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May 29, 2009
The Adventure Begins
My friend Sandy (who is a frequent and most welcome commenter on this blog) emailed me recently and wanted to know if we could try co-writing some songs.
I wrote back:
Dear Sandy,
It’s amazing that you would bring this up!
I’ve been thinking a lot about songwriting lately, especially since I’ve been writing about it in the PSG, watching Sheryl working on writing a song a week, and working recently with a very prolific and talented songwriter from South Carolina.
Also, watching the new show “Legends and Lyrics” has been an inspiration.
I know what its like to have written a “hit” song. Just Google my name and it’ll come right up.
Sheryl has challenged me to also start writing a song a week!
I would be honored to co-write with you. I know we tried it once before, but this time, I really want to follow through.
Let’s make some beautiful music together!
Well, she’s already sent me a lyric to work on. I’m excited to see what happens.
Also, I figured if I wrote about it here, I would really need to follow through!
Posted by leonolguin at 10:29 AM | Comments (0)
May 28, 2009
Talking to Myself
I’m working on two major projects right now. I’m mixing and compiling a collection of 24 songs by a very talented songwriter from South Carolina by the name of Kat Coffman.
I will be sure to spread the news with great enthusiasm when this project is released, since she has written some beautiful and haunting songs. She has a tremendous gift for melody, the likes of which is rarely heard in songwriting today.
I’m also producing an audio book written by my financial advisor, Tom Palka. I will be reading the book myself, so our hope is that eventually millions of people will get to hear my mellifluous voice. Not to mention the important information contained in the book!
It’s always a fun challenge to do voice over work. I never record my singing for public consumption, and I always get a “real” singer to sing on my song demos. But I’m much more comfortable recording my speaking voice. It can be deceptively hard work. Every imperfection in pronunciation, every random mouth noise, every “trip of the tongue” must be dealt with.
Usually, Sheryl will come in and help me set levels, and then she hits “record” and leaves. I sit in the vocal booth and start reading. I have to imagine myself actually talking to an audience, or to another person sitting across from me. Otherwise, it begins to occur to me that I am literally sitting alone in a little booth, talking to myself. This could start doing strange things to my brain!
After a while, I am able to get in to the flow of what I’m reading, and it starts to really feel as though I’m giving a speech to a live audience.
Sometimes I find it hard to believe that I get to do stuff like this.
Posted by leonolguin at 10:21 AM | Comments (0)
May 27, 2009
Stereo Types
Last Saturday Sheryl and I spent the day upgrading the computer system in the studio. I could go into all the technical details, but I can’t remember them.
The end result is we have the newest version of ProTools, run on a Mac with the latest operating system.
So what does this mean to me?
I have some new tools at my disposal, and the ability to work more efficiently.
What does this mean to our clients?
Actually, not much.
I’ve seen a lot of web sites for recording studios where the proprietor proudly displays a list of equipment and software that he owns and employs in his studio.
I have no such list on my site, and only once or twice in my entire career has anyone asked me about my studio equipment.
And at the risk of perpetuating gender stereotypes, no woman has EVER asked me about my studio equipment.
P.S. I am aware of the fact that the title of this post is a rather weak pun, but I couldn’t resist.
Posted by leonolguin at 11:35 AM | Comments (1)
May 26, 2009
Song For The Week
Haiku Ewe - by Big Al the Gal
I like the old-style microphone.
A great many puns could be made here (e.g. "My next number will be "Wooly Bully").
Posted by leonolguin at 07:15 AM | Comments (0)
May 22, 2009
The Challenges of Songwriting- part 4 The Final Challenge
(Actually, there are more songwriter challenges then those that I’ve highlighted in the last few days, but “The Final Challenge” just sounded cool.)
You want your songs to be memorable. We’ve all heard songs that seem to “disappear” the second they are over. They’re like a mist or a vapor. There’s nothing there to fire your imagination, nothing that stays in your memory, nothing that makes you want to immediately hear the song again.
What makes a song memorable?
The lyrics have depth. Your lyrics have got to say something worth saying, and in a fresh and novel way. At the same time, what you say has to be couched in a way that everyone can understand.
