Archive for the ‘songwriting’ Category

Shake… Stir… Pour

Jun 28, 2009 DIY, sojourn, songwriting

It’s hard to quantify how much I get out of absorbing great material, sound instruction and interaction with peers, at least until I filter what I learn into writing, recording, performing or promoting [etc.]. Here are some of the activities and objectives I focused on and participated in over the last couple of weeks:

I’m spending more and more time listening to fresh generally non-mainstream songs and writers, primarily by setting up stations on slacker.com, which enables me to listen to both old and new material by heavy-weight writers and artists like Elvis Costello, Lucinda Williams, Lyle Lovett, Shawn Colvin and Pink — the list is virtually … endless!

Though I wasn’t selected for the 2009 Horse & Writer Invitational, I was invited to attend three 1-hour conference calls with Skip Ewing, who graciously gave his time to mentor a small sub-group of writers deemed to have significant promise. As a result of Skip’s insights and encouragement, I’m asking different questions about what I’m saying in my songs and my approach to developing context and characters — plus — I played my piano for the first time in months.

I’m a TA (teacher’s assistant) for SongU.com and recorded/posted the transcript for weeks one and two [of four] of a basic theory course with Jai Josefs (Chord Chemistry). While I consider myself fairly proficient at theory, it never hurts to practice and refresh. Jai is a great instructor, and he led us through a quick but effective analysis of the Lighthouse smash “First Time” where we learned how contrasting harmonic function between sections significantly enhances the flow and punch of a song.

Last night was another solid evening of song and pickin’ with Rick Spreitzer at Summit Coffee, where we play every 4th Saturday. Then I got up early today (like, real early for a Sunday) and went into town with friends John and Cate Cloer for a photo shoot as part of my IMG_2245website update project; upon return (and after a sweet cat nap) I got on the horn with friend and Indie artist Brian Hartzog to kick-off planning the main topic for our next NSAI monthly meeting. The last thing I plan to do today (after a couple of hours of yard work and an early dinner) is setup an area in our bedroom strictly for writing — not recording, just writing… a desk, piano and guitar… complete with notebook, score paper and music stand.

I’m feeling pretty good about what’s going to come of all these efforts in the weeks ahead. I’ve got a several new songs in the hopper, including a couple of rewrites and co-writes. Of course, there’s rehearsal later in the week for a 4th of July gig in Greensboro with the talented Desmond Myers, the gig itself, and then prepping for my first songwriter round in quite sometime on July 18th.

I don’t expect I can keep this pace up every week, but surely hope it all leads to my becoming a better writer and performer, as well as a more complete musician and artist. Seems the more I get done the more that’s left to do. I’ll just keep shaking, stirring and pouring myself into the songs and let the chips fall where they may.

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Inside the Circle

Nov 16, 2008 songwriting

Last night I got off my lazy gluteus maximus and made the trek down to the home of good friend Steve Simpson for one of his always enjoyable song circles. Steve is not only a wonderful songwriter and performer, but a true gentleman and consummate host.

There were about 12 writers/pickers there (plus a few spouses/friends) so we all got to do more listening than playing, which makes the time together even more enjoyable. Getting to hear and know more about these writers and their songs is what it’s all about. It’s a place to come and play our songs for what they are, and express what they say, from the heart. There’s no judgment, just listening and enjoyment.

The drive home is about 40 minutes, and as I reviewed the session, I thought of how I often neglect the importance of the story behind songs I write. Not necessarily intentionally, but maybe because I haven’t spent enough time contemplating the “why” behind each song AFTER it’s written. Craig Bickhardt recently posted a great blog on the “vital vision” behind the songs we write, a sobering perspective.

So last night I played songs I felt like singing, those that make me feel like I have something to say. In turn, I was treated to a wide range of music and song that inspired me, made me laugh, and reminded me of why I love to play music and write songs.

I didn’t know everyone at Steve’s last night, but we were all in the circle together. No need for names, the songs helped us see inside each other, and learn a little more about ourselves as writers and individuals. I’m thankful my wife gets it, and pushes me out the door to go and hang out with these folks, even when she can’t make it with me. I’m grateful that Steve is the genuine, humble giver he is… and the chance for a few hours inside the circle.

