Blog

by on

With regards to the songwriting process, it’s my belief that a “song will take as long as it needs to take to become a finished song.” I believe that this statement captures the very essence of the creative process, emphasising that the journey of songwriting is not bound by a strict timeline.

Each song, like a unique fingerprint, has its own path to completion, dictated by inspiration, development, and refinement.

No matter your songwriting experience, understanding the importance of patience in your songwriting process is crucial.

The act of creating music is deeply personal and often unpredictable, with some songs coming together in a matter of minutes, while others may take months or even years to perfect. The beauty lies in embracing this unpredictability and allowing each song to develop at its own pace.

I want to explore the diverse timelines of songwriting, delving into examples of songs that were completed swiftly and those that took much longer. I’ll also be discussing the individual nature of creativity and offer insights into why patience and persistence are key to producing authentic and impactful music.

It is my hope that you will have a deeper appreciation for the unique journey each song takes and the importance of trusting the creative process.

I. The Nature of Creativity in Songwriting

Songwriting is a creative endeavour that defies rigid structure and predictable outcomes. The nature of creativity itself is fluid and often elusive, making each songwriting journey a unique experience. Creativity, especially in songwriting, is influenced by various factors including inspiration, emotional states, and personal experiences.

A. Definition of Creativity: Creativity in songwriting can be defined as the ability to generate original ideas, melodies, and lyrics that resonate with listeners. It’s about finding new ways to express emotions, tell stories, and connect with an audience through music.

B. Unpredictability of Inspiration: Inspiration can strike at any moment and from any source. It might come from a personal experience, a conversation, a piece of art, or even a random thought. This unpredictability means that songwriters must remain open and receptive to ideas whenever they arise.

C. Organic Development: Forcing creativity can often lead to frustration and subpar work. Instead, allowing ideas to flow naturally and develop organically is crucial. This might mean setting a song aside and revisiting it later with fresh perspectives or allowing oneself the freedom to experiment and explore different directions.

Understanding the fluid nature of creativity helps songwriters appreciate the process and recognise that there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to writing songs. Each song’s journey is different, and embracing this variability is key to unlocking one’s full creative potential.

II. Examples of Quickly Written Songs

While many songs require extensive time and effort to perfect, there are remarkable instances where creativity strikes like lightning, resulting in a completed song within a very short period. These examples highlight the magical moments when inspiration aligns perfectly with execution.

A. “Yesterday” by The Beatles:

Paul McCartney famously dreamt the melody for “Yesterday” and quickly transcribed it upon waking. The lyrics and structure followed soon after, making this one of the fastest-written songs in The Beatles’ catalog. This song became an iconic classic, demonstrating how a burst of inspiration can lead to timeless music.

B. “Candle in the Wind” by Elton John and Bernie Taupin:

Bernie Taupin wrote the poignant lyrics for “Candle in the Wind” in just a few hours, and Elton John composed the music shortly thereafter. This swift creation process resulted in a song that has touched the hearts of millions, showing that sometimes, the most moving pieces come together effortlessly.

C. “Satisfaction” by The Rolling Stones:

Keith Richards wrote the iconic riff for “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” in his sleep and recorded it immediately after waking up. Mick Jagger quickly penned the lyrics, and the song was completed within a day. It went on to become one of The Rolling Stones’ biggest hits, illustrating the power of spontaneous creativity.

III. Examples of Songs That Took a Long Time to Complete

While quick bursts of inspiration can yield fantastic results, some songs require a more extended, deliberate process to reach their full potential. These examples show how patience, persistence, and meticulous attention to detail can result in masterpieces.

A. “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen:

Freddie Mercury spent years developing “Bohemian Rhapsody,” with the recording process itself taking several weeks. The song’s complex structure and operatic elements required extensive planning and experimentation. The result is a legendary track that showcases the value of taking time to perfect a vision.

B. “Good Vibrations” by The Beach Boys:

Brian Wilson spent months crafting “Good Vibrations,” experimenting with various sounds and recording techniques. The song’s innovative production and intricate arrangement made it a landmark in pop music, demonstrating how a lengthy creative process can lead to groundbreaking results.

