways it can be used to communicate or 'paint', I think is crucial. At the moment I’m bingeing on the prose of Thomas Hardy, the style of which forces you to engage with words and sentence construction in a different way.</li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Do you find you normally start with a melody or lyrics? </span>Ah this old chestnut. I don't ‘normally’ start with either. If you characterise yourself as 'someone who starts with xxxx ' then you are conditioning yourself to perceive and create in a certain way. You have to be open for any kind of stimuli to inform what may come next, be it lyrics, melody, chords, a lick, or simply a feeling.</li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Do you think that melody is the most important aspect of a song?</span> Oh absolutely crucial but not necessarily the most important aspect. The 'recipe’ of every song is different and the appeal of a song lies in how its constituent parts are balanced. And this is where the subjective nature of music and taste comes in. Yes often the melody will be the thing which sells the lyric - I always liked what Paul Mc Cartney said about songwriting. I'm paraphrasing here but it was something like 'melody is like the eye catching gift wrapping on a present that ultimately leads you to the thing at the centre of it, the lyric.' Melody and lyric are just as important as each other and to me, finding that perfect balance between the two, and it saying what I really want it to say, is the holy grail. It also depends on what kind of song(s) you are looking to write.</li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">How long does it take you to write a song? </span>Looking back at the songs I've written - anywhere from 30 minutes to 10 years. Some ideas need to be captured, bottled and written on the spot, regardless of time, place or circumstance. But some ideas, which are best left and not forced, can develop a different context and become more meaningful over the passage of time.</li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Could you explain a little about the writing process behind a few of your songs? </span><b><u><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VvjPMv6-res">Red Cassette</a></u>:</b> I found an old red cassette in a shoe box in the loft at my parents house on a visit a few years ago. The song tells the story of when I was eight years old and wanted to be a radio DJ. I’d wired up all my turntables and hi-fis into a scientist’s laboratory and I’d stay up late to make my own radio shows writing my own jingles and songs, recording it on a four-track player on a red cassette tape. But it’s also a love letter to nostalgia. It’s the notion of looking back in order to move forward and create in the present, whether it’s creating music or art or just life experience. The chorus refrain ‘Take me back, take me back to when it all began’, speaks to the tangible element in the song - the red cassette itself, which aside from being a great visual physical device, is also a great metaphor for nostalgia and also a cool song title. The style of the song was influenced by stuff like The Isley Brothers 'Harvest for the World', with all those nice slash chords and insistent driving 8 beat. I guess I wrote this one in about 30 mins. <b><u><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBmM9rhH8AQ">Pots of Gold</a>:</u></b> I’d been listening to a lot of doo-wop and vocal groups like the Ink Spots and also people like The Delphonics and The Stylistics. I wanted to write something optimistic and summery so I wandered down that maj7, dom7 progression as a starting point, and then found myself thinking about the sun, the sky, then onto rainbows and then the elusive pot of gold. I immediately thought this had legs as a visual image as well as a great metaphor. The song kind of wrote itself after that and is basically about chasing your dreams at the expense of the things which are most important in life. To me, those things are family and the close personal connections we form with friends, lovers etc, without whom life would be utterly meaningless. In other words: re-define the notion of success and put your happiness first. <b><u><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HX5zIGJY23Q&list=PL-0wcDgl6qADne8M0KSmaddLl0_8D330i&index=9">Long Way Back</a>:</u></b> I'm proud of this one. This is a song I wrote from the perspective of my Grandfather at his wife’s bedside just before she passed away. The tempo, space, harmony, melody and lyric all combine powerfully to create a feeling of reflection and nostalgia, but in a way that is not obviously hammy or cheesy. (I hope….).</li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">What songs that other people have written do you particularly admire?</span> Just a few of my favourite songs (not necessarily recordings)… Lennon/McCartney - She's Leaving Home , Lennon/McCartney - If I Fell, Lewis Taylor - Damn, Queen - You're My Best Friend, Andrew Gold - Lonely Boy, Kate Bush - Mother Stands For Comfort, Prince - When You Were Mine, Joni Mitchell - Free Man In Paris, Irving Berlin - They Say It's wonderful , Elton John - In Neon, Jeff Lynne - Strange Magic</li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Do you think that a technical knowledge of theory is important or does it get in the way? </span>I don’t think it’s important at all. Look at people like Bob Dylan. 3 chord tricks with exquisitely crafted lyrics and just the right amount of melody to carry them. Same with someone like Noel Gallagher who wrote simple working class anthems that resonated with a whole generation. As long as you are being yourself and being true to yourself, you should (with a bit of luck and elbow grease) find your voice regardless of your level of music theory.</li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Do you tend to revisit your songs and rewrite them?</span> Absolutely. Especially ones that you know have something special about them but haven’t been elevated to where they could be. You have to draw a line at some point, (otherwise you’ll go mad) but songs can always be better, in a number of respects, but just as important is knowing when to draw that line to not do any more work on them.</li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Do you write songs with a view to being commercial and following current trends?</span> I find that I naturally write with one ear towards being commercial or accessible. It’s what I like, I grew up listening to the radio after all! I find that I don’t care about trends. I make myself aware of them but it certainly doesn’t dictate how or what I write. If I’m writing for another singer (a Japanese balladeer, for example) I may take into account the hallmarks of the genre ( certain chord types and progressions ) but I will still tend to write something which I like and from which I get something back.</li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Have you done much co-writing, and if so what do you see as the benefits? </span>Yes done plenty, with people all over the world. There’s def something to be said for co-writing. If you have a synergy with someone then you can really hone in on something quickly and ensure the quality level is kept high. Creative tennis if you like. Someone else will almost have a slightly different take on a lyrical theme or chord progression, which can be invaluable. I’ve also I’ve found that one person tends to (has to?) ‘lead’ in these sessions otherwise things can lose focus. Nowadays I'm more selective about with whom I co-write. If a writer is suggested to me by my publisher, I will do all I can to research the writer's body of work, their style etc.</li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Who do you view as great songwriters. Who has inspired you musically / lyrically? </span>Paul McCartney, John Lennon, Freddie Mercury, Sylvester Stewart (Sly Stone), Prince, Joni Mitchell, Scott Walker, Andy Sturmer, Kate Bush, Brian Wilson, Jeff Lynne, Elton John / Bernie Taupin, Andrew Gold, Stevie Wonder, Rod Temperton, Cole Porter, Irving Berlin….</li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Do you feel that when there's conflict/struggle in your life that it inspires better songs? </span>Ok getting personal! Yeah I’m sure conflict is at the heart of the creative condition. I’m pretty sure that I became a writer not just because I love music. I would offer that creating art, music, paintings, sculpture, drama…whatever….goes some way to exploring what’s at the heart of that conflict. On a deeper, more permanent level, the fact that we are all a genetic product of two different sources means that a certain conflict exists within us all, as a starting point. Personally - being of mixed race with parents from opposite sides of the Earth has definitely left me with irreconcilable issues of identity which I’m convinced feed into the music I write. It’s not like I’m sitting in a shower crying screaming ‘who am I?’ everyday - it’s more subtle than that. But indeed writing songs, for me, is a form of self-therapy and crucial in providing some kind of stability and an outlet through which I can process and make sense of things.</li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Do you have any idea where your ideas come from?</span> If I knew that then I probably wouldn’t be doing it!</li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Do you have any advice you'd like to share with budding songwriters out there? </span>Just keep writing, keep writing, keep writing. Writing songs is about developing a knack for knowing what’s good, what could be good and just as importantly knowing which ideas aren’t worth pursuing - the red herrings! And don’t settle for okay. Remember that you’re going up against the very best songwriters who have ever lived. You will become part of that body of work and that musical conversation so try to make what you do as special and memorable as possible.</li>
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</span>Ben Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15379695904346390107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5486425464311954425.post-13330867417642238792015-10-12T05:47:00.000-07:002016-04-01T03:19:56.261-07:00John Bramwell (I Am Kloot)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">John Bramwell is the frontman and songwriter from I Am Kloot, a band who have six studio albums under their belt. They have been nominated for a Mercury Music Prize, achieved top ten albums and even written the soundtrack for a BBC One series. Bramwell has also released albums under his own name, such as 'You Me and The Alarm Clock' which was described by The Guardian newspaper as 'one of the greatest albums you've never heard'. I managed to catch up with John before he heads out on his latest tour, to ask him a few questions about songwriting. </span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Do you have a daily songwriting routine or do you wait for inspiration to strike?</span> Both. I sit and play guitar for enjoyment, and I don’t think of it as ‘trying to write’. Whenever I try to write it doesn’t really happen. I prefer to call it ‘making things up’ because you get a much more playful attitude that way. It’s all in the frame of mind. I play every day, and I have done since I was 5 or 6.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Do you have any tricks to get the creative juices flowing?</span> A lot of songs come to me when I’m out walking. Driving around is another good way, not necessarily going anywhere in particular. I just keep singing away and a melody will pop in. I don't think about it too much and just let 'stream of consciousness' come out. Then at some point everything starts to gel and I get a theme. The next day if I can remember it then I carry on with it. I have a mobile phone, in the old days I had a Walkman. But I don’t record every single thing, or you just end up having to wade through them all. It’s got to pass the whistle test. If it sticks with me, then I stick with it. Also, I’ve taken a chord change from someone else’s song, and just played it for enjoyment. Sometimes something comes. An early song of mine ‘<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJKT3conlog">Titanic</a>’ is the same chords as ‘Lay Lady Lay’ by Bob Dylan. I also like to jam over BBC Radio 3. It gets you away from everything that’s happened since 1955 and gives you a fresh approach. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Do you find you normally start with a melody or lyrics?</span> Because I’ve been playing for such a long time an idea tends to pop into my head, then I work out what it is on the guitar. So usually melody and words come together. But they’re not always the final words. I might spend some more time on the words and completely change them. But the best stuff normally just comes to you. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Do you think that melody is the most important aspect of a song?</span> I think for me it’s the power that the melody gives the lyric. I think that’s my strong point. It’s not everyone’s strong point and it’s not necessarily what makes a good song. I am probably a bit more poetic than most. That’s why I’m always waiting for a strong melody. Once you’ve got a strong melody then lyrics can come quite easily. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">How long does it take you to write a song?</span> If it’s a really good one it won’t take long at all. Having said that, I’ve had songs hang around for years because the lyric just won’t come. There’s a song called '<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXHVUl1vquQ">Masquerade</a>' on our last album. The opening of that song is a scale. When I was a kid my mate was teaching me scales, which I never really paid that much attention to. But I started singing the scale and then developed that into the rest of the melody. And I’ve had that kicking around with me since I was about 12. We were recording something else one day and I was driving in, about an hours drive. I’d pretty much written it by the time I got to the studio. We put it down that day. So in one way in took an hour to write that, but in another way it took 32 years.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">What songs that other people have written do you particularly admire?</span> When you’re between 5 and 11, before you start thinking about what’s cool, you ingest music unconsciously. If you’re going to be honest as a writer that’s the biggest influence. Not because you want it to be, but because it is. Growing up I had The Beatles, Bowie, T-Rex. My mum had Sinatra on. My mum and dad had all the musicals on. None of my family could play instruments, but music was a big deal. On long journeys my dad would put music on the stereo and we’d all sing and learn the song. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Do you think that a technical knowledge of theory is important or does it get in the way?</span> If you’re self taught like I am, it helps you have your own sound. I form some of the chords in a different way, so sometimes when I change from one chord to another, especially when I’m playing fingerstyle, I get different accidentals than I would if I'd learnt formally. I hurt my finger about 5 years ago so I’ve had to relearn shapes with different fingers. Just the basic ones like C and E. It was a pain at first but now it’s second nature. And now as a result of this I get different accidentals, and this gives me a recognisable style.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Have you done much co-writing, and if so what do you see as the benefits?</span> I never have, no. I like to have a glass of wine and sit with my guitar and put a good film on. I watched 'La Vie En Rose' about three or four times over the course of a couple of months, and that really inspired a lot of the writing on ‘Sky at Night’. It’s got that late night ‘glass of wine’ feel. I think films are really inspiring. And if you want to write lyrically, then read a lot. Reading is the best thing you can do if you want to write. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Do you feel that when there's conflict/struggle in your life that it inspires better songs?</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> It can be a solace. I wrote a song on our last EP called ‘<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fpoCVPbKBOQ">Forgive Me These Reminders’</a>. I was feeling pretty bleak. I think I wrote it as a song to myself, not to be too hard on myself. I’d run myself a bit ragged, not had enough sleep over a couple of months, been gigging and going out, and was feeling like I needed to pull myself together. I was pissed off with myself, so I wrote that…. The emotions that come out in a song when you’re writing it aren’t necessarily the emotions that you’re living in at the time, they often can be from the past , or in fact can be a kind of weird fiction. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Do you have any advice you'd like to share with budding songwriters out there?</span> Get lost in it and enjoy it. Let other people hear your stuff. Someone that you trust. A career is a different thing. I’ve always had part time jobs until about 10 years ago. You need to step away from being a writer. It does your head in to do it all the time. The worst thing is you get fed up with your own stuff because you have to spend so much time with it. It’s good to have some stuff you actually have to do. I had a delivery van driving job, I just picked up the stuff from the depot in the morning then I’d have to deliver it. Basically I’d have all day to myself. It took my mind away from ‘I’ve got to write’, so I enjoyed the writing when I got back to it. And I also could write while I was doing the job; just taking your eye of the ball is pretty good. Staring at a piece of paper is hard. You have to do that as well. But you need to get away from it too. Also, the song that you think is a bit daft, the one where you think ‘this is just too obvious’, often that’s the one.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">MORE INTERVIEWS <b><u><a href="http://www.songwriterstalkaboutsongwriting.com/p/contents_26.html">HERE</a>.</u></b> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Click on the following to find John on the web.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /><a href="http://www.johnbramwell.com/">WEBSITE</a><br /><a href="https://soundcloud.com/i-am-kloot">SOUNDCLOUD</a><br /><a href="https://www.facebook.com/iamkloot">FACEBOOK</a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://twitter.com/johnbramwell1">TWITTER</a><br /><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH2VQv9d6jJ2Uxlzwp3C9Kg">YOUTUBE</a></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This interview was by </span><a href="http://www.benpwilliams.com/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ben Williams.</a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Find Ben on </span><a href="https://twitter.com/benpwilliams" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">TWITTER</a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/BenPWilliamsGuitar?ref=hl">FACEBOOK</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Ben Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15379695904346390107noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5486425464311954425.post-65406523974759111372015-09-14T10:15:00.000-07:002016-04-01T03:20:10.425-07:00Liam McClair<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Liam McClair is a talented Manchester based singer-songwriter who has received airplay on BBC 6 Music, and been championed by BBC Introducing. His latest EP '<b><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/honest-ep/id1038909238">Honest</a></b>' is available to pre-order now. Here he discusses his songwriting tips. </span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Do you have a daily songwriting routine or do you wait for inspiration to strike? </span></span>I play my guitar every day and I try and put something new together each time, sometimes it happens immediately other times you need to try to vary chord structures. Often I will play through covers and take inspiration from their chord sequences. My inspiration usually comes after I have the chords ready. I would like to try writing by having a concept and then beginning to write on that topic.</li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Do you have any tricks to get the creative juices flowing? </span>Not really, I am trying to find inspiration in a variety of topics. Recently I listened to a audiobook series on Ghengis Khan and I would love to write a song around his quest for an empire and relate it to communist culture of today. I watched Breaking Bad in its entirety and the day after I finished the show a couple of ideas for themes of songs appeared. I also find listening to a really great song inspires me to write; usually from unsigned artists but from signed musicians too.</li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Do you find you normally start with a melody or lyrics?</span> Usually melody first, I will get a chord sequence together and begin to sing over the top. Nothing in particular, just fishing for a melody I like and that fits the sequence and the rhythm of the track. Within the random singing I will just add in lyrics just to have something over the top. When the lyrics work, I will listen back to them and find a theme in them or create a theme using some of the lyrics that fit. Once that stage is over I will then begin to transcribe lyrics and chose phrases that fit the theme of the song.</li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Do you think that melody is the most important aspect of a song?</span> Definitely. My first experience of composition was during music lessons at school and I always remember my teacher, Mr Dewhurst, saying you know it is a good melody if you can wake up the next day and instantly start singing that song. Making it memorable is the biggest thing for me when writing. I use this rule in all of my writing because if I can’t remember the melody, how can I expect fans to?</li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">How long does it take you to write a song?</span> It varies from song to song, a few songs I have written have taken 15-20 minutes, it’s like they have been full formed inside me waiting to be discovered. I have had a few that take a couple of days from the genesis of the idea to the track being finished. Occasionally I have an idea that sits for a while as a demo recording and then one day I will be able to put it all together, It is normally no longer than a week.</li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Could you explain a little about the writing process behind a few of your songs?