There’s a little bit of a feeling out process when you start writing with someone new. I remember the first time I attempted to co-write with someone. It was with a friend I had known for a while. As friends we’re good. As co-writers it didn’t work at all, totally different character that became hard to handle. Recently I’ve started doing a lot more co-writing in order to keep myself more focused on songs and to expand the genres I can write effectively in.
Most of the new co-writing things have come about from meeting other writers at networking functions. Thus they don’t start as friends. It’s entirely different when it starts that way. It’s akin to dating. Somethings sparks an interest to want to write – generally the love for music. Once you’re in the room and ready to write it begins off with a type of courtship to figure out what to create a song about. Then it can veer into the unknown. Some like to start with the music. Others like to start with the melody. Some like to start with the words, where it could be the title or just throwing out thoughts.
During the process writers open up to each other and start telling weird details about their lives. At least lots of the ones I write with do. I tend to do the same. I don’t know if it’s just me and some level of comfort I provide about writing a song or what.
Yesterday was just such an adventure with a new writer. An artist performer. They hadn’t written in a while (few months) and had some real stories to let loose. The funny thing is during the writing session they noted how weird it was that they were telling me some things of their past. This artist had a writing team they used to work with but based on what I was hearing, had never spoken of the upbringing or childhood stuff, or most of the stuff. Makes me wonder if the other writing partners were really all that effective. Songs have to get to some core of personality and personal space. At least that’s my feeling on the matter.
As for the song started yesterday – it’s off to a good start.
Speaking of songs that can move or be personal. Today’s pick is probably the first band I can think of recently that talks about the songs in their bio first. The first line: “It all starts with the songs.” This is extremely true. Before the whole image thing can sell an artist the songs have to be there. Well, actually that’s not always true. Some artists are only about the image and the songs never get off the ground. Artists like that end up having short careers.
When an artist thinks of the songs first. Works on crafting them. Works on making them the best songs they can be. There’s a really good chance the songs will be good too. If even more work is put in, they may even become great songs. Once you have good songs, the rest becomes a lot easier. I believe people will still buy good music. I know people will buy great music. It’s worth it.
Vic Kingsley has come to my attention and the first song to grab my attention is Fall With You. It’s what you’re hearing now – provided you’re at the Single of the Day page. They list several influences that are exactly what I would consider to be their influences based on what I heard. My top choice – Coldplay. Right now that’s a tough shadow to step out away from. I think if they can find a little more of themselves in the music, they have a fighting chance to break big.
That’s the rub. Finding the heart and soul of the band. I do think this song represents Vic Kingsley well. It’s got great elements with the vibe of the song. The piano sounds smokin. I also really like the sound of the snare, it’s solid. There’s a good blend of the harmonies going on in the tune. There’s also some nice little production things to keep the listeners ear locked in. All good things happening to present the song itself. Remember it all starts with the song.
Now go find someone to fall with and get this song as the soundtrack for doing it.