The music is appealing. You need a melody that’s singable, but not simplistic. The melody needs to provide the ideal setting for the lyrics, and not detract from the message, while at the same time providing interest in its own right. You need a chord progression that ably supports the melody, while providing a pleasing surprise or two.
The best songs are the ones we never get tired of listening to. We can go back to them over and over again, and find something new to admire each time.
With all these challenges facing the songwriter, it’s amazing that any good songs ever get written. But amazingly enough, songwriters produce them every day.
Unfortunately, they also write a lot of mediocre songs as well. I’m sure you don’t want to add to their number!
Have a great Memorial Day Weekend! New post on Tuesday. (Even the PSG needs a day off!)
Posted by leonolguin at 09:39 AM | Comments (0)
May 21, 2009
The Challenges of Songwriting- part 3
Janis Ian calls this particular challenge “invisibility.”
When we play songs for each other at our NSAI meetings, the songwriter in the spotlight will hand out lyric sheets to the group members before playing his or her song. Then we all follow along with the lyric sheet as we listen.
In a normal setting, the audience does not have lyric sheets. They will hear every line once, and they have to understand it immediately, before they are forced to deal with the next line. If they have to stop and figure out what the first line meant, they will most likely miss the next several lines, and then give up, and wait dejectedly for the song to be over.
You can’t stop after each line and explain to your audience what it means. You can’t put a long pause in after each line so that your audience can ponder your meaning. (Well, maybe you could, but it would sure make for one strange song!) Sure, you can “set the song up” by talking about it before your perform it, but most audiences quickly grow impatient with this, since they want to hear you sing, not talk.
Posted by leonolguin at 07:38 AM | Comments (0)
May 20, 2009
The Challenges of Songwriting- part 2
In writing a play, you can have a whole host of characters to speak your words. You can create as many characters as you want. (Maybe not too many, lest you confuse your audience!). In addition, the characters wear costumes to further illustrate who they are, the lighting and sets give your audience a sense of time and place, and the director is there to pull it all together.
In writing a novel, you have the luxury of time. You can spend several pages describing a character to your readers, so that when that person finally appears on the scene, the reader already feels that they know the person. You can spend time describing places, setting scenes, and revealing your characters' inner thoughts. You can also create subplots and digressions from the main story. (Is it any wonder that some novels can top 900 pages?)
If you’re writing modern poetry, you are free not to rhyme, and you don’t have to deal with the structural limitations that music can impose.
But what about a song?
Well, here are some of the challenges a songwriter faces:
1. You usually have two or three verses, a chorus and a bridge in which to put everything, and it probably should not last more than 3 or possibly 4 minutes. In this space you must:
a. Explain everything about your character (or characters)
b. Reveal your plot.
c. Develop your story.
d. Reach a resolution of some kind.
2. Your only tool is a melody, and that melody:
a. Must draw the listener in
b. Must not bore the listener
c. Must be interesting enough to keep his attention, but not so interesting that he forgets about the lyrics
d. Must be familiar enough to be comfortable
e. But not so familiar that it sounds like a rip off of something else
f. Must be singable!
In addition, if you are a classical composer, you can have an entire orchestra at your disposal, but a songwriter must get his or her point across using a single human voice.
There is still a further challenge, which we’ll look at tomorrow.
Posted by leonolguin at 07:57 AM | Comments (0)
May 19, 2009
The Challenges of Songwriting- introduction
In some ways, songwriting is similar to other arts, such as writing, acting, or painting.
There are common basic principles. An actor must make a good entrance, employ the proper vocal dynamics, keep the energy level up, and make an effective exit from the scene. A painter must pay attention to color and shading, a writer must strive for clarity and flow.
Songwriters must also “make a good entrance”, employ dynamics and energy, end their songs well, and strive for lucidity and flow.
All the arts share the same bottom line: creation. The painter starts with a blank canvas, an actor faces the empty stage, a writer stares at a bare page.
The songwriter also starts with a blank page (before the lyrics are written) and absolute silence (before the music is created).
