I have burst through a case of songwriter's block! With a little help from my friends...
Yes, that's 4 songs in the last 2 days. Nutty, nutty stuff.
Song #12: Bill Stickers Is Innocent
Another Stephen creation! I loved the lyrics when he wrote them awhile ago and I've been trying and trying to get a decent tune going. The problem was that in my head it sounded like every single other country song ever written and I didn't really want to give such good lyrics substandard music. But a visit from Libby helped me to get the spark I needed. It looks like I may have a new partner in crime. She helped with the backing vocals for Bill Stickers and is gonna help me out at an upcoming gig with harmonies and stuff. She's a talented girl, our Libby.
Song #13: Those Few Hurt Me
Larry W. Jones writes insane amounts of lyrics and I've been keeping an eye out for some lyrics I could use. When I saw these ones, I just picked up the guitar and had a play and pretty soon came up with something I thought would work. I'm really enjoying the chance to play with other people's lyrics... and Larry's been churning them out so it's awesome to see other 50/90ers interpreting the lyrics in various different ways.
Song #14: Better Than You Know
Oh. My. Goodness. I had no idea I could possibly ever write a song that's eight minutes long. What the hell is that all about? Still... I am really, really happy with how this one turned out. I struggled and struggled with getting the lyrics, thanks to a kind of unusual metre but some of the songs I struggle with are the ones that I end up really loving. So I'm happy!
Song #15: Dick Hubbard Is Batman
I really about I'm not about to get in trouble with the former Mayor of Auckland... my flatmate's boyfriend decided I should write a song about the fact that apparently, Dick Hubbard is Batman. I told him sure - if he wrote the lyrics. I wasn't expecting him to actually do it but he did and... this is the result. All you non-Kiwis - there is an explanation of sorts in the liner notes of the song itself on 50/90. I hope it clears things up.
So yeah! I'm ahead, which is fantastic. I'm hoping to churn out a few more over the weekend, just to put myself ahead. Maybe some more silly ones, somewhat akin to Bill Stickers and Dick Hubbard... my songwriting this time around has been more or less entirely depressing stuff. Something light-hearted and silly is good for the morale on occasion. *thinks about I Like To Eat The Chickens and chuckles again*
I will finish by quoting Helen's Evil Twin: "Bring me my guitar, for the muse, it doth beckon."
Fare the well,
Rose
(the inspired)
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Folkin' Good Times @ San Francisco Bath House, July 23rd: The Gig Report
Back again with another FGT gig report!
I was pretty nervous about playing San Fran, mostly because bands that I quite like play there. Iron and Wine were there in March and The New Pornographers are coming along in October. I want tickets! After next payday I will buy tickets and tickets will be mine and I will go see The New Pornographers and I will try to figure out some non-offensive nickname for them in case Grandma asks what it is I'm going to see... but I digress. My health was playing up a lot (fun fainting spell at home pre-gig after a delicious meal of tofu, veges and noodles...) so that was an additional stress source. Also, my fun little game of "worst case scenario" kicked in when I got there and I started to get a little bit freaked out that I was going to put the heel of my (awesome) boots through the drum kit. (SPOILER ALERT: I didn't put my high heel through the drum kit.)
Anyway. San Francisco Bath House is pretty. It's pretty, it's comfy, the bathrooms are pretty awesome - tempting to steal the mirrors, yes, but obviously I did not give in to this temptation, as I would quite like to play this venue again. One of my friends did comment that it was lacking the white roses, fake cobwebs and angels wings on the ceiling from the last one of my gigs he came to (Attic Lounge, above SubNine... when I played there it was decked out for a goth party... which is obviously oh so appropriate for Folkin' Good Times... but it was pretty funny!) - I'm not sure if he was disappointed? I could have done without the dismembered dolls behind the sound desk at Attic Lounge, quite frankly. But once again, I am veering violently off course, so I will get back to my admiration of San Fran. I like the lamps. The seats are comfy. The bar staff are nice. And the lemon, lime and bitters has enough bitters in it. So all in all, thumbs up from me.
I was up first, after the Acoustic Lounge they run every Wednesday from 6-8. That's an open mic type thing and I would have liked to catch more of it but I managed to show up just as it was ending. Quelle tristesse. I did, however, run into Terry Shore, who runs a songwriters show on Access Radio. I recorded a radio show with him in April. It was lovely to see him again - he couldn't stay for Folkin' Good Times but it was nice to catch up, albeit briefly.
The weather sucked. It really did. I think we could have expected a better turn out had it not been for the weather. Ah, Wellington in winter. How doth I loathe thee. Nevertheless, the turnout was pretty good. People came and went, as people tend to do, but the cool thing about San Fran is that it's a venue that people will drop in at without knowing what's going on because it's got a good reputation. So there were a lot of random people dropping in, along with the usual suspects Folkin' Good Times tends to attract. Which I thought was pretty awesome.
My set went pretty well. Given that I hadn't been feeling well, I was a little concerned so I played a shorter set than I had originally planned but I was relatively happy with it anyway. San Fran is pretty magic to play, especially for an acoustic singer/songwriter. It's got a cool vibe. Once I'd got through my first two songs, I really started to relax and get into it - regardless of how nervous I get, there's something about getting up there and singing songs that I created that's really awesome. I had so much fun. I really did.
