Project Studio Guy

August 07, 2009

Your Baby is Pretty Good Looking

It can be difficult for some songwriters to deal with criticism of their work. They think of their songs as their “children,” and if someone were to offer a negative remark concerning the song, it would be tantamount to saying “Your baby is ugly!”

Yet every month we NSAI members subject ourselves to this very real possibility when we play our songs for the group. The purpose of our meeting is to have the members remark candidly on the strengths and weaknesses of each song presented, and offer suggestions for improvement.

One cannot have “thin skin” where the critiquing of one’s song is concerned.

My songwriting partner Sandy and I were a little anxious at our most recent NSAI meeting, since we would be presenting our first collaboration. Our “work tape” was a simple piano/vocal demo, with Sandy singing.

So, what did the NSAI Orlando Chapter think?

The general consensus was, “Your baby is pretty good looking, and here are a few ways to make it even better looking.” Not a bad start for a fledgling songwriting team.

Sandy and I are already hard at work on a second song. Well, Sandy’s working hard anyway; I’ve always considered the lyricist’s job to be more difficult than the composer’s.

As for this first one, we will “tweak” it a bit more, and record a proper demo. And THEN we may let you all hear it!

Posted by leonolguin at 05:38 PM | Comments (0)

August 06, 2009

Bitten Again by the Songwriting Bug

I started to get serious about songwriting again when Sheryl and I began attending writers’ night every Thursday at Nolan’s in Cocoa Beach.

Sheryl has been using this weekly event as motivation to write a new song every week, and she has largely succeeded, getting her creative fires burning again in the process. It seems that when she gets one song finished, an idea for a new one appears. Sometimes she finds herself with several song ideas rolling around in her mind, all fighting to get out.

I, or course, as the PSG, have the privilege of recording her “work tapes” (we still call them work tapes even though we use CDs now…) and helping her get these new songs “up on their feet."

Sheryl’s rebirth as a songwriter has been an exciting process to witness, and the sheer joy of creativity and the sense of accomplishment that she has experienced have played a major role in her continual recovery.

As I watched her find great delight and pleasure in pursuing her craft and her passion, I began to think about my own creative endeavors.

I wrote a lot of songs and instrumental music back in the eighties and early nineties, have seen many of my works recorded and published, and have even written a “hit” song (If you want to know more about that, just “Google” my name [Leon Olguin] and see what pops up!).

But as I worked in the early nineties to build our studio business, I largely left songwriting behind. I believed that I was being resolutely and laudably pragmatic. I had to do what people were willing to immediately pay me for (record and produce their songs), and while I certainly enjoyed receiving my royalty checks (or “mailbox money” as they call it in Nashville), I could not consider this a reliable source of income.

So I attempted to completely suppress my desire to be creative, convincing myself that it was not a viable activity. Perhaps this mind set came partially as a result of my upbringing, which stressed gaining a skill and getting a job. Creativity was seen as a self-indulgent and somewhat narcissistic activity at best.

Now of course, my work as an arranger and producer certainly involved, and continues to involve, a tremendous amount of creativity. No one could ever accuse Sir George Martin (who produced the Beatles, and many other artists…) of not being creative! But this was creativity applied towards enhancing the initial creations of others, a very different “animal,” so to speak. While I find vast satisfaction in this work, and believe it to be something I was meant to do, I have also begun to realize that if I don’t continue to create my own things, I run the risk of getting burnt out.

The desire within me to be creative, to come up with an idea and bring it to fruition, has never died, despite my half hearted efforts to kill it.

Posted by leonolguin at 10:33 AM | Comments (0)

July 30, 2009

The 15-Minute Myth

Seemingly every songwriter has a story about a song that was written in 15 minutes, or less.

They want you to buy into the glamorous myth of the song that “fell from the sky.”

So, is it possible to write a great song in 15 minutes?

Well, yes, and no.

Actually, it does happen from time to time, but usually to experienced songwriters who have worked hard at their craft, and spend most of their waking hours thinking about songs and songwriting.

