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In the short time that I’ve been in Yankalilla, there has been one thing that has quietly inspired me so much that I had to write about it.

You see, in my backyard stands an old and quite majestic gum tree that has seen a lot over the years. This is a tree that I see every morning and over time it has got me thinking about life, growth, and the challenges we all face.

Here are 12 refections that this tree, with its simple presence, has made me realise…

  1. Growth Over Time:

I certainly wasn’t born when this gum tree was just starting out, but over time, it’s grown taller and stronger, facing challenges but pushing through anyways.

We’re all a lot like that tree. We start with uncertainties, face obstacles, but with time, we learn and grow.

Our experiences shape us, just like the seasons shape the tree. Looking at this tree every day reminds me of our potential to grow and adapt, no matter where we start in life.

  1. Deep Roots:

The gum tree’s strength comes from its roots, which anchor it and draw itself food from the soil. Similarly, our roots (being our background, values, and experiences) give us stability and shape who we are.

These connections might not always be visible, but they influence our decisions and shape our perspectives.

Thinking about the tree’s roots makes me appreciate where I’ve come from and the (sometimes painful) lessons I’ve learned from my past.

  1. Seasonal Changes:

Like all plants, the gum tree changes with the seasons. It grows new leaves in spring, provides shade in summer, sheds in autumn, and stands resilient in winter. We experience similar phases in life, with periods of growth, challenges, change, and reflection.

Observing the tree’s seasonal cycle reminds me that life will always have its ups and downs, but each phase has its value and lessons.

  1. Scars and Imperfections:

The gum tree’s bark shows marks and scars from its past. These aren’t flaws but are evidence of its history and resilience. Similarly, our scars, whether physical or emotional, seen and unseen, tell stories of challenges faced and overcome.

Looking at the tree, I’m reminded that it’s okay to have imperfections. They’re all a part of our story and they ultimately make us who we are.

  1. Shelter and Nourishment:

The gum tree offers shade and a home for many animals. It’s a source of protection and sustenance. In our lives, we also seek and provide shelter in various ways, whether it’s emotional support from loved ones or guidance in tough times.

The tree’s role as a protector and provider reminds me of the importance of looking out for others and valuing the support we have and receive.

  1. Interconnectedness:

The gum tree doesn’t exist in isolation. It relies on its environment and, in turn, supports many forms of life. Similarly, we’re all connected in various ways, depending on others and making an impact on those around us.

The tree’s relationship with its surroundings highlights how our actions and decisions affect the larger community.

  1. Endurance:

The gum tree has been standing for many, many years, facing storms, droughts, and other challenges. It’s a testament to resilience and the ability to endure tough times. We all face challenges in life, but it’s about pushing through and coming out stronger.

The tree’s persistence reminds me that with determination, we can overcome obstacles and keep moving forward.

  1. Life and Death:

The gum tree goes through cycles of growth and decline, representing the natural flow of life and death. We all experience beginnings and endings in our lives.

Although I have not been around my tree for long enough, I am aware that observing the tree’s cycles will make me think about the transient nature of life and the importance of valuing every moment.

  1. Silent Witness:

The gum tree has been around for a long time, quietly observing the world change around it. It’s seen many events unfold without making a sound. In our lives, there are times when we observe and reflect without speaking.

The tree’s quiet presence reminds me of the value of taking a step back, watching, and learning from our surroundings.

  1. Natural Beauty:

The gum tree, with its rough bark and wide branches, has a simple yet striking appearance. It doesn’t need to be perfect to be beautiful. Similarly, real beauty isn’t about perfection; it’s about being genuine and embracing our true selves.

The tree’s unpolished look reminds me that authenticity is more valuable than any idealised standard of beauty.

  1. Adaptation:

The gum tree adjusts to its environment, whether it’s facing drought or abundant rain. It finds ways to survive and thrive. We, too, face changes and challenges in life.

The tree’s ability to adapt reminds me of the importance of being flexible and adjusting to new situations, ensuring we make the best of whatever comes our way.

  1. Legacy:

The gum tree drops seeds that have the potential to grow into new trees. It’s a way of ensuring its impact lasts beyond its lifetime. Similarly, our actions and decisions leave an imprint on the world and the people around us.

