Songwriting is an incredible art form. Merging melody with lyrics and rhythm evokes such strong emotions in the listener. I wish nothing but the best for these two songwriters.
I'm not a songwriter but I can appreciate how much emotion and talent it takes to put a song together. How can anyone negatively criticize anyone for trying and showing how they try? It is a process like so much other "STUFF" that happens in life. Anyone who puts emotional "stuff" here for the masses to see has humongous bravery.
Interesting checking out the channels of most of the negative commenters. Most don't have any of their own songs posted. Show us what you've got!! I have my own songs up, and you know what? I have a lot to learn. I'm not going to claim they're great. I'm learning. I've learned a lot here from Steve and Stephanie, and I've learned more about writing by listening to Luke's and others' songs as well. Well done everybody. Thank You. We're all on a journey. Unfortunately some make themselves feel better by pissing on other's creative work instead of humbly working on their craft... and THAT my friends... separates the pros from the amateurs.
I couldnt have said it any better mike, i mean i aint got my music up yet but as a musician and songwriter myself i still respect the fact that what they have been writing has made them successful in life. Songwriting isnt something that should be degraded by other songwriters and musicians
***** i mean i think we are all waiting for that one person that will start the next big movement but you cant rush whats selling. You know i aint gonna lie, i aint happy with the way country music is going right now with all the hip hop but all i can do is wait and see who will end it. I respect an artist who takes time to make music for other people to enjoy and thats all that should matter. If you dont like whats being put out then listen to what you enjoy and let others do the same thats all you can do
Great documentary. I think both songwriters' input was valuable. I especially appreciated what Steve shared regarding his songwriting methods, which have matched my own: 1) Chords establish Mood, 2) Vocal Improvisation to match the mood, and 3) Mumblings to match what the melody seeks to express, 4) latch onto a phrase which seems to capture the essence of the song and write out lyrics from there (Oddly enough, the first phrase that comes to me in a song sounds incredibly cheesy, leaving me very unlikely to continue, but if continued the line ends of becoming...profound and ironic). Also, I've found in my best songs that it felt as though I was uncovering something, rather than creating something myself. His song as a reference to this seems to leave something to be desired in it's single-instrument acoustic form. A lot of empty space without the production elements of the published track. I believe someone told me me Harriet Beecher Stowe said Uncle Tom's Cabin was a story that already existed (spiritually) but just needed to be written down. I also liked what Stephanie shared regarding collaboration, the varied measures of success there, and the need to be satisfied with the result, regardless. Certainly what they both shared, that a song can take an hour or a year to "mature" resonated with me. I had a lyric that annoyed me until I finally found an alternative years later. As I recall, Jason Mraz said that even post-recording and release he feels that songs are still evolving, and he had no qualms about modifying the lyrical content slightly, even year's later. Again, great documentary. Good length, and nicely packed.
Negative comments here are pretty harsh! I think its great that these people are sharing their lives with youtubers, and explaining their songwriting progress and how they've have experienced the business side of music. Its not a Bob Dylan or a Beatles documentary which is propably would interest those who were criticising these people.
This is really cool, thank you so much for sharing. I love how this was put up in 2010, and now a decade later you can see that Steve Moakler has real success with over 300k monthly listeners and millions of plays on his own music, not even including the music of people he’s written for. This documentary has aged like a fine wine in that sense - they both had great points but you can tell he’s a great songwriter to the core.
Thanks Cassidy, I'm a songwriter and can relate to what Steve and Stephanie describe as their process. Songwriting is a curious animal, sometimes easy, sometimes tough. Some songs are a hard write and others write you. My biggest ah ha moment was when I realized that all songs deserve credence, from Motzart to Jay-Z, no exceptions. There is always something to be gained. Well done, nice documentary and great songwriter choices.
the girl has Stephanie has a beautiful way with words.really loved her song.I seen loads of assholes writing it took her 3 weeks to write.maybe its because she puts a lot more effort into her writing and not just putting down what first comes to mind like most shit out today also bet most of them never even picked up a guitar let alone play one
This is brilliant. Thank you for making this. I've been getting so frustrated trying to write songs, but I just KNOW that I HAVE TO do it because there is nothing in this world that I love more than music. This really helped answer some of my questions and helped me figure out some things I'm doing wrong.
I’ve been writing songs for many years, just for fun. It’s a great feeling when you get that special inspiration and manage to put it into words and music that fit together.
There is a song everywhere on this planet ! I am glad that the both of you connect to that feeling inside of you ! I hope that the both of you stay that way , because , Music exists in a way that the water and the planted things in the ground ! Have a great 2019 .....
