Today's Topic ~ Rules?
It was great seeing all of you last night at the Songwriters
Guild. I applaud you all for making that effort to learn and to
put your soul on the line. Showing your work in front of a group
of other good writers is a difficult thing. To have it
scrutinized and dissected, even harder. You are all brave and
talented, and I thank you for your good natured reception of my
ideas. Yesterday I was talking with Songwriter Giant, Ray Evans (Silver
Bells, Mona Lisa, Tammy, Mr. Ed (!), Dear Heart, etc.) I had to
laugh when he asked why we take class. He said " No one ever
knows what "they" (the Industry) are going to like.
There are no rules that make someone like something." Now I
do agree... that's how some poorly written songs got to #1...we
liked them so much, as a whole, that we forgave the bad form.
Emotion is where a song starts, and if it provokes enough
emotion, regardless of how well- or ill-written, it can be enough.
My premise for teaching (and taking) class is that if we
recognize the elements that live in Standards, recorded through
time, and if we can incorporate them in our writing AND STILL
KEEP THE EMOTION, those works will likely last through history,
rather than this week's top ten. Plus, I think it's an incredible
comfort when you never have to make any excuse for a song on any
level.
Just as a note. The tapes I have been getting lately are all
fairly good. They are nicely produced, some have moments of
genius. However... I only sign what I LOVE. If your tape has been
listened to, and not signed, don't take it personally. It might
have been a wonderful song, but just one I could not place. (Or
it might have needed a re-write.) Or maybe, I just didn't love it.
At least you are sending and trying. Keep watching the calls
listed here, and send only your most targeted, special things as
called for. I am on your side!
_________________________________________________________
Please join me for Song Review at the
Songwriter's Guild in Hollywood on Wed., Feb 17, at 7 pm, for
their
"Ask A Pro" event. Call them in Hollywood, or check our
Affiliations page. These events are about the only place I have
time to critique songs in styles that I am not currently looking
for. Take advantage of them, if you can.
Also, those of you earning or about to earn Royalties, learn how
to protect your future and how PRO's work to collect your
performance royalties. The educational AACO hosts GEMA on Feb. 22,
in Beverly Hills. See Affiliations page for link.
(C) 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 Goodnight Kiss Music, Janet Fisher -- No reprints without written permission.