This tree’s ongoing influence makes me think about the lasting impact we can have and the importance of the mark we leave behind.

For me, the gum tree in my backyard is more than just a tree. It’s a poignant symbol of life itself, from growth and change to endurance and legacy.

Personally, its presence has offered me valuable insights into navigating life’s complexities. It reminds me to stay grounded, adapt to challenges, and consider the impact I leave on the world.

I think we all can take a leaf (pardon the pun) out of the lessons that my gum tree can impart. What do you think?

Peace,

Corey 🙂

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In the four months since my last update on May 8th the following has taken place:

Old slab had been cleared and ground work prepared for new shed build

New shed built

New slab poured (as of yesterday September 6th, 2023)

Now the shed looks like this…

All that needs to happen now is for the new slab to cure (which should take about a week or two) and then for the next stage to happen – Wall linings and power.

I certainly breathed a sigh of relief when the new slab was poured. It was then I thought that  “shit is just becoming real, there’s no turning back now.” 

Everything is starting to come together albeit a little slower than I anticipated but I remember what a friend told me when I moved in… “Nothing happens quickly in Yankalilla.” 

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining. I’m actually getting used to the slower pace down here. I’m loving it.

SongMachine is definitely one step closer to being a reality.

Peace,

Corey 🙂

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When I heard the news on the morning of Robert’s passing (August 21st) I didn’t believe it at first. I got a text message asking me to check it out so I went onto Facebook and the news was all over the platform.

My heart sank. I was gutted.

It was only the afternoon before I noticed that Rob posted a plethora of images on his Facebook account promoting the gigs of the day. He was selflessly promoting the industry that he loved, that sustained him for over three decades right up until the end.

That was the type of bloke Rob was.

I had the pleasure of working with him on BSide Magazine from its inception and even though there wasn’t much in the way of money that was made from it, the fact that I worked so closely with Rob was for me, payment enough.

He promoted the Adelaide music scene with the energy of the Energizer bunny, he was its patron saint, the glue that held it together and the champion that it sorely needed.

He always had a smile on his face and for most of the time had a ciggie in one hand and a beer in the other. He was the embodiment of the notion that “you only have one life to live so make the most of it.”

Rob sure gave life a damn good shove.

When it came to his writing Rob was without equal. No matter who he interviewed he was able to get the best out of them and no matter who you were in his presence, you felt like you were the most important person in the world. 

He could walk into a room, not say a word and be everyone’s mate by the end of night.

His “Bob’s Bits” column was legendary. He had a way of taking the everyday and the mundane and create something so interesting AND THEN relate it back to music in some way thanks to his Glenn A. Baker-esque musical brain.

On a personal note, in his Rip It Up days he was FunkStar and Orangutang’s greatest ally in the early 2000’s, he would always put up something on Facebook if he wasn’t able to come to any of my my gigs and (as a testament to our friendship) he was one of the first people to reach out to me when Mara died.

I’m sure everyone who has worked in the Adelaide music scene in any capacity would have at least one Bertie story to tell but I think that with Rob’s passing a huge part of the overall aesthetic and vibe of the Adelaide music scene (and the industry that surrounds it) has died with him.

I’d also like to think though that each and every one of us can take a leaf from Rob’s book and make a commitment to continue carry on building a better, more vibrant music scene in this town through lifting everyone up instead of tearing each other down.

That will be Rob’s legacy and it’s something that I will personally commit to.

Vale Robert “Bertie” Dunstan. Love ya work…

Peace,

Corey

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Let me start this post by stating that what I’m about to say is only my personal opinion based on my years of experience as a performing songwriter/musician.

I’ve noticed a real increase in conversations on social media regarding the whole Originals vs Covers vs Tribute acts and I felt that I needed to share a view that I’ve held for a while now which forms part of the whole narrative.

It’s not designed as a means to solve a problem or issue but merely as a conversation starter. Anyway, the rant starts below…

<rant>

I want to share with you one of my pet peeves but by doing so I might just be opening up a can of worms but here goes…

There’s one thing that bothers me about how songwriters describe their music.

It’s when they describe their music as “original” music or themselves as an “original” artist either in a live performance context or, (to a lesser degree) in general conversation. 

Now, I understand where these songwriters are coming from, but let me explain why I think saying that your songs (or you as a songwriter/musician) are original may not be the best way to represent your work.