I played 2 new songs from 50/90 - "When The Fire" and "Song for Shane", along with some older pieces. I would have added more new ones - and I think I had actually intended to - but I figured that just doing 2 new ones would be a little safer, as I know my old ones pretty well by now but the new ones are still not quite cemented in my brain! I emailed Nancy Rost (co-writer of "When The Fire") and she was most excited to hear about her New Zealand debut. I thought it went over pretty well. Everyone can relate to the fact that it's really, really cold.
"Song for Shane" was hard and I'm glad I did it near the end of my set. The other songs gave me the time to really get into the performance groove and by the time it came to sing Shane's song, I could present it as a song that meant something without bursting into tears as I am prone to doing, given the subject matter. A mutual friend of ours was there and I'd really wanted to her to hear it live rather than send her a recording - the three of us were ridiculously close a few years ago and we're both coming to terms with Shane's death slowly. I hope the song helped - I think it did. My flatmate was sitting next to her and gave her a big hug after the song was over so I felt less bad about bringing up sad emotions when all she'd really signed up for was coming to watch me sing some songs! After the gig, she came up, gave me a hug and had a bit of a cry... I think sometimes you've just got to have a good cry. And a good laugh - there are plenty of things to remember and smile about when it comes to Shane.
Mushroom played after me and I thought they did an excellent job. They kicked off with "Folsom Prison Blues" which will always thoroughly entertain me - those boys have energy, let me tell you. The set consisted of mostly covers but I was pleasantly surprised to hear Mushroom play a Jimmy Stearn original, "If Women Were Books", which is hands down my favourite Jimmy song. I thought the band did a great job with it - the only criticism was that it was hard to hear the lyrics, which are incredibly witty. There were a few levels issues with the bands, especially in terms of vocals, which may be a personal preference issue from where I stand - I'm primarily a singer so I like to hear the lyrics. Still, a bit more vocals wouldn't have hurt at all, especially on that particular song. At any rate, it's always good to hear that one coming out at gigs - I thoroughly enjoy it. Mushroom are so much fun because they're obviously having fun themselves - I always like hearing them play.
I left briefly with my flatmate and her boyfriend to go grab a hot chocolate to up my sugar levels so I'd survive the rest of the night so I missed the beginning of Stormbird's set but I came in for the last few numbers. (There was hot chocolate and there was also a rather yummy cheesecake... mmm.... cheesecake...) Sadly, there were levels issues with Stormbird as well and the vocals were hard to hear - a couple of instances of feedback (fun screeching sounds) but all in all I really enjoyed what I heard of them. These girls (plus Phil, who isn't a girl) know what they're doing and make some really fun, pretty music. I had the pleasure of chatting to them after the gig and they're all just so nice. It would have been nice to hear the vocals a bit more, I have to say - as both Ana and Rochelle have truly lovely voices. I was lucky enough to come in just as they were about to play a song I'd heard and really liked on their MySpace page, "Sweet" - there was toe-tapping from me. I liked it. I will be keeping an eye out for Stormbird and going along to support them in future - I suggest you do the same.
When I was skiving off for hot beverage, I ran into Scott and Holly from Very Nice Treehouse (who were also skiving off for sustinance, so I felt less bad) and realised that I'd played with them before and didn't even realise it! What a funny, funny world. In May I played a few songs in Cuba Mall for the end of Fair Trade fortnight and Scott and Holly played before me. Granted I was not at all well that day and made it through 3 songs before being forceably removed from the stage by some very concerned friends (one of whom gave me a good telling off for having done the gig in the first place, despite having been the one who'd organised it for me) but I did remember Very Nice Treehouse being absolutely stellar. Last night they were just as good as I remember them. They are both excellent vocalists and excellent guitar players and they brought the evening down to an amazing chilled out finish. Their originals were beautifully crafted and they're both so incredibly in tune with one another, it's fantastic to watch. They did a couple of covers, too - the one that stuck out for me was a cover of "Jezebel" by Iron and Wine... pretty song, pretty cover, pretty awesome. I really enjoyed the last original they played, "Home", despite the mulitple false starts (which, IMO, just added to their charm...) Overall, they're just so, so good. You must check them out. I insist.
I'd say it was a pretty awesome night. I unfortunately may have overdone it a bit, as I passed out a couple of times at the end of the night but luckily Jimmy gave me a ride home (that boy is good value) so I got home with minimal damages. Sadly the health is a bit too touch and go for me to risk the Bob Dylan Extravaganza that is happening tonight at The Adelaide but it should be a great night so I hope it goes really well for everyone involved!
Signing off... and probably going back to bed!
Rose
I was pretty nervous about playing San Fran, mostly because bands that I quite like play there. Iron and Wine were there in March and The New Pornographers are coming along in October. I want tickets! After next payday I will buy tickets and tickets will be mine and I will go see The New Pornographers and I will try to figure out some non-offensive nickname for them in case Grandma asks what it is I'm going to see... but I digress. My health was playing up a lot (fun fainting spell at home pre-gig after a delicious meal of tofu, veges and noodles...) so that was an additional stress source. Also, my fun little game of "worst case scenario" kicked in when I got there and I started to get a little bit freaked out that I was going to put the heel of my (awesome) boots through the drum kit. (SPOILER ALERT: I didn't put my high heel through the drum kit.)
