5 Books Every Songwriter Must Read!

Summary

In this video, professional songwriters Benny and the host discuss five influential books on songwriting and creative practice. They share key takeaways from each, emphasizing the importance of process over outcome, the diversity of songwriting methods, and the power of storytelling in lyrics. Titles include 'Art & Fear,' 'Songwriters on Songwriting,' 'How to Write One Song,' 'Writing Better Lyrics,' and 'Storyworthy,' offering insights from both renowned songwriters and the hosts' personal experiences.

Takeaways

• 📚 **Art & Fear**: Emphasizes the importance of focusing on the process of art making rather than the outcome, catering to ordinary people engaged in creativity outside of academic or institutional settings.
• 🎼 **Songwriters on Songwriting**: Showcases the diverse songwriting processes of influential songwriters, encouraging readers to embrace their unique approach and experiment with different techniques.
• 🤔 **How to Write One Song**: Highlights the value of the songwriting process over divine inspiration, suggesting that songwriters should actively engage in their craft to invite creativity.
• ✍️ **Writing Better Lyrics**: Stresses the significance of deliberate choices in lyric crafting and the concept of 'pro', which links meaning and structure to enhance emotional impact.
• 📖 **Storyworthy**: Explores the art of storytelling in songwriting, focusing on the power of small, relatable moments to connect with audiences.
• 👀 **Importance of Daily Observation**: Suggests that paying attention to daily life provides a wealth of material for songwriting, countering the notion that grand experiences are necessary for compelling songs.
• 🚀 **Empowerment Through Process**: Encourages songwriters to build and sustain a life of creativity, particularly when not embedded in a culture that inherently values art making.
• 🌟 **Permission to Create**: Gives songwriters permission to lean into their own processes and understand that there is no single 'right' way to write songs.
• 🎶 **Lyric Motion and Emotion**: Demonstrates how the motion and structure of lyrics can amplify emotion, advising songwriters to make deliberate choices in their writing.
• 📈 **Homework for Life Exercise**: Promotes a daily reflection exercise that improves both creative work and life by encouraging attention to detail and the collection of small, impactful moments.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video by Benny and KY?

The main focus of the video is to discuss five influential and impactful books on songwriting and creative practice that have been beneficial to them as songwriters and teachers, and that they often recommend to their students.

Why might some of the books mentioned in the video not show up in a Google search for songwriting books?

Some of the books might not show up in a Google search because they are not specifically written for songwriters but offer valuable insights and transformative ideas that have been deeply influential on Benny and KY's songwriting journeys.

What is the first book mentioned in the video and what is its main theme?

The first book mentioned is 'Art & Fear' by David Bayles and Ted Orland. Its main theme is the process of art making, focusing on the perils and rewards of creating art, and how to maintain focus, motivation, discipline, and self-worth in the art-making process.

How does 'Songwriters on Songwriting' by Paul Zollo differ from other songwriting books?

'Songwriters on Songwriting' is a collection of interviews with influential songwriters, showcasing the diversity of songwriting processes and giving readers permission to lean into their own unique songwriting styles.

What is the key takeaway from 'How to Write One Song' by Jeff Tweedy?

The key takeaway from 'How to Write One Song' is that the process of songwriting is more rewarding and important than waiting for inspiration, emphasizing the importance of engaging with the process to invite inspiration.

What is the significance of the term 'pro' in 'Writing Better Lyrics' by Pat Pattison?

In 'Writing Better Lyrics,' the term 'pro' describes the relationship between meaning and structure in lyrics, highlighting how the shape and form of a lyric can have an emotional impact and amplify the emotion when meaning and structure work together.

How does 'Storyworthy' by Matthew Dicks help songwriters find material for their songs?

'Storyworthy' helps songwriters by teaching them to pay attention to the small moments in life, which are often the most relatable and emotionally impactful, providing a rich source of material for songwriting.

What is the 'homework for life' exercise mentioned in the video and how does it benefit songwriters?

The 'homework for life' exercise involves reflecting on a single moment from each day that made it different from others. This practice helps songwriters to notice more details, improve their creative work, and potentially enhance their overall life experience by paying closer attention to everyday moments.

What is the common thread among the books recommended by Benny and KY?

The common thread among the recommended books is their focus on the process of creation, the importance of engaging with the craft, and the value of paying attention to the small, everyday moments as a source of inspiration for songwriting.

How do the books discussed in the video address the challenges faced by songwriters who are not part of a supportive artistic community?

The books address the challenges faced by songwriters outside of a supportive community by providing practical advice, exercises, and philosophical insights that help maintain focus, motivation, and a sense of value in the art-making process.