First of all, “original” isn’t a genre or type and when you describe you and/or your songs as such, you’re not really telling your audience anything about the style, sound, texture or vibe of what you do.

It’s a bit of a missed opportunity to really showcase what you and your music is all about. 

Now, this is what I’ve seen happen many times. A performer on stage introduces their next song as an “original” song and immediately the audience lose interest, turn off and tune out removing any vibe that was created.

It’s almost as if the audience upon hearing the word “original” just assumes that what they’re about to hear is going to be amateurish at best or a pile of shit at worst and you can feel the collective eyes rolling in the crowd when the word “original” is mentioned.

It seems that nowadays people generally don’t want to take risks with their leisure time. We want guarantees, we want instant gratification in the shortest space of time and when it comes to live music, we want to hear, see and experience something that is familiar to us.

Cover bands and tribute acts serve this need for familiarity very nicely indeed.

Unless they are at a music venue that specifically exists for “original” music, the expectation from the audience is that they’ll be recognising the music they’re listening to and because of this, the term “original” then becomes a divisive and alienating word to that audience.

People generally don’t appreciate being told that they are about to experience something that’s going to challenge them in an environment that doesn’t require the audience to be challenged. 

So, the next question is… What can we as songwriters do about this?

Well, in my time as a performing songwriter/musician who has played hundreds of gigs that are either 100% covers, 100% my songs or a hybrid mixture of covers and my songs, I’ve learned to never introduce myself as an original artist or my songs as original songs.

I just don’t say it… I continue playing as if nothing has happened. I play my music alongside the covers in my repertoire and just observe the audience’s reaction.

And guess what? 

When someone asks me during a break or at the end of the gig if any song I performed was one of my own, and I confirm that it was, their appreciation for me and my music actually increases and we start engaging in a meaningful conversation which is pretty awesome and what I reckon live music is all about. 

Touching, moving and inspiring your audience, one person at a time.

So, my fellow songwriters, here are a couple of tips that have worked for me and it’s my hope that they work for you too:

Firstly, when playing live, don’t introduce your song as an “original.” Instead, just share a little of what the song is about or alternatively, don’t say anything at all. Just get into it.

Secondly, when talking to people about your music and the gigs that you do, don’t say “I do originals” just mention the genres you write and perform in.

If you want to be a bit more general, say you perform a mix of your own songs and some covers and if you really must emphasise that you’re a songwriter, simply say that you’re a songwriter that’ll do the trick.

</rant>

What are your thoughts on this? Have I opened up the can of worms? Do you agree or have a different perspective? I’d love to hear your insights and experiences, so feel free to let me know what they are.

And let’s not forget, almost all music is inspired by something or someone else, so can we truly claim our work is “original” in the strictest sense?

Peace,

Corey 🙂

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A process is defined as “… a series of actions or steps taken in order to achieve a particular goal.” As for a songwriting process, that goal is of course the completion of a song from start to finish.

Songs are what makes this music industry go round and the more that songwriters are encouraged, educated and most importantly, empowered about their own creative workflow, the better off this music business will be.

How you write your songs, from the initial spark of a songwriting idea to the final stroke of your pen, all comes down to how you work your creative process.

Now, there are as many variations to the songwriting process as there are songwriters in the world; however, I sincerely believe that all of this can be distilled into five pillars of a songwriting process.

How effective your songwriting is depends on how you handle these five pillars which create the foundation of your songwriting process.

Below is an outline of the five pillars…

  1. The Songwriter:

The first pillar of the songwriting process starts with the songwriter themselves.

Every song begins with an individual’s inspiration, motivation, and personal experiences therefore, maintaining a healthy state of mental, physical, and spiritual health is fundamental.

When the songwriter is healthy in mind, body and spirit, they are in a better position to translate their thoughts and feelings into lyrics and melody.

Moreover, the songwriter’s mindset and environment significantly impact the songwriting process. Their thoughts, moods, and the physical surroundings can all influence the style and substance of the song hence, finding an environment that nurtures creativity and aligns with the songwriter’s comfort is crucial for the successful genesis of a song.

  1. The Foundation:

The second pillar involves creating an environment and process that fosters creativity and inspiration.