</span> '<b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9v4CqsITKo">How</a>'</b> was the first song I wrote that I knew had potential to be liked by other people. I like all of my tracks but I felt like this song had a broad appeal. The idea of the song came from how the dynamic of a relationship I was in at the time had changed. I was trying to describe and capture the feeling of pure excitement, nerves and wonder when you are incredibly attracted to someone, I took a lot of time over writing the song and carefully considered each phrase. It was the start for me as it got played on BBC Introducing Merseyside a couple times when I was a student in Liverpool and that support gave me the belief to go on and continue writing and performing. '<b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DuXe6IscFX8">Honey</a>'</b> got my instantly excited. I knew it was a good song because it followed the melodic advice I had been given by my music teacher. When it came to recording it, the people that I was working with helped to confirm its potential to be a good song. I wrote it in my Mum’s house and I was trying to express how I want to feel when I am in love with someone. It’s a letter to my future partner; it is also an expression of how I want to feel when I am with someone. It’s about being honest and candid and making someone feel appreciated. This song came very naturally to me and because I was really excited about it, that helped the song take form much faster. '<b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szVLJLwWXhs">Lose My Faith</a>'</b> is a song I wrote after I had been seeing a girl as a student in Liverpool and I was in my final year. We got on really well and she very refreshing and exciting. I’d never met anyone like her, when I finished University I moved back home to Cheshire and during my 3rd year I didn’t handle the situation very well and ended up drifting apart from her. So the song is about the feeling of wondering should I go back and try and rekindle the excitement or is it too late and have they moved on? I was playing around with new chords and the second chord in the sequence I stumbled upon and really liked. I never transcribed any of the lyrics to this song, it all just flowed out of me. <b>'<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tOqIJi1qQY8">Honest</a></b>' is my latest single and quite an old song, I wrote it long before Honey and Lose My Faith I was just unsure of how I wanted it to be recorded. When I was in a previous relationship I confused being honest with keeping the person happy and it was eventually to my detriment. Therefore this track was a confession of being totally open and candid with someone in order for them to see the real you. It can very naturally and I feel it is my best song structurally. The verses and choruses are clearly distinguished.</li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">What songs that other people have written do you particularly admire? </span>I really admire Joni Mitchell as a songwriter, her turn of phrase is brilliant. It hits you then when you think more about it you find a deeper meaning in the lyrics. Her song 'Case Of You' is a fantastic song and the sentiment behind it is wonderful and I would love to write a song in a similar vein. 'American Pie' by Don Mclean is a great song because it is a catchy song with a great chorus but the verses are all metaphorical for significant moments in history and he replaced the famous names in the story with characters. I also really like 'Father And Son' by Cat Stevens, I feel like I can relate to both sides of the story and it is a brilliantly observed song. It speaks of youthful excitement and resentment towards aging and fatherly wisdom and sage advice.</li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Do you think that a technical knowledge of theory is important or does it get in the way? </span>I think it has really helped me in my song writing. I studied music at GCSE and only learned the basics but that knowledge has made me the songwriter I am today. It helped me with song structure and also showed me what chords complement one another.</li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Do you tend to revisit your songs and rewrite them? </span>I find revisiting songs really difficult. Once I have a put a melody over chords or a sequence of chords I can’t sing anything else over them. If I was to rewriter a song it would keep its original melody and I would change a few lyrics or I would add a varying section. It is something I am going to look at doing more as I think it could yield positive outcomes.</li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Do you write songs with a view to being commercial and following current trends? </span>I try and write commercial songs in as much as I want them to be viable as a product for people to buy. In terms of following trends I think it’s a dangerous game because I find popularity is becoming very fickle and what is popular one month will be old news the next month and the time it takes to get a release together, your idea of commercial maybe far away from the trend that is present when you release your music. I think it’s important to make music that I like and that I would want to listen to and music has such a wide spectrum of tastes that I know I can find an audience for my songs without chasing after trends</li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Have you done much co-writing, and if so what do you see as the benefits?</span> I haven’t to be honest. I have written additional material for a song that is already formed but I have never started from scratch with an artist in order to make a new song. It is something I would like to try in order to challenge myself.</li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Who do you view as great songwriters. Who has inspired you musically/ lyrically?</span> Bob Dylan, James Taylor, Johnny Cash, Joni Mitchell, Nick Drake, Laura Marling, Nick Mulvey, Justin Vernon, Carly Simon, Paolo Nutini, Coldplay, Radiohead. Musically I feel I am inspired by all sorts of music, when I first started writing I was listening to Coldplay, Radiohead and Nick Drake. I have never really been compared to any other artists therefore I feel I have been inspired and created my own style through my admiration of these artists.</li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Do you feel that when there's conflict/struggle in your life that it inspires better songs?</span> I think so, often in an unconscious way. When I have gone through emotional periods in my life or difficult times, songs about those situations don’t appear until I am through the worst of it. I have written a couple of songs regarding emotional events in my life and I find them the easiest to write and the most difficult to share just because they are much more personal than any other track and sometimes the writing of them is pure catharsis and helps me to process the emotions and to get through the situation</li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Do you have any idea where you ideas come from?</span> Sometimes I feel I am the master of my creativity, others I feel I am a conduit for something more difficult to explain. I have often not given the organic songs much thought and let them be the way they were formed initially. I really like the idea of the song being considered and dissected by the crowd and by myself.</li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Do you have any advice you'd like to share with budding songwriters out there?</span> I would say write as much as you can, don’t worry if your songs aren’t amazing initially just look to other examples of mastering a task. It takes practice to discover how you work best and what sequence of crafting a song is suited to you. Enjoy it as I find it an amazing thing and seeing people sing your lyrics or post your songs is incredibly gratifying and humbling.</li>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">MORE INTERVIEWS <b><u><a href="http://www.songwriterstalkaboutsongwriting.com/p/contents_26.html">HERE</a>.</u></b> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Click on the following to find Liam on the web.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><a href="http://liammcclair.com/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">WEBSITE</a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><a href="https://soundcloud.com/liammcclair" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">SOUNDCLOUD</a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/LiamMcClairMusic" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">FACEBOOK</a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This interview was by </span><a href="http://www.benpwilliams.com/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ben Williams.</a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Find Ben on </span><a href="https://twitter.com/benpwilliams" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">TWITTER</a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/BenPWilliamsGuitar?ref=hl">FACEBOOK</a></span><br />
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Ben Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15379695904346390107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5486425464311954425.post-23364399629512029332015-06-29T07:33:00.002-07:002016-04-01T03:20:24.243-07:00Joni Fuller<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Joni Fuller is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who has been featured as an 'inspirational teenager' by The Independent, and as 'one to watch' by PRS For Music. She has also won LIPA's MIBI songwriting contest twice. Joni released her EP <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/letters-from-the-west-coast-ep/id992400199">'Letters from the West Coast'</a> in May 2015. Here she discusses her songwriting tips.</span><br />
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you have a daily songwriting routine or do you wait for inspiration to strike? </span>Definitely the latter! I can go for days or weeks without writing anything new, and then suddenly I'm working on three songs at once. It used to worry me... what would happen if the inspiration just didn't come back - but I've learnt to be patient! </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you have any tricks to get the creative juices flowing? </span>No, I really do just wait for a moment of inspiration. Having said that, I did some co-writing for the first time last year, and that had more routine about it. More recently, I've taken to using a BOSS RC300 loop-station to deliver my live shows, and this has influenced my songwriting. Knowing that I'll be performing the song solo, using a loop-pedal has shaped some of my songs. It's also a great way to 'jam' with yourself in that I can build up ideas and harmonies and swap instruments whilst writing the song. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you find you normally start with a melody or lyrics?</span> Both come at once. I've been approached by some really good lyricists and poets over the years, wanting to collaborate together, but when I write a song, the lyrical theme comes with the very first plays of the melody and chord structure, so it would be odd for me to use someone else's words. The stream of sub-consciousness usually finds words that fit the music, but it sometimes lets me down and I have to go back to the lyrics and make changes, but I try to stick as closely as possible with that original spark of lyrical creativity. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you think that melody is the most important aspect of a song?</span> Yes, but I'm very conscious of how important the lyrics are in enhancing the way the song communicates. An inspired melody can be ruined by lyrics that don't support it. I guess the key is to get both right! </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">How long does it take you to write a song?</span> The music is usually written in one (often intense!) session. I find it hard to walk away from an unfinished idea, so I am pretty much tied up until it's done... not good if I have any other commitments at around the same time! The lyrics often take longer and I’ll return to them over the following days, sometimes weeks, until I’m completely happy with them.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Could you explain a little about the writing process behind a few of your songs?</span> '<b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3RvR3gm0mQ">Pretty Blue</a></b>' tells a story rather than being a personal reflection or expression. It was actually quite a moving experience writing the song as I actually got to feel I knew the person in the song as a friend, and I found myself empathising with her. Like a number of my songs, it features the violin, which gives it a kind of mournful country feel. Also, I recorded all the parts myself, so it has a very personal feel, with the little touches on piano, vocal harmonies, etc that characterise my music. '<b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMzC-4XaTpY">Wild Wild West</a>'</b> is the first song I have written around the loop pedal. I had a few ideas mulling around in my head, and then found myself in a studio in Scotland (on the banks of Loch Fyne with stunning views across the loch and to the mountains), and the song evolved in that setting. The wild and untamed landscape definitely played a part in the musical and lyrical theme. The opening riff is also very 'loop-friendly' which made it easy to build on - and play live too. '<b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmXAbWcZLqI">The Penny</a>'</b> is the song that really defined my new sound and style. I wrote it last year (2014) and at the time it seemed a departure from what I had been used to, with much stronger folk and country influences. I liked the uplifting feel of the song and it made me want to get back to gigging, as I had taken a break from playing live for a few months whilst I reviewed and redefined my sound. The first challenge was getting this into the solo acoustic, instrument-swapping set using the loop pedal. Once I'd cracked it, after having to overcome a number of technical hitches, the flood gates opened and other songs just seemed to follow. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">What songs that other people have written do you particularly admire? </span>It would be a long list... just about everything on Prince's Parade and Joni Mitchell's Hejira albums for a start. Kate Bush is another songwriter I really admire - Hello Earth is probably my favourite; seeing her play it live last year was an amazing experience. I'm also currently obsessively listening to the new Brandon Flowers album - The Desired Effect. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you think that a technical knowledge of theory is important or does it get in the way? </span>My first instruments are violin and piano, so I've studied theory as part of a classical training. I don't think I consciously refer to any technical knowledge when writing a song but it can be very useful when I’m arranging for recording and performing. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you tend to revisit your songs and rewrite them?</span> I usually leave the melody and chords, trusting the moment of inspiration that brought them to life. I do revisit lyrics though, although it can be hard, especially after an intense creative and development process, and whether I remember to sing the new words when I'm playing live is another matter! </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you write songs with a view to being commercial and following current trends?</span> No, although I feel I have really concentrated on honing my sound over the past year. I started writing songs when I was really young (from around eight years of age) and really just allowed myself free creative reign, particularly when it came to arrangements and production, so the back catalogue is a very eclectic mix - which I'm proud of, but felt needed refining into a more consistent sound. This was especially important given the new solo acoustic live act where I swap instruments, using the loop pedal. The current acoustic sound has all the ingredients of the styles of music I love, but within a more defined and identifiable sound, which feels very natural. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Have you done much co-writing, and if so what do you see as the benefits?</span> I did some co-writing for the first time last year, and enjoyed it. I took some basic stems, and sometimes just a beat and then improvised over and around them. Sometimes the finished songs seemed to bear very little resemblance to the original stems, but it was definitely a different way of working and was actually rewarding. I didn't feel as intensely pressured by the songwriting process as I would do with a solo write, and it probably allowed me to explore some new areas too. I can see how this could be a good way of introducing some routine and regularity into writing, especially if the creative process was at a natural lull for whatever reason. It's always good to link up with other musicians too. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Who do you view as great songwriters. Who has inspired you musically/ lyrically?</span> I was Christened Joni Amelia, so it's probably no surprise that Joni Mitchell has been a big influence on my musical development and songwriting! Ironically, her song Amelia has always been an inspiration to me, especially the lyrical content. I remain completely in awe at the ease with which she finds the words to paint pictures within her songs. Prince is another big inspiration. Not just as a prolific songwriter, but also as an all-round musician and consummate professional and perfectionist - setting the bar very high for everyone else to follow. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you feel that when there's conflict/struggle in your life that it inspires better songs?</span> I don't think it has any bearing on when I write a song, but I tap into experiences and memories whilst I'm in the process of writing which makes the song more personal and honest, and probably more powerful as it comes from a personal experience. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you have any idea where you ideas come from?</span> It's a bit of a chicken and egg question, but I think the music drives the lyrical theme. For example, sombre, minor key chords/melodies will inevitably lead to darker lyrics. I rely on this musical inspiration to find the lyrical theme. I think I would find it very difficult to have to sit down with a blank sheet of paper and write words after the music was in place. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you have any advice you'd like to share with budding songwriters out there?</span> My mantra is to be honest to myself and write (and then perform) music that means something to me and inspires me in some way. You can only then hope that it does the same for others! The songwriting process can be an intense and sometimes traumatic affair - and maybe at times, to produce an inspired song, it needs to be.</span></li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">MORE INTERVIEWS <b><u><a href="http://www.songwriterstalkaboutsongwriting.com/p/contents_26.html">HERE</a>.</u></b> </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This interview was by </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.benpwilliams.com/">Ben Williams.</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Find Ben on </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://twitter.com/benpwilliams">TWITTER</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/BenPWilliamsGuitar">FACEBOOK</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<br />Ben Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15379695904346390107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5486425464311954425.post-35580680843337808512015-03-20T09:00:00.001-07:002016-04-01T03:20:33.443-07:00Tony Moore<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">An early member of Iron Maiden, keyboard player in Cutting Crew, founder of The Kashmir Club, the man behind The Bedford, radio presenter, television presenter, Tony Moore has an impressive and diverse CV covering almost every aspect of the music industry. Somehow he has also found the time to play countless shows performing his own material, including appearances at The Royal Albert Hall and a support slot with Duran Duran. Tony also writes and produces for other artists, has written 'The History of Songwriting' and been awarded a 'Gold Badge' by The British Academy of Songwriters Composers and Authors for his services to songwriters and his major contribution to the creative industry. Here he discusses his songwriting tips.</span><br />
<ol><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you have a daily songwriting routine or do you wait for inspiration to strike?</span> I am (generally) an inspirational kind of songwriter, although I like to try and write 2 or 3 songs (or fairly complete sections) each week. However I do enjoy the discipline of co-writing and knowing that we will need to deliver something and I also enjoy the challenges of working to pitch. </li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you have any tricks to get the creative juices flowing?</span> Working at about 2am is often the most inspirational time for me- but I also keep copious voice messages and notes with lyric ideas, melodies, riffs and chord sequences that I will revisit , if I am feeling dry.</li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you find you normally start with a melody or lyrics?</span> Usually the melody and a scratch lyric (that usual forms the basis of the main lyric or title) I let stream of consciousness deliver what I need (mainly). However, I often see or hear things that I know will be a good song idea and try and keep them simmering till I can get behind a guitar or piano. </li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you think that melody is the most important aspect of a song?</span> Actually yes, I always say that melody trumps lyric - there are some amazingly successful songs with fairly average lyrics where the top line is so infectious that it functions as an "ear worm"- but when you get lyric and melody equally balanced (Paul Simon, Billy Joel etc) then I think you end up with something very powerful. </li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">How long does it take you to write a song?</span> I am generally the kind of writer who likes to finish things once I have started - when in the right unpaired moment the main body of a song might come in half an hour or an hour and then I will take time "polishing " the lyric and structure - maybe revisiting over a few days till it feels complete - sometimes I might have a rush of inspired writing that hits a brick wall after the verse or chorus and then I come back to it days or weeks later with fresh ears.</li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Could you explain a little about the writing process behind a few of your songs?</span> For me it is usual a moment of inspiration that kicks things off, and generally at about 2am in the morning. <b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=veEZ0qx27ZE">Beautiful Country</a></b> is a song I wrote for <a href="http://www.ilonamusic.com/wordpress/">ILONA</a>, the artist that I am currently working with. We both love Country Music and in particular the kind if Shania/Lady Antebellum cross over genre. I had just returned from the States where I had been seeing and hearing a lot of country acts in the media over there that we don't know about in the UK and it got me thinking about why that is. It seemed to me that we actually like great country acts over here, artists like Johnny Cash and Dolly Parton have always been very popular. But I realised that much of the heart of Country music is the lyric and very often the traditional Country lyrics talk about subjects that have no resonance for us in the UK - We don't have rodeo's and cowboys, the shops don't sell Tootsie Rolls and we have no idea what a Honky Tonk is. So I began writing a ballad melody, slightly melancholic observing the differences between the culture I grew up with (cold weather, warm beer etc) and how so many Country references are alien to us. It isn't ironic or sarcastic, but simple, obvious truths about our differences. However I wanted the chorus to be uplifting and talk about what we do share. I worked at developing the themes until I came up with the idea that we can (and do) all share one Country with no borders and no boundaries and where money is no needed, one Beautiful Country called Love. Harmonically and melodically I wanted to channel the great rock ballads of the 70's but with a Country edge in the story telling.