I was introduced to this through my school songwriting club. And there are only 5 people in this out of a school of 2000 or so (It's not exclusive). But I love this video, it really shows how you can get inspiration and how easy it CAN be to write songs. It just motivates you to do express yourself in whatever way you can.
Beautiful and so true. Concur and thank you- will share. Powerful. Wish you had songwriters of all ages, shapes, sizes featured but what's said is absolutely true.
Love the film really well made and great songwriters going to listen to both now I was able to use the title of the film worth repeating and turn it into my own new song I'm proud of it thank you to the creator of this film!
I found this very helpful. As an aspiring singer/songwriter, I often struggle greatly with expressing my ideas and feelings through song lyrics. I always feel as though I'm blocked off from my own creativity, or that I lack it, sometimes, and this makes me frustrated. I've been looking for videos and articles like this to try to learn how to change this, and this one was very informative. Thank you for putting it up.
Words are the most powerful force in the universe... spoken or sung - doesn't matter by who, when, how or why... except from the one that appreciates it and the one that shared it. Be kinder youtube comenters... It takes a lot to share anything from your heart.
Almost every time I hear this first progression ( I V vi IV ) in a song (especially with this rhythmic pattern) I can hear Bono singing "With or without you".
Or Sunday Bloody Sunday, or I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For, or Where The Streets Have No Name, et cetera. . .they're all variations on the same tune.
Nice little doco...we all have our own ways of harnessing the material that hangs around us every day but the most poignant line to me was " songs come on the days when you're sure.." this resonated with me...Cheers guys!
I recently wrote my first song. It's about the justice for Travis Alexander after his killer got life w/o parole. It was my way to saying to his family that they got more justice than meets the eye. "Arizona Wind"Locked up in a cell, reading a book is a small price to pay for the life that you took. But the Arizona wind whispers his name in the air. It won't let you forget the reason why you're there. When the judge looked you in the eyes and said "life without parole" You never felt so lonesome, deep down in your soul. You danced with the devil, but now the piper must be paid And you'll hear that Arizona wind until your dying day. And the Arizona wind it reminds you every day of the life you could've lived, of the life you threw away. It reminds you in the evening when the desert sun goes down. That you'll never leave that place till they lay your body down. Living life behind bars is no kind of life to live. But that's the price of your sin, the world cannot forgive. And the Arizona wind whispers his name in the air. It won't let you forget the reason why you're there. The Arizona wind it reminds you every day Of the life you could've lived, of the life you threw away. It reminds you in the evening when the desert sun goes down. That you'll never leave that place till they lay your body down. And the sun comes up and the sun goes down, Another day gets written down. The days turn into months, then into years. Doing life without parole in Perryville.
I have written many songs but was lacking expertise playing guitar. Now I'm focusing on creating the music that was in my head. You have to know your instrument. So build on more than chords. Listening to songs that you like and learn the tricks to add embellishments. Express feelings with words and music too.
I know that there have been a handful of critics towards this video over the past few years. However, I thoroughly enjoyed this! I've been starting to find different music documentaries and this definitely gave me a few ideas. I used to write quite a bit of poetry and I've always wanted to write a song, but haven't known how to go about it. Maybe this will help! Thank you!
The comment below this is totally not even worth acknowledging. Life boils down to kindness, compassion, respect, and perspective - none of which they seemed to offer in this moment. Having both a piano performance degree, and having taught Performing Arts for the last 16 years, I commend you on your video and will be showing it to students in my song-writing course this trimester. So, thank you.
It's funny cause I scrolled down to read the comments first, saw this, thought maybe you were right, and proceeded to watch the vid. But low and behold first fellow to pop on the screen is Steve Moakler, one of my favourite songwriters! Him, Ben Rector and Andrew Ripp are all doing quite well for themselves. Thought that was worth sharing.
I wish I would have stayed in Nashville and pursued songwriting,.......I never got the chance....good luck u guys you sound pretty good to me..godbless tina
Great video. What I have always found interesting is that I've played with a few pros that play covers for 10-20 years and have never written a song. Song writing is a real talent. Love to see original music at open mic nights.