It’s about building a structure that can accommodate the spontaneous nature of inspiration because songwriting often springs from moments of inspiration that can occur at any time, thus having a system that allows for these moments to be captured is vital.

This means setting up a workspace that encourages focus, equipping it with the necessary tools, and arranging your schedule to allow time for creativity.

Whether this means having a quiet home studio or working in bustling public spaces, the important thing is to build a foundation that aligns with your creative style and rhythm.

  1. The Creation:

The third pillar focuses on the process of transforming an initial idea into a song.

This can be an emotional experience as it involves pouring personal feelings, ideas, and narratives into a coherent structure of verses, choruses, and bridges. It’s about bringing something into existence from nothing.

Each songwriter’s creation process is unique. Some might start with a melody, some with a lyric, and others might begin with a chord progression or a rhythm.

This pillar encourages songwriters to explore different methods and to find a process that best resonates with them.

  1. The Revision:

The fourth pillar involves the revision and refinement of the song after it has been written.

This process is crucial to ensuring the song’s quality, and it involves scrutinising the song, editing out any unnecessary parts, and refining the lyrics and melodies.

The revision phase is also about knowing when to stop refining. A songwriter needs to recognise when their song has reached its full potential.

This pillar allows songwriters to engage with their inner critic in a positive way, refining their song without letting self-doubt hinder their creative process.

  1. The Business:

The fifth and final pillar concerns the business side of songwriting. After a song is finished, it’s important to think about its purpose.

Is the completed song for the songwriter to perform at gigs? Is it for another artist? Could it be licensed for use in film or advertising? Or, was it merely (and just as importantly) a therapeutic endeavour?

This pillar requires a strategic mindset, understanding that songwriting is not just an art but also a business. It requires an understanding of the music industry, copyrights, and song placements.

This doesn’t mean losing the love for the craft; rather, it’s about finding the best platform for your work to be heard and appreciated.

If you pay attention to and integrate these five pillars into your songwriting process you’ll find that you’ll be a more productive, efficient, creative and self aware songwriter.

What you’ll find is that you will finish more songs than you start and you’ll not be afraid of songwriters’ block, procrastination, the blank page or your inner critic.

In fact, they will all become your friends.

These five pillars are a work in progress and I intend to explore the many facets of these five pillars through created and curated content in future posts, so if you have any questions you want answered regarding your songwriting process or, you have your own experiences you want to share, please let me know.

Peace,

Corey 🙂

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As songwriters, we need to be eternally vigilant to any opportunity that might arise which enables us to replenish our repository of songwriting ideas.

When we talk about a songwriting process though, we generally talk about engaging in a set of activities that is separate to our lives in general. We live our lives and in between that we try to make the time to write songs then, we start living life again.

My question to you is… “Why limit your songwriting process only to activities where you have to make time? Why can’t you make your whole life become one continuous songwriting process?”

By doing this, you create a day-to-day life/songwriting ideas loop where one activity (songwriting) can exist within another (day-to-day life) at the same time

Think about it for a moment. When we make the most out of our lives, the experiences gained will make great songs but in turn, when we also write songs about what is happening around us it helps us make the most out of our lives.

Looking at our lives as one continuous and never-ending songwriting process forces us to pay closer attention to what we do in and with our lives and be more mindful it.

I have mentioned in another post the well worn Socrates quote…

“… an unexamined life is a life not worth living.”

There is no reason why you couldn’t find songwriting ideas through the activities that make up your everyday life which will in turn inspire you to find more songwriting ideas.

Imagine your life becoming one big songwriting ideas loop. That would be very cool indeed.

Of course, this concept would only really work if first of all, you’re able to internalise the habit of being vigilant to any songwriting opportunity that comes along and secondly, to have a means to record the songwriting idea as it happens if it cannot be worked on straight away.

At the end of the day, all of this is another way of enabling us to live more in the present. It’s all about being in the NOW, and with that in mind, I’ve now got a song to write.

Peace,

Corey 🙂

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“What is the meaning of life?” 

This is probably the oldest and most asked question that humanity is still trying to answer and while there is no global answer to this question, I do think it’s important for us all to attempt to find our own answers and then apply it over the top of our lives as we’re living it. 