Anyway. San Francisco Bath House is pretty. It's pretty, it's comfy, the bathrooms are pretty awesome - tempting to steal the mirrors, yes, but obviously I did not give in to this temptation, as I would quite like to play this venue again. One of my friends did comment that it was lacking the white roses, fake cobwebs and angels wings on the ceiling from the last one of my gigs he came to (Attic Lounge, above SubNine... when I played there it was decked out for a goth party... which is obviously oh so appropriate for Folkin' Good Times... but it was pretty funny!) - I'm not sure if he was disappointed? I could have done without the dismembered dolls behind the sound desk at Attic Lounge, quite frankly. But once again, I am veering violently off course, so I will get back to my admiration of San Fran. I like the lamps. The seats are comfy. The bar staff are nice. And the lemon, lime and bitters has enough bitters in it. So all in all, thumbs up from me.
I was up first, after the Acoustic Lounge they run every Wednesday from 6-8. That's an open mic type thing and I would have liked to catch more of it but I managed to show up just as it was ending. Quelle tristesse. I did, however, run into Terry Shore, who runs a songwriters show on Access Radio. I recorded a radio show with him in April. It was lovely to see him again - he couldn't stay for Folkin' Good Times but it was nice to catch up, albeit briefly.
The weather sucked. It really did. I think we could have expected a better turn out had it not been for the weather. Ah, Wellington in winter. How doth I loathe thee. Nevertheless, the turnout was pretty good. People came and went, as people tend to do, but the cool thing about San Fran is that it's a venue that people will drop in at without knowing what's going on because it's got a good reputation. So there were a lot of random people dropping in, along with the usual suspects Folkin' Good Times tends to attract. Which I thought was pretty awesome.
My set went pretty well. Given that I hadn't been feeling well, I was a little concerned so I played a shorter set than I had originally planned but I was relatively happy with it anyway. San Fran is pretty magic to play, especially for an acoustic singer/songwriter. It's got a cool vibe. Once I'd got through my first two songs, I really started to relax and get into it - regardless of how nervous I get, there's something about getting up there and singing songs that I created that's really awesome. I had so much fun. I really did.
I played 2 new songs from 50/90 - "When The Fire" and "Song for Shane", along with some older pieces. I would have added more new ones - and I think I had actually intended to - but I figured that just doing 2 new ones would be a little safer, as I know my old ones pretty well by now but the new ones are still not quite cemented in my brain! I emailed Nancy Rost (co-writer of "When The Fire") and she was most excited to hear about her New Zealand debut. I thought it went over pretty well. Everyone can relate to the fact that it's really, really cold.
"Song for Shane" was hard and I'm glad I did it near the end of my set. The other songs gave me the time to really get into the performance groove and by the time it came to sing Shane's song, I could present it as a song that meant something without bursting into tears as I am prone to doing, given the subject matter. A mutual friend of ours was there and I'd really wanted to her to hear it live rather than send her a recording - the three of us were ridiculously close a few years ago and we're both coming to terms with Shane's death slowly. I hope the song helped - I think it did. My flatmate was sitting next to her and gave her a big hug after the song was over so I felt less bad about bringing up sad emotions when all she'd really signed up for was coming to watch me sing some songs! After the gig, she came up, gave me a hug and had a bit of a cry... I think sometimes you've just got to have a good cry. And a good laugh - there are plenty of things to remember and smile about when it comes to Shane.
Mushroom played after me and I thought they did an excellent job. They kicked off with "Folsom Prison Blues" which will always thoroughly entertain me - those boys have energy, let me tell you. The set consisted of mostly covers but I was pleasantly surprised to hear Mushroom play a Jimmy Stearn original, "If Women Were Books", which is hands down my favourite Jimmy song. I thought the band did a great job with it - the only criticism was that it was hard to hear the lyrics, which are incredibly witty. There were a few levels issues with the bands, especially in terms of vocals, which may be a personal preference issue from where I stand - I'm primarily a singer so I like to hear the lyrics. Still, a bit more vocals wouldn't have hurt at all, especially on that particular song. At any rate, it's always good to hear that one coming out at gigs - I thoroughly enjoy it. Mushroom are so much fun because they're obviously having fun themselves - I always like hearing them play.
I left briefly with my flatmate and her boyfriend to go grab a hot chocolate to up my sugar levels so I'd survive the rest of the night so I missed the beginning of Stormbird's set but I came in for the last few numbers. (There was hot chocolate and there was also a rather yummy cheesecake... mmm.... cheesecake...) Sadly, there were levels issues with Stormbird as well and the vocals were hard to hear - a couple of instances of feedback (fun screeching sounds) but all in all I really enjoyed what I heard of them. These girls (plus Phil, who isn't a girl) know what they're doing and make some really fun, pretty music. I had the pleasure of chatting to them after the gig and they're all just so nice. It would have been nice to hear the vocals a bit more, I have to say - as both Ana and Rochelle have truly lovely voices. I was lucky enough to come in just as they were about to play a song I'd heard and really liked on their MySpace page, "Sweet" - there was toe-tapping from me. I liked it. I will be keeping an eye out for Stormbird and going along to support them in future - I suggest you do the same.