In fact, these top-flight songwriters often spend entire days in “writing mode.” They may not actually be hunched over a guitar or a piano intensely working on a song, but they have song ideas forming and working in their subconscious mind. When they finally get a chance to sit down and write, an idea they have been mulling over in their minds for hours or even days comes rushing out, and a great song is seemingly written in just a few minutes.

The reality is that most songs written in 15 minutes, in a “lighting flash of inspiration” are actually mediocre. Only the writer, and his or her immediate family think that its really great.

Anyone can write a song in a short period of time. That is, anyone can write a mediocre song. For that matter, anyone can write a middling poem, or create a slapdash painting in a few minutes. But does it have true quality? Is there real substance? Will this creation touch people emotionally, and possess true staying power?

If you do write a truly great song in 15 minutes or less, count yourself among the few and the extremely fortunate. Of course, you may have actually been working on it without realizing it for much longer than that.

Posted by leonolguin at 09:18 AM | Comments (2)

July 29, 2009

Life Is Not Fair Sometimes

If you brought this lyric to an NSAI (Nashville Songwriters Association International) meeting to have it critiqued, what do you think the reaction would be?

I need to be myself
I can't be no one else
I'm feeling supersonic
Give me gin and tonic
You can have it all but how much do you want it?
You make me laugh
Give me your autograph
Can I ride with you in your B.M.W ?
You can sail with me in my yellow submarine

Or how about this one?

Staring blindly into space
Getting up to splash my face
Wanting just to stay awake
Wondering how much I can take
Should I try to do some more
25 or 6 to 4

OK, one more...

"I am," I said
To no one there,
And no one heard at all
Not even the chair

No wonder so many people think that they too can write a song.

Posted by leonolguin at 09:37 AM | Comments (0)

July 28, 2009

Miscellaneous Musician Stories

I am often asked about copyrights. Usually the inquiry comes from someone who is concerned that their songs will be stolen.

Then I hear their songs. I quickly realize that their fears are unfounded.

I remember one artist who introduced a song with the declaration: “God gave me this song.”

Then I heard the song. I was sorely tempted to say, “God gave you that song? Give it back, he needs to do a few more re-writes on it.”

One songwriter confidently told me, “I think this song is a hit!”

Then I listened to the song. My unspoken thought: “You have a better chance of it being stolen. But then they would give it right back.”

Posted by leonolguin at 09:42 PM | Comments (0)

July 13, 2009

Crazy Rhyme #1

I have a knack for finding crazy rhymes that any sane songwriter would never use. They often come to me when I am helping someone with a lyric, or when someone in our songwriting group throws out a silly line, and I come up with a rhyming line to go with it.

For example, someone may start an imaginary song with the line,

“I went fishing on the Indian River.”

The second line just flows naturally...

“I caught no fish, so I had to eat liver.”

Ira Gershwin I ain't.

This ability either serves to make me amusing or irritating; my sincere hope is for the former.

So here's today's crazy rhyme, in keeping with the “fish theme.”

My wife is in the kitchen frying up tilapia,
Few things in this life could ever make me happia.

Well, its better than rhyming “love” and “above.”

Have you got a crazy rhyme, maybe even one you've used in a song? How about a crazy rhyme you've heard in a famous song (and there are a lot of them out there, such as “Songs she sang to me, songs she brang to me.” )

Tell us about it! We could all use a good laugh (or groan) today!

Posted by leonolguin at 08:45 AM | Comments (0)

July 10, 2009

Private Earworm

After Sandy, my songwriting partner, heard the music I had written for our new song, she told me that I had given her an “earworm.” She found herself singing the chorus in her mind over and over again.

For those of you not familiar with the term “earworm,” I refer you to a section from a blog entry of mine from the distant past, January of 2006:

(Now the scene begins to shimmer and dissolve...you have to imagine me reading this with some reverb on my voice...)

There is always music running through my mind.