Now, all I can do is offer my personal observations as to what I think the meaning of life is so, here goes…

Asking a question such as this assumes that the concept of what life is about is constant for everyone at the same time. It also assumes that life is something that happens directly to you and therefore your reactions to life determines what you do within it.

With that in mind, some people have come to the conclusion that our life paths are predetermined by a God, the universe, fate or some other external mechanism and the meaning of our lives are one of the same for all and are already laid out before us.

Apparently, all we need to do is find the path and then walk it, but my take on all this is that…

Life (in itself) has no meaning or purpose to it. Life is just… LIFE. 

There’s no agenda to life, life isn’t out to get you, there are no predetermined grand plans to your life whirring away in the background without you knowing it, no divine interventions and no hidden meanings. 

Life is a blank canvas and we are but the paint that is applied to it creating whatever we choose to create onto it. Life is merely the environment, the space that we as human beings inhabit within. 

Always remember, the sun will rise in the morning and set in the evening whether we exist or not.

This doesn’t mean however, that we can’t find meaning and purpose to our lives, it just means that we need to internally define what that meaning and purpose is for ourselves (and only for ourselves) rather than us trying to find the meaning and purpose externally.

Therefore, there is no “THE meaning of life” but “A meaning of life” which is as unique and as individual as we all are. Meaning and purpose can be defined for ourselves through the continual process of knowing ourselves. 

Therefore, the meaning that we all seek then becomes the by-product of a greater knowledge of ourselves, not the other way around.

On a personal note, I have taken my own advice and applied these conclusions to my own existence and from doing this, a whole new perspective on where I fit in this thing called life has been developing for me. 

I’ll make sure that I share these new perspectives in later posts but what I’ve found is that finding my own meaning and purpose through self exploration will over time create a sense of peace and calm in myself which will slowly permeate into everything else that I do.

This meaning and purpose to life is of course a dynamic and fluid thing and can always change at any time but having the knowledge that I am in control of the paintbrush and it not being controlled by someone (or something) else gives me a greater sense of freedom to just… BE.

What do you think is the answer to the meaning of life? Does the very thought of it make your head hurt or, is it a question that you actively strive to find the answer for? 

Let me know what conclusions you come up with as it would make for a very interesting discussion in the future.

Peace,

Corey 🙂

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As a continuation of a previous post about me being a Secular Buddhist, I wanted to outline what meditation is and why it is so important to me.

So… Let’s address the first part of the question… “What is meditation about?”

Well, according to Wikipedia, meditation is defined as…

“… a practice where an individual uses a technique – such as mindfulness, or focusing their mind on a particular object, thought or activity – to train attention and awareness, and achieve a mentally clear and emotionally calm state.”

Meditation is the means of stopping the never-ending chatter in my mind through being still, quiet and in the present moment.

For me, the desired result is a feeling of being more calm, relaxed and at peace with myself and the world around me.

The main point to realise with meditation is that you don’t get to your desired result straight away, you need to be patient with it. It takes a lot of consistent practise (the operative word being “consistent”) to achieve the desired result that you would be looking for.

However, there is a plus side to being patient and putting in the practise. The very act of practising meditation (whether you think you’re good at it or not) is just as important.

Giving meditation a go and integrating it in your life’s journey is its own reward.

Another great thing about meditation is that it can be practised by religious and non-religious people alike. This shows the versatile, and inclusive nature of meditation.

You see, meditation is for everyone and for an atheist like myself that is a good thing.

And now for the second part of the question… “Why is meditation so important to me?”

Well, right now, we live in a non-stop 24/7 world where no-one takes a break from it all and because of this, we have all become unwilling participants in a perpetual game of catch up to which there are no winners and no end in sight.

Meditation allows me to step off the treadmill and to take a break from the race. This encourages me to be a human “being” rather than a human “doing.” It allows me to be calmer, more relaxed, more at peace, less anxious and feel happier as a result of doing it.

We all need some time out every once in a while and meditation will give all of us that gift at any time that we choose to practise it.

With that in mind, imagine a world where everybody was calm, relaxed and at peace with themselves and with everyone else?

What kind of a world do you think we would we be living in? I don’t know about you, but it’s definitely a world I’d like to be living in

Anyways, if you’ve ever considered the possibility of meditation being a regular part of your daily life you should let me know so we can chat about it. I’d love to know your thoughts on the matter.