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Recognize

May 1, 2008 faith, songwriting

A few weeks ago, I sat in a coffee shop with a co-writer discussing a song idea about God’s will for our lives. She’s lots more experienced at co-writing and very patient, so I really enjoyed the learning process and think we’re on track to write a good song. She sent her notes, I reviewed mine and noticed she’d written down the word “recognize” early in our session, but it wasn’t necessarily focal to our discussion.

When I finally got back to working on the song last week, I couldn’t shake the notion of how I pray and wait for some tangible means of discerning God’s will for my life, when faith says answers come when I choose to pursue God through His word, prayer, and a willingness to risk failing in the context I’m able to see results.

So what triggers my heart to recognize God’s will? James tells us to pray in faith for wisdom and every good thing from above… discerning when I’m praying for a heart’s desire that may not line up with God’s will is a mystery that may only be solved when I align my prayers and faith with God’s word. Newsflash — this means spending LOTS more time reading, studying, contemplating, praying, worshiping, and living in Spirit & Truth.

Admittedly, I’m writing this entry as a bit of a free write to flush out a second verse. But something tells me God is going to show me more — I pray He does!

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Bones & Stones

Apr 13, 2008 faith, songwriting

All the political hype these days is wearing me out, and the tide is still rising. There’s a fervor around pending elections we haven’t seen in many years, which at face value seems a good thing. But I heard a comment recently from a woman campaigning for a senatorial candidate who recently stood up to our president and declared his shame for the actions of our commander in chief, as if this should be a quality of significance to sway voter’s minds for this candidate vying for a senate seat. Yep, lots of folks are mad, our country is “reeling”, the economy is “strained”, and once the war and health care get resolved by a new president, new party, everything is going to be “OK”.

Kidding, right? Politicians judging politicians, and “we the people” choosing sides based on their “trustworthy” rhetoric. When I hear statements about how “either Clinton or Obama will do”, we just need a Democrat in the White House, I get even more concerned about what’s at the core of our problems in the world today.

Jesus said, let those without guilt cast the first stone at the sinner (paraphrased). Who among us doesn’t have bones stashed in a closet that may someday become a skeleton hung on the front page of a newspaper or blog for all to see and judge? Like many (if not most), I’m quick to “qualify” others. The bones stashed in the back of my closet don’t even make up a skeleton because I’ve not taken time to truthfully inspect my own flaws and heart issues, so there is no form. If the bones represent my selfish pride and deception, my lack of compassion and putting my imaginations and desires ahead of God, then I need to deal with myself first, not blame someone else for problems, whether perceived or real.

As I see it, the choices we have for our next president leave lots to be desired. They keep stumbling over their own words, waiting to pounce on each others “flaws”, tickling the ears of those who believe a new president (or any other human) is going to make life “better”. Newsflash, it all starts with humbling ourselves as a nation (2 Chronicles 7:14) and addressing real issues. Most folks in financial trouble don’t budget, they overspend wildly on credit cards, and refuse to seek the wisdom of experienced, honest counsel when making life altering financial decisions. Lots of people who are out of work have the opportunity to modernize their skills and improve their quality of life, most won’t because working at the mill or plant is all they’ve ever known. Obesity and dependency on a plethora of substances is rampant. Immigrants who enter this country illegally get better and more frequent health care than our senior citizens living month to month on a pittance of social security. Our neighborhoods are at war with gangs, pedophiles, and lifelong criminals who evade the law and impact our livelihood — but if we get out of Iraq, everything is going to be OK… right?

We laugh at Leno’s “Jaywalking” segments, when he asks people about well known history and even current events and they haven’t a clue as to the answer, funny, huh?. People who flood across our borders illegally rant about their supposed rights, but won’t stand to pledge allegiance to the flag; and our kids can’t sing Christmas songs if a teacher allows a child of non-Christian faith to stand against American tradition… the country we fought so hard and so long for is slipping through our hands so we can all join a sing-along around a global campfire — I for one don’t buy it.

How’s a new president going to solve what’s really wrong?

We’ve twisted, demeaned, and ignored God’s Word for decades. Our society continues eroding, so we point fingers at the president, our government, local, state, or federal, or whoever we can find to blame. I wonder what would happend if we took all the faith we put into politics and turned our eyes and hopes back to Heaven? Maybe, like, humbly ask God to restore this nation, to take us back to the mindset of our fore-fathers? Things are so complicated — the only thing I know to do is cast the vote I’m entitled to this coming November, and trust God to work out the rest. Sometimes going back to square one, back to simple, is the answer. God promises fresh grace and new mercy for each day, it’s up to us to go there to receive it.