Sometimes I will purposefully run a favorite song through my head, from start to finish. It’s a little like having a jukebox in my mind.
But while some times I choose the song that plays internally, other days I wake up with a song seemingly chosen for me.

The “chosen” song plays incessantly, and I don’t seem to have any control over it. Then the thought pattern breaks up a little, and I’m left with a song fragment continually running through my inner ear.

I have an “earworm” - a piece of music I can’t seem to get out of my mind.

(Now we're back in the present...)

Sometimes your earworm may consist of a popular song, a big hit. So its conceivable that thousands, maybe millions of people have experienced the same earworm at some time. Maybe even all at once if they saw the song performed on Letterman or O'Brien (I almost wrote Letterman or Leno! How times have changed...)

But what Sandy had was a “private earworm.” After she told me about it, I started running the chorus of our song through my mind as well. Now we were sharing our private earworm. We were the only two people in the entire world with that particular song running through our minds.

Naturally, we hope to change that!

Posted by leonolguin at 08:54 AM | Comments (0)

July 02, 2009

The Adventure Continues

I had put it off long enough. Sandy, my songwriting partner, had sent me a lyric. I had read it as soon I opened her email, and immediately began thinking about what kind of music I would put to it. I kept thinking, and I kept thinking. For a couple of weeks I kept thinking.

Finally, I had to tell myself, “You’re always telling songwriters not to be afraid to just start writing, so practice what you preach. Get going!”

So I sat down last Monday with a blank piece of music paper, and Sandy’s lyric. I wrote down the tune as I heard it in my mind. Then I waited until Sheryl left the house for an appointment, and recorded a “work tape” (actually a “work CD”) in the studio. Of course, I’m thinking to myself, “But what if Sandy doesn’t like it?" Finally, I sent an MP3 of my VERY rough demo to her.

OK, she liked it! Whew! But now we have before us the even more arduous task of re-writing.

When we get this song polished to the point where we are happy with it, then perhaps will let you all hear it. (With Sandy singing it, I hope!)

Posted by leonolguin at 11:42 AM | Comments (0)

June 17, 2009

The Song a Week Club

Sheryl has been using the weekly songwriters’ night at Nolan’s Irish Pub as a motivation to write a song every week. So far, it has been a successful experiment, as she has come up with some great songs. It’s a real challenge, finishing up a song in the afternoon and performing it live for the first time in front of audience that evening. I don’t think I could do it.

One benefit derived from this new regimen is that Sheryl now has a reason to think about songwriting and songwriting ideas every day. She is now almost always in songwriting mode, and must exert tremendous diligence to stay on schedule. No one is forcing her to do this; it is pure self-discipline.

I have always believed that creativity is like a muscle. You’ve got to “use it or lose it.” (You can get away with clichés like that in a blog, but you would not want to put them in a lyric.)

One of the benefits for me in doing this blog is that I am obliged to think about what I do every day, and try to come up with something useful and inspiring for my readers. This leads me to think about ways in which I may better serve those who come to me for help with their music.

Now I just need to start writing a song a week as well! As soon as I invent a 36-hour day, I think I’ll be able to do it.

Posted by leonolguin at 08:42 AM | Comments (0)

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 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 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 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)

April 07, 2009

Hold On, I’ve Heard That Title Somewhere

I went to a writers’ night recently at Nolan’s Irish Pub in Cape Canaveral, FL. Sheryl sang a few of her new tunes (one of which I posted back on April 2), and we listened to several songs from other songwriters in the area.

It’s always a fascinating exercise to hear a new song for the first time. I find myself taking note of and mentally evaluating certain “song components” whenever I hear a song for the first time:

1. The title
2. The lyric
3. The melody
4. The chord progression

One of the writers sang an original song titled “Hold On.” Now, I knew right away that I had heard that title before. No harm done, you can’t copyright a title, but I began to wonder, just how many songs are called “Hold On?”