Inspiration is what these guys are talking about and it's essential that songwriters have it and they are learning how to channel it. When I was C.E.O of V Ram discs I employed session musicians to cut the tracks for the artists. They could play anything from Beatles to Bach but very few of them could originate something from nothing--no inspiration! Ask them to do an arrangement on an existing song--no problem! My point here is you don't have to be a master of guitar or keyboard to write songs if you can be an originator--that's the most important thing a songwriters has--other people can help with getting the music and production right when you write something really good. And you will! just remember they sat the first 100 songs don't count! That's just practise!
roger bourne...agreed. I’ve noticed, for the most part, there are players and there are writers, which is fine, both groups need one another, but only a very talented few blur those lines.
I agree with Steve... some songs I've written just seem to rapidly take form and it feels like they are being written THROUGH you more than by you. Then there are those that develop over years and years
I wrote the attatched song as a drummer. Chordify, surprisingly, posts a tutorial of our piano & guitar (even though we had no piano on the recording back in '77).
I definitely agree with the "discovering something" rather than creating something. That should be the goal of all art. That's why it confuses me when the girl says that doing a song in a single sitting cheapens it. Maybe she just hasn't had that experience yet. It's the most humbling and invigorating experience I've ever known. Currently FAWMing and there's no way I'd dream of taking on the challenge if I didn't believe in the winds of true inspiration.
Songwriting is an incredible art form. Merging melody with lyrics and rhythm evokes such strong emotions in the listener.
I wish nothing but the best for these two songwriters.
I'm not a songwriter but I can appreciate how much emotion and talent it takes to put a song together. How can anyone negatively criticize anyone for trying and showing how they try? It is a process like so much other "STUFF" that happens in life. Anyone who puts emotional "stuff" here for the masses to see has humongous bravery.
Very well said! Thank you.
Interesting checking out the channels of most of the negative commenters. Most don't have any of their own songs posted. Show us what you've got!! I have my own songs up, and you know what? I have a lot to learn. I'm not going to claim they're great. I'm learning. I've learned a lot here from Steve and Stephanie, and I've learned more about writing by listening to Luke's and others' songs as well. Well done everybody. Thank You. We're all on a journey. Unfortunately some make themselves feel better by pissing on other's creative work instead of humbly working on their craft... and THAT my friends... separates the pros from the amateurs.
Thanks Mike!
I couldnt have said it any better mike, i mean i aint got my music up yet but as a musician and songwriter myself i still respect the fact that what they have been writing has made them successful in life. Songwriting isnt something that should be degraded by other songwriters and musicians
*****
i mean i think we are all waiting for that one person that will start the next big movement but you cant rush whats selling. You know i aint gonna lie, i aint happy with the way country music is going right now with all the hip hop but all i can do is wait and see who will end it. I respect an artist who takes time to make music for other people to enjoy and thats all that should matter. If you dont like whats being put out then listen to what you enjoy and let others do the same thats all you can do
Drew Breault check out sturgill simpson if you haven't already!
Rawcus has his songs posted and subscribers/
-Rawcus
Great documentary. I think both songwriters' input was valuable. I especially appreciated what Steve shared regarding his songwriting methods, which have matched my own: 1) Chords establish Mood, 2) Vocal Improvisation to match the mood, and 3) Mumblings to match what the melody seeks to express, 4) latch onto a phrase which seems to capture the essence of the song and write out lyrics from there (Oddly enough, the first phrase that comes to me in a song sounds incredibly cheesy, leaving me very unlikely to continue, but if continued the line ends of becoming...profound and ironic).
Also, I've found in my best songs that it felt as though I was uncovering something, rather than creating something myself. His song as a reference to this seems to leave something to be desired in it's single-instrument acoustic form. A lot of empty space without the production elements of the published track. I believe someone told me me Harriet Beecher Stowe said Uncle Tom's Cabin was a story that already existed (spiritually) but just needed to be written down.
I also liked what Stephanie shared regarding collaboration, the varied measures of success there, and the need to be satisfied with the result, regardless. Certainly what they both shared, that a song can take an hour or a year to "mature" resonated with me. I had a lyric that annoyed me until I finally found an alternative years later. As I recall, Jason Mraz said that even post-recording and release he feels that songs are still evolving, and he had no qualms about modifying the lyrical content slightly, even year's later. Again, great documentary. Good length, and nicely packed.
Thanks for posting this - it was really well done. As a songwriter, I love hearing about others' processes and experiences.
I enjoyed listening to these 2 songwriters. It is an incredible feeling when you write a song.
I stumbled across this video by accident and it was like the best mistake I've ever made.
Negative comments here are pretty harsh! I think its great that these people are sharing their lives with youtubers, and explaining their songwriting progress and how they've have experienced the business side of music. Its not a Bob Dylan or a Beatles documentary which is propably would interest those who were criticising these people.