In the meantime, be still and enjoy the silence.

Peace,

Corey 🙂

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I just wanted to give you all an update as to what’s happening with the SongMachine Studio build.

In an earlier post La Casa Di Mara – The New House I mentioned that…

… the shed out the back is too small and has no power to it so it will need to go and a new purpose built structure will take its place in the new year.

Well, fast forward about four months and this is what has happened so far.

  • Organised the final shed quote with Stratco Goolwa
  • Old shed was dismantled and taken away leaving the slab
  • Yankalilla council approves the new shed build
  • Remaining slab is cut up and prepared to be removed

Here is what is should be happening from now on (barring Murphy’s Law and life getting in the way).

  • The slab is to be removed in about 2-3 weeks
  • Ground to be prepared for slab after shed construction
  • Shed components to be delivered around about the same time
  • Shed to be erected about 4 weeks after delivery
  • New concrete slab to be poured soon after

All things considered, the new shed should be built and ready to go by the end of July which is when the real fun begins. 

Power will need to be connected, wall linings built, soundproofing installed and lastly, all of the musical and studio equipment that’s currently filling up the two extra bedrooms of the house will need to be moved in, set up and tested to see if it’s all working the way it should.

Phew.

Along with trying to re-establish myself plus my music and web businesses in a whole new environment, this new office/studio/creation space has taken up a lot of my time and focus. I suppose I’m creating for myself everything that I’ve always wanted for me and my music.

A place to play, create, develop, compose, rehearse and record. My happy place.

I feel like everything that I’ve been working for is moving towards a single point of time and that is the time when SongMachine is finally operational.

Right now, thinking about all of the possibilities excites me. It gets me out of bed in the morning and I just can’t wait to share with you all the fruits that this SongMachine tree has to offer.

All I can say is “watch this space” as there will definitely be more news to follow.

Peace,

Corey 🙂

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In a previous post I wrote about my fascination with artificial intelligence (AI) and how it could either be a help or a hindrance to my songwriting process. 

When I wrote that post back in October 2022, I was really at the beginning of my exploration into what AI could do for me as a songwriter. I also wrote that post before ChatGPT was released and what an absolute game-changer that was. 

For those of you that have been hiding under a rock, ChatGPT is a computer program designed to understand and process natural language, just like the way that humans do.

When you ask a question or type in a message prompt, ChatGPT uses AI algorithms to analyse the input, understand the meaning behind the words, and generate a response that is as accurate and helpful as possible.

It’s like having a conversation with a really intelligent friend who always has the answers to your questions or in my case, a really intelligent songwriting collaborator but bear in mind, the responses from ChatGPT are only as good as the prompts you type into it.

Now how could ChatGPT help me as a songwriter?

Well, I’ve always thought that when it came to writing songs, I was pretty strong in the composition department but not so strong in the lyric writing department. Using ChatGPT has opened the doors to a whole new world of songwriting ideas and lyrical concepts.

Quite simply, this technology has the potential to revolutionise the way I’m able to write songs. It’s created new possibilities and infinitely expanded my songwriting process, especially when it comes to writing lyrics.

Now, I can understand that you might be thinking to yourself that I’m going to just use ChatGPT to write all of my lyrics from now on but that would be so far from the truth. 

For me, letting a robot do the work would take all the fun out of writing songs.

One of my favourite ways to start writing a song is from a title or a phrase that incites my imagination and curiosity and this is where ChatGPT comes into its own. Let me give you an example of what ChatGPT can do.

Ok, here is an exchange with ChatGPT from a random songwriting prompt that I asked it to generate for me…

User (me)
Give me a random songwriting prompt that I can use to write my next song with

ChatGPT
Songwriting Prompt: “Whispers of Time”

Explore the concept of time through the whispers of the past, present, and future. Craft a story that unfolds as you hear these subtle voices guiding your protagonist through key moments in their life. Use the whispers to illustrate lessons learned, the beauty of fleeting moments, and the eternal nature of time itself.