But there are challenges in songwriting that are not shared with the other arts.
I’ll be spending the next few days talking about them.
Posted by leonolguin at 09:01 AM | Comments (0)
May 18, 2009
Open Mics (Or Open Mikes) – Where to Find Them
Back on April 30, I wrote about the benefits of playing at open mics.
It’s a great place to start for the aspiring singer / songwriter.
So, how can you find out where these open mics are being held?
Check out this site: www.openmikes.org.
Information from the site:
What is openmikes.org?
Ever been in an unfamiliar city, dying for a place to play tonight? Or at home, new song needing a tryout? Me too. Might be nice to have one comprehensive place to look... so let's build it.
openmikes.org is a listing of music open-mike nights in the US or Canada. Anything open (by invitation, sign-up, etc.) to the general public, where live music may be performed, may be included here.
openmikes.org is built and maintained by Paul Roub, a singer / songwriter / guitarist who fondly remembers some great open mike nights that led him to all sorts of amazing musicians and friends. Content comes from various sources, most notably from user submissions.
Access to the site is free.
You can use this site to find open mics everywhere in the USA, and in Canada.
By the way, go to the FAQ section, and check out the article: Why openmikes.org, not openmics.org, in case you’re wondering about the spelling of the site name!
Posted by leonolguin at 11:53 AM | Comments (0)
May 16, 2009
Country Music Taps Into Recession Blues
Here’s a recent article about how country music seems to be the only genre that is addressing the current hard economic times.
Posted by leonolguin at 11:08 AM | Comments (0)
May 15, 2009
Jump Start Your Brain
This is one of those days where I’m feeling a little tired, and uninspired.
I know that there are hundreds of things I could write about today, but I just can’t think of any. So I’m doing what a lot of writers do: just start writing.
I suppose it could be considered a bit of a cliché to write about writing, but the process can be helpful.
Sometimes you just have to exercise the “creative muscles.” Keep the brain working.
If you’re a songwriter, there will be days when you feel as though you will never write another song. Don’t let that stop you. Show up. Write something anyway. Don’t wait for “inspiration” to strike. Just start writing. Write anything. Write a silly song. Write a nonsense song. Just make something up!
It’s kind of like jump-starting a car. Sometimes you just have to give it a little push!
Well, I may not have written a masterpiece today, but who knows? Maybe I’ve given someone a “little push.”
Posted by leonolguin at 09:28 AM | Comments (0)
May 14, 2009
Legends and Lyrics
This show started airing on PBS earlier this year. If you get a chance to catch an episode, we highly recommend it!
(In Brevard County Florida, you can see it on Saturday evenings at 11PM on PBS, and on Sunday evening at 8PM.)
Here’s a little info on the show from the website:
“Legends & Lyrics” is produced by Songwriters in the Round. Song-Writers In The Round was established to recognize, promote, and honor the "creators of song", whether they are recording artists who write some or all of their hit songs, or the full-time professional song poets who write the hits for the full-time recording artists. The Company's "Legends & Lyrics" television series is the predominant force that will expose this high art profession internationally.
“Legends & Lyrics” is a unique musical performance series, which is driven by famous recording artists of all genres who write many of their own hit songs, blended with professional hit song poets, who write hit songs for the star recording artists. “Legends & Lyrics” is distributed and presented by American Public Television and will appear on PBS stations nationwide starting early 2009 (check local listings).
Each weekly show includes the following segments:
· Recording Artists and Song Poets telling the story of the creation of the song and then performing their greatest hit songs and new releases.
· “Out of the Box” interviews with each artist/song poet.
· “Did You Know? Historical Facts” addressing the ancient origins and interesting facts about today’s commercial music.
· “Legendary Recording Artist” or “Legendary Song Poets” interviews with those of “Legend” status.
· “Rising Stars” featuring undiscovered recording artist/song poets.
· “Tips of the Week” for aspiring song poets.
“Legends & Lyrics” was shot in an intimate classical performance hall in HD 1080p and Surround Sound. It is a “High Art” TV series that honors the true creators of the most popular genres of commercial music, while appealing to a vast range of viewing audiences. All performers are honored as diligent composers who quietly create the great songs that drive the music industry worldwide.
