Song Writing 101
If you think you stink! Song writing 101.
I’m currently reading neil young’s biography, last night it kept me up till 3:30 am. Young never thought about song writing in the same way that until recently I probably just opened my mouth and let it all pore out. He actually had a saying “if you think you stink”.
Around 1:00 a.m. after switching though many records I found one that I had not played for a while Brian Eno’s “Music for Films” I allowed the whole thing to play as I read about the debauchery surrounding Neil Young’s Zuma sessions. Once that was finished I put on classical music, which I rarely listen to, Mozart “cosi fan tuttte da ponte”. The air was right, and as I started to fall asleep with my book in hand I decided to pick up my guitar and give a go at writing a song.
I got out three very usable songs. This is in a time when things are good, which leads to less song writing. Also summer in Brisbane is very uninspiring if you are a depressive. Birds are chirping and generally you feel more like going for a swim than writing a song about the darkness in your heart.
Listening to the tapes of what I did last night, I thought perhaps there is a formula for song writing after all. I was reading an interview with Paul Kelly, he was saying “If I knew how to write a song, I would write one every day”. Well, I think I might have figured out how I write, which is an artistic break for me, because some months I am writing songs every day, and other months are absolute song droughts. One of the major influences in last nights break-though was I was literally falling asleep with my guitar in hand. So if you want to try it here is the recipe.
-5 hours before you go to bed, watch 1 depressing film, in a dark room.
-Then put on an ambient, non traditional record and read an artists biography (suggestions Roman By Polaski, Eric Clapton, Shakey, Heaver than Heaven, The chronicles, Pollock, Andy Warhol Diaries, or if you don’t like Art try Charles Darwin’s auto biography, Steve Wozniak Autobiography or Einstein A life)
-Keep reading till you are on the verge of passing out, perhaps this will take a few records (records are better than mp3’s not just for obvious reasons, but they keep you awake because you have to get up and turn them over and change them. For example Mozart “cosi fan tuttte da ponte” is on three records)
-When you are weak of mind and can’t read anymore grab preferred instrument, and play thoughtlessly, do not interfere with what is coming out. If device is available record everything. If your like me you’ll be unable to set up anything more complicated than a tape deck at this point.
There you have it, song writing 101, now remember I didn’t say hit songs!
This is my song settle down with me!