</li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">What songs that other people have written do you particularly admire? </span>The older I get the more I recognise just how brilliant Dylans songs are, especially because it is often the brilliant interpretation by other artists that show how powerful and universal his writing is. I love Imagine ( Lennon) for it's simplicity and it's honesty and the underlying sense of hope that it carries. </li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you think that a technical knowledge of theory is important or does it get in the way? </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "times";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Technical theory is really just craft and craft is something that you can choose to use (if you understand it) where it seems needed. Some of the great songwriters didn't study the craft, but they had a natural instinct for the successful construction of words, melody, harmony and rhythm.</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "times";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you tend to revisit your songs and rewrite them?</span> </span></span>Only until they are finished. I never mess with them after that - most songs happen very quickly and then I take a day or two to refine them - I may let one simmer for a week or so and see how I feel later, but once I am happy, then it's done as far as I am concerned. </li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you write songs with a view to being commercial and following current trends?</span> I have a very "pop" ear so I write the music I love, with the message I wish to impart but with all my senses being aware that I want it to find a commercial outlet. I don't follow trends but I try to cut away any excess fat and stick as much to the meat of what I am doing to make it as strong as possible.</li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Have you done much co-writing, and if so what do you see as the benefits?</span> I have done a fair amount and always enjoy the process - working with other people ALWAYS brings something different and original to the table - I don't always come away with the greatest song, but 9 times out of 10 we will have something exciting that could never have existed outside of that meeting/working environment. </li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Who do you view as great songwriters. Who has inspired you musically/ lyrically?</span> Paul Simon, John and Paul, Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, Billy Joel, Sting...oh the list could almost be endless!</li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you feel that when there's conflict/struggle in your life that it inspires better songs?</span> I think that songwriters are able to channel the frustration, hurt, disappointment and general pain in their life and make it musical..The special ones are those who create music that doesn't depress others (by being too self indulgent and miserable) but inspires them to feel a universal bond through the melody and words.</li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you have any idea where you ideas come from?</span> I believe that every song has already been written and exists somewhere in the infinite and ever present universe and that inspiration is the act of our inner energy connecting with the universe around us at a fundamental level and being able to discover this music and bring it back. I have heard so many writers say that "the song wrote itself" or that they have no idea where it came from. The challenge is that ALL songs are out there - good AND bad - and the best songwriters are the ones who instinctively know where to look for the good stuff, the bad songwriter are just the ones who bring back the first thing they find and believe it to be good enough.</li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you have any advice you'd like to share with budding songwriters out there?</span> Write all the time, no matter if you think what you are doing isn't great - it's about practice and the often cannibalising the best bit of an old song to make a new one even better. Read as much as you can - absorb language and experience and learn to observe the world around you and be hyper aware of what people say and do, as they will often give you little nuggets of creative gold to work with if you are prepared to listen.</li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">MORE INTERVIEWS </span><b style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><u><a href="http://www.songwriterstalkaboutsongwriting.com/p/contents_26.html">HERE</a>.</u></b><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Click on the following to find Tony on the web.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This interview was by </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.benpwilliams.com/">Ben Williams.</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Find Ben on </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://twitter.com/benpwilliams">TWITTER</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/BenPWilliamsGuitar">FACEBOOK</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Ben Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15379695904346390107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5486425464311954425.post-60003308754885664282015-03-11T11:09:00.001-07:002016-04-01T03:20:44.808-07:00Dave Fidler<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Dave Fidler is a singer-songwriter based in Manchester. His debut album 'I'm Not Here' has been produced by John Bramwell from I Am Kloot, who Dave has also been supporting on tour. With national radio support from BBC 6 Music, Dave is definitely one to keep an eye on. Here he discusses his songwriting tips.</span><br />
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you have a daily songwriting routine or do you wait for inspiration to strike? </span>I’m always coming up with ideas that I record onto whatever device is close to me at the time, but then they are mostly half finished ideas. The full songs tend to come in a moment of inspiration.</li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you have any tricks to get the creative juices flowing?</span> I like working out other peoples songs, especially if it’s an unusual one or a stretch for me to play. I found that doing this helps me to experiment more when writing.</li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you find you normally start with a melody or lyrics? </span>Almost always a melody over the music, then try to make sense of some garbled lyrics. I find the music bit the easy part it’s the lyrics that are a challenge. I’d love to work with a poet or lyricist who hands me brilliant song lyrics to write to, like Bernie Taupin and Elton John. Billy Bragg and Wilco did a great project called Mermaid Avenue where they put music to a load of Woody Guthrie lyrics that had been found, I loved that.</li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you think that melody is the most important aspect of a song?</span> I think it’s between melody and a good musical hook, I’m not sure Zeppelin’s tunes would have been any good without the guitar riffs and hooks running underneath the melody. I think the challenge is to keep a song interesting but simple enough to be catchy.</li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">How long does it take you to write a song?</span> Sometimes a couple of minutes and other times a couple of years.</li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Could you explain a little about the writing process behind a few of your songs?</span> I wrote<b> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q6MynKgHPLs">Easy Gone, Easy Come</a></b> about the loss of my father and birth of my son. It all happened within a year and I hadn’t written a song for a while so when I sat down to write that one I literally played the chords and sang all of the lyrics straight away, first time through. So I guess that would be one of the moments of inspiration. I have a song called <b><a href="https://davefidler.bandcamp.com/track/ailsa">Ailsa</a></b> which is Gaelic for island. It’s about someone close to me who’s been through a hard time. I’d been playing the chords and music to the song for over a year singing different melodies and lyrics and nothing seemed to fit. When it came down to finalising that song for the album I sat down without an instrument and wrote the lyrics separately, so I could really think about what I wanted to say. <b><a href="https://davefidler.bandcamp.com/track/tommy">Tommy</a></b> is a completely instrumental song that is a tribute to Tommy Emmanuel as I’d spent a lot of time working out some of his fingerstyle playing. This is my take on one of his songs so the first half of the track is me playing his song and then I improvise some blues guitar for the second half. That was fun to do and didn’t take too long once I’d got my head around the main riff.</li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">What songs that other people have written do you particularly admire?</span> I love Paul Simon’s songwriting, the fact that he can play a complex guitar part like on Armistice Day but still keep the melody beautiful and interesting is amazing. I’ve also listened to the B-side to Abbey Road more times than I can remember, I love that run of songs. There’s hundreds of songwriters and songs I admire, maybe we should do a top 50 list in another blog.</li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you think that a technical knowledge of theory is important or does it get in the way? </span>I think that there’s brilliant musicians on both sides, Hendrix on one and Jimmy Page on the other but both doing brilliant things. If I had to choose, I’d probably lean more towards the natural approach as I’m self-taught. I like playing in different tunings so that I can catch a feeling as opposed to completely understanding what I’m playing, for me that keeps the process of writing music a magical one rather than something methodical.</li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you tend to revisit your songs and rewrite them?</span> Yes all the time.</li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you write songs with a view to being commercial and following current trends?</span> No, I’m not sure how people do that, it’s a talent.</li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Have you done much co-writing, and if so what do you see as the benefits?</span> Yes I’ve written in bands for years and wrote a few of the songs on my album with my brothers and a songwriter called Mano McLaughlin. It really helps if I’ve hit a wall with a song to get someone else’s take on it. I’ve loved doing that on my album and hopefully I’ll get the chance to do it a lot more.</li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Who do you view as great songwriters. Who has inspired you musically/ lyrically?</span> I love Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohens lyrics, you can tell that to them music is a vehicle that allows words to be expressed in a more poignant way. I’ve been touring with John Bramwell from I Am Kloot over the past year who’s a prolific songwriter, he’s been a big inspiration.</li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you feel that when there's conflict/struggle in your life that it inspires better songs?</span> Anything that gets me emotional is good for writing, heartbreak etc.</li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you have any idea where your ideas come from?</span> I mostly sing what comes out of my mouth naturally and then organise it and make sense of it later, so perhaps the ideas are there already just waiting to be found.</li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you have any advice you'd like to share with budding songwriters out there?</span> If you’ve written any good lyrics I can have please get in touch!</li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">MORE INTERVIEWS </span><b style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><u><a href="http://www.songwriterstalkaboutsongwriting.com/p/contents_26.html">HERE</a>.</u></b><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This interview was by </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.benpwilliams.com/">Ben Williams.</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Find Ben on </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://twitter.com/benpwilliams">TWITTER</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/BenPWilliamsGuitar">FACEBOOK</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Ben Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15379695904346390107noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5486425464311954425.post-82752827225506363352015-02-02T03:45:00.000-08:002016-04-01T03:21:01.666-07:00Johnny Lucas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Johnny Lucas is singer-songwriter who has received airplay on BBC Radio 1, Radio 2, Radio 6 Music as well as 40 different local radio stations across the UK. Having performed to over 1000 people at Glastonbury, been selected by Cafe Nero as artist of the month and performed to the troops out in Afghanistan, Johnny does not look like an artist who will '<i>lie low'</i> for long. Here he discusses his songwriting tips. </span><br />
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you have a daily songwriting routine or do you wait for inspiration to strike? </span>I find that if I sit down with a guitar and just start strumming, after 30 mins I normally end up with at least an idea. Then I usually let it lie for a bit and come back to it later. So it's more of a gradual process. However when inspiration strikes there could be a 3/4 songs written in a day out of nowhere!</li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you have any tricks to get the creative juices flowing?</span> I normally find that I'm more creative when I'm doing something I've never done before. Or doing something that I have done before but in a slightly different way.</li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you find you normally start with a melody or lyrics?</span> Normally melody, however sometimes a strong phrase will enter my head and I get a melody afterwards.</li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you think that melody is the most important aspect of a song?</span> Yes for certain. All of the classical composers didn't even need any lyrics at all. I think it's all about getting that one hook in your head that you keep humming.</li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">How long does it take you to write a song?</span> It completely depends. A lot of the time I build songs in steps as I mentioned before, however sometimes I pick up a guitar and it just seems to flow. These songs usually take about 30 mins and they usually end up becoming my favorite songs, or my worst!</li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Could you explain a little about the writing process behind a few of your songs?</span> <a href="https://soundcloud.com/johnnylucasmusic/over-my-head"><b>Over My Head</b></a> :This song was written in Afghanistan when I went out to entertain the troops. It was 50 degrees outside and I was in a tiny cabin just with a bed in and I felt like the whole experience was just going over my head! The chords and melody got written very quickly I think in less than an hour but I did spend a lot of time on the lyrics as I was felt a lot of things out there which were quite hard to explain.<b> <a href="http://youtu.be/VSNyc6uVPY8">Lilo</a>: </b>This one is a favourite of a lot of people that come to watch my gigs. It took about 30/45 mins to write the verse and chorus but then I added the middle 8 section afterwards. It's super simple and is based around only 4 chords which I started strumming in my bedroom before the melody came a few mins later. I wanted it to sound summery and unpretentious so I decided to write the lyrics about my time on a lilo which I had in the south of france when I was broke and gigging every night. <a href="https://soundcloud.com/johnnylucasmusic/the-best-days-1"><b>The Best Days</b></a>: This song was written on the way to Tescos when I had the bass line come into my head! Then the melody came afterwards and I did a rough recording of it but then left it about a year before resuming. I wanted a positive message for the song that people could all sing along to which was just catchy all the way through. I was really chuffed when it got played on BBC Radio 1 and 2 in the same week! <a href="https://soundcloud.com/johnnylucasmusic/it-keeps-me-alive"><b>It Keeps Me Alive</b></a> :The chorus was written first in about 10 seconds which I recorded straight onto my phone. I wanted a song that was really easy for people to sing along to even if they hadn't heard it before. The verses are all about doing the opposite of what the norm is because that's often the case when you're living a musicians lifestyle but that's what keeps me alive!</li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">What songs that other people have written do you particularly admire?</span> One of my favorite songs is Mr Blue Sky by ELO and I also love Noel Gallaghers songwriting. I love the way you can tell he's just sat there strumming with his guitar until a song comes and it all just seems to flow and be very easy on the ear. Also Neon by John Mayer is a great song. You also can't argue that Happy by Pharrel Williams does tend to put you in a good mood.</li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you think that a technical knowledge of theory is important or does it get in the way? </span>I think any knowledge is good, however don't start with it. I think passion and instinct is a lot more important and will definitely result in a much stronger track that will resonate with more people.</li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you tend to revisit your songs and rewrite them?</span> I sometimes change the odd phrase here and there but generally I'm a firm believer in just writing a new one if you're not 100% happy with it.</li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you write songs with a view to being commercial and following current trends? </span>I do get inspired by what I hear on the BBC radio stations so I guess that follows trends. However my goal is to write timeless songs. I think getting a producer on board can make it sound like it fits a lot more with what's out at the moment but really the song should stay timeless.</li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Have you done much co-writing, and if so what do you see as the benefits?</span> I've done a bit here and there and it helps because you see another persons approach. This is really inspiring and gives you more confidence to write things that you wouldn't normally.</li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Who do you view as great songwriters. Who has inspired you musically/ lyrically?</span>Paul McCartney, Noel Gallagher, Alex Turner, Guy Chambers, Elbow and Dolly Parton.</li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you feel that when there's conflict/struggle in your life that it inspires better songs? </span>Yes for certain. A lot of my songs are happy songs, but I only write happy songs because I'm trying to cheer myself up. I guess that's a conflict in it's self! </li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you have any idea where you ideas come from?</span> Yes but I don't know where my ideas about my ideas come from.</li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you have any advice you'd like to share with budding songwriters out there?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Keep writing tonnes and tonnes of songs and also play them live to as many people as you physically can because they won't get out there any other way.</span></li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This interview was by </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.benpwilliams.com/">Ben Williams.</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Find Ben on </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://twitter.com/benpwilliams">TWITTER</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/BenPWilliamsGuitar">FACEBOOK</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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Ben Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15379695904346390107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5486425464311954425.post-30727461993964884872015-01-22T05:08:00.000-08:002016-04-01T03:21:18.353-07:00Jamie Lawson<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">With a number one single in Ireland, and a Youtube channel boasting well over half a million views, Jamie Lawson is an artist that is going from strength to strength. As well as his own sell out tours, Jamie has shared billing with the likes of Damien Rice, Ben Howard and James Morrison to name but a few. Jamie is currently performing to arenas across Europe as the support act on Ed Sheeran's tour. Here he discusses his songwriting tips. </span><br />