Posted by leonolguin at 07:41 AM | Comments (1)
May 13, 2009
“THE SONG”
Over the years, I’ve gone to many “open mics”, where I’ve heard an amazing variety of songs. Of course, as a professional composer and record producer, I tend to mentally rate the songs as I hear them.
Most are, as you would expect, average. They leave no real impression. Occasionally I hear something that touches upon the edges of greatness, and once in a while I am blown away by a truly inspired creation.
Every once in a while however, I have to endure THE SONG. A song that would have to improve immensely just to be rated “horrible.”
A regular song can descend to the level of THE SONG in several ways. Maybe the concept of the song is hackneyed or even offensive; perhaps the music is trite and repetitive. Maybe the performance itself lacks a certain polish (or basic ability on the part of the performer), or is completely imbued with unjustified arrogance. Whatever the combination of elements, the result can be described as an “arrow to the brain.” That is to say, most painful indeed.
As THE SONG grinds on to its much longed-for end, I find myself thinking, “I hate this song. I really hate this song. Words cannot describe how much I HATE THIS SONG.”
I fervently hope that I will never hear THE SONG again, and I frantically begin casting about in my mind for a way to mentally erase it. Alas, this has always proved impossible, and THE SONG is soon burned permanently upon my memory. There it remains, an onerous musical specter destined to periodically haunt me, as it randomly rushes upon my memory from time to time, producing the most excruciating mental sensations.
This is the risk I take whenever I attend an open mic. Fortunately, encountering THE SONG is a most rare occurrence, and the good and sometimes inspiring songs I hear more than make up for the occasional agonizing experience.
Posted by leonolguin at 10:33 AM | Comments (1)
May 12, 2009
“Making It”
When someone asks me how to “make it” as a singer /songwriter, my answer is usually, “If you can do anything else, do it!”
If the desire to write songs doesn’t burn in your soul, if you don’t have things you want to say that demand to be said, then don’t bother writing songs. If your desire is to become “rich and famous” then I implore you to stop right now. You’ll save yourself a lot of heartache.
But maybe you aren’t concerned about “making it” in music. Perhaps you are simply in pursuit of the joy of creation, the pleasure of sharing your creations with others, and the camaraderie of your fellow artists. Maybe you are looking for ways to encourage others in their songwriting and performing, ways to get valuable feedback on your work so that you can improve at your craft, and the chance to experience the thrill of creating something beautiful.
If that’s the case: go for it! I will do everything I can to help you.
Posted by leonolguin at 10:06 AM | Comments (0)
May 11, 2009
A Disturbing Thought
Our daughter is coming here to visit for the next couple of days. Tomorrow (May 12th) is her 22nd birthday, so we will be celebrating mothers’ day and her birthday on the same day.
It’s hard to believe that I have a 22-year-old daughter. Sheryl looks entirely too young to have a “child” this age.
This got me to thinking (always a dangerous thing…).
Sheryl and I moved to Florida in December 1984, so I could take on the position of assistant pastor of a church in Merritt Island.
(Yes, I am an ordained minister, but please don’t call me “Rev.”)
My initial responsibilities back then were working with the youth group, and also with the musicians.
In 1984, the youth group members ranged in age from 13 to 17.
Today, the oldest are over 40.
Forty.
Well, I think I’ll go wind up the victrola and listen to a few 78s.
Posted by leonolguin at 02:33 PM | Comments (1)
May 08, 2009
Snoopy Knows What Really Matters
Sorry about the "squished" image.
Posted by leonolguin at 12:24 PM | Comments (0)
May 07, 2009
The Wisdom of Austin Church
Sheryl and I went out last night to hear a concert by our good friend Austin Church. He is a masterful songwriter and an uplifting performer.
I will always remember the first time we heard him play. It was at a now-defunct place called the Wacky Hut, and he was playing outside on a beautiful Florida evening. He sang one song that immediately became my favorite, “Know It All.”
