05 -11-15 // It's All About The Songs
And so the journey begins. I have no idea where this will take me - it's just down to my own imagination now, right? The first step was to write new songs though, new ideas, new sounds and new lyrics so I needed a new book.
Blank pages can be pretty daunting if you stare at them too long; if you allow yourself to hesitate or second-guess the first words that you're about to write. But there's nothing to fear, there's a lot more to be excited about and one way of getting over that first line is to...well, just write! Whatever comes to mind, words, sentences and phrases all in messy handwriting. No point writing within the lines, it's way more fun to scribble in circles or whatever you feel gets the creative side of your brain going? In fact, in the digital world we live in it's actually one of the few times I actually get to write with pen and paper - I highly recommend it!
I love the songwriting process - in that you start with nothing but after harnessing expression, creativity, craft, emotion and what you're feeling at the time you eventually leave a little bit of 'you' on the page.
It takes strength and energy to create, only the weak destroy. The whole songwriting process is a bit like life though in many ways? For example, you start with nothing, just the potential to create something beautiful, something meaningful; you take your first steps in one direction that may not be 'the right' one; you make mistakes, you start again and learn something new; you grow and get a little wiser which is all part of mastering your art. Your art is you, your art is your life!
So the first question that I asked myself before starting this solo chapter was "what do I sound like?" For the last 10 years I've always written as part of a band so we already had a sound and direction.
I've got so many great artists in my record collection too who have all influenced me in one way or another from John Lennon, Small Faces, Bowie, Bon Iver, The Beatles, Stone Roses, Beach House to Bahamas. But after two years of searching, playing, experimenting, listening, making mistakes, writing songs for others, having a studio, learning about production, listening some more and really exploring different lyrical styles - I now know where I'm at! I'm here, exactly where I'm supposed to be and I've now written nearly 30 solo songs, about 50 songs for TV and other co-writes and about another 100 or more song sketches on my phone (it's backed up, don't worry!)
Talk is cheap - give me the music I hear you say? Well stay tuned, if you give my Facebook page a like then you'll be the first to hear the new songs posted. I'll upload an acoustic demo or two here and then post the link to share but the EP recording has begun! I really enjoyed playing the drums again so bass and guitars next?
On a personal note, those who know me will be aware that I've had a few challenges thrown my way over the last 3 years. I seem to love a challenge for some reason but these recent ones have been game changers - I'm no longer the same person I was before. Music, friends and family have really saved me though. Music can be so powerful, it should be appreciated, valued and shared together. Anyway, that's all behind me now and I'm looking forward to sharing more music and moments with you in the near future - thanks for being there and as a result - I'm still here! ;)
Rod x