Creative songwriting is an abstract concept. I’m not talking about formulae. Songsmiths and technicians can write a “genre” song, such as “plugging” new lyrics into the 12 bar blues (a music form that is almost 80 years old now), or even writing the generic pop song.   The Dave Matthews and Bon Ivers of the world are celebrated for their somewhat obtuse writing (obtuse to “standard” forms, and thus super creative).

When I’m in the “songwriting headspace” I find myself asking weird questions: Will someone understand this lyric? Is this chord too far a reach for someone’s ear?   Questions can be helpful, but in the end they prove to be antithetical to real creativity.  Sometimes in the end it’s about not caring about caring too much.

And maybe that’s the secret of great art.

July 4th eve, add Bellevue Cadillac and the Tall Ships. Let’s sail!

Get Tickets early HERE.  Enter the promo code EVAN in the box-Save $5 per ticket!
Bellevue Cadillac, the EGB, and the Tall Ships.

I’m going to steal his suit.  Or better yet, I’m going to have one made.

It’s become increasingly more clear to me, day by day, week by week, and year by year how true this is. When I look for inspiration I find it. When I look for cooperation, it’s there. And, when I look for support, I have it.

My story is made up of people. It’s so much more about people than it is about music, it makes me sit back in my chair in a sort of shock.   No man is an island, and no one is ever really alone. I’m writing my own story and you’re a part of it.  (Acting silly in 2008?  at a CT College booking convention)

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