After a quick Google search, I found:

1. Wilson Phillips – Hold On
2. Tom Waits – Hold On
3. The Jonas Brothers – Hold On
4. Hold On Lyrics by Good Charlotte
5. Listen to KT Tunstall – Hold On for free
6. Hold On: Tyrone Wells: Music. ... 5.0 out of 5 stars Hold On by Tyronne Wells The CD is fantastic! Great songs with a smoky blues-rock feel. ...
7. Listen to Hot Chip – Hold On for free. Hold On appears on the album Made In The Dark…
8. Sarah McLachlan Hold On lyrics in the The Freedom Sessions Album.
9. KoRn - Hold On lyric.
10. Lazee - Hold On Lyrics at SeekaLyric.com, your source for free song lyrics!
11. Hold On Lyrics by Jet.
12. Hold On lyrics performed by Green Day

All right, that’s enough! Maybe we should retire that title.

There’s a lesson here: if you’re writing a song and you come up with a title you really like, “Google” it and see if anyone has beaten you to it!

If you find that a few songwriters have used it already, and you still love the title, go ahead and use it; after all, you can’t copyright a title.

You may want to think twice about writing a new song called “Hold On,” however.

Posted by leonolguin at 11:40 AM | Comments (0)

March 24, 2009

Just One Voice

I’m starting work this week on a major recording project with an artist who is producing two CDs worth of material in one go. She has just sent me several songs to work with, and all I have received is a recording of her singing her melodies and lyrics, with no accompaniment. It is my job to find chord progressions to go with her melodies, create the arrangements, and produce the backing tracks for her to sing to. She will then come down to Florida and stay with us for a while to record her vocals.

Sometimes songwriters, who write in this seemingly primitive fashion, where they just sing a tune without even playing the guitar or piano, actually come up with better melodies than songwriters who write “on the guitar” or “on the piano.”

It’s not too hard to see how that might happen. A guitar player or piano player may get so caught up playing the riff or chord progression he or she came up with, that the “melody” becomes whatever fits over those chords. Then, if you remove the accompaniment, the melody turns out to be fragmented, unmemorable, even a little boring.

A great many songs today are built from the “bottom up” in the studio. Everything starts with a drum loop, or a loop with a chord progression. The track is constructed, parts are added, and often the last thing written is the melody. It’s easy to hide a weak melody with an attention-grabbing track! (Often the lyrics are pretty flabby as well.)

Do you want a challenge for your songwriting? Try writing a complete song “acapella,” that is, entirely without accompaniment. Challenge yourself to come up with a song that stands completely on its melody and lyric content. Trust me, its not easy, but it can be done.

I can help you with the chords!

Posted by leonolguin at 10:53 AM | Comments (1)

March 20, 2009

Work Songs

Most of my songwriting friends know that professional songwriters often write as many as 3 or 4 finished songs a week, often more.

Are all of these songs going to become hits? Of course not. But maybe one of them will, and that’s all they need!

So what about all of those other songs? Many of them can be categorized as “work songs.” These are songs that are written, put aside and sometimes forgotten. Or, they will be “dismantled” and parts of them will turn up in subsequent songs.

If you write a lot of songs, you know how it goes: you may have a great first verse, or a fabulous chorus, but the rest of the song doesn’t work. Well, don’t let a good “song part” go down with the ship. Save that great line, that catchy chorus, and build a new song around it.

You may just come up with that one big hit.

Posted by leonolguin at 11:13 AM | Comments (0)

March 17, 2009

Congratulations Are in Order

Congratulation to a member of our musical family, Chris Kahl! His song, “Out on Cedar Key” (which was recorded in our studio for Chris’ new CD) placed 2nd in the Will McLean songwriting contest this year.

Chris is looking forward to singing it at the Will McLean Music Festival, which will be held April 3-5, 2009 at Withlacoochee Campground, Dunnellon, FL.

http://www.chriskahl.com/gigs.html

We always knew he would make good!

http://www.willmclean.com/songcontest/index.html

Posted by leonolguin at 11:48 AM | Comments (0)

March 04, 2009

What Is It About Songwriters?

