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How Do You Build A Song?
“Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” is Elton John’s seventh album, and I remember reading at the time how he and Bernie Taupin worked together. I seem to recall that Bernie would write the lyrics and then Elton would put them to music, sometimes both of them working at light speed. I’m sure there was more to it than that, but I wanted to ask whether your songwriting process was in any way formulaic, with lyrics first and then music (or vice-versa) or is it more organic and free-form?
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9 Replies
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Hi Dale,
That really is different for every song. Sometimes we start off with a rough idea of what we want the song and lyrics to be about and build the music around it, while sometimes we have a nice melody or chord progression in mind that we then try to find good words to. Sometimes a guitar lick or bass line comes first, sometimes it’s a catchy phrase.
Normally we pass songs around between the three of us (Mona, Lisa, Papa Rudi) whenever we get stuck with one aspect. Sometimes it helps to work on something with a fresh perspective.
So there really hasn’t been a go-to formula so far or a sequence of steps that has been used more often than others. It might make for a less exciting answer to that question but it is what it is 🙂 -
Lisa, Question?
How do you determine who should sing the lead and harmonies on songs you cover and write.
You seem to be well suited for the softer style and Mona more the heavier style. If I am correct. Just curious.
Joe
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Lisa,
On the contrary, not knowing how a song will evolve is pretty exciting!
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If i remember right, both Mona and Lisa will try the song out. And which ever Is more suited sings lead. To quote one of them ” when it comes to our music, there is no jealousy. What ever it takes to get the song done”
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Thanks Rick, You are not releated to a Chuck Ross of New Jersey ?
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That really is different for every song.
Sometimes it helps to work on something with a fresh perspective.
So there really hasn’t been a go-to formula so far or a sequence of steps that has been used more often than others.
Love the insight Lisa into your song writing. I guess that’s what makes each song so unique, refreshing, and special. 🙂
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Great question here, I Just sent the ladies a question on the song No More Worry’s Company song. And asked who wrote it or was a group effort. But maybe the answer is right here and every song is different.
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No. Not related to any Rosses in Jersey.
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Bill, I could give you the answer, but it’s only fair that I let the Girls answer first.
Thats why your question goes to moderation.
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