MySpace
myspace music


The Callen Sisters



Last Updated: 6/18/2009

Send Message
Instant Message
Email to a Friend
Subscribe

Status: Single
City: NEW YORK
Country: US
Signup Date: 3/19/2006

Who Gives Kudos:


Saturday, April 12, 2008 


As a songwriter, how does the creative process begin? By plugging away at some guitar chords? Some plunkety plunk on the piano… or perhaps a melody that has you entranced?

At a very early age, I loved to write lyrics and build little melodies around them, but as of late, I find myself mostly writing the harmony first. (Being mainly a guitarist that means a chord progression or riff, although the piano is transforming that process for me). Lyrics are written in a slew of notebooks in various corners of my ‘music room' and melody always comes last. Now this is a very personal formula…a custom formula, you could say. I'm sure many people have it quite different than that.

The most blessed experience is when a song comes all at once – like a little lightbulb being switched on in your head. It's like you take a breath in, and there it all is, simultaneously and unwavering. I have only had one of these moments, but I always hope more will come.


Add iLike to your MySpace - The Callen Sisters on iLike

Previous Post: We’re in Harp Magazine! | Back to Blog List | Next Post: We Got Signed!
Eric Riehle-Songwriter
Eric Riehle

 
Ah, the never-ending quandry. We all, as songwriters, ultimately find what works for us and it becomes "formula" for us. Some rare ones can switch-hit and write from any angle, but we all have a comfort zone. Mine personally is to start with a guitar riff that generates a feel, which then generates a theme and finally a multitude of lyrical rewrites...Melody, I'm afraid, has been my weak point, I always tend to go with the flow of chord progression and quite often the melody lacks the amount of identity the song may have potential for...But I have a number of weak points, and I'm always working on them...

I have had songs happen at once, rare but exquisitely satisfying, and they usually end up being my better material--Not over-thought or worked to death...

I do believe that the lyrics lynchpin any song, no exception to that rule AFAIC...

Your work is really great, by the way...
 
Posted by Eric Riehle-Songwriter on Sunday, April 13, 2008 - 3:35 PM
[Reply to this
The Callen Sisters

 
It's so interesting to hear another's take on songwriting. I agree with you about lyrics, too. You could ruin a fantastic groove and chord progression with cheesy lyrics. I love when a songwriter can tell a great story.

I think the key to melodies is keep it simple. I need to tell myself that ;-)

Thanks for the post (and glad you like my work!!)
 
Posted by The Callen Sisters on Sunday, April 13, 2008 - 8:50 PM
[Reply to this
Previous Post: We’re in Harp Magazine! | Back to Blog List | Next Post: We Got Signed!