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you have a daily songwriting routine or do you wait for inspiration to strike?</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My only routine is to play as often as I can, even if it's only for 10 minutes a day. It keeps all the creative thinking cells open. I tend to find if you have to do other things away from music it takes longer to get back in to the process of it and the initial songs you write after that time away wont be particularly good. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you have any tricks to get the creative juices flowing? </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Not really. I do like watching films or TV programmes, they can often put you into a certain mood that can be useful to write from. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you find you normally start with a melody or lyrics?</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I generally just play the guitar and sing nonsense over the top until a line or melody comes through that I like and then I can play around with that. Very rarely do I have a lyric first. An idea for a lyric maybe or a title but more often than not the melody and lyrics are entwined. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you think that melody is the most important aspect of a song?</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Umm.. maybe. I was always drawn to music with a strong sense of melody when I was young; The Jackson 5 and Motown songs, The Smiths, The Beautiful South, Crowded House, R.E.M. all have a great way with melody but they're also brilliant lyrically, so words became very important to me too. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">How long does it take you to write a song?</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I've written songs in one go where only a few lines needed changing and I've taken years. It's a songwriting cliche but I never try and force a song. It'll come when it's ready. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Could you explain a little about the writing process behind a few of your songs?</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I have a song called <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3XZrpVkfiA"><b>The Quiet Man</b></a> that came about one morning after my girlfriend asked me why was I so quiet - which I can be sometimes. I wanted to write her a song that could be of comfort but the song had other ideas and came out in a more stalker-esque way. Haha. Sometimes they do that, songs like to go their own way and you have to let them. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZeGyabh8tE">Wasn't Expecting That</a></b> came around after someone literally said "I Wasn't Expecting That," to me. It struck a chord and I wondered about what wouldn't you be expecting. "It was only a smile…." the song pretty much wrote itself all up to the last two lines. I had to fight for those a little. I was a bit shocked when they came but it made complete sense. It was originally written over different chords but the way I was playing it made it sound like No Woman No Cry so I had to shift it around a little. I was always chuffed with the Em to E major change on that one. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I wrote the song <b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbYLwj-44EI">A Darkness</a></b> on a very sunny day after watching an episode of Neighbours. I don't think those two things are related but I started playing this guitar chord/riff thing that suddenly put me in the mood of something disturbing. I wrote a song about a person who loves someone so much they kill them, but as if they don't know what they're doing, like a Boo Radley character. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The idea for <b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4VlPATgh7s">Cold In Ohio</a></b> came after seeing the singer Kim Richey play in London, we were walking back to the tube station and a friend asked Kim, "Is it cold in Ohio?" The line popped straight into my head, "It's cold in Ohio, so I'm not going there." The next day I started working on it and got the chorus, researched other places where it was cold and I wouldn't want to go to and places I might but the rest of the song didn't really happen for me. About 3 weeks later I was writing with Kim when I told her about it and together we got the rest of the song. Kim's brilliant at really sticking to an idea and coaxing it out, teasing the best lines through. She came up with the line, "Love is always shifting sand, not much to believe in." I thought that was brilliant, love is shifting sand, such a great metaphor.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">What songs that other people have written do you particularly admire?</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">That's a tough one, I'm always drawn to songs that move me that doesn't mean they're clever or brilliantly written songs, or maybe, because they moved me it does. I'm a big <a href="http://www.songwriterstalkaboutsongwriting.com/2013/04/ron-sexsmith.html">Ron Sexsmith</a> fan, I think he writes both clever and emotional songs. Average Joe, Strawberry Blonde, Gold In Them Hills. I love those songs. Crowded House, Neil Finn songs. I think Together Alone is amazing. R.E.M.'s Find The River and Country Feedback. The song 'Walking far From Home' by Iron & Wine is fantastic as its just a list of things, no chorus, no bridge and its still fascinating.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you think that a technical knowledge of theory is important or does it get in the way?</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I have no technical knowledge. I learnt guitar at Primary school and everything else was just picked up along the way. I would have thought, and I don't know this for sure, that knowing the theory means you can't make a mistake, and mistakes are where the magic is, but who knows? </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you tend to revisit your songs and rewrite them?</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">No, not really. I write them and move on, they have served whatever purpose I was looking for and if not I write another. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you write songs with a view to being commercial and following current trends?</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My bank balance says no. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Have you done much co-writing, and if so what do you see as the benefits?</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I've done a little and I enjoy it although sometimes it can be difficult but some of my favourite songs are co-writes. Cold In Ohio is a co-write with Kim Richey who's a great country/americana singer. Someone For Everyone I wrote with Tim Ross, a producer I know in London. We used to write a lot when I lived there.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Who do you view as great songwriters. Who has inspired you musically/ lyrically?</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I've already mentioned them, Ron Sexsmith, Neil Finn, R.E.M. Mark Eitzel of the band American Music Club was a huge influence on me and never seemed to get the success he deserved. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you feel that when there's conflict/struggle in your life that it inspires better songs? </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Maybe it used to but not anymore. I think writing songs was probably born out of a need to release emotionally and connect to people. These days I can say hello and write about other things that aren't necessarily my thoughts. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you have any idea where you ideas come from?</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Yes, I work on things everyday therefore I'm open to being creative. I work at it. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you have any advice you'd like to share with budding songwriters out there?</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Write, listen and study. Thats the best advice I can give. But then what do I know? </span></li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">MORE INTERVIEWS <b><u><a href="http://www.songwriterstalkaboutsongwriting.com/p/contents_26.html">HERE</a>.</u></b> </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Click on the following to find Jamie on the web.</span></div>
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Ben Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15379695904346390107noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5486425464311954425.post-80919957523936190532014-09-21T04:05:00.000-07:002016-04-01T03:21:35.571-07:00Rick Witter (Shed Seven)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Shed Seven are one of the most popular bands from the Brit-pop era, achieving fifteen top 40 singles and four top 20 albums in the UK between 1994 and 1999. In 1996, Shed Seven had more hit singles than any other act. Here frontman Rick Witter describes his songwriting tips. </span><br />
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Do you have a daily songwriting routine or do you wait for inspiration to strike? </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I don't have a daily routine per se to writing. It's difficult to sit down at a set time to create as it feels too formal to me. Writing isn't like a tap, where you can turn it on and off. I can think of a lyric at any time so it's important that I carry a pen and notebook around to jot things down as my memory is terrible and I forget. Inspiration comes intermittently so I go with its flow.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Do you have any tricks to get the creative juices flowing? </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">No tricks really. I usually begin with a catchy hook or lyric and try to form an idea around that.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Do you find you normally start with a melody or lyrics? </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">That can happen either way. Sometimes I'll think of a strong lyric and play around with a melody to fit the words, but mostly the melody appears first and I'll route through some thoughts I've written down to see if the lyrics fit to the melody, and then build a story around that.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Do you think that melody is the most important aspect of a song? </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The melody is a very important part of a song. It's the thing the milkman or postman hums. If you hear that you know you've written something memorable. However lyrics are important too to convey emotions that people can relate to. It's difficult, but if you can achieve the two things within one song, you've done a good job.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">How long does it take you to write a song? </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">That varies massively from song to song. A song like Chasing Rainbows flowed out in about 20 minutes, then others can take weeks before it feels right, or after a lot of fine tuning. Most times I'd find it boring if it was too easy.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Could you explain a little about the writing process behind a few of your songs? </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">With <b><u><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MaK6Ytri26s">Chasing Rainbows</a></u></b> we found ourselves at the dog end of a European tour and were homesick. We were in Germany, it was raining really bad, we were on the tour bus after sound check late afternoon and feeling fed up. Paul came up with a guitar riff and it didn't take long to come up with the melody. The words flowed fast too and I guess the melancholy mood fitted how we were feeling. <u><b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIJbmngaqQA">On Standby</a></b></u> was written about being in the wrong place at the wrong time and being accused of a wrong when your innocent. This song also fits together nicely, going from verse to chorus and the middle 8 seems to fit really well.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">What songs that other people have written do you particularly admire? </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There are some great songwriters out there. I'm a big fan of The Smiths, and its unbelievable the amount of great songs they wrote in such a short space of time. I don't think that's been equalled.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Do you think that a technical knowledge of theory is important or does it get in the way? </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Everybody is different. That particular thing doesn't really apply to me as I go for the feel every time.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Do you tend to revisit your songs and rewrite them? </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Not really. Once a song is committed to tape it's usually a done deal and we move on to the next idea. On saying that however, there have been occasions where we have added bits to well known songs when we tour to please ourselves and keep our audience on their toes.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Do you write songs with a view to being commercial and following current trends? </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I don't think we've ever done that. We've never written to order, never really written a single or album track. We usually write a batch of songs and when they are complete we then decide which one may open an album, or be a b-side etc. lyrically I don't follow trends, I'll leave that to the one hit wonders.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Have you done much co-writing, and if so what do you see as the benefits?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: "segoe ui" , "segoe ui web regular" , "segoe ui symbol" , "helvetica neue" , "bbalpha sans" , "s60 sans" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Most of our songs were written between myself and the guitarists in Shed Seven. I'm usually given a guitar riff which ill take away and put a melody on. Then I'll think about the lyrics. This is then taken into a rehearsal room where it's put into a song format.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Who do you view as great songwriters. Who has inspired you musically/ lyrically?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">All the usual suspects really for me: Lennon/ McCartney, Morrissey/ Marr, Jagger/ Richards.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Do you feel that when there's conflict/struggle in your life that it inspires better songs? </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">To an extent yes. There's more to feed off when things in your life aren't perhaps going to plan. I find it a lot easier to write slower songs for some reason. The more upbeat songs do tend to be harder to create.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Do you have any idea where you ideas come from? </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I have no idea, and to be honest I don't want to. There is something magical about creating songs and I don't want to spoil it by questioning it.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Do you have any advice you'd like to share with budding songwriters out there? </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'd say go with the flow really. Don't over think things as you'll never finish. Just have fun and enjoy creating. And if its not happening go and do something else for a while. It's likely to hit you when your not expecting it.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; white-space: normal;">MORE INTERVIEWS </span><b style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; white-space: normal;"><u><a href="http://www.songwriterstalkaboutsongwriting.com/p/contents_26.html">HERE</a>.</u></b><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; white-space: normal;"> </span>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://shedseven.com/">WEBSITE</a></span></span></div>
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</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 21px;"><a href="https://twitter.com/Ricktw1tter">TWITTER (Rick Witter)</a></span></span></span></span></pre>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This interview was by </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.benpwilliams.com/">Ben Williams.</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Find Ben on </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://twitter.com/benpwilliams">TWITTER</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/BenPWilliamsGuitar">FACEBOOK</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> .</span></div>
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1. Do you have a daily songwriting routne or do you wait for inspiration to strike?<br />2. Do you have any tricks to get the creative juices flowing?<br />3. Do you find you normally start withmelody or lyrics?<br />4. Do you think that melody is the most important aspect of a so<br />5. How long does it take you to write a song?<br />6. Could you explain a little about the writing process behind a few of your songs? (choose 3 or 4 songs that you are particularly proud of/ have an interesting story behind te writing pr be great if the songs you talk about here are on youtube or whatever so i can put link)<br />7. What songs that other people have written do you particularly admire?<br />8. Do you think that a technical knowledge of theory is important or does it get in the way?<br />9. Do you tend to revisit your songs and rewrite them?<br />10. Do you write songs with a view to being commercial and following current trends?<br />11. Have you done much co-writing, and if so what do you see as the benefits?<br />12. Who do you view as great songwriters. Who has inspired you musically/ lyrically?<br />13. Do you feel that when there's conflict/struggle in your life that it inspires better songs?<br />14. Do you have any idea where you ideas come from?<br />15 Do you have any advice you'd like to share with budding songwriters out there?</h2>
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Ben Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15379695904346390107noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5486425464311954425.post-58795399067006750172014-09-10T03:41:00.002-07:002016-04-01T03:21:53.447-07:00Jo Rose<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">With a voice reminiscent of Neil Young and a timeless songwriting style, Jo Rose is one of Manchester's best kept secrets. With recent national radio appearances on BBC 6 Music and forthcoming European tour supporting First Aid Kit, it looks like the cat is out of the bag. Jo's debut album <a href="http://jorose.bandcamp.com/"><b>Spurs</b></a> is out now. Here he discusses his songwriting tips. </span><br />
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you have a daily songwriting routine or do you wait for inspiration to strike?</span> I wouldn’t say that I have ‘routine’, as the way songs come together seems to change every time I do it. Often it will be just sitting with an instrument until a melody or chord progression I like hits me. Sometimes it will be an idea or an image that I want to find it’s way into a song. There’s normally a point at which all these shreds of finished pieces have to find a place alongside one another. That part, at least, has to be sort of methodical and organised! </li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you have any tricks to get the creative juices flowing?</span> It can be a lot of things. Quite often, it will be going to a show, or seeing a film, hearing a record, or reading something that interests you enough to follow an idea of your own through. Sometimes you have to seek these things out, but I guess I’m always looking for things that could do this for me even when I’m not ‘really thinking about it’. </li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you find you normally start with a melody or lyrics?</span> For a long time it’s always been melodies that have stuck with me that I’ve added lyrics to after. Recently, I’ve been enjoying writing lyrics first. The wonderful thing about this is that the only constraint placed on you as to what kind of music will accompany it is the meter you choose to write the lyric in (or lack thereof). You can see how different melodies or chords frame the lyrics differently and how they interact with them more flexibly. You can see how adding music to words becomes an interpretative gesture. There’s something I enjoy about having a piece of music and just muttering bullshit over the top of it until something sticks too. Both approaches have their merits. </li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you think that melody is the most important aspect of a song?</span> I can’t really make the separation! I suppose as far as publishers are concerned, it is, but that shouldn’t matter too much. What I enjoy is the way the lyrics, melody and chords interact (not to mention choice of instruments, etc), and the fun part of the creative process is playing and working through your options to produce something that interests or excites you. </li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">How long does it take you to write a song?</span> Sometimes years, sometimes twenty minutes. It varies a lot! </li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Could you explain a little about the writing process behind a few of your songs?</span><b> <a href="https://soundcloud.com/jothomasrose/marys-dress-1">Mary’s Dress</a></b>: This is a song that was transparently non-autobiographical and spoken from the perspective of a fictional character, but I liked the way the lyrics worked enough to put it at the end of the album. It was a classic case of sitting up until late with a guitar and singing to the chords until something stuck. I wrote it during a phase of really liking using songs as a way of producing a narrative. I know that I had an idea for a story and the way I wanted the different images and ideas to work together, and I knew that I wanted it to resolve in the way it did. Nonetheless, it happened in a kind of ‘organic’ way. There’s a lot about writing it I don’t remember. <b><a href="https://soundcloud.com/jothomasrose/im-yr-kamera-1">I’m Yr Kamera</a>:</b> After a long period of not writing much, this came from visiting a friend whose home I used to lodge in and who I knew owned a piano that I loved, and told myself “you’re not leaving this place or eating until you write a song”. I sat at the piano and wrote this in a morning and afternoon. And it was a lot of fun. Sometimes you can be romantic and wait for inspiration to strike and sometimes it’s better to see it as a discipline. Whatever psychological trick works. <a href="https://soundcloud.com/jothomasrose/terrible-liar-1"><b>Terrible Liar</b></a>: This one was almost complete and hanging over me for a long while. The melody was there with the key ‘hook’ and most of the verses. It just kind of needed tying up. I wasn’t happy with how it worked. I ended up going to my friend Lucy, who has an interest in words and lyrics and writes poetry, and talked it through with her until I felt like it tied together in a way that I was pleased with. It’s sometimes good to step out of this myth that you can only be creative in this sad little vacuum. </li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">What songs that other people have written do you particularly admire?</span> At the moment “I lost something in the Hills” by Sibylle Baier I think is pretty perfect lyrically. I also really like “The Sophtware Slump” (the Grandaddy album) as a body of work in regards songwriting, lyrically, melodically and sonically. I also was really impressed by the lyrics to Nick Cave’s “Higgs Boson Blues” on his last record. Isn’t that one of the best song titles ever? Also, all the Neutral Milk Hotel stuff. Most particularly “Oh Comely”, but the songs in the oeuvre prior to that too. “Ferris Wheel on Fire”, “Everything is” are all lyrically fascinating and always keep me coming back to them. </li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you think that a technical knowledge of theory is important or does it get in the way? </span>I think it can be enormously helpful and also pretty restrictive. I sometimes wish that I knew less theory so I could play around with stuff without having so many pre-conceived ‘rules’ about how something should go. It’s still possible to surprise yourself though and the theory is so dense and complex there’s always more to investigate. </li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you tend to revisit your songs and rewrite them?</span> I almost always return to them when I feel ready and brutally edit them. Some of them, though, stay exactly the same. It depends if it feels like it’s needed. </li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you write songs with a view to being commercial and following current trends?</span> Not consciously at all. I guess the fact that I view song structure as tending towards choruses, verses and repetition shows that I’m not entirely divorced from a way of thinking about music that is at least in part directed by commerce. When I’m writing, though, I don’t really have any interest in what is a contemporary trend. A lot of contemporary music doesn’t interest me at all. Certainly the stuff that seems to be shifting a lot of units right now. I tend to just find records that grab me from whenever and take what I like from them. </li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Who do you view as great songwriters. Who has inspired you musically/ lyrically?</span> Bill Callahan, Jeff Mangum, Jason Molina, Klara and Johanna Söderberg, Gillian Welch, Jason Lytle, Gabriel Minnikin, Leonard Cohen, Nick Cave, Samantha Craine, Neil Young, Cat Power, Nina Simone, Simon Joyner, Gram Parsons, Joanna Newsom, Ray Davies, Ryan Adams, John Prine… there’s a lot of people. </li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you feel that when there's conflict/struggle in your life that it inspires better songs?</span> All songs do well with a problem or a conflict that to struggle with. Your life doesn’t have to be in any kind of turmoil directly though. You can play with things that don’t ‘work’ or cause problems or contradictions and it can be quite a joyful thing without having any guts of your own to spill. It’s another unfortunate myth that you have to be having a shit time to write a decent song. </li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you have any idea where you ideas come from?</span> Yes! All the stuff. I’m always sifting through a lot of trash. That’s the fun of it! </li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you have any advice you'd like to share with budding songwriters out there?</span> To try and always keep yourself interested. To abandon any idea of doing it ‘correctly’ and think of it as something you’re always working through. You don’t have to preach or make a grand, authentic speech. It’s just music, after all. You can do it a great disservice by taking it too seriously.</li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This interview was by </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.benpwilliams.com/">Ben Williams.</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Find Ben on </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://twitter.com/benpwilliams">TWITTER</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/BenPWilliamsGuitar">FACEBOOK</a></span></div>