When I was skiving off for hot beverage, I ran into Scott and Holly from Very Nice Treehouse (who were also skiving off for sustinance, so I felt less bad) and realised that I'd played with them before and didn't even realise it! What a funny, funny world. In May I played a few songs in Cuba Mall for the end of Fair Trade fortnight and Scott and Holly played before me. Granted I was not at all well that day and made it through 3 songs before being forceably removed from the stage by some very concerned friends (one of whom gave me a good telling off for having done the gig in the first place, despite having been the one who'd organised it for me) but I did remember Very Nice Treehouse being absolutely stellar. Last night they were just as good as I remember them. They are both excellent vocalists and excellent guitar players and they brought the evening down to an amazing chilled out finish. Their originals were beautifully crafted and they're both so incredibly in tune with one another, it's fantastic to watch. They did a couple of covers, too - the one that stuck out for me was a cover of "Jezebel" by Iron and Wine... pretty song, pretty cover, pretty awesome. I really enjoyed the last original they played, "Home", despite the mulitple false starts (which, IMO, just added to their charm...) Overall, they're just so, so good. You must check them out. I insist.
I'd say it was a pretty awesome night. I unfortunately may have overdone it a bit, as I passed out a couple of times at the end of the night but luckily Jimmy gave me a ride home (that boy is good value) so I got home with minimal damages. Sadly the health is a bit too touch and go for me to risk the Bob Dylan Extravaganza that is happening tonight at The Adelaide but it should be a great night so I hope it goes really well for everyone involved!
Signing off... and probably going back to bed!
Rose
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Birthday Gig confirmed... there was much rejoicing in the village
I just got an email from Jimmy, confirming that I have a gig on my birthday! I'm really excited! Happy, where we played on the 8th of July, had us pencilled it for the 19th of August (my birthday), dependant on the kind of turn out we got at the 8th of July gig. So we've heard back - they're keen to let us do the gig on the 19th of August. *does a little happy dance*
I'm one of those people who is freakishly obsessed with their birthday and seeing as I have so much fun doing gigs I feel this is a fantastic way to celebrate my birthday! *bounces* Have I mentioned before my affection for Jimmy? He's a legend. It's gonna be great. I'm really, really excited. (I may have mentioned this.)
So, in case you're interested: the gig rundown.
23rd of July at San Francisco Bath House
8pm, $5 entry
with A Very Nice Treehouse, Stormbird and Mushroom
24th of July at The Adelaide
8pm, $5 entry
Bob Dylan Extravaganza - I'm performing one song, along with a bunch of other Folkin' Good Times players...
I will post more info about a gig with the Wellington Folk Club on the 27th of July as soon as I get more info but this is also coming up.
And, of course...
19th of August at Happy
8pm, $5 entry (most probably)
Line up to be advised :)
*continues to rejoice*
With glee,
Rose
I'm one of those people who is freakishly obsessed with their birthday and seeing as I have so much fun doing gigs I feel this is a fantastic way to celebrate my birthday! *bounces* Have I mentioned before my affection for Jimmy? He's a legend. It's gonna be great. I'm really, really excited. (I may have mentioned this.)
So, in case you're interested: the gig rundown.
23rd of July at San Francisco Bath House
8pm, $5 entry
with A Very Nice Treehouse, Stormbird and Mushroom
24th of July at The Adelaide
8pm, $5 entry
Bob Dylan Extravaganza - I'm performing one song, along with a bunch of other Folkin' Good Times players...
I will post more info about a gig with the Wellington Folk Club on the 27th of July as soon as I get more info but this is also coming up.
And, of course...
19th of August at Happy
8pm, $5 entry (most probably)
Line up to be advised :)
*continues to rejoice*
With glee,
Rose
Friday, July 11, 2008
Meaning
I have come to a conclusion in the last little while.
I am perfectly within my rights calling myself a songwriter.
That sounds silly. Let me try to explain. I've always been first and foremost a singer. I've been singing since I could talk and I grew up in a very musical family. To me, there's nothing unusual about being surrounded by people who are all much better musicians than I. Compared to a lot of the amazing musicians I've been surrounded by all my life, I've always carved out my spot in the whole "music" thing as someone who can sing and that's about it. I tried playing instruments - piano, bassoon, cello, viola, saxophone, finally settling on guitar - but I was always much more comfortable with just singing. First of all, being a singer requires no heavy lifting. Being a cello player does. In my first year of high school, I sang a solo in the school variety show and I became known through the rest of my high school years as "the girl who sings". Which, to be honest, is much nicer than some of the labels I have received over the years. So the singing thing? Not a big deal. Well, no, that's not entirely true - I adore singing. Whenever I get a cold I'm more upset about not being able to sing than about the stuffiness of colds. Singing is like breathing for me - totally natural.
Now, guitar playing, on the other hand - or the feeble bit of piano playing I indulge in on occasion. That's a whole different kettle of fish. I've gotten better but the whole rationale behind me learning guitar was so I could accompany myself singing. Mostly through not wanting to bug people into accompanying me, initially. And then it was the first feeble attempts at songwriting. The process leading towards that went something like this: I like to sing. I like to write. Surely the two can be combined? Thus, my initial songwriting endeavours at about age 13 began. Never let 13 year olds write anything. It's horrific. The term "emo" wasn't in popular usage when I was 13 but that was pretty much what it was. Although, I have learned not to discount things. One line from a song I wrote when I was 13 has actually come back to haunt me and found its way into a song that I now perform that I wrote in 2005 called "Without Me". So I shouldn't be too mean to poor 13 year old Rosie. She did, after all, coin the lines:
/I don't know what to say to you
But that's okay, I never do/
which, to this day, remains one of my favourite lyrics. I know, a little lame to have a "favourite" of something you made. But I understand the sentiment behind it. And it's succinct. And for a 13 year old, pretty darn insightful. (Tangent: Isn't it weird how when you get past a certain age, you almost start looking at the younger version of yourself as a different person? People grow. It's a Good Thing.)