OK, I married a songwriter. I’m a songwriter. Many of our best friends are songwriters. Over half the clients that come to our studio are songwriters.

Every month we go to meeting of songwriters (NSAI) and talk about, you guessed it…songwriting.

We love songwriters!

Sheryl and I do a lot of work helping songwriters with their songs. Instead of just offering a “studio for hire” (which is a great thing) we also offer, “song doctoring.” If someone is going to spend a fair sum making professional recordings of their songs, why not record those songs once they have been shaped and molded into a state of perfection? (Or at least near-perfection, given the subjective nature of song evaluation…)

But getting back to our NSAI friends, why do we care so much about them?

Well, here are a few reasons just “off the top of my head.” I may add to this list later…

1. They are creative – They make something out of nothing. They bring beauty into the world.

2. They are taking chances, and are willing to take on risk - Some of our members have made enormous investments in their songwriting, spending a great deal of time and money.

3. They are willing to learn, change and grow – Few can survive in our NSAI group if they come in with the attitude of “I’m the best there is, and there is nothing more that I need to learn (but you can all learn from my own wonderful self, however…) We’ve had a few folks come in, and go out, of the group, taking this attitude with them. I, of course, will not mention any names, because I can’t remember them. I CAN, however, remember the name of every teachable songwriter I have had the pleasure of working with.

4. They are fun! - There is something about the sheer joy of creativity that is infectious. Getting together with fellow songwriters, who are generous with their encouragement, and wise and gentle with their criticism, always lifts the spirit.

Posted by leonolguin at 10:26 PM | Comments (0)

February 20, 2009

Lyrist 101

Here’s another blog I think anyone who is interested in songwriting should check out. Its written by my friend Linda Schaible from Orlando, FL.

http://lyrist101.blogspot.com/

Now, you may be wondering, what is a “lyrist?”

This term originated with the great songwriter Oscar Hammerstein, who wrote countless famous songs in partnership with Richard Rodgers. (Remember “The Sound of Music?”)

He preferred to be called a “lyrist” rather than a “lyricist.”

Later on, the great songwriter Sammy Cahn adopted this term to refer to what he did.

At Lyrist 101, you’ll gain some great insight into the art of songwriting. Here’s what Linda has to say about herself (taken from her blog):

A member of the duo Amelia Earhart Returns during the '90s. Received some air play on WMCW in Spindale NC. I'm a published poet, and winner of the Bain-Swiggett poetry prize for forms; collaborated on the score for a PBS documentary; shared the stage with Christine Kane, Gillian Welch, Mindy Smith, Guy Carawan, Stacey Earle and The Nields. Can play 5 or 6 instruments (not all at the same time, and most not very glamorous) and come from a family of British musicians. Unfortunately none were Beatles, but it's a legacy I'm proud of - Huthwaite Prize Band was started by my great-great-great grandfather (my mum's a Cooper) in 1857.

Enjoy the blog!

That’s right, enjoy her blog, and keep reading this one, too!

Posted by leonolguin at 11:45 AM | Comments (0)

January 30, 2009

Good Pain

The top 11 most depressing songs of all time:

http://www.spike.com/blog/top-11-most/73102?spike=6506

I dare anyone to watch the Johnny Cash video for “Hurt” and not feel anything.

Posted by leonolguin at 12:12 PM | Comments (0)

January 13, 2007

Sad Songs

While we were at the Hall of Fame Lounge in Nashville on Tuesday night, January 9, we had the opportunity to hear the work of some other songwriters.

What they do at the Hall of Fame is schedule "rounds" where you have a group of three or four songwriters each playing a song in turn.

Sheryl and Asli were actually a "round" of two songwriters, which is unusual. Normally, you have at least three, and usually four songwriters in a round.

