I have taken a break from songwriting recently. We (my husband and I) have been working on some cover songs with a friend on drums. Our sole purpose is to play the drummer's wife's birthday party in August, but I think we might consider playing a local venue for fun.
It's always amazing to me that I can work on a cover, particularly if it's one I never imagined doing, and get so much out of it. I never bothered learning certain songs because they only have 3 or 4 chords and are over played, but as I'm learning them I come across new voicings, new rhythms, etc. Things I had never thought of before. I might never play these songs again, but I know they are being retained in the musical part of my brain and will manifest themselves when I am working on something new. I think being narrow minded (only listening to one style of music) will keep you from pushing forward, keep you from opening up your creative world.
It's also a reminder that some songs were huge hits for a reason. How many times have we all heard "That'll Be the Day" by Buddy Holly? But you learn it and try playing it at the same tempo with the same feel/energy! True, it might not be a concerto or symphony, but there is something real there.
I'm hoping that when I get back to my songs I will have some fresh ideas. I am itching to perform so badly. I just have to force myself to make it happen.
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This is actually a very good point. Every time I trouble to learn a cover song it always pays big dividends (well, not always), but for some reason I'm reluctant to invest the effort.
ReplyDeleteI do a pretty minimalist version of "Pop Muzik" by M.