C. “Bridge Over Troubled Water” by Simon & Garfunkel:

Paul Simon took several months to write “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” refining the lyrics and composition. The recording process also involved extensive work to perfect the sound. The song’s enduring impact underscores the importance of patience and meticulous craftsmanship.

IV. The Personal Nature of Songwriting

Having explored examples of both quickly written and extensively developed songs, it’s clear that the songwriting process is deeply personal and varied. Each songwriter’s journey is unique, influenced by their individual experiences, emotions, and creative methods.

A. Influence of Life Experiences: Personal experiences and emotional states significantly impact the songwriting timeline. A song may flow effortlessly during times of intense emotion, or it may require more time to process and articulate complex feelings.

B. Individual Creative Processes: Each songwriter has their own approach and method. Some may thrive on spontaneous bursts of creativity, while others may need structured time and space to develop their ideas. Recognizing and honoring one’s creative process is essential for authentic expression.

C. Growth and Evolution: As songwriters grow and evolve, so does their work. A song that felt incomplete at one point might resonate more deeply later on, as the songwriter gains new insights and skills. This personal growth can breathe new life into old ideas, leading to the completion of songs that might have been set aside for a while.

V. Embracing the Journey

Understanding that every song has its own unique timeline helps songwriters embrace the journey with patience and persistence. Trusting the creative process and allowing songs to develop naturally can lead to more authentic and impactful music.

A. Patience and Persistence: Patience is a vital virtue in songwriting. Allowing ideas to mature and not rushing the process ensures that the final product is well-developed and resonant. Persistence, on the other hand, helps songwriters push through creative blocks and continue refining their work until it feels complete.

B. Trusting the Process: It’s crucial for songwriters to trust their artistic instincts and give themselves permission to take the time needed to develop their songs. This trust fosters a more fulfilling creative experience and results in music that truly reflects the songwriter’s vision.

C. The Value of Time: Taking the time to perfect a song can lead to more authentic and impactful music. Whether a song comes together in minutes or takes years to complete, the time invested in its creation is invaluable.

Every song’s journey to completion is unique, reflecting the diverse nature of creativity and the personal experiences of the songwriter. Whether a song is written in a matter of minutes or developed over several years, the key is to embrace the process with patience and trust.

By understanding the unique timelines of songwriting, musicians can create more authentic and impactful music.

The importance of being patient in your songwriting process cannot be overstated. It’s about allowing each song to take its natural course, trusting your creative instincts, and enjoying the journey.

So next time you find yourself frustrated with the pace of your songwriting, remember that a song will take as long as it needs to take to become a finished song – and that’s perfectly okay.

Now go and finish that song… No matter how long it will take.

Peace,

Corey 🙂

by on

Well, as of yesterday (Sunday, July 7th 2024) the ceiling of the studio is now totally covered with acoustic foam and what a difference it has made to the overall sound of both the main recording space and the control room.

Over the past three weeks my nephew Cooper, his mate Jake and myself have been working on covering all of the ceiling with more soundproofing material mainly to stop outside noise from getting inside the studio especially from the Corella’s which are fast becoming SongMachine’s public enemy #1 (see featured image).

This coming Wednesday Sandy and Darryl (the sparky) are coming down to hopefully finish off the wiring up of the essential hardware in the control room. Once that’s done all that will be left to do would be…

  • Making the double doors for the control room
  • Installing the glass for control room window
  • Total clean up of both sections of the studio
  • Laying down of carpet tiles throughout
  • Putting up theatre drape/curtain around recording room

We’re almost there now but I do breathe a huge sigh of relief that the acoustic foam is now on the ceiling rather than taking up room out on the back patio

Not long now…

Peace,

Corey 🙂

by on

For me, meditation has created a path to a more meaningful, happy and relaxed life. A slower, steadier, silent and a more simpler kind of life.

This is because meditating is an extremely effective way to achieve a deeper understanding of myself. It teaches me better ways of dealing with my problems and issues on a daily basis.

Through meditation I become a more calm, happy and balanced person who is on his way to achieve whatever it is I want to achieve in my life.

I’m sure that everyone at least once in their life, has experienced a moment in which they’ve found themselves in a situation of deep relaxation, satisfaction and consciousness.

A situation where all your daily worries had disappeared and your mind was clear and focussed with a feeling of being at one with the present, with the moment.