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WAJ-Notes

Apr 5, 2008 sojourn, songwriting

Wow (whew… etc), just back from a week in Nashville, I’m sorting through the wheat and chaff, notes and stuff everywhere… so glad I took all my WAJ notes in the back of the workbook! One of my goals upon return is to share what I captured, so here goes… please keep in mind these are my perspectives in the moment, if anyone that was there sees something I totally mis-captured, please let me know, thanks!

9a: Finding Creativity When You Don’t Feel Creative – Belinda Smith

  • Belinda stressed the indispensable value of Sheila Davis’s “The Songwriter’s Idea Book”, and how showing up for scheduled time to write (something that’s gotten away from me the last six months, or so) honors the giver of our gifts, a sobering reminder
  • She also led us in a couple of exercises to help with activating the right brain and squelching the “inner critic” that can stifle creativity, but stressed the need to get back to the focal point when the meandering gets too fragmented
    • For instance, imagine a scenario and build a short list of words based on the scene, then develop a list of potential titles (free the linear mindset/capture the scattered)
  • One other note I captured is to scan movie titles for those you haven’t seen and write the song behind it. We discussed a couple of titles and it was really cool to hear the variety of perspectives each one generated

 

10a: Co-Writing Secrets – Maurice Carter led a panel (M. Funderburk, T. Labar, S. Krippayne, K. Stokes) on keys to and importance of co-writing

  • Preparation: Know your co-writer’s expectations; build relationships; bring multiple ideas to the session, the idea I’m passionate about may not feel the same way; could be lyrical or musical start points
  • Distractions: Flexibility is key, be open-minded to all ideas but know when to graciously pass on an idea that’s just not working for me
    • Be vulnerable; share and receive… be in it for the long-haul; consider it time well spent from more than a songwriting perspective
    • Be careful not to settle… I have to love the idea but be willing to let go once I’ve tried to “sell” the idea; dialog in spirit and truth
  • A weaker lyrical hook is OK as long as the melody is a home run
  • The writers shared that 80-90% of all the songs they write are co-writes

 

11a: Developing Great Ideas – Belinda Smith led a panel (S. Siler, K. Matthews) on taking ideas from good to great

  • It’s not about competing with other writers but with myself, am I getting better?
  • See the story in the idea
    • Filter the list
    • Co-writing is the school for writing and the acid test for ideas
  • Key characteristics of an idea
    • Can the idea be approached from more than one angle?
    • Can I get to the hook from multiple perspectives?
    • Does the title move me?
    • Can I sing the melody two weeks later?
    • Is this a topical/theological contribution that’s fresh… fill gaps in areas not currently being discussed
    • Write the same idea in multiple genres/persons/POV
  • Good or Great?
    • Live the experience from the listener’s perspective… is their a transformation moment?
    • Tell the truth!!!
    • Make the listener think: how did the writer know this is me in this moment?
    • Lead others into the emotion you feel

 

1p: Going from Good to Great – Dave Clark

  • Does the song draw the listener whether the listener is ready or not?
  • Does the song appeal beyond “taste” boundaries?
  • Don’t let bad listening take the place of good writing (Dave stressed this being the key note of the session)
  • Emotional equity – get personally invested in the song
  • Quote by Greg Maddux on staying true to the great idea: “I would rather give up a hit on a good pitch than strike someone out on a bad one.”
  • Study political speeches – especially inaugural speeches
  • Separate what too personal to generalized details, put specifics into developing the emotion in the idea

 

2p: Audit Critique Session – S. Siler/C. Cates

3p: Critique Session – K. Matthews/K. Stokes

 

4p: Writing for the Country Market – Brian White/Don Poythress

  • It’s not always going to be OK… people lose jobs, get sick, divorced, etc.
  • CCM has a tendency to play it safe, Country just plays the card
  • Try using an everyday man mentality in worship songs (Tomlin has done this)
  • Don’t write a song that says I’m lonely, make the listener feel lonely
  • Furniture – nouns (Wiseman explains with pictures… The Good Stuff)
  • Not many new ideas, it’s all about developing fresh angles

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Johnny Cash Parkway

Mar 30, 2008 faith, sojourn, songwriting

Today I briefly got to see the northeast side of the Nashville area as I made the quick jaunt to the Write About Jesus one day workshop. I only wish I’d left earlier to get a look around, but once I pulled into the Community Church of Hendersonville (on Johnny Cash Pkwy) where the event was held, I never got out to scope the town… that is, beyond the Starbucks just down the street.

