Tuesday
Oct092007
I know a lot about the history of Cleveland, Ohio
Tuesday, October 9, 2007 at 04:13PM
Writing from Sputnik today. About to finish up some mixes for Owen Pye, who's doing a split EP with Nick, whose songs I recorded and produced.
I'm doing writing sessions all week, something both exciting and daunting for me. I love songs, but the writing is still something personal and hard for me to really invite others into. I was able to do it with the Normals and I've been able to do it with Randall, but those were both time-tested relationships. To walk into a room with a stranger and try to come up with something that will mean something is very different.
I learn a lot from these sessions, though. I learn that I write in chunks. I'm this way with my blog too. I rarely write little snippets to use later. I write three verses in three minutes. Then I spend the most of my time "writing" actually editing and trying to find any more inspiration that might be left for any other sections that still need to come.
If you were to compare me to a woodworker, I'd say that I start with an axe. The whittling comes later. Randall, on the other hand, starts whittling at the beginning. It takes him longer, and his songs are often more intricate than mine. I've learned a lot from him, though, and I continue to, and I see how I'm starting to feel those impulses as well.
That's the best thing about music in community. By learning how other people do things we become more free to be who really are. This is a lesson that can be applied in many other areas of life, most of which are more important than songwriting.
I'm doing writing sessions all week, something both exciting and daunting for me. I love songs, but the writing is still something personal and hard for me to really invite others into. I was able to do it with the Normals and I've been able to do it with Randall, but those were both time-tested relationships. To walk into a room with a stranger and try to come up with something that will mean something is very different.
I learn a lot from these sessions, though. I learn that I write in chunks. I'm this way with my blog too. I rarely write little snippets to use later. I write three verses in three minutes. Then I spend the most of my time "writing" actually editing and trying to find any more inspiration that might be left for any other sections that still need to come.
If you were to compare me to a woodworker, I'd say that I start with an axe. The whittling comes later. Randall, on the other hand, starts whittling at the beginning. It takes him longer, and his songs are often more intricate than mine. I've learned a lot from him, though, and I continue to, and I see how I'm starting to feel those impulses as well.
That's the best thing about music in community. By learning how other people do things we become more free to be who really are. This is a lesson that can be applied in many other areas of life, most of which are more important than songwriting.
Reader Comments (14)
As a fellow songwriter-in constant training I really appreciate this blog Andy- thanks!
Tom B.
Nice Adam Again reference.
Great song.
name drop.
We're all still waiting on Iran, Andy.
btw, and this is totally unrelated...but I guess you don't really check your email? At least, you told me to send you an email at the Caedmon's concert up in PA a few weeks ago, and I did, and it's been weeks and you've never responded. Maybe it got lost? =P
Cleveland sucks. Even Bob Saget agrees.
I wish I was a songwriter... It's one of those things I always try to do but sooner or later i gotta admit defeat and move on...
That's the second Adam Again reference, isn't it? (It is what it is...)
Geof, I do not think that argument means what you think it means.
(said in my best Inigo voice)
I definitely feel you on the chunk writing thing, Andy. I write both songs and short stories and I normally write in huge bursts, then edit, edit, edit. Thanks for this. I had a professor who insisted on writing a little bit every day, like the whittling process, and I just couldn't get into it. It's nice to know that someone else hacks away.
I really enjoy hearing the way different writing styles come together on "Overdressed." The different ways you and Randall approach the writing process compliment each other very nicely.
Hey are you the Ron Davis from Little Miami HS near Cincinnati, OH?
i'm a burst writer too. with songs, old poetry, even the papers i had to write in college. i always collected, parsed, ruminated, and processed information, then spat it all out in one sitting. usually right before deadline.
unlike you, i rarely change or tweak or whittle it afterwards... guess that's what makes you a songwriter and me a computer programmer. ;)
as for adam again... i once told greg lawless (adam again guitar master) at cornerstone that i loved the ending of that song... how the acoustic guitar sounded like the river, with the electric guitar, all feedback and distortion, sounded like the fire. how beautiful a sound picture that was...
he looked at me like i had two heads... "i've never thought of it that way..." i was floored.
Jason - No, I'm the Ron Davis of http://www.moreron.com
Jud: On the Cleveland/Cincinnati debate, I side with Sam Wyche. ;)