THAT is the essence of meditation

By regularly practising meditation, I am learning how to return to that same condition time and time again, whenever I need to and by being able to do this, I don’t have to depend on external stimuli to experience such moments of happiness.

I can find it inside myself.

Meditation also allows me to learn to relax quickly and effectively, to improve focus and concentration. It is also an exceptionally effective technique to balance the personal and professional life to a deeper level.

Meditation techniques are successfully used by millions of people every day to:

  • Relax the mind and body
  • Relieve stress and tension
  • Improve physical, mental and spiritual health
  • Increase focus and concentration
  • Harness self-awareness and personal growth
  • Improve your focus and creativity

I have found that when I’ve started to regularly practise meditation and in turn, study the philosophy behind it, I suffer less from unnecessary, unpleasant and frustrating negative trains of thought.

I start to live more in the NOW.

As a result of this I become more in tune with my feelings and will have more confidence that I will make the right choices and do what it is that we really want to do.

I become more authentic and true to myself.

Through a consistent meditation practise I’ve become mentally healthier because I’m not expending my energies on useless and trivial things.

I become more successful at our work because I feel better in and about my work. I go about my day to day with greater focus and in turn creativity flows much more easily.

I become a more pleasant and a more peaceful person because I feel better inside and out plus, I have some control over my emotions and streams of thought more effectively.

As I get to know more myself more through our meditation practise, I begin to realise that it’s me who is solely responsible for my own happiness and therefore am no longer the victims of the circumstances in which I find myself in.

Finally, I’d like to think that all of these changes would be noticed by the people around me and this will greatly enhance your relationships and your social life. This is of course not the aim of a regular meditation practise but it’s nice to have your efforts recognised from time to time.

If I was impart any final words on meditation, it would be that regular meditation practise means different things to different people but, you won’t know what meditation will mean for you if you don’t start so consider meditation as an essential part of your day-to day living.

Like me, you’ll be glad that you did.

Peace,

Corey 🙂

by on

A business savvy DJ based in Colchester has introduced a price list for overplayed song requests, with The Killers’ Mr. Brightside set to cost you a whopping £1,000.

All too often cover bands in Adelaide all perform songs from some sort of unseen and unwritten “Adelaide Cover Band Songbook” which makes the live music experience all sound the same after a while.

I wonder what the Adelaide cover band version of this would be? Read the article and let me know what you think…

Source: This DJ has a price list for song requests, and Mr Brightside will cost you £1,000

by on

The above piece of advice, often shared among songwriters, displays a truth about the creative process. Striving for perfection can be paralysing, especially in the world of music where creativity and expression are paramount.

Here’s why embracing imperfection and spontaneity can lead to more authentic and impactful songwriting.

The Paradox of Perfection

Perfectionism can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it drives individuals to strive for excellence. On the other, it can create a mental block, stifling creativity and preventing progress.

When a songwriter fixates on crafting the “perfect” song, they might become overly critical of their work, leading to self-doubt and procrastination. This pursuit of an unattainable standard can transform the joy of creation into a source of stress and frustration.

The Power of Authenticity

Authenticity is at the heart of memorable music. Songs that resonate deeply with listeners often stem from genuine emotion and experience.

When songwriters allow themselves to write freely, without the constraints of perfection, they open the door to authenticity. The raw, unfiltered expression of their thoughts and feelings can lead to songs that are more relatable and emotionally impactful.

Embracing the Creative Process

Songwriting is an iterative process. The initial draft of a song is rarely the final product. By allowing oneself to write without the pressure of perfection, songwriters can generate a wealth of ideas that can be refined over time.

This approach encourages experimentation and exploration, which are crucial for artistic growth. Mistakes and imperfections are not failures; they are stepping stones to discovering unique sounds and lyrical ideas.

Overcoming the Fear of Failure

Fear of failure is a common obstacle in the creative process. When the goal is perfection, the fear of not measuring up can be paralyzing. By shifting the focus from perfection to simply writing and seeing what happens, songwriters can mitigate this fear.

This mindset fosters a more relaxed and open creative environment, where the emphasis is on progress rather than perfection. It’s about enjoying the journey rather than fixating on the destination.