But yes. Songwriting has taken on a whole new meaning for me. Starting from when I started to share the songs I write with other people. I am an extrovert by nature. Songwriting is an introverted kind of thing, I feel. Everyone has to have some kind of balance in them - I feel like songwriting is mine. Music will always hold a very deep meaning for me and being able to make music that can mean something to people is an incredible privilege. I have written countless songs where I try to take a balanced look at things - things like unrequited love, being too scared to be honest with someone, doing something you know is a Bad Idea, etc. I have written silly songs, full of sarcastic comments sung sweetly so you almost miss them (do you have any idea how much fun it is to watch someone's face when you sing a line like "tell me what you had for breakfast" in this really sincere voice? It's fun. Let me tell you.) And I've played around with words and melodies and tried to make them say something. Even if it's something silly.
Somewhere along the process, I have become a songwriter. And it's taken on more of a meaning than just being someone with a pretty singing voice. I can't really pinpoint the minute I "became" a songwriter but it's just hit me recently. I've written a song and I think it's proved to me that I can create something that has meaning out of the mess of emotions that every single human being carries inside them. I've certainly been a mess of emotions recently - a strange, tangled mess, somewhat akin to the large ball of black wool that has been sitting on my desk for the last three weeks and that various people have attempted to unravel when visiting. Unravelling is a messy process. Wool gets all over the room. Things get more tangled before they get better. But in the end, if you unravel the tangles, you have something you can use to create something else. And it can be something really cool. Like a hat or a scarf or a teddy bear or something. Wool is so flexible. I've lost my grip on the metaphor but I think you get the picture.
I have been unravelling and untangling and sorting things out and now even though I'm still not completely wrapped up in a nice orderly ball, there's enough of me that's been sorted out to create things. Things that are really cool and are better than just a long thread by itself. You don't unravel wool so it can sit there. You unravel wool so it can be used to make something. I've been making things. Making songs. Making music. And detangling in the process.
On the 50/90 site, I've unlocked a song I had hidden called "Song for Shane". Shane is a friend of mine who recently died. Another thing to unravel. When things like this happen, you need to mourn and you need to process. I am incredibly lucky that I have shoulders to cry on and people who are willing to hold on to the end bit to keep me grounded while I unravel. And it's because of the people who helped me hold on that I managed to get enough unravelling done to make this song. So thank you. You know who you are and I hope you know that you are appreciated.
Here's a link to the song if you want to have a listen. I think it might be the most important thing I've done as a songwriter yet. It means something to me. And I've learned that I'm a human being, who has human experiences like everyone else - so if it means something to me, it might mean something to someone else. And it might help someone hold on a bit longer. And that is incredibly important.
I've realised I can make something with meaning. Because of this, I can safely call myself a songwriter.
And that's kind of cool.
Hold on,
Rose
I am perfectly within my rights calling myself a songwriter.
That sounds silly. Let me try to explain. I've always been first and foremost a singer. I've been singing since I could talk and I grew up in a very musical family. To me, there's nothing unusual about being surrounded by people who are all much better musicians than I. Compared to a lot of the amazing musicians I've been surrounded by all my life, I've always carved out my spot in the whole "music" thing as someone who can sing and that's about it. I tried playing instruments - piano, bassoon, cello, viola, saxophone, finally settling on guitar - but I was always much more comfortable with just singing. First of all, being a singer requires no heavy lifting. Being a cello player does. In my first year of high school, I sang a solo in the school variety show and I became known through the rest of my high school years as "the girl who sings". Which, to be honest, is much nicer than some of the labels I have received over the years. So the singing thing? Not a big deal. Well, no, that's not entirely true - I adore singing. Whenever I get a cold I'm more upset about not being able to sing than about the stuffiness of colds. Singing is like breathing for me - totally natural.
Now, guitar playing, on the other hand - or the feeble bit of piano playing I indulge in on occasion. That's a whole different kettle of fish. I've gotten better but the whole rationale behind me learning guitar was so I could accompany myself singing. Mostly through not wanting to bug people into accompanying me, initially. And then it was the first feeble attempts at songwriting. The process leading towards that went something like this: I like to sing. I like to write. Surely the two can be combined? Thus, my initial songwriting endeavours at about age 13 began. Never let 13 year olds write anything. It's horrific. The term "emo" wasn't in popular usage when I was 13 but that was pretty much what it was. Although, I have learned not to discount things. One line from a song I wrote when I was 13 has actually come back to haunt me and found its way into a song that I now perform that I wrote in 2005 called "Without Me". So I shouldn't be too mean to poor 13 year old Rosie. She did, after all, coin the lines:
/I don't know what to say to you
But that's okay, I never do/
which, to this day, remains one of my favourite lyrics. I know, a little lame to have a "favourite" of something you made. But I understand the sentiment behind it. And it's succinct. And for a 13 year old, pretty darn insightful. (Tangent: Isn't it weird how when you get past a certain age, you almost start looking at the younger version of yourself as a different person? People grow. It's a Good Thing.)
