In Their Own Words: Songwriters Talk about the Creative Process

by Bill DeMain

Overview

The interviews included in this fascinating collection of discussions with popular songwriters focus on the craft itself—and as such, they are of interest to both music fans and to budding songwriters. What inspires songwriters? Where do their songs come from? What is their process? What do they do when they get stuck? In this book, readers will hear from a vast range of well-known, successful songwriters, many of them performers as well, revealing the nuances of their skill: how they write their songs, from conception to finished work. The book discusses both song history and style. The songs discussed have defined eras and culture.

Full of trivia, wisdom, and fascinating revelations from such figures as Tori Amos, Burt Bacharach, David Bowie, Sarah McLachlan, Billy Joel, and John Mayer, In Their Own Words shines a light on what is often and inherently lonely craft. It gives readers a glimpse into a mysterious process and offes rising songwriters a wealth of advice from those who have spent decades successfully sharing their work with the public.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780275984021
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	09/30/2004
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	232
Product dimensions:	6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x 0.56(d)

About the Author

BILL DEMAIN is the author of The Sterling Huck Letters and Behind the Muse: Pop and Rock's Greatest Songwriters Talk About Their Work and Inspiration. As a music jourbanalist, he has written for such publications as MOJO, Entertainment Weekly, and Performing Songwriter.

Table of Contents

Burt Bacharach
Hal David
Ray Charles
Harlan Howard
Dolly Parton
Isaac Hayes
Donald Fagen & Walter Becker
David Bowie
Graham Nash
Carlos Santana
Todd Rundgren
Michael McDonald
Stevie Nicks & Lindsey Buckingham
Billy Joel
Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis
Amy Grant
Jane Siberry
John Rzeznik of Goo Goo Dolls
Tori Amos
John Linnell of They Might Be Giants
Sarah McLachlan
Ben Folds
Seal
Paula Cole
Jewel
Dido
John Mayer