The songwriters who came on right after Sheryl and Asli were an interesting bunch. But one songwriter really drew our attention. She seemed intent on using her songwriting as a catharsis of some sort. Her life was apparently quite painful, and she endeavored to describe this pain in graphic detail through her lyrics.

Her first song was called "Broken". A sad little song.

Her second song was titled "Wounded". Another sad little song.

I'm not sure what her third song was; perhaps it was "Maimed".

By this time, I was overcome by the secondhand smoke, and had to leave the room.

In addition, her songs were remarkably similar in tempo (that is to say, slow) and mood (that is to say, gloomy).

At any rate, the idea of writing an upbeat song seemed to be a foreign concept to this particular songwriter.

Now, there's nothing wrong with a sad song. Obviously there's a great deal that can be said for singing the blues. But even blues singers lighten up occasionally.

As for the other two singer songwriters, unfortunately, I can't remember a thing that they did.

Posted by leon at 03:19 PM | Comments (0)

August 07, 2006

Song Virgins

I had a couple of ladies in the studio last week that came in to record a simple song demo.

The lady who initially called me had seen our number in the yellow pages, and called to inquire if we were really a recording studio. After receiving assurance that we really did record people, she made an appointment for herself and her partner. It turns out she was the lyricist, and her partner, a singer and keyboardist, would be the actual performer of the song.

They came over and ending up recording the song, and it was not bad.

It was only after the session that I found out it was the first song that either of the ladies had written. They were “song virgins.”

I was impressed. They had done very well for their first attempt.

It caused me to think back on the first song I ever wrote.

I was 13, and a group of churches in the Los Angeles area where I grew up decided to hold a music festival. As part of the festivities, they planned to put on a songwriting contest.

I fancied myself a serious composer at that age, having written some pieces that I fondly called “sonatas,” or “piano pieces”. I dutifully attached opus numbers to each of my compositions (e.g. “Theme and Variations for Piano by Leon Olguin, op. 1”)

I decided to enter the songwriting competition, even though I considered songwriting to be a lower art form, when placed next to serious classical composition. I thought it might be fun and easy, and since I was a composer already, I believed I stood a good chance of winning. Words? How hard could that be? I would think up some lyrics to this magnum opus, no problem.

I wrote my first song, and I mean I actually wrote it out: words, melody, and every note of the detailed piano accompaniment in full score.

I turned it in to the judges, and also had one the better singers from our church perform it the competition. Certainly my superior abilities would be recognized.

I didn’t win.

I didn’t place.

The judges’ comments were along the lines of: “That was………….interesting.”

The song, which mercifully no one remembers except me (and I have no intentions of performing it for anyone ever), was a grand exercise in youthful pretension. I attempted to make a grand philosophical statement through the lyrics, and create music for the ages that would stand alongside the best of the masters.

That song was so bad that it could have been used as a sort of aural punishment for hardened criminals. “I won’t do it again! Just stop playing that song!!!!”

Fortunately, over time I learned what songwriting was really all about, and my songs have improved a bit since “the early days.”

Now here were two fledgling songwriters who had nervously come to my studio with their first attempt at serious songwriting, and they certainly did not embarrass themselves.

Will the song be a hit? Probably not. But they had definite potential as songwriters.

I really hope they stick with it. It will fun to watch them grow as songwriters and collaborators.

Maybe they will write a hit song someday, and I’ll be able to say, “I was there at the beginning!”

Posted by leon at 12:10 PM | Comments (0)

March 08, 2006

Hangin’ With Songwriters

Last night Sheryl and I attended the monthly NSAI (Nashville Songwriters Association International) meeting at Sam Ash Music in Orlando.

This is always one of the highlights of our month.

It was quite a lively meeting, and our little meeting room was standing room-only.

Asli Walker, one of our three coordinators (along with Rich Allen and Sheryl), led the group through a songwriting exercise. Then, as usual, we spent the rest of our time listening to and critiquing each other’s songs.

