Have you ever had one of those deeply creative explosions? I’m talking about one of those moments when you conceived something truly inspired out of thin air that exceeded even your own expectations of what you thought you were capable of… Deep moments of creation are a rare and coveted experience, even for those whose life and career depends on their ability to produce (many) creative artifacts… Art. Naturally, artistic works come in many shapes, sizes, and colors.
I’m no anthropologist, but it seems like creation (in any form) is a basic human need. We are all constantly creating in every aspect of our daily lives. We create conversations, business transactions, situations, ideas, air molecules, shenanigans, trouble, bullshit, kindness, etc. It’s all creating, right…!? After 17 years of writing music, I never tire of waiting for that random moment for inspiration to strike. I live for it, actually and happily (so far) my life depends on my ability to create.
From time to time, I’m asked about how I create songs and to offer my critique and advice to others on their craft. I think it’s safe to imagine that it’s different for everyone but I find it interesting when someone wants to know how I do it. I’ve decided that every once in awhile I’m going to post bits about my creative process for those who are interested. SO, it begins:
Devouring Flowers:
I have an obsession; Melody. I have an unquenchable thirst for melody. It is my unending quest to wander through the world in search of a perfect melody. When I find one I like, I can’t get enough of it. I become absorbed in it. Have you ever seen a flower and just wanted to devour it’s beauty? Or a beautiful woman, in kind? This is the power of melody.
What makes a beautiful melody, you ask!? The answer is in the ear of the beholder. But here are a few examples (off the top of my head) that come to mind when I think of beautiful melodies: The Beatles - “I Will,” John Newton - “Amazing Grace,” Leonard Cohen - “Halleluja” The Notwist - “Boneless,” Wolfgang Amedeus Mozart - “Eine Kliene Nachtmusik.”
The list could honestly go on for decades… How do you write a beautiful melody? The answer is simple: your ears! Use them! Listen to the melodies that turn your mind on. See if you can expand or build upon them to create something uniquely your own. You should start out simple. You should allow yourself to be spontaneous with it. You should let the melody swim around and simmer in your mind, your voice, and within the music. Make love to the melody.
For me, the most important part of writing music has always been melody. I will always have a healthy obsession with melody for as long as I continue to write music and I will never stop searching for that perfect melody, the one I want to devour like a beautiful flower.