The Joy of Discovery

One of the most rewarding aspects of songwriting is the element of discovery. When songwriters allow themselves to write freely, they often stumble upon unexpected melodies, harmonies, and lyrical themes.

These serendipitous moments can lead to some of the most innovative and original work. The joy of discovering something new and exciting can reignite a songwriter’s passion and drive.

Practical Tips for Embracing Imperfection

  1. Set a Timer: Give yourself a limited amount of time to write without editing. This can help you overcome the urge to perfect every line as you go.
  2. Free Writing: Start with a free writing exercise where you jot down whatever comes to mind. This can help kickstart the creative process and generate new ideas.
  3. Accept Imperfection: Remind yourself that the first draft is not the final product. Embrace the imperfections as part of the creative journey. Always remember… “Great songs are always rewritten.”
  4. Collaborate: Working with other musicians can provide fresh perspectives and help you see the value in ideas you might have dismissed.
  5. Take Breaks: Sometimes stepping away from a song can provide clarity and allow you to return with a fresh perspective.

Remember, striving for perfection can hinder the creative process and stifle authenticity so, by allowing yourself to write freely and seeing what happens, you can overcome the fear of failure, embrace the joy of discovery, and create music that truly resonates with both you and your listeners.

So, the next time you feel the need to write a song, let go of that need for perfection, and see where your creativity takes you.

by on

“WTF is this guy on about?” I hear you ask.

Well, last week I got my hardback copy of “The Creative Act: A Way Of Being” by Rick Rubin sent through to me via Amazon and I couldn’t be more pleased.

I had known of Rubin through him being one of the founders of seminal Hip Hop label Def Jam as well as his music production exploits with artists such as Run DMC, LL Cool J, Public Enemy and the Beastie Boys.

However, it was when he produced the Johnny Cash version of “Hurt” by Nine Inch Nails for Cash’s last album, that I really started to take notice of the genius that is Rick Rubin.

This song never fails in reducing me to tears

In terms of sheer inventiveness and depth of musical vision I put Rubin up in my top three producers alongside Trevor Horn and Brian Eno.

Anyways, I found a lot of videos on YouTube singing praises about Rubin’s book that I just had to check out and in doing so I discovered two things that astounded me…

First of all he’s practised meditation since he was 14 years old and secondly (and most importantly) his views on creativity and the process that surrounds it is very similar to my views and it’s because of this that I just had to acquire his book.

Many years ago I purchased “The Artist’s Way” by Julia Cameron and really gravitated towards her concept of the morning pages which is writing (at least) three A4 sized pages of stream of consciousness thinking every morning.

This eventually morphed into my daily journal writing ritual.

For me, The Artist’s Way was a big influence on my life at the time and I know that The Creative Act: A Way Of Being will become just as influential or even more so. I can’t wait to get my highlighter pen out and really start getting into the pages.

I’ll be sharing with all of you what I learn and discover through this blog so watch this space.

Peace,

Corey 🙂

by on

Well, as of yesterday (Thursday May 16th) all of the major building work has been done with my Dad finishing painting all the walls as you can see below…

All that is left to do now is…

  • Make and install the doors.
  • Buy and install glass for control room window.
  • Put up acoustic foam on ceiling.
  • Lay down all of the carpet tiles.
  • Sort out electrical issue (the circuit board keeps tripping out at the moment).

Once all this is done the fun part begins, bringing in all of the hardware and setting it all up, testing it all out and making test recordings to see if the recording workflow is going to be seamless between the analogue and digital systems working together. 

Plus, along with all of that, the studio speakers also need to be installed as well. This is primarily going to be Sandy’s job with me helping out. 

It’s starting to come to the pointy end of the build and I’m really excited about all of the possibilities that lie ahead for me. Now, it’s my goal that everything “should” be ready to go by July 1st but, we’ll see what happens.

At this point my fingers are crossed.

Peace,

Corey 🙂

by on

YES! There is now light at the end of the tunnel.

Over the last couple of weeks there has been some frenzied activity with the SongMachine Studio build.

All of the walls that have electrical wiring attached to it have now been finished and are now ready for Darryl the electrician to finish off his bits and pieces which will make this whole studio dream one big step closer to reality.

