Today, I cowrote for the first time. Well, not for the first time, but for the first time successfully. I've never enjoyed cowriting. I'm very private about my writing. Ask Sarah...if I'm writing, Sarah can't even be in the same room as me. I'm weird about it. So cowriting has never really worked for me.
Today I went over to Chris Eaton's house to attempt to cowrite.
Chris is a Brit who was signed in the 80's and 90's to Reunion Records (Smitty's label), and has been a successful songwriter for a long time (he wrote a huge hit for Jaci Valasquez in "God So Loved the World"). Brown hooked me up with Chris as my first co-write session. And I'm glad he did.
We kicked butt today. I got there about 10:30am and we just hung out for a few minutes, then I let him listen to several of the songs we're sure will be on the album to give him a context of what the album will be like. He asked me if I had any musical or lyrical ideas, and I played him a little acoustic thing I had. I told him that I really didn't have a stripped down kind of song, so it'd be kind of cool to work on a piano or acoustic song. Chris is a really great piano player, so my acoustic riff quickly turned into a very nice piano riff.
Lyrically, I've been thinking about the idea of being almost 30 and feeling like I'm still a kid. When do we grow up? Those kind of questions. So, we took that idea and formed a lyric around it. The name of the song is "Potential". It's definitely the most vulnerable I've ever been lyrically and the song turned out to be one of my favorite I've ever written. So, I'm excited about that one.
After that, Chris started playing a Celtic sounding piano riff and we quickly wrote a simple worship lyric. I got the idea to put a modern rocking chorus with it and suddenly we had a song. We quickly fleshed out the 2nd verse and I threw down an idea for a bridge and within an hour, we had a great worship song...I can hear churches singing this song all over. I don't think I'll record it, but I think it could be a really big song.
So, today was a great day writing wise.
My cousin is in town, too, so that's fun to hang out with him. We're watching Monday Night Football as I write. Anyway, back to football. Cowboys better win. Romo is sucking tonight.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
22 comments:
Congrats on the success.
If you don't record it for a CD, at least record it for us to download. I love "Communion Song" so much, it's one of my ringtones.
And when do we grow up? In some things, hopefully never. : ) Risa
Ha, funny you mentioned the Cowboys game. That's why I'm online right now, the game wasn't really holding my interest. Plus, I'm was having some spiritual issues with the Carrie-jealous schadenfreude I'm feeling for Romo. Every time he throws I pick, I find myself smirking a little bit on the inside, then realizing I shouldn't be, then trying not to, and then I kinda settle down until he goes and throws another pick and it starts all over again...haha, sad, isn't it?
"Potential" sounds like a really interesting song and I'm look forward to hearing it. I think of the same thing these days. I'm 25, and, a few years ago, I noticed that adults just kinda magically became my peers and women and children started responding to me different, with respect or authority or however it's said politically-correct wise. Still, I find myself using sidewalk mattresses for trampolines or standing with all the little kids in front of the crabs and frogs at the Pet store. Weirdly, I feel more childlike now than I did when I was a rebel teen.
Hey, there aren't frogs and trampolines in your song, are there? Haha - anyway, good luck with the writing, I hope the roll you're on keeps rolling.
Glad to hear that the songs are coming along well! Congratulations on the milestone. :) And I agree with risalea - it would at least make a fabulous download, I'm sure.
I also really love the idea of "Potential." I hope you definitely record that one, I'm sure it'll be amazing.
- Jeri
I feel like I've been chasing my tail all day-- this post was nice to find before bedtime.
I really like the idea of the song, "Potential". You are at those Bridge Years, that lead straight into adulthood, thru those golden gates. Time for marriage and kids and a mortgage, and career choices. Lots of people your age say, "Geez, is this all i have managed to accomplish? Wasn't I supposed to get further than this??"
I think that you have a definite leg up on your counterparts that way...You are on your way to something wonderful, and you've already accheived alot. Now, to enjoy the ride! Because it is a long and winding road indeed.
I am 42 and I still wrestle with growing-up. It's nice though, to be able to look around and see things with an appreciative perspective.
Chris Eaton is one of my musical heroes. It's very cool that you had the chance to work with him. Can't wait to hear what you came up with!
Sounds like things are going really well. I can't wait to hear your new stuff!
Thanks for reminding me of how much the Bills suck at life. It was a rough night - I'm pretty sure I just need a new team, haha.
Amanda
Lmao I'm from Buffalo and admit the Bills suck. :x
BUT if you insult my hockey team............. you better watch out.