But yes. Songwriting has taken on a whole new meaning for me. Starting from when I started to share the songs I write with other people. I am an extrovert by nature. Songwriting is an introverted kind of thing, I feel. Everyone has to have some kind of balance in them - I feel like songwriting is mine. Music will always hold a very deep meaning for me and being able to make music that can mean something to people is an incredible privilege. I have written countless songs where I try to take a balanced look at things - things like unrequited love, being too scared to be honest with someone, doing something you know is a Bad Idea, etc. I have written silly songs, full of sarcastic comments sung sweetly so you almost miss them (do you have any idea how much fun it is to watch someone's face when you sing a line like "tell me what you had for breakfast" in this really sincere voice? It's fun. Let me tell you.) And I've played around with words and melodies and tried to make them say something. Even if it's something silly.
Somewhere along the process, I have become a songwriter. And it's taken on more of a meaning than just being someone with a pretty singing voice. I can't really pinpoint the minute I "became" a songwriter but it's just hit me recently. I've written a song and I think it's proved to me that I can create something that has meaning out of the mess of emotions that every single human being carries inside them. I've certainly been a mess of emotions recently - a strange, tangled mess, somewhat akin to the large ball of black wool that has been sitting on my desk for the last three weeks and that various people have attempted to unravel when visiting. Unravelling is a messy process. Wool gets all over the room. Things get more tangled before they get better. But in the end, if you unravel the tangles, you have something you can use to create something else. And it can be something really cool. Like a hat or a scarf or a teddy bear or something. Wool is so flexible. I've lost my grip on the metaphor but I think you get the picture.
I have been unravelling and untangling and sorting things out and now even though I'm still not completely wrapped up in a nice orderly ball, there's enough of me that's been sorted out to create things. Things that are really cool and are better than just a long thread by itself. You don't unravel wool so it can sit there. You unravel wool so it can be used to make something. I've been making things. Making songs. Making music. And detangling in the process.
On the 50/90 site, I've unlocked a song I had hidden called "Song for Shane". Shane is a friend of mine who recently died. Another thing to unravel. When things like this happen, you need to mourn and you need to process. I am incredibly lucky that I have shoulders to cry on and people who are willing to hold on to the end bit to keep me grounded while I unravel. And it's because of the people who helped me hold on that I managed to get enough unravelling done to make this song. So thank you. You know who you are and I hope you know that you are appreciated.
Here's a link to the song if you want to have a listen. I think it might be the most important thing I've done as a songwriter yet. It means something to me. And I've learned that I'm a human being, who has human experiences like everyone else - so if it means something to me, it might mean something to someone else. And it might help someone hold on a bit longer. And that is incredibly important.
I've realised I can make something with meaning. Because of this, I can safely call myself a songwriter.
And that's kind of cool.
Hold on,
Rose
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Thought for the day...
Does life imitate art or is it the other way around?
I've just had a rather literal fulfilment of one of my songs - well, in a way, yeah. Not a carbon copy of the situation I had outlined but the sentiment is there. There is some comfort in knowing I have carved a niche for myself in the pseudo-genre of "love gone wrong" - because people are people, awkward situations are awkward situations and it turns out I really do know how to write that kind of song. And there is also some comfort in the fact that the majority of the songs I write are about non-action and today I did something very action oriented. In a way, I confronted something that was one of my worst fears and came out with my absolute worse case scenario. But you know what? It's better that I took action and actually did something. Because who wants to write 46 more songs about never doing anything? How lame is that?
And the thing is, my absolute worse case scenario came to pass - and it wasn't so bad. It wasn't great but it wasn't anywhere near as bad as I'd feared it would be. Funny how things you're afraid of turn out to be not so bad when you actually see them happen. Course, here I am being rational, as I consider myself a more or less rational human being. Chances are the irrationality will hit me at some point in the next little while when I have got through all the things that I have to distract me with this afternoon/evening. When it arrives, I will let it come in for a short party in the foyer of my mind but it shall not pass further. I hope. Self-pity is so lame. But is occasionally an indulgence I allow myself. Briefly.
In other news: For my Tuesday night gig, I wrote out a set list... then I left it at home. So I wrote out another set list... then I lost it. So I got up and did the gig without a set list and kind of off the cuff. Anyway, I've found both missing set lists. The first was on my desk, exactly where I left it. The second was in my shoe. I assume I put it there for safe keeping but forgot I'd put it there. This is the main difference between me and my sister, we have decided. She knows where everything is. I put things places and forget. However, I have the pleasure of finding $20 notes in my jacket pocket randomly. She does not.
So. Off to distraction. Then maybe afterwards I'll come home, write an awful song to get today out of my system and put lots of minor chords in it. Maybe I'll wear eyeliner while I write it. Won't that be fun?