The chorus hit home with me:
“All I know is that I know how little I knew
When I knew it all
I used to be a know it all
But now I know, I know nothing at all.”
He didn’t know it at the time, but he wrote that song about me.
It seems the older I get, the less I know, and the wiser I become.
It’s the same when I go out and play live. When I was young, I played an awful lot of notes. I had to let my listeners know how skillful I was. Now I’ve found that the less I play, the better it sounds. The more carefully I choose what to play, the more impact it has.
Amazing. But why did it take so long to figure this out? What am I doing and saying now that I will be ruefully shaking my head over when I’m 80?
By the way, if you ever have an opportunity to “go to Church,” go!
Words from the wise.
Posted by leonolguin at 10:27 AM | Comments (0)
May 05, 2009
Songwriting: A Demanding Art
Folks will gaze at Michelangelo’s “David” and marvel at the tremendous talent and ability that went in to creating such a masterpiece.
They will stare in awe and wonder at a Leonardo da Vinci painting, and consider how long and hard he must have worked to perfect his Mona Lisa.
They will watch a Shakespeare play, and wonder how the man could write all those classic lines that are still being read today.
Then they will hear a hit song and think, “I could do that.”
It always surprises me how many people believe that they can be songwriters. “After all,” they reason, “I’ve heard enough songs on the radio; I know what a hit song is supposed to sound like. What’s so hard about it? Just throw together some lyrics, add a tune, and presto! When do I get my royalty check?”
So, these would-be songwriters try their hand at writing a song. They learn a few guitar chords, figure out how to play a chord progression, add a melody and some lyrics, and they have a song. Unfortunately, it’s usually not very good.
Although songwriting has yet to be considered on the same level as painting, sculpting, or playwriting, it is in fact a difficult form to master, and just as demanding.
Those who come to realize the feebleness of their initial attempts at songwriting, and work hard to actually learn the craft, have my undying respect.
Posted by leonolguin at 10:33 AM | Comments (0)
May 04, 2009
Who Inspires You?
I have been blessed to know and work with so many inspiring musicians.
What do they inspire me to do? They inspire me to improve myself. I want to work hard at being a better musician, a better arranger, a better recording engineer, and a better person.
How do they inspire me? By doing something to bring themselves closer to their dreams. They want to create a work of art, and so they do it. They want to move people with their music. They want to tell their story through song. They work hard at improving their craft. They are willing to learn and grow as artists, and as people.
But it goes beyond mere musical and songwriting talent. These artists inspire me through the way they treat their fellow musicians, and the way they treat their fans. In their actions I see respect, gratefulness, thoughtfulness, and plain old-fashioned manners. These kinds of things can restore your faith in mankind, especially when you find yourself becoming weary and jaded.
I hope that I may inspire someone every day.
Whom have you inspired?
Posted by leonolguin at 01:31 PM | Comments (0)
May 01, 2009
Open Mic Story #1
Sheryl and I were at the open mic at Nolan’s Irish Pub last night. (Sheryl had a chance to do a couple of new songs).
At these get-togethers you hear a variety of songs, some pretty good, some that need work, and occasionally you hear something that really sticks in your mind.
Such was the case with a 95-year old gentleman who came up and did a couple of songs. He had a little trouble holding down the chords on his guitar, but his voice was strong. Normally the folks who come to Nolan’s for a drink but not necessarily the music will chatter away in the background while the performers sing, but when this gentleman ascended slowly to the stage and began his songs, the house fell silent. I can’t remember his name, but his image will always remain with me.
So will the chorus of one of his songs:
“Oh dear, what can the matter be?
Seven old ladies locked in the lavat’ry
They were there from Sunday ‘till Saturday
Nobody knew they were there"
There was a verse for each of the seven ladies; the last verse brought this epic tale to a memorable close (the more delicate among you should not read any further…)
“The seventh old lady was one Mrs. Tate
She tool castor oil for something she ate
She ran for the stall but was one second late
And everyone knew she was there.”
Ah, they don’t write ‘em like that anymore.
You never know what you are going to hear at an open mic!
Posted by leonolguin at 10:44 AM | Comments (1)