Back to writing my one of many papers. Ugh.
and here I am -almost 21- wondering when I'm going to grow up! haha
Glad to see I'm not the only adult who wonders about these things... :D
Hey guys sorry i missed a whole day here. Im not feeling to great. I had fevers, and my temp was up as well as other stuff. This isnt easy i really need yalls help.
Love Amanda
Amanda I was sad I didn't get ahold of you but I hope you got my message! Stay strong and remember you're kicking cancer's butt!
Chris it's great to hear that you had such a successful experience with something I know you were anxious about. "Potential" sounds like a great idea for a song and I can't wait to hear it!
Your celtic-ish worship song sounds AWESOME and I, like the others, hope that we can hear it one day. (Maybe a compilation record one day in the future? :).
Off to my Tuesday errands!
Lori
Today is October 29th, 2007
John Lennon would of been 67 today
GDA
The Cowboys won!!!Yeah..I don't think I even took a breath during the last few seconds. My husband and I have a bet every year, he picks the Chargers & I always pick the Cowboys. He's going to look really cute in his "I Love Kelly Clarkson" t-shirt...
Chris,
Thought your Cowboys were going down,they must have pulled it out.
I'm with Lori, your celtic-ish worship song sounds very interesting, I would love to hear it.
Glad the co-writing went better than anticipated.
LOVE the lyrics. Can't wait to hear the tune.
This subject is like temptation - common to man. It will strike a chord w/everyone over the age of 21. Seems like everyday I cringe over some aspect of who I am vs. who I *should* be by now. (This becomes a constant battle when you find you have teenagers on your hands.) Wishing you had your act much more together before attempting to raise responsible citizens of your own. But I've concluded I gotta view every instance as a fresh opportunity for a grace application to all parties involved. If not, I'll go nuts!
Would LOVE to hear your celtic worship song too. The Irish really turn me on! :o)
Charmed to hear your co-writing has been so pleasant.
~clarissaNaz
Hi Chris,
Just reading all this stuff about what you are doing and about the album makes me so exciting. I just can't wait!!!
I guess the Cowboys did win, but I'm not too happy about it, since I'm in Buffalo. ;)
Toni
Your cousin Terry the vent?
Chris, glad you pushed past your comfort zone and that your collaboration was successful! it sounds like it went really well. Maybe this guy is your Ben Folds.
It's advances like this one that shape you and mellow you. I like your premise of "Potential." I think people weather more than age. Bridge years is a good way of putting it. You'll find yourself understanding things more, understanding things LESS, and feeling more at peace with where you are in life. But you also hold onto your joyful, youthful spirit--the person who lets you do crazy leaps in the air (even if only in your mind's eye) and rock out at concerts and roll around on the floor with puppies or babies. Enjoy.
I'VE BEEN THINKING ABOUT YOUR JOURNEY A LOT LATELY BECAUSE I LISTEN TO NPR ON MY MORNING AND EVENING COMMUTE WHICH TAKES ABOUT AN HOUR TO AN HOUR AND A HALF EACH WAY. THERE HAS BEEN A RUNNING THEME ABOUT THE DIRECTION OF THE MUSIC BUSINESS TOUCHING ON SOME OF THE THINGS YOU HAD WRITTEN ABOUT----CRAZY TO THINK ABOUT SINCE I STILL HAVE RECORDS BUT NO LONGER HAVE A TURNTABLE TO PLAY THEM ON----I'VE NEVER DOWNLOADED A SONG IN MY LIFE, DON'T OWN AN IPOD AND STILL HAVE CASSETTE TAPES TOO---I DO BUY CD'S, YOURS INCLUDED , AND BY THE WAY I BOUGHT THE BRASH REMASTERED CD AND I THINK I LIKE YOUR ORIGINAL BETTER---NO CONNOISSEUR HERE THOUGH. I HAVE WONDERED HOW YOU WOULD LIKE COWRITING - SEEMS LIKE A VERY PERSONAL THING TO ME-SO I THINK IT IS WONDERFUL THAT YOU HAD A GREAT EXPERIENCE. RIGHT PEOPLE , RIGHT TIME---AMAZING ISN'T IT? DELIGHTED TO SEE YOUR LIFE HEADING IN SUCH A WONDERFUL DIRECTION--CAN'T WAIT TO SEE THE OUTCOME. BE WELL.----OH, PS, COULD BE WORSE , YOU COULD BE WATCHING THE RAMS----MUST ADMIT I WAS ROOTING FOR KURT AND THE AZ CARDINALS.
Post a Comment