(Check out my entries for July 7, 18, and 21, 2005 for more about NSAI)

After the meeting, we usually head over to the nearby TGI Fridays for food and further discussion. Most of the time we talk about music, songwriting, who’s playing where, what we thought of each other’s latest songs, etc.

There’s a special spirit about this group. The members are very supportive of each other; there is little or no jealousy or backbiting. Any musical triumph achieved by a member is shared and rejoiced over by all.

Why do Sheryl and I enjoy spending time with this group so much?

Well, of course, we have one main thing in common: we are all creators and performers of our own music.

We’re trying to write good songs, we’re working to create something of beauty and worth. We’re looking to get across a meaningful message in what we write and sing. We want to have fun writing and playing music!

There are few things more beneficial to a creative musician than to hang out with other creative musicians.

Check out the NSAI site: http://www.nashvillesongwriters.com.

Posted by leon at 08:37 PM | Comments (0)

February 23, 2006

Boy Dad, That Song Sounds Dated

A few years ago I was driving somewhere with my daughter, and we were listening to the radio.

Occasionally I will listen to the Praise and Worship music on the local Contemporary Christian music station, since I have written, recorded and had several songs published in that genre, and I like to hear what’s being done nowadays.

On this day, my daughter and I heard a song that started out with a heavy, synthesized drumbeat that screamed “80’s!!! It’s the 80’s and we’re trying really hard to be hip and cutting edge!”

The drums were joined by the swirling sounds of a bank of vintage synthesizers that now sounded rather cheesy.

My daughter commented, “Boy Dad, that song sounds dated!”

We kept listening, and I began to notice that the song was disturbingly familiar. Suddenly it hit me: this song, with its oh-so-trendy 80’s vibe had been written by ME! Not only that, but the stiff, programmed drums, and cheesy keyboards? Played by ME!

Naturally, I had to confess to my daughter that I was responsible for this slice of the 80’s. She was greatly amused.

The moral? If you are a performer and a songwriter, don’t try to court popularity by following the current musical trends. It could come back to haunt you, and embarrass you in front of your children.

Drawing by Rose Olguin

Posted by leon at 02:21 PM | Comments (0)

January 11, 2006

Earworm!

There is always music running through my mind.

Sometimes I will purposefully run a favorite song through my head, from start to finish. It’s a little like having a juke box in my mind.

But while some times I choose the song that plays internally, other days I wake up with a song seemingly chosen for me.

The “chosen” song plays incessantly, and I don’t seem to have any control over it. Then the thought pattern breaks up a little, and I’m left with a song fragment continually running through my inner ear.

I have an “earworm.” - a piece of music I can’t seem to get out of my mind.

What’s my “earworm” for today? You’d never guess in a million years.

It’s the section of “So What” by Miles Davis, where Bill Evans begins his piano solo.

I’m not too bothered by this, since I really like that solo.

If you are unfamiliar with “So What,” I would strongly suggest that you rush out (or rush online) and get a hold of a copy of “Kind of Blue,” by Miles Davis.

Believe me, I’m not the only person who ever had “So What” running through his mind.

So, what do you do if you have an earworm, but it’s a song you truly hate?

Someone once told me that if you start thinking about the theme song for “I Dream of Jeannie” then your earworm would be swept away.

Unfortunately, however, it will be replaced with the theme song for “I Dream of Jeannie”.

Posted by leon at 12:00 PM | Comments (0)

July 21, 2005

How an NSAI Group “Critiques” a Song

An important part of our monthly NSAI meetings is when we engage in critiquing each other’s songs. The process may be valuable, but sometimes it ain’t easy!

Here’s How It Works:

Each songwriter who is presenting a song (and we usually have about 5 or 6 per meeting) passes out lyric sheets to each group member, and then a CD of the song is played. We have had some members play their song live for the group, but playing a CD is usually easier for the writer, since they don’t have to worry about giving a good performance.

Comments Must be Constructive

After the song is heard in its entirety, the group members are free to make any comments they wish. However, the comments must be constructive! They can’t just say, “Boy, that song really makes me gag!”