The day was a blessing in so many ways, from the writers in attendance to the really cool groups of instructors assembled by Sue Smith to lead the sessions. The fact that these folks are all believers working in the music business in perhaps one of the last true havens for songwriters is a testament to the work for which God wants us to use our gifts. I feel the level of sincerity and care expressed in the instruction was different – refreshing and enlightening.

I’ve many favorite moments, from the teachings, interactions, and the songs shared by five writers at the end of the day. First, from a teaching perspective, while the attitude was light and inviting, the instructors came to teach, and teach they did. The panel on co-writing triggered the revelation that I’m ready, ready to take my writing to the next level through co-writing. Of course this is way easier said than done because I don’t live in Nashville, and I’m currently not in any writing relationships in Charlotte. Not to say there isn’t the potential for building these relationships (in Charlotte), that’s something I’ll need to work at. Bottom line: the quite successful writers on the panel made it very clear, going it alone is a tough road, co-writing increases potential for success in commercial markets.

Second was the Dave Clark session on how to go from “good to great”. Here’s a man with tons of experience in the business as a writer and publisher with a clear message –we’ve allowed our listening habits to infect the quality that goes into crafting songs. He talked about “emotional equity” and how investing in the emotional framework is the difference between settling and driving out a powerful song that’s general enough to touch the hearts of a broad spectrum of listeners.

I audited a critique session and had one song critiqued. The level of expertise and honesty was humbling yet easy to swallow. Again, a grace filled example of what the WAJ community is about. I met a couple of young writers, one of which appears to be on the fast track to a pub deal. Of the songs I heard, most of which were gospel or inspirational genre, the quality was way above average, a couple of them very close to cut-table, at least this was the sense I got from the critiquers.

Lastly, the songs Brian White, Molly Reed, and Don Poythress in the round, followed by individual performances by Scott Krippayne and Kyle Matthews put the sweet icing on a very rich cake. I’m not kidding myself into thinking the challenge isn’t great or the prize potentially unattainable… it’s about faith and seeking out God, and whether it’s His will or a winter wind I’m chasing remains to be seen. Time to pray, listen, and obey.

I’m overjoyed that my wife encouraged me to make the trip and invest the money to attend the workshop. In the morning I’ll further process the whole thing, and, Lord willing, draft out a lyric that I can turn into song by Monday or Tuesday. For now I’ll ready for bed and spend some quiet time thanking God for his hand in all this, from the provision to make this financially possible, and the servants he equipped to share and impact those of us that attended the one day WAJ worshop in Nashville – what a blessing!!!

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Road-ie

Mar 28, 2008 sojourn, songwriting

The drive from Charlotte-Nashville went well, especially once I realized I was getting to town in Central Time. The best part about getting there “early” was I got to see Jane Godfrey, who was in town to record a podcast that never happened due to technical difficulties. We hadn’t seen each other for some time, so though ever so brief, we had an enjoyable chat. As she departed, I realized I need to eat, and made a beeline for the local Food Lion, in the rain, Friday rush hour, interesting to say the least.

As my frozen dinner microwaved into existence, I booted up and got surfing. Couldn’t get the schedule for the Write About Jesus workshops to save on my PC so I went retro with pencil and paper and wrote it out. For the best, at least this way I’ll actually look at it and make some choices. Pretty amazing lineup of sessions, it’s going to be hard to choose, for sure.

To say I’m weary is kidding myself, I’m beat. My grandiose notion of making it out are all but extinguished, not even a quick jaunt up the street to watch the Davidson-Wisconsin game, which I’ll surely kick myself for in the morning. The trick now is to stay awake long enough to a reasonable hour in high hopes of a solid 7-8 hours of  sleep… OK, do I hear 6-hours?

7:00 AM is the target for getting around and heading out for some semblance of breakfast, surely a good cup of coffee. According to the schedule, we jump with both feet into the teaching at 9:00. There are open critique sessions every hour, I’ve got 2-3 songs, but will likely keep it to two because there are some really good, and unique, sessions I want to take. I think I’ll go for Belinda Smith’s, “Finding Creativity When You Don’t Feel Creative” session first, because this is definitely an area where I struggle. At times the wear and tear of corporate jousting is a valid excuse, but it comes down to being able to get over the hump because the day job has no end in sight. 10:00 is going to be tough because there are two sessions of interest, neither repeats. One a Co-Writing Secrets panel, the other titled “His Words, Your Words”… I’ll have to play this hour by ear.