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</span>Ben Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15379695904346390107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5486425464311954425.post-76156813409290959692014-08-19T08:14:00.001-07:002016-04-01T03:22:09.675-07:00Sophie Delila<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sophie Delila is a Universal recording artist with three albums to her name. She has supported acts such as Lionel Richie and Jamiroquai, collaborated with artists such as Jeff Beck and Plan B, and written songs for Westlife. Sophie's second album 'Hooked' was mostly co-written with Steve Booker, known for his success with Natalie Imbruglia, Duffy and The Sugababes. Sophie's most recent album 'My Life could Use a Remix' was released in 2014. Here she shares her songwriting tips. </span><br />
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you have a daily songwriting routine or do you wait for inspiration to strike? </span>I think you have to be ready for inspiration to strike, when it strikes. When it doesn't, you've got to look for it! I just write stuff down all the time and record melodies on my phone… And sometimes I take them to the studio with me. </li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you have any tricks to get the creative juices flowing?</span> Listening to records and watching gigs are two things that inspire me, as in 'motivate me' to write songs. Playing guitar or piano gets me started…. Almost every time. Sometimes I hear something, chords, words, sounds that touch me, and something ticks in my head… :) Can't really explain that one.</li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you find you normally start with a melody or lyrics? </span>I find it easier to start with a title and a few lines. Mostly because I try to avoid coming up with a great melody, a great vocal take with the perfect vibe, and no lyric! I usually try to hold off singing until i've got all lyrics. But there are days when I start from scratch and it all comes at the same time. That's the best way!</li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you think that melody is the most important aspect of a song? </span>I think everything is important, it depends on the song. I heard that some people who listen to music these days don't even 'hear' melodies that much. It sounds crazy but i've heard that a few times… In that case all they've got left is lyric and the character of the voice, so it better be good. :) Melody is really important to me, and I do equally appreciate smart, touching, real, authentic, original and poetic lyrics to go with it. </li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">How long does it take you to write a song?</span> From 20 minutes to a few years.</li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Could you explain a little about the writing process behind a few of your songs? '</span><b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8MtZNqg00A">What Did I Do</a>'</b> was written about a friend who I'd been close to for a little bit, before moving to another country. We kept in touch and gradually spoke less, but I would occasionally pop up online and send messages to say hi. Most of the time with sparse answers, until one day, when my friend wrote me a long message explaining he didn't want to be friends. It triggered feelings, it hurt me, I wrote a reply that I never sent. The same day I had a session with a Swedish writer, Carl Bjorsell, we talked about it… He picked up the guitar, played a few chords and I started singing the melody and lyrics from scratch, all at once, as if it was a 'condensed' version of my 4 page reply. '<b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8AUnPJ5Uu9w">Bound To Fall</a>'</b> is about a friend who passed away a few years ago in a mountain accident, while on an 'extreme' skiing trip. A few days later, I had a session with NY songwriter Julian Velard, and again … we talked about it… He started playing the piano riff of the songs (great piano player) and I sang. We threw words at each other and ended up fitting them to the melody, more or less at the same time. '<b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORgHC9OojN4">My Life Could Use A Remix</a>'</b> was written with Don Black, the famous lyricist. So naturally, he wrote the lyrics and I wrote the melody/chords. We met one afternoon, we had a coffee and chatted for 2 hours. We wrote the song in the hour that followed! </li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">What songs that other people have written do you particularly admire? </span>Many of them are by Stevie Wonder… They Won't Go When I Go… Of course I love the more commercial ones but I have a soft spot for his 'darker' and more confidential numbers. I also love current/more recent songs with a great sentiment, like Diamonds which Sia has written (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HLufNwQUeiM">which i recorded a cover of</a>). Bridge Over Troubled Water… Raspberry Beret… I mean… There's a LOT of songs. Too many I admire to list them all here really!</li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you think that a technical knowledge of theory is important or does it get in the way? </span>It's important to know when to use it and when to forget about it. Using theory can allow you to be more versatile. It's also great if you're writing with other musicians. You speak the same language and can guide each other better… Also theory may allow you to be a bit more versatile in the long run. May be if you're starting out it's nice to be a little 'limited' to what you do best with intuition, in a way… Rather than thinking in terms of theory!</li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you tend to revisit your songs and rewrite them?</span> Not very often. It's hard to change parts. But when i've done it, it's worked for the best.</li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you write songs with a view to being commercial and following current trends?</span> Not necessarily. It's so much more exciting to write something fresh that you haven't heard over and over and that everyone's doing. The dream eventually is to start the trend isn't it?</li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Have you done much co-writing, and if so what do you see as the benefits? </span>I've done a lot of co-writing, it's one of my favourite things in the creative process. It's a bet every time you write with someone new. It's not for everyone. The pressure to absolutely get a song or at least parts of a song in one afternoon works for some and not for others. I'm for experimenting and finding good creative partners.</li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Who do you view as great songwriters. Who has inspired you musically/ lyrically? </span>Stevie Wonder, Carole King, Sia, Bob Dylan (even though he's not necessarily one of my influences I do admire the guy!), Eg White, Elton John, Michael Jackson… Again… there are SO MANY. Marvin Gaye was also an amazing songwriter.</li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you feel that when there's conflict/struggle in your life that it inspires better songs?</span> It can help, for sure. It's important to remember your feelings at a certain point in time, observe the world around you, listen to your friends' stories… May be you'll be writing about their conflicts and struggles… </li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you have any idea where you ideas come from?</span> Not really. It's a mix of things i grew up with, things that are around me, and my own ways to do/play/sing things.</li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you have any advice you'd like to share with budding songwriters out there? </span>Just be authentic, smart, fresh and exciting, and write often. The rest will follow. </li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">MORE INTERVIEWS <b><u><a href="http://www.songwriterstalkaboutsongwriting.com/p/contents_26.html">HERE</a>.</u></b> </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.sophiedelila.com/">WEBSITE</a></span></span></div>
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</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 21px;"><a href="https://twitter.com/sophiedelila">TWITTER</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><div style="font-family: Times; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This interview was by </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.benpwilliams.com/">Ben Williams.</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Find Ben on </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://twitter.com/benpwilliams">TWITTER</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/BenPWilliamsGuitar">FACEBOOK</a></span></div>
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</span>Ben Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15379695904346390107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5486425464311954425.post-59328502141407447492014-08-05T09:47:00.000-07:002016-04-01T03:22:24.804-07:00Shelby Lynne<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Shelby Lynne is a Grammy award winning singer-songwriter with 12 albums to her name, including the highly successful 'I Am Shelby Lynne', and a tribute album to Dusty Springfield entitled 'Just A Little Lovin''. She has worked with renowned producers such as Bill Bottrell, Glen Ballard and Phil Ramone, and has also enjoyed the odd acting role, playing Johnny Cash's mother in the 2005 film 'Walk The Line'. Here Shelby discusses her songwriting tips.</span><br />
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you have a daily songwriting routine or do you wait for inspiration to strike?</span> I operate on emotions and inspiration only.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you have any tricks to get the creative juices flowing?</span> The only trick is being open to what the universe is gracious enough to send us.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you find you normally start with a melody or lyrics?</span> It happens both ways.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you think that melody is the most important aspect of a song?</span> Singing pretty melodies is wonderful because I love to sing. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">How long does it take you to write a song?</span> Different every time- only the song knows- I find labouring over something too long means it "ain't happening".</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">What songs that other people have written do you particularly admire?</span> Too many to name- way too many. There are technically crafted songs that are brilliant- as well as inspired pieces that kind of write themselves. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you think that a technical knowledge of theory is important or does it get in the way? </span>Knowledge of any sort is never in the way.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you tend to revisit your songs and rewrite them?</span> Sometimes I revisit- most times revisit- I want it to be better- I'm older now and want to spend more time than I used to.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you write songs with a view to being commercial and following current trends?</span> Hell no!</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Have you done much co-writing, and if so what do you see as the benefits?</span> Enough collabs to know that sometimes I want it- sometimes I don't. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Who do you view as great songwriters. Who has inspired you musically/ lyrically? </span>Lifes great troubadours like Woody Guthrie and Kris Kristofferson, Carole King, Dolly Parton. Ron Sexsmith is tender; love.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you feel that when there's conflict/struggle in your life that it inspires better songs? </span>Yes- I use it.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you have any idea where you ideas come from? </span>Life, love ,pain, spirit.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Do you have any advice you'd like to share with budding songwriters out there?</span> Write your soul.</span></li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">MORE INTERVIEWS </span><b style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><u><a href="http://www.songwriterstalkaboutsongwriting.com/p/contents_26.html">HERE</a>.</u></b><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.shelbylynne.com/">WEBSITE</a></span></span></div>
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</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 21px;"><a href="https://twitter.com/shelbylynne_68">TWITTER</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><div style="font-family: Times; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This interview was by </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.benpwilliams.com/">Ben Williams.</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Find Ben on </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://twitter.com/benpwilliams">TWITTER</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/BenPWilliamsGuitar">FACEBOOK</a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Ben Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15379695904346390107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5486425464311954425.post-17939547270234680562014-04-24T03:18:00.001-07:002016-04-01T03:22:42.064-07:00Lisa Redford<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Described by Bob Harris on BBC Radio 2 as "one of our finest singer-songwriters", Lisa has been making waves with her acclaimed releases 'Slipstream', 'Lost Again', 'Clouds with Silver' and 'Reminders'. A compelling live performer, Lisa has shared the stage with respected artists such as <a href="http://www.songwriterstalkaboutsongwriting.com/2013/07/kathryn-williams.html">Kathryn Williams</a>, <a href="http://www.songwriterstalkaboutsongwriting.com/2013/08/jess-klein.html">Jess Klein</a> and Laura Veirs and has been a regular feature on the festival circuit. Lisa is also a regular columnist for 'Songwriting Magazine' so she is no stranger to sharing her songwriting tips:</span><br />
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<ol><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you have a daily songwriting routine or do you wait for inspiration to strike? </span>I don’t have a daily routine but I always keep my trusty note book with me in case inspiration strikes and so I can jot down words and ideas. There’s been random moments when I get really inspired and often this has come when I’ve been doing something else unrelated to music. I love those times when you’re really in the zone and song ideas are just flowing.</li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you have any tricks to get the creative juices flowing? </span>If I’m feeling stuck with my writing, taking a break from a song, letting in breathe and revisiting it later fresh is definitely a good thing for me. I also try going for a walk, being open to inspiration all around me. Really observing and absorbing my surroundings really helps. Switching instruments like moving to the ukulele can also provide some new melodic ideas. </li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you find you normally start with a melody or lyrics? </span>When I write, it’s usually the melody or phrase that comes first. I often play around with a chord progression then find a melody that works within that. Once I've got a melody that I'm happy with, I then start to develop the theme and play my guitar while getting a rhythm and singing the melody over it. Sometimes it differs but the lyrics usually come last. If a phrase is interesting and evocative to me, I will use that as inspiration for the theme and include it within the song. Some of my tracks seem to have written themselves once I’ve gotten the title. My songs ‘Never Was A Yesterday’ and ‘Makes Your Heart Sing’ arose while having a conversation with friends. There might be something people say that triggers my imagination and it turns into a song. Another song, ‘Slipstream’ started with the title, it felt like an interesting metaphor for striving forward with my career and not getting left behind. </li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you think that melody is the most important aspect of a song? </span>Personally I’m a huge fan of melody and most of my all-time favourite songs have really strong and memorable melodies. A great melody certainly grabs the attention but I don’t think it’s the only important aspect of a song, it’s the combination of a few things, some songs have a powerful lyrical theme, distinct riff or interesting arrangement that can really lift a track. I try not to record too much on my laptop when I first get something. If I forget all about the melody and remember it later on that’s a great indication that’s it’s memorable. However, lately I’m getting into the habit of singing into my phone or laptop, just in case, would hate the thought of losing something that could’ve had potential! </li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">How long does it take you to write a song? </span>It can vary from half an hour to a few months on and off. When I feel really inspired and have some words and a theme, sometimes the song can be very quick to finish. It's a dream when the process is fast and instinctive, when you write something you're really excited about and you can't resist playing it over and over. Sometimes a random phrase just comes out, ideas flow and it just feels right. Somedays its easy and words flow, others take some time for me to feel satisfied with them. My song ‘So Many Words’ took awhile as I had the verses but needed something inbetween. Later I came up with a middle section that fitted perfectly into the song. It’s really exciting when you get that feeling you have just written something good. </li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Could you explain a little about the writing process behind a few of your songs?</span> There’s definitely a personal strand running through most of my songs and a lot of material comes from my own experiences. ‘<a href="http://youtu.be/Xl0H-JtNJN0">New York Song</a>’ came from one of my early stays in New York and reflects a time when I was moving into a new chapter in my life. Like a lot of my songs it’s a really bittersweet song, feeling that mix of sadness about moving on from the past but also hopeful too. I’ve been fortunate to have also been based in New York City and both ‘<a href="https://soundcloud.com/lisaredford/summer-on-the-l">Summer on the L</a>’ and ‘<a href="http://youtu.be/uSVi3earND8">Dreaming In Crowds</a>’ are inspired by my time living in the Big Apple. ‘<a href="http://youtu.be/HOkUWwQWr2E">Summer on the L</a>’ is about riding the L train between Brooklyn and Manhattan and observing all the life on there. ‘<a href="https://soundcloud.com/lisaredford/dreaming-in-crowds">Dreaming in Crowds</a>’ is inspired by moving to a big city, wandering the busy streets and chasing your dreams. ‘<a href="https://soundcloud.com/lisaredford/dragonfly">Dragonfly</a>’ has a really nostalgic sentiment, it's about friendship and those moments in life when you have this real feeling of peace and happiness. It came about when I was in India on a long car journey with friends, the sun was setting and we’d all shared this magical relaxing day.</li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">What songs that other people have written do you particularly admire?</span> I’m fascinated by songwriting and love hearing how my favourite writers came up with their songs. Hearing a great song motivates and inspires me to really push myself. There are so many songs I love, here’s some of my all-time favourites that have resonated. Ryan Adams ‘La Cienega Just Smiled’ has such a great feel. Rosie Thomas ‘Wedding Day’ love the lyrics and bittersweet sentiment. Kate Bush ‘This Woman’s Work’ I love a lot of Kate Bush’s music and this is such a moving song. Joni Mitchell ‘River’ another incredibly moving song. Other favourites include Josh Rouse ‘Rise’, Sufjan Stevens ‘Chicago’ , Boo Hewerdine ‘Birds are leaving’ , Nick Drake ‘Northern Sky’,Sandy Denny ‘Who Knows Where the Time Goes’. The Smiths and Morrissey have been a soundtrack to my life ever since I heard ‘The Smiths’ eponymous debut and ‘Hatful of Hollow’. There are so many songs to choose from that have resonated with me but ‘Suedehead’ has always been a big favourite and reminds me of my first trip alone to the US to visit friends who were living in San Francisco. I love Morrissey’s unique and humorous lyrics and especially those early singles with Stephen Street like ‘Everyday is Like Sunday’ and ‘The Last of the Famous International Playboys’.</li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you think that a technical knowledge of theory is important or does it get in the way? </span>I have certain chord progressions I use and have a fondness for major sevenths and minor sevenths which have a lovely warmth and sweet melancholic quality. I love how on ‘Tapestry’ Carole King combines the minor and major on timeless songs like ‘It’s Too Late’ and ‘You’ve Got a Friend’ which has definitely inspired me. Generally though I don’t think technical knowledge of theory is overly crucial, the more you play music and write usually you get a sense of what sounds and feels right.</li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you tend to revisit your songs and rewrite them? </span>Only when I play some of the older songs live, I sometimes change the arrangement or play at a different tempo. I’ve also begun playing some of my songs on ukulele and even sing a couple of tracks a capella live.</li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you write songs with a view to being commercial and following current trends? </span>No, the majority of my songs are in the acoustic folk, Americana style and I just write the style I like without paying too much attention to what is the current trend. I have also written and recorded dance and indie songs and certainly keep up with what is current in those genres but it doesn’t inform my writing. When I've been asked to write top-line melodies on someone's dance track I'm much more likely to see what's popular and be inspired by commercially successful songs.</li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Have you done much co-writing, and if so what do you see as the benefits? </span>I wrote the music for the title song in a short film and the lyrics were written by the director. I really enjoyed the challenge of putting music to another person's lyrics and would love to have the opportunity to collaborate and co-write with others, particular those whose work I admire. I do think there can be great benefits to have someone else's ideas especially if you're struggling with a particular lyric or melody.</li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Who do you view as great songwriters. Who has inspired you musically/ lyrically? </span>There are certain artists whose wonderful music has really influenced me and moved me. I’m inspired by songwriters such as Ryan Adams, Josh Rouse, Kings of Convenience, Sufjan Stevens, Shawn Colvin and I also love the sound of classic singer/songwriters of the 70's like Neil Young, Carole King, James Taylor, Al Stewart, Cat Stevens and Paul Simon. I’m also a big indie music fan and love many bands especially The Smiths. The combination of Morrissey’s witty, direct and unique lyrics and Johnny Marr’s distinctive melodic guitar are in a league of their own. Kate Bush is also another huge musical inspiration. Her music has such an ethereal and magical quality; it was like nothing I’d ever heard before.</li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you feel that when there's conflict/struggle in your life that it inspires better songs? </span>Certainly songs tend to come when there’s a lot going on in my life, whether it's a conflict or a change. I find you have a lot to say when you're experiencing something major. I don't think it necessarily produces better songs but songs coming from a real place can show real emotion and I think people really respond when things come from the heart. My album ‘Clouds with Silver’ and EP ‘Reminders’ definitely reflect my experiences and emotions at the time. </li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you have any idea where your ideas come from? </span>A lot of my ideas for songs are inspired from my own personal experiences. Sometimes I’ll have a specific idea reflecting what I’m going through. I’ll also feel really inspired after certain books and films that have captured my imagination while other songs have had a more general message. ‘Live Your Life’ is about chasing your dreams and not letting things stand in your way despite facing setbacks and pain. I’m fascinated by the music business and the nature of fame, ‘When You Come Home’ looks at the aftermath, someone who has had the adulation and success and lost it.</li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you have any advice you'd like to share with budding songwriters out there? </span>It is very tough and challenging these days if you’re an independent songwriter so it’s important to be passionate about what you do, be true to yourself and not follow other styles, plus keeping focused and persisting at it. It's also important to try and attain a nice balance between your writing and time promoting your music. It can be frustrating when you’d rather be creative but it’s essential these days to have a strong online presence. Ensure you align yourself with the right publications and radio that are suited to your particular genre so that can also entail some extensive online work and research. Keep a blog and post new music online as people all over the world can potentially see you and get to know your music</li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This interview was by </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.benpwilliams.com/">Ben Williams.</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Find Ben on </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://twitter.com/benpwilliams">TWITTER</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/BenPWilliamsGuitar">FACEBOOK</a></span></div>
