I've been writing lyrics for the best part of ten years now,give or take.
I don't consider myself to be a wordy, high brow or smart individual, more just a dude with a bizarre take on the world who every now and again puts his strange and curious thoughts down on paper,in ink, blood or sometimes human shit..OK I lied about writing in blood.
My collaborations with Sean Dunlop in particular allow me to ride my train of thought into areas most agree are pretty weird or unusual- take for example the lyrics to These Curious Thoughts song "John Wayne"
"John Wayne's feet are coconuts/He never needs to use a horse"
I would say this is a fairly standard example of lyric writing on my part. It sounds odd but at the same time there is method to the madness, well if you look close enough..horses feet sound like coconuts so if you had feet like them then why bother with the horse! See I'm not mad after all..... have a ganders at our other songs..I am sure you will agree most are pretty odd, abstract and obscure...
There are plenty of bands out there I dig but only a few songwriters whose lyrics I really admire.
"Bone Machine" by Pixies( it's Pixies not The Pixies..dickheads!!) is a great example of a kewl song with weird ass lyrics...
Charles Michael Kittridge Thompson IV aka Black Francis (is he black?)writes great songs and great lyrics...I'm not sure what "Bone Machine" is about but the line
"Our love is rice and beans and horse's lard"
is amazingly odd and magiks (made that word up bitches)up some pretty strange imagery..always good in a song..If you haven't listened to a lot of Pixies stuff go check 'em out.
Another dude who writes fucking amazing songs and amazing lyrics is Isaac Brock from Modest Mouse.
Check out Bukowski from their album "Good News For People Who Like Bad News"
"Well we sat on the edge of the river,
The crowd screamed, "Sacrifice the liver!"
If God takes life, he's an Indian giver.
So tell me now why, you'll tell me never.
Who would want to be?
Who would want to be such a control freak?"
Pretty much genius right?....Again, please check out their tunes they are sweet....
OK enough for the bit, back later....
Monday, 19 August 2013
Wednesday, 7 August 2013
Shock Of The Cold-The start of things to come.
Me and Sean Dunlop started writing songs together back in 2004.
In all began in my local library.
Not having a computer at the time, I use to go to the library on an almost daily basis to check emails,look for jobs (I had been off work for a whole year sick) and search the net for things of interest (cats playing piano) and see if there was anything that could help with my new found hobby of lyric writing.
I stumbled upon an advertisement on a musicians wanted site saying "Lyricist wanted for Internet band" and pinged off a reply straight away. I didn't think too much about it at the time but later came to realise that Sean was based in Detroit, pretty cool eh?
A lad from Tonbridge,Kent working with someone from across the pond, Motown and 8 mile..I was impressed.
Sean came back to me the next day telling me he dug my words and already had an idea for a song.
The day after that "Turbulence" had been written,a tune I still love today.
It was to be the first of the 200 plus songs we would write together.
As Sean continued to recruit for his band, I continued to write and a couple of months later, Shock Of The Cold was ready to release its first E.P.
The band included, the brothers Biliti, Vito, on keys and Dave on drums. Ian Emmerson, the funky bass man and Ryan Flannery,guitar.
With Sean on lead guitar and vocals, the band began gigging around Detroit and continued to do so for the best part of 4 years, releasing 4 albums and 2 E.Ps.
Alas as with all things in life Shock Of The Cold ceased to be, it was amicable and for the best and fun whilst it lasted.
Sean and I took a little break and came back as These Curious Thoughts..but more about them later.
Anyways I almost didn't reply to Sean's ad, however nine years, nine albums and one great friendship......
I'm glad I did.
In all began in my local library.
Not having a computer at the time, I use to go to the library on an almost daily basis to check emails,look for jobs (I had been off work for a whole year sick) and search the net for things of interest (cats playing piano) and see if there was anything that could help with my new found hobby of lyric writing.
I stumbled upon an advertisement on a musicians wanted site saying "Lyricist wanted for Internet band" and pinged off a reply straight away. I didn't think too much about it at the time but later came to realise that Sean was based in Detroit, pretty cool eh?
A lad from Tonbridge,Kent working with someone from across the pond, Motown and 8 mile..I was impressed.
Sean came back to me the next day telling me he dug my words and already had an idea for a song.
The day after that "Turbulence" had been written,a tune I still love today.
It was to be the first of the 200 plus songs we would write together.
As Sean continued to recruit for his band, I continued to write and a couple of months later, Shock Of The Cold was ready to release its first E.P.
The band included, the brothers Biliti, Vito, on keys and Dave on drums. Ian Emmerson, the funky bass man and Ryan Flannery,guitar.
With Sean on lead guitar and vocals, the band began gigging around Detroit and continued to do so for the best part of 4 years, releasing 4 albums and 2 E.Ps.
Alas as with all things in life Shock Of The Cold ceased to be, it was amicable and for the best and fun whilst it lasted.
Sean and I took a little break and came back as These Curious Thoughts..but more about them later.
Anyways I almost didn't reply to Sean's ad, however nine years, nine albums and one great friendship......
I'm glad I did.
Monday, 5 August 2013
Oxjam Tunbridge Wells
Evening all.
I just found this advertisement on Facebook regarding the Oxjam Tunbridge Wells Takeover.
I sent this to my buddies, Shaun Tutt and Ken Jones, whom,I both write with.
They are basically calling out for all performers to get in touch and raise money for Oxfam in Tunbridge Wells 8th September.
Should be great fun and a really worthy cause.
For more details email Lewis@production.oxjamtw@gmail.com
Laters.
I just found this advertisement on Facebook regarding the Oxjam Tunbridge Wells Takeover.
I sent this to my buddies, Shaun Tutt and Ken Jones, whom,I both write with.
They are basically calling out for all performers to get in touch and raise money for Oxfam in Tunbridge Wells 8th September.
Should be great fun and a really worthy cause.
For more details email Lewis@production.oxjamtw@gmail.com
Laters.
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