User
Give me a detailed synopsis for the song titled “Whispers In Time” using the above songwriting prompt as a guide

ChatGPT
Title: “Whispers in Time”

Verse 1:
Our protagonist, a young dreamer, embarks on a journey to find their purpose in life. As they walk along a winding path, they hear soft whispers carried by the wind. These whispers are the voices of the past, speaking of their ancestors’ trials and tribulations. The protagonist learns that their lineage is filled with resilience, and they gain strength from these voices.

Pre-Chorus:
The whispers in time grow louder, guiding the protagonist as they navigate their way. Embracing the echoes of their ancestors, they feel a deep connection to their roots and a newfound sense of belonging.

Chorus:
“Whispers in Time, carry me through,
Voices of old, a story so true,
Ancestors’ tales, eternally bound,
In every step, their wisdom is found.”

Verse 2:
As the protagonist continues their journey, the whispers shift to the present, speaking of friends and loved ones. The voices tell stories of laughter, sorrow, and love, reminding the protagonist of the importance of cherishing every moment. They begin to understand that life is fleeting, and the present is a gift to be treasured.

Bridge:
The whispers transition to the future, painting a picture of possibilities and potential. The protagonist sees a vision of themselves, standing tall and proud, having overcome obstacles and achieved their dreams. They realise that time is always moving forward, and it is up to them to make the most of it.

Chorus:
“Whispers in Time, carry me through,
Voices of old, a story so true,
Ancestors’ tales, eternally bound,
In every step, their wisdom is found.”

Outro:
The whispers in time fade away, leaving the protagonist with a profound understanding of the interconnectedness of the past, present, and future. With newfound courage, they embrace their destiny and continue their journey, knowing that the whispers of time will always be with them.

User
Using the detailed synopsis above as a guide, name 10 music artists/songwriters that you think could write a song such as “Whispers In Time”

ChatGPT
Joni Mitchell
Bob Dylan
Sufjan Stevens
Florence Welch (Florence + The Machine)
Leonard Cohen
Paul Simon
Stevie Nicks
Ben Howard
Brandi Carlile
Hozier

User
Ok, now using all of the above information at your disposal, write for me the lyrics for the song “Whispers In Time” in the style of Sufjan Stevens

ChatGPT
Verse 1:
In the heart of a young dreamer’s quest,
Winds carried whispers from east to west,
Ancestors’ voices, their stories untold,
Of courage and battles, of hearts brave and bold.

Pre-Chorus:
Whispers in time, they call my name,
A journey unfolds, a destiny to claim,
Through the echoes of ages, I walk this path,
Guided by whispers, I’ll conquer my past.

Chorus:
Whispers in Time, carry me through,
Voices of old, a story so true,
Ancestors’ tales, eternally bound,
In every step, their wisdom is found.

Verse 2:
Voices of present, they speak to my soul,
Of love and of laughter, of pain that consoles,
Cherish the moments, they gently remind,
For life is a breath, and time’s river unwinds.

Bridge:
Oh, whispers of future, a vision I see,
A world full of promise, a life meant for me,
Through trials and triumphs, I’ll forge my own way,
With whispers to guide me, I’ll seize each new day.

Chorus:
Whispers in Time, carry me through,
Voices of old, a story so true,
Ancestors’ tales, eternally bound,
In every step, their wisdom is found.

Outro:
As whispers fade softly, their lessons remain,
The thread of existence, a tapestry’s frame,
In every heartbeat, in each breath I take,
Whispers in time, my journey to make.

Not bad for around ten minutes of work. 

Normally I would approach a ChatGPT lyrics session with a song title or phrase already in mind plus a strong concept of what the song is to be about. From there I try to use AI to flesh out the concepts so I can then rewrite the lyrics in my own words at the end of the process.

What this means for me is that I don’t have to worry about songwriters block anymore. For me, ChatGPT is just another songwriting tool that I can use in my process if I ever get stuck.

As for the validity of AI generated songwriting ideas, I wrote this in my last post about my fascination with the role of AI in songwriting…

“These AI generated songwriting ideas will still need (and will probably always need) the discernment filter of a human brain that’s been trained by years of experience to steer those song ideas to completion.”

Would I use it all the time… No, not at all, but it’s nice to know that it’s there just in case.

What do you think about all of this talk about AI, ChatGPT and other tools of this nature? Have you used any of them and if so, what are your thoughts? Let me know what you think.

Peace,

Corey 🙂