Group members can offer suggestions as to how the song might be improved. For example, a comment might be made concerning the lyric: “This line sounds like a cliché. Maybe that could be avoided by wording it this way.” Or, “The melody seems to have an awkward phrase here. What if you phrased it like this?” So sometimes the observations may center on the lyrics of the song, and at other times on the music.

What About the Songwriter?

So if you’re the songwriter whose song is up for comment and critique, what is your role in this process? Well, to put it succinctly, your role is to shut up and listen. This is not the time to defend your reasons for writing a line certain way, or for using that strange chord in the chorus. You, the writer, take in all that is said, and then decide on your own whether to re-write the song.

Always keep in mind that it is extremely rare (in fact, it’s never happened as far as I can remember…) for any song presented in a group meeting to be absolutely perfect first time out. Just about every song needs to be re-written, sometimes several times, in order for it to be the best song possible.

There’s a lot more I can say about re-writing, but I’ll save that for another time.

Don't forget to visit us at http://www.solocreativemedia.com!

Posted by leon at 12:11 PM | Comments (0)

July 18, 2005

The Value of a Songwriting Group

One of the highlights of our month is our NSAI meeting. We go on the first Tuesday of every month, at Sam Ash music in Orlando.

Check out what NSAI is all about at www.nashvillesongwriters.com.

One of the greatest benefits of a group like NSAI is in aligning yourself with a group of like-minded people. Everyone in our group has a similar goal: to do something with their music. We have some members who are strictly writers looking to “place” a song with a recording artist who is looking for new material, others are also performers who are not only looking to place songs, but create songs for their own use that will be effective with their audience.

It takes a bit of courage to be part of group like this. After spending time with a group of songwriters, you come away more determined to spend your time wisely to ensure your success. You realize that you need to be writing constantly and honing your craft. You need to find time to write, and time to re-write!

Also, as you listen to the songs of other members, hear the comments made and make comments, and hear the observations and critiques on your own songs, this helps you discover your weaknesses as a songwriter. While it is invaluable to discover where your weaknesses lie as a song creator, it can also be humbling and a bit painful! After all, this song you worked so hard on is a reflection of you and your abilities. Many songwriters think of the songs they have created as their “children.” If someone says something critical about one of your creations, they might as well be saying “Your kid is ugly, and you dress him funny.”

But the upside of this is that we can encourage one another in our efforts. If a group member succeeds (writes a great song, places well in songwriting contest, gets a chance to perform in a great place) then the whole group can celebrate. If a group member is having a hard time (having trouble writing, getting discouraged) the rest of the group can be an encouragement, and provide a valuable support system.

Want to become a better songwriter? Get together with other songwriters!

Posted by leon at 01:33 PM | Comments (1)

July 07, 2005

NSAI - What is it?

Last Tuesday evening was our monthly NSAI meeting.

NSAI is the Nashville Songwriters Association International. My wife Sheryl is one of the coordinators of the group; she helps organize the meetings, and takes part in planning the content.

The group usually starts each meeting with a songwriting exercise, (more on those another day) and then we spend the remainder of our time listening to and “critiquing” each other’s new songs.

By the way, don’t let the “Nashville” fool you; we are not all writers of Country Music. In our group we have songwriters who create, rock, jazz, folk, reggae, and many other styles in addition to country. NSAI is the world’s largest not-for-profit songwriter’s trade organization dedicated to serving songwriters of all genres of music.

Our group has doubled in size in the last year (we’re going to need a bigger room soon!) and I’m thrilled and amazed at the sheer amount of talent contained in the group.

I can’t over emphasize the importance of groups like this. Sheryl and I encourage every writer we work with to join.

Check out what NSAI is all about at www.nashvillesongwriters.com.

In the coming days I’ll talk about some of benefits to be had by being part of such a group, and also how this would affect your recording projects.

Posted by leon at 05:54 PM | Comments (1)