Here are some images including the finished control room (notice the side and rear walls)…

Once Darryl has done his bit it’s then time to put up the final piece of the puzzle… The acoustic foam on the ceiling.

That wont be happening for at least another couple of weeks though.

Peace,

Corey 🙂

by on

Since the last update back in late February there has been a fair bit of action on the SongMachine Studio build front.

  • Insulation has been put into all of the walls and the ceiling
  • The central control room wall has been clad and insulated (that was a pain in the arse)
  • Cladding has been put up on the ceiling and some of the walls
  • We now have limited power in the shed with some lights and power points installed

With all that completed, all that needs to be done now is…

  • Finish off electrical work
  • Install control room window
  • Put up the rest of the wall cladding
  • Set up control room – Hardware
  • Install light fixtures/split system AC

Again, I’m sure that I’ve missed out on some stuff for the to-do list but hey… We’re making it up as we go along.

As well as myself, the two other people who has been doing the lion’s share of the work has been Sandy Mathewson (who has the studio design and all of the acoustic concepts locked tight in his brain) and my Dad who is an absolute legend with all of the studio build.

I’ve always been close to my family but there is nothing like a shared project to get some Father/Son time happening

The back and the two side walls of the control room are going to have wooden slat walls. The timber got delivered yesterday (Sunday April 14th) and we’re all ready for another working bee this coming Wednesday (April 17th) to put it all up.

Again, it’s all coming together and the light at the end of the tunnel is certainly getting larger and brighter with every day that passes.

To answer your questions in advance about when SongMachine will be finally launched, my official answer is still “it’s too early to tell.”

Hopefully sooner rather than later but don’t worry, you’ll all be the first to know.

Peace,

Corey 🙂

by on

I have been living in Yankalilla for over 12 months now and in that time a lot of things have happened, some things have been good and some haven’t but all in all, my quest for living a slower, steadier, simpler and more silent life down in the Fleurieu has been a successful one so far.

I’ve managed to continue running my web design/online marketing business ZenWeb Systems from home as well as diving head first into the world of live performance again but this time taking advantage of the plethora of gigs that are available down this way.

I’m also building SongMachine, a commercially viable recording studio out the back of my house. This is about 70% done and with every day that passes my excitement for this new phase of my music career grows.

In addition to all of this, I haven’t watched the news/commercial TV since I got here and my life has been less stressful because of it. 

My motto is… If there is news that I need to know, I’ll know about it via social media and friends. If there’s news that has nothing to do with me then I don’t need to know.

Even though I had always considered myself a “city-slicker” I really don’t miss Adelaide at all and look for opportunities to NOT go over the hill into town. 

I’ve noticed of late that as I drive into the city I can feel the collective stress of Adelaide begin to course through me but when I leave I can feel that collective stress disappear as I pass Sellicks Beach and head towards the hills for home.

There was a huge speed bump in my progress though as halfway through 2023 I felt the effects of intense loneliness and depression which was a result of finally being able to come to terms with my grief and breaking through the fear of what a post-Mara life would look like for myself. 

Right now, I am now in the best place I can be

Another part of that speed bump is that my health needs to get back on track again. I have let things go a bit as I have attempted to just allow things to happen in the pursuit of slowing down my life and letting things “be” for the time being.

No health goals, no exercise, just aimlessly floating. This needs to change.

The end of 2023 and the beginning of 2024 was also difficult because of the bookmarks that I needed to get through such as Mara’s birthday, anniversary of her passing and our wedding anniversary just to name a few. Christmas is never fun as well.

From going through those bookmarks I was surprised that even though it was a very hard experience to bear, I am having a better relationship with my emerging post-Mara life.

I am now feeling more “awake” to what is happening after everything that I have been through and I feel that 2024 is the year for me to start getting my life back in order again after allowing myself to aimlessly float in a holding pattern for a while. I am ready to really come back to the land of the living.

Just to recap, I have so much to look forward to…

  • I am happy where I am at
  • The gigs are building up
  • I am gainfully and autonomously employed
  • The recording studio (SongMachine) dream is almost a reality

This excites me.

I have a long way to go in attaining the slow, steady, simple and silent life I want but I’m glad to say that I am a long way down the path then where I was 12 months ago.

Peace,

Corey 🙂