This list goes on, I’m thinking I’ll most likely hold off till the afternoon on a critique, but ultimately, I want the day to be low key for me. I just want to soak up all I can enjoy… wow, Davidson is doing a number on Wisconsin, could it be?

Over the next couple of days I’ll scribe out thoughts on what I learned and impressions of the one day event in Hendersonville. Can’t wait to see and hear what God has in store for everyone that attends. I pray a special blessing for all those traveling distances, and for the instructors as they impart their God given wisdom to make us better writers and artists, not for the sake of music or the industry, but for the sake of the Gospel.

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Small Town Giants

Feb 2, 2008 happenings, songwriting

Last night I had to opportunity and privilege of taking the stage at the Sylvia Theater (York, SC) with fellow songwriters/artists Paul Finnican, Herschel Lee Browne, and PJ Brunson. While the music and song, supported by other musicians, sound man, video crew, and listeners alike, was a totally knockout experience, at the heart of the effort is a true labor of love.

Paul, owner of the Sylvia, and Herschel, have been doing this event, advertised as the “First Friday Songwriter Round” for two years running, make no money for playing, organizing, promoting, or any other element of the event… nothing. Yet they are there, participating, encouraging, and loving every minute along the way.

Sure, York, SC is not a thriving metropolis, and we should all be grateful for that. The small town, where it seems everyone says hi to everyone, is a breath of fresh air. Only an hour away from suburbia, the old brick buildings and the dialed-back pace really speak to my yearning for simplicity. What’s more, York is the perfect setting for the Sylvia and the shows Paul books. We’re not just talking local writers, who are all very good and some quite accomplished, but name acts, and up and comers from large music centers such as Nashville and NY, who all grace the stage creating musical moments and memories for all who love the art.

The thing I was most impacted by is the passion Paul and his supporting cast have for the Sylvia and its unique potential to join a listener’s heart with artist’s music and songs. These folks are small town giants, and the word needs to get out so more people like me will take note and get involved in simply getting the word out. The trek for some is a haul, and easily a deterrent, but there’s a lot of history, beautiful landscape, small shops, and the opportunity to slow down and drink in some small town flavor mixed with the genuine fine art of music and song in a really good sounding room.

Oh, did I mention the Sylvia is a movie theater and the movie theater seating is real comfy? Why not find a bed and breakfast or nearby hotel room and make a day of it. Come check out the fruit of these small town giants’ labor… you owe it to yourself.

Timing

Dec 2, 2007 sojourn, songwriting

This passed weekend is a blur… the gig at Americana was cool. Not a big audience, but the sound was warm and natural, and the other writers in the round made it a most enjoyable time. I played as well as I can expect for not having done a live performance in a few weeks (at least not one playing and singing my own songs). The Larrivee I’m prospecting is sweet, it’s going to need some tweaks, but it seems to fit me as well as any guitar I’ve played. Depends on whether the timing is right to work out a deal for the instrument.

Then today, we were quite unexpectedly blessed by Matthew West, a Christian artist out of Nashville who’s songs have been riding CCM airwaves for a few years. His gifting, only superseded by his heart for Christ, truly inspired me both spiritually and musically. Matthew’s song “Only Grace” spoke deeply to me first time I heard it some 18 months ago; now to hear (and sing along to) his live acoustic rendition, which brought the congregation to a tender place of worship, really stirred my heart.

Surely Matthew being at church today is another example of perfect timing. Seeing then meeting him capped a really cool musical weekend that started after work Friday preparing for my Saturday round. Though I knew I’d only play 9-10 songs Saturday, I wanted them to sound as good as possible — the preparation definitely paid off. The lyric rewrites were 90% or so on the money, and my latest piece “Back to Me” ended up being one of my best performances of the day, at least to me.

It would be easy to say today’s service was just another service… but it wasn’t. It was way special. The choir pulled off an amazing Christmas song in an African tongue the congregation worshiped to. Pastor Rick laid his heart out there with a message on the true meaning of giving — and nailed it. All this, plus seeing Matthew West’s approach to excellence, inspired me to take my writing and spirituality to a new level… by grace, and only grace, I pray I do.