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Ben Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15379695904346390107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5486425464311954425.post-17591048138849911322013-11-26T03:06:00.001-08:002016-04-01T03:23:07.828-07:00Emma Stevens<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Emma Stevens describes herself as a singer-songwriter who sings "haunting folk/pop songs with lots of twist and sparkle". A firm Radio 2 favourite, Emma has found herself a regular on the playlist and enjoyed appearances on the Chris Evans and Terry Wogan shows. Emma has worked with established artists and songwriters all over the world; Korean boy band 'Shinee' performed one of Emmas songs on their number one album. A multi-instrumentalist who plays guitar, piano, cello, ukulele, banjo, mandolin, percussion and baritone guitar, Emmas talents are showcased on 4 E.Ps and her album 'Enchanted'. Here Emma shares her songwriting tips. </span><br />
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you have a daily songwriting routine or do you wait for inspiration to strike?</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> I usually wait for inspiration to strike. That said, it happens a lot! </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you have any tricks to get the creative juices flowing?</span> Not really, I try to read as much as possible, I enjoy people watching (I hope that's not too weird!) and I use a lot of my experiences in my own life to write a lyric. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you find you normally start with a melody or lyrics?</span> Both. Sometimes I start with a title, sometimes I start with a melody. I like to mix it up :)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you think that melody is the most important aspect of a song?</span> I think that melody and lyrics are both very important. I think what makes a song great is when you can get them both right :)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">How long does it take you to write a song?</span> It depends. I wrote 'Sunflower' in about 2 hours. It just needed to come out of me I think! Sometimes I get into writers block and it can take days to finish one!</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Could you explain a little about the writing process behind a few of your songs?</span> When I wrote '<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TfNb6f9Leko">A Place Called You</a>' we really wanted to make it a happy song. But when you hear the ballad version, the lyric transpires as really quite sad! It's amazing to be able to write a song that can be interpreted in more than one way. We sat back and listened and thought... How could we make a sad song sound so happy!! When I wrote '<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_OYi6i4Y6k">Sunflower</a>' I came up with the title because my Mum used to grow Sunflowers at the bottom of the garden when I was a little girl, and I really felt the urge to use that and turn it into a lyric. It's one of the saddest songs I have written, but I just desperately needed to - it helped me in the grieving process after losing my Mum and it helps me every day when I sing it on stage. To be able to have a song as a catharsis is really special and I'm proud of that. :) '<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kKRfR9aLSUg">This is For You</a>' came out because I wanted to write a song for society. I was talking with my co-writer Pete, about how I feel when I smile at someone when they don't smile back and we turned it into a song. I had my "celtic" hat on when writing the melody and we put in a rogue bar of 2 (music talk!). I really like to challenge myself when it comes to melody and rhythm!</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">What songs that other people have written do you particularly admire?</span> 'Graceland' by Paul Simon, 'Belief' by John Mayer.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you think that a technical knowledge of theory is important or does it get in the way?</span> I think it can work either way. I like to use theory every now and then to help me, but I also think you can write a beautiful song with just 2 chords...!</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you tend to revisit your songs and rewrite them?</span> Often I will try and really hone the lyric, or change a few chords around, but it's still for me a part of writing the song. I don't really consider it revisiting.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you write songs with a view to being commercial and following current trends?</span> When I wrote 'A Place Called You' I always visualised it being quite "commercial" but I never write just to follow a trend. It has to come from my heart. Having said that, when writing with/for other people I tend to write from a different point of view.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Have you done much co-writing, and if so what do you see as the benefits?</span> Lots and lots. 2 brains are better than one etc. I love co writing, I think writing can be a very solitary business and it's nice to share it. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Who do you view as great songwriters. Who has inspired you musically/ lyrically?</span> Charlie Midnight. I've been very lucky enough to write with him too. I adore him! </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you feel that when there's conflict/struggle in your life that it inspires better songs?</span> I don't know if it inspires me necessarily. But I certainly find it has an effect on the mood of my writing. When I lost my Mum, writing was such a catharsis, a wonderful way of releasing my emotions.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you have any idea where you ideas come from?</span> I am always writing down notes and singing into my "voice memo's" app. Sometimes I'll take an idea from that for a song. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you have any advice you'd like to share with budding songwriters out there? </span>Listen to each other, enjoy what you're doing and you can't go wrong, songwriting is subjective! </span></li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"></span></span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">MORE INTERVIEWS </span><b style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><u><a href="http://www.songwriterstalkaboutsongwriting.com/p/contents_26.html">HERE</a>.</u></b><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This interview was by </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.benpwilliams.com/">Ben Williams.</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Find Ben on </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://twitter.com/benpwilliams">TWITTER</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/BenPWilliamsGuitar">FACEBOOK</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> .</span></div>
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Ben Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15379695904346390107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5486425464311954425.post-89797421596639727762013-11-02T05:25:00.003-07:002016-04-01T03:23:22.193-07:00Dan Wilson<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Dan Wilson is a Grammy Award winning singer, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist. Best known as the lead singer of Semisonic, he is the man behind such classics as 'Closing Time', 'Secret Smile' and 'Chemistry'. Cast an eye over Dans collaborators and it becomes clear that he is a highly sought after songwriting partner and producer; Pink, Carole King, Taylor Swift, John Legend, Dixie Chicks and Josh Groban are amongst those on the list. Dan also contributed three tracks to Adele's worldwide smash album '21', including the hit 'Someone Like You' and won a Grammy for album of the year.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Dan is releasing his third solo album in the spring of 2014. The first track from this album '<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNsO3ENU3oA&feature=player_embedded">Disappearing</a>' will be released on 7th November 2013. Here Dan shares his songwriting tips. </span><br />
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you have a daily songwriting routine or do you wait for inspiration to strike?</span> I have a daily creative routine AND I wait for inspiration to strike. My philosophy came from an art teacher of mine, Tina Stack, who said, "You have to be in your studio, working, as much as possible, so you're there when the muse comes to visit. If you're out at the bar when the muse visits your studio, you're out of luck." So I have daily times when I try to play the piano, listen to song ideas, draw pictures, do calligraphy. And then I like to rebel against those times by doing other creative things. I like to set a time to do calligraphy, for example, and then write a song during that time. That's fun, and it feels naughty and like a freebie.</span></li>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you have any tricks to get the creative juices flowing? </span>I listen to music I love, or play Jobim songs or Duke Ellington songs on the piano. When I'm doing a co-write, I usually end up spending most of the first day just talking with my collaborator, telling stories, having fun, getting a feel for what might sound great coming from their voice. That gets my creative engine warmed up. Then I have an easy time getting into the spirit of play and creativity, because I know what I think would be cool to hear from their voice.</li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you find you normally start with a melody or lyrics? </span>Hopefully both melody and lyrics at the same time. At least get several lines of lyrics with the melody. Then I know the melody can support lyrics, and once I've made three or four lines scan well with the rhythm, it gets much easier to plug words into that rhythm.</li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you think that melody is the most important aspect of a song?</span> Yes, melody and the title are the most important aspects of a song. Those things and also the lyrics not being terrible, that's important.</li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">How long does it take you to write a song? </span>Hopefully a day or two at the most. The best ones come in less than an hour.</li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">What songs that other people have written do you particularly admire?</span> "Yesterday" - The Beatles, "She's Leaving Home" - The Beatles, "Norwegian Wood" - The Beatles, "Day After Day" - Badfinger, "Fast Car"- Tracy Chapman, "Grown Men Don't Cry" - Tim McGraw, "Sophisticated Lady" - Ellington, "Meditation" and "One Note Samba" by Jobim, "Where Do the Children Play" - Cat Stevens, "Crazy" - Gnarls Barkley, "Set Fire to the Rain" - Adele, oh man the list is going to get long. </li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you think that a technical knowledge of theory is important or does it get in the way?</span> Technical knowledge is great if you want to be able to communicate musically with other people. You need to master a couple of different languages, either the Nashville number system, or folk guitar chord names, or jazz fakebook notation, or classical treble/bass clef notation - just to be able to explain things to your fellow musicians. If you never plan to collaborate, then you don't need any of these musical languages.</li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you tend to revisit your songs and rewrite them?</span> I revisit a song and re-write it every two years or so, maybe even less often. It usually doesn't end well when I try that. I'm slow to finish songs sometimes, but I'm really good at finishing something and being done and never looking back.</li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you write songs with a view to being commercial and following current trends?</span> No. If I really enjoy some trendy thing, it'll maybe seep into my work by osmosis. But I try not to care about trends. They go by very fast, you can't chase them, you can only really start them or ignore them.</li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Have you done much co-writing, and if so what do you see as the benefits?</span> I've co-written several hundred songs, I think, and my biggest hits have been co-writes. So of course I think it's a good idea.</li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Who do you view as great songwriters. Who has inspired you musically/ lyrically? </span>McCartney. Lennon. Elvis Costello. Tracy Chapman. Joni Mitchell. Carole King. Dylan. Led Zeppelin. Gordon Lightfoot. Cat Stevens. James Taylor. Ray Lamontagne. Ellington. Antonio Carlos Jobim. </li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you feel that when there's conflict/struggle in your life that it inspires better songs? </span>Yes. Pain makes for good songs. But chaos is bad for my writing. Even if I'm in pain, I can write as long as there's peace around me. If life is in turmoil, I usually have to wait until things calm down before I can write about it.</li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you have any idea where you ideas come from?</span> No! I just open my mind and ideas drop into it.</li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you have any advice you'd like to share with budding songwriters out there? </span>Write lots of songs. Lots. Finish everything you start, as soon as you can. Teach your brain the habit of finishing stuff. Then when you get a great idea, your brain will naturally finish it wihtout fussing over it. Don't hold onto ideas, don't save them - spend them. Years ago I was listening to a Bruce Springsteen concert bootleg and was amazed that lots of the songs on the bootleg had bits and pieces that he later used in other songs. He finished songs, tried them out live, then later would cannibalize the best bits for his newer songs. That's a great way to go.</li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This interview was by </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.benpwilliams.com/">Ben Williams.</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Find Ben on </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://twitter.com/benpwilliams">TWITTER</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/BenPWilliamsGuitar">FACEBOOK</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> .</span></div>
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Ben Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15379695904346390107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5486425464311954425.post-46518997719686752242013-09-20T04:24:00.000-07:002016-04-01T03:23:41.057-07:00Jeremy Cunningham (The Levellers)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This week 'Songwriters talk about Songwriting' interviews Jeremy Cunningham, bass player and one of the founder members of The Levellers. Founded in Brighton in 1988, The Levellers long successful career includes such highlights as a number one UK album with 'Zeitgeist', several appearances at Glastonbury on the Pyramid Stage, and appearances on Top of the Pops and BBC Radio 1 and 2. Here Jeremy, who also does the artwork for the band, shares his songwriting tips.</span><br />
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<ol>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">How does songwriting work within The Levellers?</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;">I'm the bass player in the band (and I do the artwork) and I also write some of the words. The breakdown basically is that our two main singers, Mark and Simon, write lyrics and music (ie their own songs), sometimes I'll write words for either if them and they'll add the music. The other guys in the band all write music but not words for these songs and we all do the arrangements. So it's pretty much a team effort. That's why our tunes are always credited to all of us, even though one of the singers may have written pretty much all of it - or very little: that's the way it goes. That way too all the songwriting money gets split equally, so we never argue over money!!</span> </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "new york" , "times" , serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you have a daily songwriting routine or do you wait for inspiration to strike? </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I don't have any routine- other than putting myself outside my normal comfort zone (essential for any artist!), then I wait for the muse...</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 22px;">Do you find you normally start with a melody or lyrics?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;">I only write words but I always write them to a rhythm (or to anyone else's tune) because our singers will be playing guitar when they sing them (and write the appropriate music).</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Do you think that melody is the most important aspect of a song? </span>No, it's the words. </span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">How long does it take you to write a song? </span>Could take minutes or months.</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Could you explain a little about the writing process behind a few of your songs? </span><span class="Apple-style-span">I've got a book I note down ideas in- from one line to whole songs or more. Then I'll join up the lines and fill in the blanks or edit down the long ones, or just use what's there as a trigger for something else.... Hopefully better! But I've got loads a great lines that I've never been able to make work as proper songs too- yet.</span> </span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">What songs that other people have written do you particularly admire? </span>M</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">y favourite songs change but classics I suppose are 'London Calling'- Clash, 'Exodus' - Bob Marley, 'Ohio' - Neil Young.</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Do you think that a technical knowledge of theory is important or does it get in the way? </span>T</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">heory in all art I suppose is useful but can also be inhibiting... We work more in intuition, especially those of the band who are self-taught.</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you tend to revisit your songs and rewrite them? </span>Y</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">es I re-visit words over and over again. But Mark, our lead singer, is much more an initial creative impression, he doesn't change his words much when he's written them, though he may work on the music.</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Do you write songs with a view to being commercial and following current trends? </span>N</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">o we don't think about trends. Though we're big fans of new music so unconsciously we'll reflect some of those things... As a band that's been together for 25 years now I can tell you that if you keep playin what is true to you, you'll be in fashion when you're new and exiting, drop out when someone newer comes along, then come back into the public eye every now and then after that! And that's fine...</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Have you done much co-writing, and if so what do you see as the benefits? </span>W</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">e've never really done any co-writing. Got enough between us. </span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"> Who do you view as great songwriters. Who has inspired you musically/ lyrically?</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "new york" , "times" , serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 22px;">I r</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">eally admire the bands I mentioned in question seven, plus Led Zeppelin, Public Enemy, Crass, The Libertines and new bands like Tame Impala, Wolfpeople, Syd Arthur, plus more trad folk guys like Christie Moore, Bob Dylan, the Bothy Band.</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Do you feel that when there's conflict/struggle in your life that it inspires better songs? </span>Y</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">es for me all creativity comes from conflict and opposition, be it in life, love, whatever... </span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Do you have any idea where you ideas come from? </span>I</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 22px;">deas come from all of the above (especially question 13!)..</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you have any advice you'd like to sha</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">re with budding songwriters out there? </span>O</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">nly advice I've got I say the same every time I'm asked- make sure you write the truth as you see it and hopefully enjoy doing it, because there's no guarantee (quite the opposite) that you'll get anywhere in terms of (especially commercial) recognition etc! But if you're telling the truth and getting off in it, that's infectious and folk buy into that commitment. So that's my advice, for what it's worth. </span></span></li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This interview was by </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.benpwilliams.com/">Ben Williams.</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Find Ben on </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://twitter.com/benpwilliams">TWITTER</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/BenPWilliamsGuitar">FACEBOOK</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> .</span></div>