With quiet amusement at her own stupidity,
Rose
I've just had a rather literal fulfilment of one of my songs - well, in a way, yeah. Not a carbon copy of the situation I had outlined but the sentiment is there. There is some comfort in knowing I have carved a niche for myself in the pseudo-genre of "love gone wrong" - because people are people, awkward situations are awkward situations and it turns out I really do know how to write that kind of song. And there is also some comfort in the fact that the majority of the songs I write are about non-action and today I did something very action oriented. In a way, I confronted something that was one of my worst fears and came out with my absolute worse case scenario. But you know what? It's better that I took action and actually did something. Because who wants to write 46 more songs about never doing anything? How lame is that?
And the thing is, my absolute worse case scenario came to pass - and it wasn't so bad. It wasn't great but it wasn't anywhere near as bad as I'd feared it would be. Funny how things you're afraid of turn out to be not so bad when you actually see them happen. Course, here I am being rational, as I consider myself a more or less rational human being. Chances are the irrationality will hit me at some point in the next little while when I have got through all the things that I have to distract me with this afternoon/evening. When it arrives, I will let it come in for a short party in the foyer of my mind but it shall not pass further. I hope. Self-pity is so lame. But is occasionally an indulgence I allow myself. Briefly.
In other news: For my Tuesday night gig, I wrote out a set list... then I left it at home. So I wrote out another set list... then I lost it. So I got up and did the gig without a set list and kind of off the cuff. Anyway, I've found both missing set lists. The first was on my desk, exactly where I left it. The second was in my shoe. I assume I put it there for safe keeping but forgot I'd put it there. This is the main difference between me and my sister, we have decided. She knows where everything is. I put things places and forget. However, I have the pleasure of finding $20 notes in my jacket pocket randomly. She does not.
So. Off to distraction. Then maybe afterwards I'll come home, write an awful song to get today out of my system and put lots of minor chords in it. Maybe I'll wear eyeliner while I write it. Won't that be fun?
With quiet amusement at her own stupidity,
Rose
Internet Music Making Extravaganza
So, I just co-wrote a song with someone on the other side of the planet. How cool is the internet?
A singer/songwriter/pianist from Wisconsin, Nancy Rost has been nothing but nice to me every since we "met" during the February Album Writing Month challenge in 2007. Now we're onto 50/90 2008 - 50 songs in 90 days, starting on the 4th of July and finishing on the 1st of October. One of my aims for 50/90 was to do some collaborating with other songwriters so I was thrilled when Nancy agreed to co-write a song with me.
The resulting result can be found at my 50/90 page *points to link to your upper right hand side* - it's called "When The Fire" and is loosely based on my adventures filling up the gas bottle for our heater. Which doesn't sound like much of a reason to write a song but let me tell you, it gets pretty cold in winter. The gas heater is a Very Good Thing. Also: there was a cute boy at the petrol station. And the song goes on and gets more fictionalised in the process... his English was fine. Really it was. But you can take liberties with songwriting. That's the beauty of it. And it's not lying! Cos it's a song! That's also pretty cool.
So yeah. Have a listen if you want (directly here, if you're too lazy to go alllll the way up to sidebar and find the song etc. etc.) - I recorded it, Nancy wrote the music, we both wrote the lyrics and I think it's safe to say that we both had a heck of a lot of fun.
Adios,
Rose
A singer/songwriter/pianist from Wisconsin, Nancy Rost has been nothing but nice to me every since we "met" during the February Album Writing Month challenge in 2007. Now we're onto 50/90 2008 - 50 songs in 90 days, starting on the 4th of July and finishing on the 1st of October. One of my aims for 50/90 was to do some collaborating with other songwriters so I was thrilled when Nancy agreed to co-write a song with me.
The resulting result can be found at my 50/90 page *points to link to your upper right hand side* - it's called "When The Fire" and is loosely based on my adventures filling up the gas bottle for our heater. Which doesn't sound like much of a reason to write a song but let me tell you, it gets pretty cold in winter. The gas heater is a Very Good Thing. Also: there was a cute boy at the petrol station. And the song goes on and gets more fictionalised in the process... his English was fine. Really it was. But you can take liberties with songwriting. That's the beauty of it. And it's not lying! Cos it's a song! That's also pretty cool.
So yeah. Have a listen if you want (directly here, if you're too lazy to go alllll the way up to sidebar and find the song etc. etc.) - I recorded it, Nancy wrote the music, we both wrote the lyrics and I think it's safe to say that we both had a heck of a lot of fun.
Adios,
Rose
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Folkin' Good Times @ Happy, July 8th: The Gig Report
I thought it might be nice to do some blogging about my singer/songwriter-ness, as I'm having a fantastic time.
Well, it's been a fair well since I've done a gig, due to some health problems but last night I did my first gig in about a month and a half. I have got to say... it's good to be back into it. And I think I'm getting less nervous, which is very nice. All in all, I feel it was a successful night.
Things I quite liked about it:
#1) Venue.
I'm a big fan of Happy. Maybe it's because I did my first ever gig there. I don't know. But I think it's a really cute venue and I really, really like the lighting. Everything's all lit in red and it's pretty cool. There was a different set-up from my first gig - the stage was facing the bar instead of on the raised platform bit at the front like it was last time. There was still the issue of this massive pole in my line of sight but it didn't matter too much, as the majority of the people were seated to my left on the other side of the pole. It felt like there was less space but I kind of liked it anyway. It was a bit weird being right in the middle of the room with everyone looking at me -
but I think that's kind of the point of a gig. But yes. Venue was nice. I like Happy.
