On Songwriting

Missy Raines On Songwriting

Rick Jamison — Fri, 17 May 2013 23:51:02 +0000

You have to be okay with the outcome and if that means not as much commercial success but you’re happy with the art then that’s what it is. But if you’re supporting a family and you make decisions based on that, there’s true grace in that as well.

Phil Rosenthal On Songwriting

Rick Jamison — Mon, 06 May 2013 17:35:16 +0000

Trying to write something because you think someone else might like it is the wrong approach. It often results in something forced, something that doesn’t take you to the place in your heart good music does. The worst songs I’ve written have been the ones based on someone else’s suggestions or advice.

Steve Gulley On Songwriting

Rick Jamison — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 21:18:07 +0000

It sometimes can seem like it's you against the world, but it's really more like you against yourself. At the end of the day, what makes a good song is pretty easy to ascertain. After all is said and done, you really only have one person to please, and that's yourself.

Richard Brandenburg On Songwriting

Rick Jamison — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 16:05:15 +0000

I can hardly write down words without hearing some sort of tune. I have no pages of lyrics waiting for a melody. It’s not mysterious at all. A melody will just emerge from how a spoken phrase sounds. It will change as the words do, and evolve through repetition, as the song develops.

Kev Walford On Songwriting

Rick Jamison — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 14:32:56 +0000

If you think you have a great song and are ready to record it, try and get the best possible people around you to record it. If someone can sing it better than you, then let them. Try and make the best possible recording of your song that's within your budget.

Kurt Huget On Songwriting

Rick Jamison — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 16:08:26 +0000

Try to write songs from a viewpoint of experience and observation. Tell a story. Try to avoid getting too caught up in self-centeredness. Way too many young singer/songwriters are stuck in the “I, me, mine” syndrome.

Lisa Phenix On Songwriting

Rick Jamison — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 15:39:03 +0000

I believe you've got to feel it to create it and sing it. Bottom line. It takes courage to feel deeply and put your raw authentic self out there. Scary, liberating nakedness. That makes a great song.

Joe New On Songwriting

Rick Jamison — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 13:49:11 +0000

If you are truly obsessed with success and will do anything, and I mean anything, to make it you will have to come to an understanding or workable relationship with your music or it will certainly dine on your soul.

Doug Blumer On Songwriting

Rick Jamison — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 14:55:35 +0000

We are the only animals that actually write poetry. I know lots of animals sing. That's great. More power to 'em. Some of them can fly, too. Whatever. But WE can write poetry... So, I am driven to use my grey matter for lyrics and songs that other animals can't match.

Rita Hosking On Songwriting

Rick Jamison — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 15:20:58 +0000

I definitely strive toward heartfelt and authentic. I guess I’m looking to get through people’s skin. That’s the power of music. I will craft the songs to give me an opportunity to deliver it, and I work hard to bring it to my performances.