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Ben Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15379695904346390107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5486425464311954425.post-3692979719316903982013-09-15T04:24:00.002-07:002016-04-01T03:23:56.367-07:00Lánre<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Lánre is a singer-songwriter whose music can be best described as acoustic soul with influence from her Nigerian heritage of storytelling and folk music, along with her background in gospel music. She has performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Greenbelt Festival and as far and wide as Canada and Paris. Her debut album 'Pen Voyage Chapter One: Singing For Change' was released in 2011 and was played on BBC6 Music and BBC London. Here Lánre discusses her songwriting tips. </span><br />
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you have a daily song writing routine or do you wait for inspiration to strike?</span> I don’t have a routine but I do have a pen and pad on me so that I can write when ‘inspiration strikes’ (and my iPhone is not filled with ideas and notes) I actually have a song that talks about our relationship with inspiration as creative people. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you have any tricks to get the creative juices flowing?</span> I wish I did, maybe I’ll churn out songs more quickly. I listen to a lot of singers and songwriters that inspire me. Some for the music, some for the words and then I pray the right words and music come to me. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you find you normally start with a melody or lyrics?</span> For me, a large percentage of the time, the words come first. An idea, a word, a sentence, a phrase and then I just write as much as I can on the theme, with no structure or rhyme to start with. I then structure it out into verses, intros and choruses, then I start to figure out what the music is. I don’t know if this is because the guitar is still very new to me. Maybe this will change with time… who knows. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you think that melody is the most important aspect of a song?</span> I think everything is important to the storytelling / song writing process. I like it when a song is saying something that makes me go wow! Most times the words do that for me but sometimes the melody or groove of the song does something to my heart. I think that’s when a connection is made. Every songwriter or storyteller wants that to happen. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">How long does it take you to write a song?</span> However long the song needs to take, I guess. I always know when a song’s finished saying what it needs to say as far as the words are concerned. I can’t even explain what that is but I know when it’s done and whatever’s left is just fine tuning. It’s however different when I am asked to write a song for an event or a project though then it’s different because then I am working towards a deadline and others are waiting on me to deliver. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Could you explain a little about the writing process behind a few of your songs?</span> '<b><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZqLst5M26hI">Inspiration</a></b>' I knew I needed one more song for my album and that got me thinking about how interesting inspiration is. How it sometimes comes when you least expect it to and other times you go searching for it and it hides from you. That idea became the final song that completed the record. I imagine if I had an audience with this entity we call inspiration what will I say to her, him or it? So I started to write out my thoughts when I thought I had said everything I wanted to say, I started playing around with guitar chords and picking patterns that I think expresses what I’m trying to say. '<b><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3tTFR8dA3s">Beautiful</a></b>' This is a song I describe as a lullaby to my younger self. If I had to go back in time to speak to my younger self what would I say to her? So I imagined that I’ll start by saying…. 'Once upon a time, there was a little girl… ' .This song too started with me writing all I wanted to say to this little girl and then working on combining the couple of guitar chords I knew to form a melody that I think will tell the story of 'Beautiful'. '<b><a href="https://soundcloud.com/lanreworld/08-l-nre-love-way">Love Way'</a> </b>This is the only song on the album that the music was written before the words were fully written. I had just one line that wouldn’t let me go for weeks “Now that we’ve found God” I wasn’t sure if the song wanted to be written in third person or first person. I wasn’t sure what the full story was but I know there was a thought waiting to be fully formed. Then one day, I was messing about with a picking pattern I already used in writing a completely different song, then I changed up the combination of chords and the songs was pretty much written that day. Words and music. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">What songs that other people have written do you particularly admire?</span> Songs that I really like… Loads and Loads but here are some. 'Indiscriminate Act of Kindness' – Foy Vance. 'Still young' – Broken Boat. 'The Storyteller’s Psalm' – Femi Temowo. 'Grow Till Tall' – Jonsi. 'Eye Adaba' – Asa. 'Laughing With' – Regina Spektor. '57821' – Janelle Monae. 'Nayan' – Fatoumata Diawara. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you think that a technical knowledge of theory is important or does it get in the way?</span> I have no technical or theoretical knowledge of music so I wouldn’t know if it gets in the way or not. I grew up in church and spent 20 years in Nigeria where music is a part of people’s lives and existence. I would imagine that if you limit music to what you can and cannot score up on a sheet then you’ll be missing out on a lot and maybe the theoretical aspect of music is just explaining or an attempt at explaining what we already know. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you tend to revisit your songs and rewrite them?</span> No, there are more new songs to be written and if I think there’s more to be said, I’ll rather write a part B than going back to re-write an already written song. An unfinished song however is a completely different story. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you write songs with a view to being commercial and following current trends?</span> Songwriting is very personal for me, more like a private therapy session with my notebook. So the last thing on my mind when I’m writing is the current sound or radio play. I do understand that there’s the business side of music and every artist’s dream is to get the music out there to as many listeners as possible but I still don’t think about trends when I write. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Have you done much co-writing, and if so what do you see as the benefits?</span> I played in a band for close to 8 years before I started on a solo career and we did a lot of writing together. The benefits of that is of course working with a team of writers helps you to bounce off ideas and someone can always come up with a better way to say something. There’s the saying about iron sharpening iron and writing with people that have the same vision as you is a pretty cool experience. Having said that, learning to play the guitar has really given me the confidence to share my thoughts and I enjoy the solitary experience as well. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Who do you view as great songwriters. Who has inspired you musically/ lyrically?</span> Anyone who’s able to tell a story through song that resonates with me is great. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you feel that when there's conflict/struggle in your life that it inspires better songs? </span>Life is full of contradiction. I think most people are searching and trying to find meaning in all the conflict. Artists in writing, we try to articulate our thoughts about those contradiction and hopefully find peace or harmony. It’s what makes life interesting. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you have any idea where your ideas come from?</span> I absolutely believe that inspiration comes from God. I can’t even prove that and I really don’t have to, because that’s what it means (for me) to believe. I imagine creativity is God’s way of sharing with us a little bit of what makes Him divine. I also imagine that those moments when we are blessed with inspiration is like eavesdropping on heaven’s conversation. (I have a song about that actually) </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you have any advice you'd like to share with budding songwriters out there?</span> I’m a budding songwriter so I’m not sure I’m in a place to give advice. I read something the other day… maybe it may resonate with someone too. - "Popularity contests are not truth contests. Your task is to be true not popular...." (Dr Luke quoting Jesus via the Message translation).</span></li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This interview was by </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.benpwilliams.com/">Ben Williams.</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Find Ben on </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://twitter.com/benpwilliams">TWITTER</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/BenPWilliamsGuitar">FACEBOOK</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> .</span></div>
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<!--EndFragment-->Ben Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15379695904346390107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5486425464311954425.post-55577658517782161452013-09-09T06:31:00.004-07:002016-04-01T03:24:38.579-07:00Delta Maid<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Delta Maid is a Liverpudlian singer-songwriter who has immersed herself in Delta blues and gospel. Her debut album 'Outside Looking In' was released on Geffen Records in 2011. Delta has supported acts such as Ray Lamontagne, Bryan Ferry, Martha Wainwright and Ron Sexsmith and has enjoyed success as a hit songwriter in Nashville. Here she shares her songwriting tips.</span><br />
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you have a daily songwriting routine or do you wait for inspiration to strike?</span> For my own material as an artist I usually wait for inspiration to strike me and it normally does come at the least expectant of times, i.e. 3/4am in the morning! If I'm writing with other people in a co-write situation I will always try to walk in with something I think is interesting, for example, a title or theme. There's a huge difference between my approach for personal writing and for other people</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you have any tricks to get the creative juices flowing?</span> Other than the usual things like reading, for lyrical work I really enjoy people watching in every day situations and try and draw from that. Absorbing stories and being receptive to others. Musically, I find listening to things I haven't been exposed to drags me out of my comfort zone.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you find you normally start with a melody or lyrics?</span> It's different every time, depends on what naturally comes first.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you think that melody is the most important aspect of a song?</span> I think the melody is hugely significant, it certainly draws me in from the off, but a song with a great melody and lyrics that can't move me won't make me listen a second time. It's the marriage of the two being great, in my opinion, makes a really amazing song.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">How long does it take you to write a song?</span> Sometimes it can take me 10 minutes, others can be more laborious. Usually though, the ones that take the least amount of time are the best.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Could you explain a little about the writing process behind a few of your songs?</span> To talk a little bit about my past record, 'Outside Looking In'...I particularly like 3, purely because they mean the most to me. '<b><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SlMiecDixs">Anyway I Want To</a>'</b> - Lyrically this was inspired about a colleague I used to work with, and not the usually relationship song. I actually had the idea musically first just messing round with 3 chords, which is sustained throughout the whole song and is very simple, blues jazz. The girl I worked with knocked me down until I eventually mustered up the balls to get back at her. '<b>Footprints'</b> - The music and lyrics came almost hand in hand to this one but it means a lot due to the sentiment. I worked in a nursing home for the elderly whilst I was in school and studying at uni. I was disheartened to see the way the older generation were overlooked by the younger, particularly through some of the experiences I had. I tried to write the song from an older perspective. '<b>When Love Grows Cold'</b> - I was listening to a lot of folk music when I wrote this and I actually strum most of the song, when I ordinarily try and avoid that. It's about a relationship gone wrong, one I have witnessed, and a reflective piece again from someone else's perspective. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">What songs that other people have written do you particularly admire?</span> There's too many to mention but some immediate that spring to mind…'The Kiss'- Judee Sill, 'What's Goin On'- Marvin Gaye et al, 'Rain'- Patty Griffin, 'Ex-Factor' - Lauryn Hill, 'Cry To Me'- Bert Berns, 'Fall At Your Feet'- Crowded House…could go on all day!</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you think that a technical knowledge of theory is important or does it get in the way?</span> I wouldn't know, I don't really have any! </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you tend to revisit your songs and rewrite them?</span> I find it difficult to revisit a song, I kind of know at the time whether it's good or bad, and I usually scrap the crap.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you write songs with a view to being commercial and following current trends?</span> Not for me, only ever in a brief or co-write session.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Have you done much co-writing, and if so what do you see as the benefits?</span> Done quite a bit of co-writing but not for me as an artist. The benefits I can see are exposure and more opportunity as a writer, the ability to learn the craft off others and if you're lucky, a little bit of money.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Who do you view as great songwriters. Who has inspired you musically/ lyrically?</span> Again so many, Hank Williams Snr, Willie Nelson, Chuck Berry, Lennon/McCartney, Judee Sill, <a href="http://songwriterstalkaboutsongwriting.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/ron-sexsmith.html">Ron Sexsmith</a>, Neil Finn, Van Morrison, Patty Griffin, Dylan…and many more…</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you feel that when there's conflict/struggle in your life that it inspires better songs?</span> Yes, definitely. I find it cathartic to write it out.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you have any idea where you ideas come from?</span> Like above, any experience that's making me think or feel something at the time. I tend to write about human emotions and relationships so when I'm exposed to any experience like this I find it easy to go there because it interests me.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you have any advice you'd like to share with budding songwriters out there?</span> Write. I have days when I feel insecure and don't want to write because I'm scared of what will come out. Then nothing gets done, force yourself to not avoid it and don't beat yourself up if nothing comes up, even though I'm super guilty of this. Also listen. Listening to different music will always muster some different thinking.</span></li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">MORE INTERVIEWS </span><b style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><u><a href="http://www.songwriterstalkaboutsongwriting.com/p/contents_26.html">HERE</a>.</u></b><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This interview was by </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.benpwilliams.com/">Ben Williams.</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Find Ben on </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://twitter.com/benpwilliams">TWITTER</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/BenPWilliamsGuitar">FACEBOOK</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> .</span></div>
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<br />Ben Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15379695904346390107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5486425464311954425.post-46515076107859670892013-09-03T07:29:00.001-07:002016-04-01T03:25:02.119-07:00David Amar (Miss 600)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Miss 600 are a duo consisting of Hannah Garner and David Amar. In the last year Miss 600 have performed at The Royal Albert Hall in front of 5000 people, supported the legendary 10CC at Ludlow Castle, and performed with a nine piece band on the Galtres Festival main stage. They are firm favourites of BBC Radio 2, appearing on the Terry Wogan and Chris Evans shows and featuring regularly on the playlist. Their debut single 'Twist' was on the A-list for a staggering seven weeks. Here multi-instrumentalist David Amar shares his songwriting secrets.</span><br />
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you have a daily songwriting routine or do you wait for inspiration to strike?</span> There is no daily routine for me, but everytime I pick up the guitar I find some inspiration. Lyrics can be a bit harder to come by and generally I write only when I have lots of ideas.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you have any tricks to get the creative juices flowing?</span> I use the recorder on my phone a lot for melody and chord ideas and scribble down interesting phrases or words in a book. This can usually spark something creative and prevents me from forgetting potentially good ideas!</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you find you normally start with a melody or lyrics?</span> Both but sometimes neither: I often work around chord progressions I mess around with on the guitar or riffs I think sound cool.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you think that melody is the most important aspect of a song?</span> For a lot of people it is since this is what people sing and hum to, however some songs are often remembered by other aspects such as the drum part in We Will Rock You or the riff in Smoke on the Water. Lyricists or singers may take away something different from a song than for example a drummer or guitarist so it is arguable whether melody is most important. It is probably down to individual opinions.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">How long does it take you to write a song?</span> I wrote a song (lyrics and music) once in about 25 minutes but often it takes days as songs need to be crafted unless there is a high dose of inspiration at that moment!</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Could you explain a little about the writing process behind a few of your songs?</span> Working with my Miss 600 band mate Hannah Garner, the first song we wrote together is called '<b><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85apl_z-ebw">Make or Break</a></b>' and is a track on our debut album 'Buying Time'. We both had words written down for various sections of this song but I dreamt the melody and chorus idea and remember waking up and running around trying to find a pen/paper and a recorder so I would not forget it! The lyrics in the chorus purposely make use of ambiguous metaphorical language as we wanted people to take different emotions and ideas away when they heard this song. Another song I particularly loved working on is a song with a singer called Tammy Cartwright. Tammy is a prolific songwriter and sang with the dance band Darude a few years back. She had all the words written for a song entitled '<b>What to do With Life</b>' and when I saw these words written down I immediately thought of a chord progression. We had recorded a rough version of this song including drum parts, melody and chords within an hour. Finally, I will include our debut single '<b><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSFll5R3utg">Twist</a></b>'. This song initiated out of a riff idea and from the clarinet riff, we ended up with an idea for the entire piece. This song is particularly special to us because we have performed it in some crazy places such as on Sir Terry Wogan’s Show, live at the Albert Hall, Strictly Come Dancing in Poland and even McDonalds in Berlin!!</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">What songs that other people have written do you particularly admire?</span> There are so many great songs that I could select but I will name a few for varying reasons: '<b>Every Breath You Take</b>' by The Police. There is so much depth and feel to this song and even subtle parts such as the piano in the bridge or the ride cymbal nearer the end capture my imagination. '<b>Harvest Moon</b>' by Neil Young. Again, there is so much depth to this song. The whole folky/country feel makes this song feel like it’s from a different world. The lyrics are beautiful as well. '<b>Africa</b>' by Toto. This song reminds me of a great trip I had one time (not incidentally to Africa!). I love every aspect to this song. The rhythm part is fantastic and I have always loved the melody of the chorus. '<b>Easy Lover</b>' by Phil Collins: I love the simplicity but potency of the lyrics in the song. '<b>True Colours</b>' performed by Cyndi Lauper and written by Billy Steinberg and Tom Kelly. This was my favourite song as a child and still to this day it is one of my favourites. '<b>Somebody Else’s Guy</b>' by Jocelyn Brown. The bassline is one of my favourites but the lyrics and vocal delivery are out of this world! '<b>Open Letter to a Landlord</b>' by Living Colour is a less well known song but the lyrics throughout the song are so full of passion and emotion and delivered with such skill by the singer Corey Glover I actually find it hard to listen to this song when I’m driving as I find myself distracted and engrossed in the music </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you think that a technical knowledge of theory is important or does it get in the way? </span>This depends on the person although I think knowledge of music or instruments in general can help. Since I can play the guitar, bass and drums, I tend to imagine a song in its entirety as I’m creating it although I never think in terms of scales or rudiments. I think if an idea sounds good and feels good, it doesn’t matter too much about in depth technical knowledge. However, knowledge or awareness of aspects such as chord progression can help since it is usually easier to link parts of songs together with such ideas in mind.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you tend to revisit your songs and rewrite them?</span> </span><span lang="EN-US">Yes. Songs need to be crafted and apart from the few