#2) Folkin' Good Times.
Okay, so I kind of love Folkin' Good Times. All the gigs I've done with FGT have been soooo much fun. Jimmy Stearn, our fearless ringleader, is one of the nicest people I've met in the Wellington music community. I was looking forward to meeting Nick Burfield and Jason McIver but unfortunately Nick called in sick and Jason was MIA. So it ended up being Jimmy, me and Jimmy's band Mushroom. It was a pretty rocking night. The guys from Mushroom were obviously having so much fun, which is really nice to see. So yeah. Good on FGT.
#3) Fans.
I have fans! The mind truly boggles. In all honesty, I am blown away by the support of my friends and family when it comes to gigs. It is truly very flattering and I really appreciate people coming out to see me sing in the thick of a Wellington winter (it is freezing, seriously). The really cool thing is that people brought people - my friend Stephen brought his parents and I think some of his flatmates, some people brought boyfriends, friends, etc... it's a pretty high compliment. I hope everyone had a great time - from where I was standing, people looked like they were having a lot of fun.
#4) "February 29".
Stephen wrote me some fantastic lyrics that I set to music. His parents were at the gig. I was very proud to be able to play it for them and pretty darn stoked to be able to acknowledge Stephen's talent in front of an audience. If I embarrassed him... well, that's really too bad. He did a fantastic job. And deserved a big round of applause. Which he duly got. Ah, MC. Your lyrical ways warm the coldest of hearts.
#5) Generally Not That Lame
Oh man, do I have trouble with the "talking between songs" thing. But I was quite proud of myself that I actually managed to say things without getting too tongue-tied last night. I love the fact that my criteria for a successful gig is more or less the following:
a) Didn't say anything too stupid
b) Didn't fall over
c) Didn't destroy any equipment
d) Didn't inadvertantly insult anyone
e) Didn't set fire to anything
f) Didn't pass out
I succeeded on all 6 counts. How fantastic is that?
If you want more info on how to have a Folkin' Good Time, head over to the MySpace page at www.myspace.com/folkingoodtimes - check out the other artists and see what you think.
Again, a big thanks to everyone who came. I had a great time and hope you all did, too.
Take care,
Rose
Well, it's been a fair well since I've done a gig, due to some health problems but last night I did my first gig in about a month and a half. I have got to say... it's good to be back into it. And I think I'm getting less nervous, which is very nice. All in all, I feel it was a successful night.
Things I quite liked about it:
#1) Venue.
I'm a big fan of Happy. Maybe it's because I did my first ever gig there. I don't know. But I think it's a really cute venue and I really, really like the lighting. Everything's all lit in red and it's pretty cool. There was a different set-up from my first gig - the stage was facing the bar instead of on the raised platform bit at the front like it was last time. There was still the issue of this massive pole in my line of sight but it didn't matter too much, as the majority of the people were seated to my left on the other side of the pole. It felt like there was less space but I kind of liked it anyway. It was a bit weird being right in the middle of the room with everyone looking at me -
but I think that's kind of the point of a gig. But yes. Venue was nice. I like Happy.
#2) Folkin' Good Times.
Okay, so I kind of love Folkin' Good Times. All the gigs I've done with FGT have been soooo much fun. Jimmy Stearn, our fearless ringleader, is one of the nicest people I've met in the Wellington music community. I was looking forward to meeting Nick Burfield and Jason McIver but unfortunately Nick called in sick and Jason was MIA. So it ended up being Jimmy, me and Jimmy's band Mushroom. It was a pretty rocking night. The guys from Mushroom were obviously having so much fun, which is really nice to see. So yeah. Good on FGT.
#3) Fans.
I have fans! The mind truly boggles. In all honesty, I am blown away by the support of my friends and family when it comes to gigs. It is truly very flattering and I really appreciate people coming out to see me sing in the thick of a Wellington winter (it is freezing, seriously). The really cool thing is that people brought people - my friend Stephen brought his parents and I think some of his flatmates, some people brought boyfriends, friends, etc... it's a pretty high compliment. I hope everyone had a great time - from where I was standing, people looked like they were having a lot of fun.
#4) "February 29".
Stephen wrote me some fantastic lyrics that I set to music. His parents were at the gig. I was very proud to be able to play it for them and pretty darn stoked to be able to acknowledge Stephen's talent in front of an audience. If I embarrassed him... well, that's really too bad. He did a fantastic job. And deserved a big round of applause. Which he duly got. Ah, MC. Your lyrical ways warm the coldest of hearts.
#5) Generally Not That Lame
Oh man, do I have trouble with the "talking between songs" thing. But I was quite proud of myself that I actually managed to say things without getting too tongue-tied last night. I love the fact that my criteria for a successful gig is more or less the following:
a) Didn't say anything too stupid
b) Didn't fall over
c) Didn't destroy any equipment
d) Didn't inadvertantly insult anyone
e) Didn't set fire to anything
f) Didn't pass out
I succeeded on all 6 counts. How fantastic is that?
If you want more info on how to have a Folkin' Good Time, head over to the MySpace page at www.myspace.com/folkingoodtimes - check out the other artists and see what you think.
Again, a big thanks to everyone who came. I had a great time and hope you all did, too.
Take care,
Rose
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