Afraid to "Pull the Trigger"

[tedsingingfox]

OMG!!! Really? Are you serious? THE DOTS??!!??!! OMG, I'll be in LA next week, too! This is amazing. Are there any seats left or has the show already sold out? Do you KNOW any of the band or the roadies? Any chance of a backstage pass?Ted

[Casey H]

Quote:OMG!!! Really? Are you serious? THE DOTS??!!??!! OMG, I'll be in LA next week, too! This is amazing. Are there any seats left or has the show already sold out? Do you KNOW any of the band or the roadies? Any chance of a backstage pass?TedThe heck with the roadies.... Where will the GROUPIES be? Casey

[matto]

Sure the standard for outside writers is very high, and not just lyrically but musically as well. The thing is, if you let that intimidate you and keep you from writing, you might as well pack up cause the only way you can ever hope to write the superb lyrics (and music) you admire is by writing A LOT. There's simply no way to become great writer without a lot of practice. And it's perfectly okay if most of the "practice songs" are not great, as long as you do the best you can. In a way they are more about the "process" than about the "result".I think it's quite common for people to let the inner censor get in the way of writing, but I agree with Vikki that you simply have to shut him up when you first put down an idea. It's gotta be a two stage process where you first let it pour out unhindered and then refine it.If you write every day without having the expectation that it's all supposed to be "hits", there's bound to be a "diamond in the rough" idea in there from time to time. Those you can polish for as long as it takes, and you certainly shouldn't be afraid to pull in a co-writer if you get stuck.Personally, I've also found that oftentimes I write the most "hit-worthy" songs, those that I think could have a real shot, when I'm not trying to. When instead I'm just writing a nice catchy pop song for a library or film/tv opp. Maybe it's because I'm more relaxed and not putting a lot of pressure on myself.Another suggestion if you have kind of a block lyrically: just write some instrumentals for a while. Seriously. For one thing, they are very useable for music library type applications, and besides, if you're concentrating on writing beautiful catchy melodies, before you know it one may well suggest an entirely new thought and lyrical approach...and off you go! matto

[tedsingingfox]

Quote:Another suggestion if you have kind of a block lyrically: just write some instrumentals for a while. Seriously. For one thing, they are very useable for music library type applications, and besides, if you're concentrating on writing beautiful catchy melodies, before you know it one may well suggest an entirely new thought and lyrical approach...and off you go! mattoThat's worked in the past (and gotten me a few forwards), but thanks for the reminder, Matt.TedTed

[tedsingingfox]

Apparently my evil twin was reading over my shoulder and decided to make his presence known... I'll have to talk to him later. Ted

[leemusic]

's ok casey if you want to believe that, cuz thats also my way of thinking . . .but I actually sat in on a label showcase Tuesday night re - a young female very new artist in London, whose songs have a fabulous vibe and killer vocal delivery, but lyrics, well . . I reckon she dont even know what they mean herself, and I sure aint got a clue . . . . but theres a bidding war started already to sign her ! and thats between I major and two very healthy indies !anyway, we'll see ?

[hummingbird]

Quote:OMG!!! Really? Are you serious? THE DOTS??!!??!! OMG, I'll be in LA next week, too! This is amazing. Are there any seats left or has the show already sold out? Do you KNOW any of the band or the roadies? Any chance of a backstage pass?TedTed, have you forgotten you're playing *with* us? Hope you're bringing your shakers & spoons

[Mark Kaufman]

There is the Writer and there is the Editor.Songwriters need to be be both of them...only not at the same time.

[karyn]

I think you need to just let Mr. Hyde create unfettered and let Dr. Jekyll clean up the mess later.

[squidlips]

Quote:I think you need to just let Mr. Hyde create unfettered and let Dr. Jekyll clean up the mess later.ROFL!! Good one. And quite accurate.