occasions I have written something immediately satisfying, I mostly revisit
ideas to try and improve them.</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you write songs with a view to being commercial and following current trends?</span> I never do this knowingly however I think I, like most composers or musicians, will be influenced to some degree by what I listen to. This could be current songs on the radio or old classics in my playlist.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Have you done much co-writing, and if so what do you see as the benefits?</span> Yes. Since I am part of a duo, this has happened quite often! Co-writing can help bring about new ideas and also change the course or feel of a song/idea, often for the better.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Who do you view as great songwriters. Who has inspired you musically/ lyrically?</span> Lennon and McCartney, Sting, Michael Jackson, Led Zeppelin, Bob Dylan, Metallica and for modern day, I admire Beyconce and Bruno Mars.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you feel that when there's conflict/struggle in your life that it inspires better songs?</span> I think extreme emotions definitely help to inspire me.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you have any idea where you ideas come from?</span> Life experience, previous songs, listening to the radio, poetry and dreams!</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you have any advice you'd like to share with budding songwriters out there?</span> I think if people are passionate about song writing or music they should pursue it. I think good language and communication skills helps: I know English A-level has definitely helped me! Also, instrument knowledge is always a good thing. Guitars can be as good a source of inspiration to write songs as much as words can be.</span></li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This interview was by </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.benpwilliams.com/">Ben Williams.</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Find Ben on </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://twitter.com/benpwilliams">TWITTER</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/BenPWilliamsGuitar">FACEBOOK</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> .</span></div>
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<br />Ben Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15379695904346390107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5486425464311954425.post-86256723112525437732013-08-29T04:18:00.001-07:002016-04-01T03:25:24.847-07:00Chris Difford<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.chrisdifford.com/">Chris Difford</a>, a double Ivor-Novello award winning lyricist, is one of the countries most respected songwriters. With Squeeze co-founder Glen Tilbrook he has written countless classics such as 'Cool For Cats', 'Up The Junction' and 'Labelled With Love'. Chris has also co-written with artists such as Elton John, Bryan Ferry, Paul Carrack, Lamont Dozier and Willie Mitchell amongst others. With 16 Squeeze albums, 3 solo albums, 52 American Tours, 50 Uk Tours, countless top 20 hits and a variety of global hits under his belt, who better than Chris to share his songwriting experiences:</span><br />
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you have a daily songwriting routine or do you wait for inspiration to strike? </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 21px;">Once it was a daily routine, these days it's when it gives, there is no routine.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you have any tricks to get the creative juices flowing?</span> I</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 21px;"> have to be in the cheese on toast state of mind and then I'm gone into writers world.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you find you normally start with a melody or lyrics?</span> I</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 21px;"> do not write top line, I did back in the 70's, just words, and that's great for me.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you think that melody is the most important aspect of a song? </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 21px;">No its the lyrics, but then I would say that.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">How long does it take you to write a song?</span> B</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 21px;">etween 10 and 15 minutes if it's a good song, if not then it could take hours and it's a plonker.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Could you explain a little about the writing process behind a few of your songs?</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 21px;">All of my songs speak for themselves and come from either a dark place or a place of little light, I love them all.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">What songs that other people have written do you particularly admire?</span> I</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 21px;"> admire any songs that Justin Currie writes and there are others, many in fact.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you think that a technical knowledge of theory is important or does it get in the way? </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 21px;">I would not know, I use a pencil and a sense of humour.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you tend to revisit your songs and rewrite them?</span> N</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 21px;">o, not unless I'm lost for words.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you write songs with a view to being commercial and following current trends?</span> I</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 21px;"> write for me and if that works for you then it's a hit, I try not to follow any other leads.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Have you done much co-writing, and if so what do you see as the benefits?</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 21px;">I love to write with others, co writes are so amazing it gives the water to my plant and visa versa.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Who do you view as great songwriters. Who has inspired you musically/ lyrically?</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 21px;">Elvis Costello, I love his words and his twist of words back in the old days when words were key.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you feel that when there's conflict/struggle in your life that it inspires better songs? </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 21px;">Mostly, I feel happy and write but trouble helps too.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you have any idea where you ideas come from?</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 21px;">I have no idea. I'm so lucky that I can write songs and feel what they mean, I have the best job in the world.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you have any advice you'd like to share with budding songwriters out there?</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 21px;">Keep it simple and love the things you connect with and then nail them in verse and chorus.</span></li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">MORE INTERVIEWS </span><b style="color: black; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><u><a href="http://www.songwriterstalkaboutsongwriting.com/p/contents_26.html">HERE</a>.</u></b><span style="color: black; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This interview was by </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.benpwilliams.com/">Ben Williams.</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Find Ben on </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://twitter.com/benpwilliams">TWITTER</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/BenPWilliamsGuitar">FACEBOOK</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> .</span></div>
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Ben Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15379695904346390107noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5486425464311954425.post-62787019753997523732013-08-25T02:44:00.000-07:002016-04-01T03:25:42.264-07:00Damon Sharpe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Damon Sharpe is an L.A. based songwriter and producer who has worked with the likes of Kylie Minogue, Anastacia, and Kelly Rowland. He is the man behind songs such as 'Love Don't Cost a Thing' by Jennifer Lopez. In 2005 he released the Hurricane Katrina relief record 'Come Together' now, written with Sharon Stone and featuring contributions from Celine Dion, Joss Stone, Wyclef Jean and John Legend amongst others. Damon has won an ASCAP Pop award for 'Love Don't Cost A Thing' and a Grammy award for 'Chicago' (Best Soundtrack). Here he shares his songwriting tips.</span><br />
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Do you have a daily songwriting routine or do you wait for <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"> </span>inspiration to strike?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A little of both. Being a full time producer/writer means you don't always have the luxury of waiting for inspiration. With that said though I'm constantly writing down titles, lyric ideas and recording music and melody ideas into my voice memos and stockpile them for later.</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Do you have any tricks to get the creative juices flowing?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Get any emails, calls, texts etc out of the way and turn your ringer off. Check your social media if you feel the need and once that is done you can relax and get in a creative zone.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Do you find you normally start with a melody or lyrics? </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Really depends on the song and whether I'm collaborating with another writer or an artist. Sometimes I'll start with a title, chords, melody, lyric fragments or even a drum loop.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Do you think that melody is the most important aspect of a song? </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The melody and lyric are equally as important with a strong hook being a necessity! People sing along to both! ;)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">How long does it take you to write a song? </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It varies. Sometimes less than an hour, sometimes days or even weeks of rewrites.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Could you explain a little about the writing process behind a few of your songs? </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One of my biggest songs was '<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kGvlESGvbs">Love Don't Cost A Thing</a>' by Jennifer Lopez. That song was written in a very unorthodox way. My co-writer Greg Lawson called me and said he had a cool track vibe going and a shape of melody for a hook. After hearing the rough track and a scratch of the melody the first two lines of the hook came to me; 'Think you gotta keep me iced you don't think I'm gonna spend your cash I won't'. I called him back immediately and when I told him the first couple of lines I was thinking he told me "come over now!". On the way to his apartment I sang a melody pass into my recorder that essentially became the verse and pre-chorus melody. By the time I arrived at his apartment Greg had come up with the iconic 'even if you were broke my love don't cost a thing'. We basically finish it in less than an hour sitting on the floor of his studio apartment!</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">What songs that other people have written do you particularly admire? </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Anything that strikes a chord with me emotionally. Usually a song I connect with grabs me by the first hook.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Do you think that a technical knowledge of theory is important or does it get in the way? </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's a double edge sword. Having a basic grasp of theory helps but can also get in the way of the process. There are no rules in songwriting. If it feels good go with it.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Do you tend to revisit your songs and rewrite them? </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Absolutely. Coming back with fresh ears and tweaking is the key.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Do you write songs with a view to being commercial and following current trends? </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Every song is different. I try to write the best song possible but it is important to be aware of the current musical trend and what you think will be the future.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Have you done much co-writing, and if so what do you see as the benefits? </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Co-writing is very beneficial creatively; even if someone contributes a few words or acts as a sounding board it can make a song stronger. Also from a political stand point it opens up more doors for that particular song.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Who do you view as great songwriters. Who has inspired you musically/ lyrically? </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Stevie Wonder, The Beatles, Prince, Max Martin.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Do you feel that when there's conflict/struggle in your life that it inspires better songs? </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I've written many songs from personal experience but when you are a full time songwriter you have to learn to craft great stories and pull from outside sources for inspiration.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Do you have any idea where you ideas come from? </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I think subconsciously we are inspired by music, TV, film and pop culture throughout our lives.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Do you have any advice you'd like to share with budding songwriters out there? </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Never take no for an answer. Believe in yourself and in your songs. No matter what success you achieve continue to learn from others and never forget where you came from and the people that helped you get there. </span></li>
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<span class="ecxApple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><span class="ecxApple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: normal;">MORE INTERVIEWS </span><b style="line-height: normal;"><u><a href="http://www.songwriterstalkaboutsongwriting.com/p/contents_26.html">HERE</a>.</u></b><span style="line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span></span></div>
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<pre style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; white-space: normal;"><span class="ecxApple-style-span"><span class="ecxApple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 21px;"><a href="https://twitter.com/damonsharpe">TWITTER</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This interview was by </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.benpwilliams.com/">Ben Williams.</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Find Ben on </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://twitter.com/benpwilliams">TWITTER</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/BenPWilliamsGuitar">FACEBOOK</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> .</span></div>
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Ben Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15379695904346390107noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5486425464311954425.post-18599460795150770982013-08-16T09:52:00.000-07:002016-04-01T03:25:59.858-07:00Frank Turner<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Brantley Gutierrez</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><a href="http://frank-turner.com/">Frank Turner</a> is a singer-songwriter who has headlined Wembley Arena, played live on BBC Radio 1 and toured America supporting The Offspring. He performed at the Olympic opening ceremony in London 2012, has won a Kerrang award and even has his own beer called 'Believe'. '<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1L5zJ2afLs">Recovery</a>', a single from Franks recent album '<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tape-Deck-Heart-Frank-Turner/dp/B00B5DOWNW">Tape Deck Heart</a>' (produced by Muse producer Rich Costey) has had over a million views on Youtube. Here Frank shares his songwriting tips. </span></div>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you have a daily songwriting routine or do you wait for inspiration to strike?</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-size: small; line-height: normal;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">I wait, but it doesn't usually take long<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">.</span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you have any tricks to get the creative juices flowing?</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I listen to songs that fire me up, that remind me of the craft of songwriting - Townes Van Zandt, Lucero, Couting Crows, whatever, but it also varies widely</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;">.</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you find you normally start with a melody or lyrics?</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;">It's always different. The best ones come together.</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you think that melody is the most important aspect of a song?</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;">As a piece of music, sure, but the lyrics are a very close second.</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">How long does it take you to write a song?</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;">Sometimes it takes 5 minutes. Sometimes it takes 5 years.</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large; line-height: 22px;">Could you explain a little about the writing process behind a few of your songs? </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;">- "<b><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c21SfaAwBw0">I Knew Prufrock Before He Got Famous</a></b>" is a song about resisting the vagaries of the scene and the tides of fashion. It was written at a time when the place I hung out at and occasionally lived at (a bar called Nambucca) was birthing a lot of very fashionable indie bands. Suddenly a lot of hangers-on showed up. The people in the song are the bar stuff from there around that time.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;">-"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVx2RuANAyk"><b>If Ever I Stray</b></a>" was a song that came together very quickly. I was playing around with the original riff in soundcheck at a show in Florida one time, and suddenly the course of the whole song became apparent. The words came fast too - I was having a rough time of it with some business stuff and the guys in my band, The Sleeping Souls, were being very good to me in terms of keeping my head.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;">- "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=spyNnJvxbvk"><b>Broken Piano</b></a>" started off with me humming along to the microwave in my ex's flat, which happened to hum in a perfect A6 chord, which is an interesting diad - by dropping any number of third notes in, you can change the feel completely. That also was at a time when I knew I wouldn't be around that place much longer, and the words came from that sense of ending</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;">.</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">What songs that other people have written do you particularly admire?</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Loads. Most of Townes Van Zandt's stuff, John K Samson (the Weakerthans), the first three Counting Crows records..</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;">.</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you think that a technical knowledge of theory is important or does it get in the way?</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;">I think a little can help a lot - I taught myself a bit - but it's surprising how much you work out for yourself anyway.</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you tend to revisit your songs and rewrite them?</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;">I work some songs over a lot before they're done but it's not quite re-writing them as such.</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you write songs with a view to being commercial and following current trends?</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;">No.</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Have you done much co-writing, and if so what do you see as the benefits?</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;">I've written with a few friends here and there, which is an interesting experience and something I'd like to do more. It takes you out of your comfort zone. That said, lyrics are something I don't like to be collaborative on.</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you feel that when there's conflict/struggle in your life that it inspires better songs?</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;">Yes, catharsis is a big part of music for me.</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you have any idea where you ideas come from?</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;">Nope.</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you have any advice you'd like to share with budding songwriters out there?</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;">Learn how to play as many songs as you can by other people. And work them out by ear, don't read tabs or whatever.</span></span></li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This interview was by </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.benpwilliams.com/">Ben Williams.</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Find Ben on </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://twitter.com/benpwilliams">TWITTER</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/BenPWilliamsGuitar">FACEBOOK</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> .</span></div>
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