Kelly Clarkston, Carrie Underwood and Taylor Hicks
American Idol Finale 2007
photos courtesy AP and Getty Images
With all of the excited buzz generated by where Taylor Hicks is ... Nashville, and who he has been collaborating with ... Pat McLaughlin and Tom Hambridge, I thought this article on the ABC's of songwriting an interesting topic for today's blog.
(keep reading for the significance of the photos I chose to use today)
An excerpt from:
The Song As A Script
Well, just as your favorite TV and movie stars do not write their own scripts, neither do a lot of singers write their own songs.
The major difference between actors and singers however is that most actors can change characters from film to film whereas successful singers rarely depart radically from the image they have chosen.
That presents the songwriter hurdles that require investigation before rushing into pitch mode.
Not only must the song/script be in keeping with the artist’s image but a few music business executives must be persuaded to gamble a million dollars on it.
It is a script for a performer to stand on stage and have a linear, lyrical conversation with his or her audience.
Our world of entertainment is always ultimately about “The Woman.”
With rare exceptions, it is men singing to women and women singing to women.
So, the mantra for the songwriter parallels that of the restaurateur.
When looking for a restaurant to invest in, there are three factors to consider: location, location, location.
Likewise, to be a songwriter, there are three things you should consider:
What’s in it for the woman?
What’s in it for the woman?
What’s in it for the woman?
So let's focus on their perception of your song.
Aside from the work being right for the artist, is it a potential hit?
Do you get the listener involved in the song quickly?
How quickly?
Well, try 60 seconds, including introduction.
I call it getting the listener to invest in your song.
In order to lure the listener in, it’s better that you speak to them, not about them.
However, if the song is using the first-person pronoun (you, me, I, etc.) and the central figure is too old, too young, not cool enough or just not the image that the artist, management or label wish to project, you might consider changing to the third-person pronoun (even though the odds are higher for your song not being #1).
That way, the artist can sing the song (about being homeless a drunk perhaps) without it reflecting personally on him or her.
Next, you must create an expectation and then fulfill that expectation.
Pull out some of your favorite songs and look at the titles – pretty average stuff, mostly words or phrases you use every day.
However, those titles are the fulfillment of the created expectation.
The genius is in the creation of the expectation.
Making something commonplace eye-catching – or in the case of the song, ear catching – is your job.
I don’t know how many of you have seen an uncut diamond, but they look remarkably unremarkable, rather boring in fact.
Only in the hands of someone who has absorbed the craft and mastered the skill of making the mundane sparkle does the seemingly dull come to life.
As you've finished this last paragraph, you have probably figured out why I led today's blog with the photos of Kelly Clarkston, Carrie Underwood and Taylor Hicks from last year's AI Finale.
I believe they are the crowning jewels that have been unearthed by American Idol that will stand the test of time, and they positively sparkle!
I have been contemplating getting back up on my soap box for a while now, and it seems today's the day!A blog is somewhere where you can share your thoughts and usually your readers visit because they share your interests.
My blog is obviously centered around multi-talented singer, songwriter and musician Taylor Hicks.
Unlike many (writers and bloggers) who spew their opinions across the net, I don't find it necessary to degrade another artist while showing my appreciation for the talents of Taylor Hicks.
If another artist's name happens to appear here, it will be because it relates to a blog topic in a positive way, and it will be complementary.
I know that snarkiness and titillation are what draw viewers, but I refuse to use those tactics and am quite content to remain a little fish in my own pond.
I have no desire to venture into deeper waters where the sharks swim.
I wonder where all the hateful, rude and sarcastic surfers swam before the advent of message boards, chat rooms and blogs?
Today's cup"If one doesn't respect oneself,
one can have neither love nor respect for others."
~Ayn Rand~
Today's entry began with photos from the 2007 AI Finale and a fitting ending is Taylor's skillful and unique take on "A Day In The Life" from that night!
Now that's what I call sparkle!!