This is one of the best documentaries I've ever seen so far!
My last break-up was a 13 song break-up.
oh ouch. been there.
That’s a productive breakup, at least lol
This is really cool, thank you so much for sharing. I love how this was put up in 2010, and now a decade later you can see that Steve Moakler has real success with over 300k monthly listeners and millions of plays on his own music, not even including the music of people he’s written for. This documentary has aged like a fine wine in that sense - they both had great points but you can tell he’s a great songwriter to the core.
Excellent documentary Cassidy! Thank you so much for making and sharing it. Both of them are wonderful musicians. It was so inspiring!
Their songs are so beautiful, thank you for the documentary, it was really interesting and inspiring
Thanks Cassidy, I'm a songwriter and can relate to what Steve and Stephanie describe as their process. Songwriting is a curious animal, sometimes easy, sometimes tough. Some songs are a hard write and others write you. My biggest ah ha moment was when I realized that all songs deserve credence, from Motzart to Jay-Z, no exceptions. There is always something to be gained. Well done, nice documentary and great songwriter choices.
Such an inspirational video.
Thank you for the upload.
the girl has Stephanie has a beautiful way with words.really loved her song.I seen loads of assholes writing it took her 3 weeks to write.maybe its because she puts a lot more effort into her writing and not just putting down what first comes to mind like most shit out today also bet most of them never even picked up a guitar let alone play one
paddy330 why is it that every "man" didn't like her view or songs, for that matter, and the women do? Just getting that impression from the comments.
Great piece of work! Thanks for sharing and posting.
Thank you for posting. Great resource, and entertaining.
I really loved watching this- thank you for creating it- great songs....
Thank you for creating this video. I enjoyed the peak in to that world, and appreciated the quality of the songs, and writers' openness.
Hey thank you so much for this amazing documentary.
I thank you so much for sharing this! Beautiful art!
That was friggin awesome, and the concept of vulnerability seems so true I cant believe I never thought about it that way.
This is beautifully done. It's honest, truthful and they're both very talented.
This is brilliant. Thank you for making this. I've been getting so frustrated trying to write songs, but I just KNOW that I HAVE TO do it because there is nothing in this world that I love more than music. This really helped answer some of my questions and helped me figure out some things I'm doing wrong.
Such an inspiration and so much beauty. Thank you!
I’ve been writing songs for many years, just for fun. It’s a great feeling when you get that special inspiration and manage to put it into words and music that fit together.
this is such a great documentary, thank you!
Incredible documentary so glad I came across this!
You just need to start. I need to start and keep going.
Just came across this and liked it very much, Thanks for sharing.
There is a song everywhere on this planet ! I am glad that the both of you connect to that feeling inside of you ! I hope that the both of you stay that way , because , Music exists in a way that the water and the planted things in the ground ! Have a great 2019 .....
As a songwriter I love this so much.
This documentary was probably the best thing I've ever seen. It made me love steve so much more than I thought possible
Thanks so much!
Really good Documentary, thanks for posting................
I was introduced to this through my school songwriting club. And there are only 5 people in this out of a school of 2000 or so (It's not exclusive). But I love this video, it really shows how you can get inspiration and how easy it CAN be to write songs. It just motivates you to do express yourself in whatever way you can.
Thanks for this documentary.
Beautiful and so true. Concur and thank you- will share. Powerful. Wish you had songwriters of all ages, shapes, sizes featured but what's said is absolutely true.
Thank you Steve and Stephanie- I've written many songs, but always can use tips and fresh ideas from another persons perspective. Keep on writing
great video. It was so inspiring!! Steve Moakler's song brought me to tears.
Very nice production, thanks! Great that you had two very different perspectives.
This is an excellent and comprehensive songwriting documentary. 👏
absolutely amazing.
Awesome information! Thank you.
loved this video ! ... will be looking up these two - plus looking for more similar videos.
So happy that I watched this. I've always wanted to write a song and this will definitely get me started.
Very interessting and enjoyable documentary
Excellent vid. Nice job Cassidy The subject and writers were awesome.
Love the film really well made and great songwriters going to listen to both now I was able to use the title of the film worth repeating and turn it into my own new song I'm proud of it thank you to the creator of this film!
I found this very helpful. As an aspiring singer/songwriter, I often struggle greatly with expressing my ideas and feelings through song lyrics. I always feel as though I'm blocked off from my own creativity, or that I lack it, sometimes, and this makes me frustrated. I've been looking for videos and articles like this to try to learn how to change this, and this one was very informative. Thank you for putting it up.
I love writing songs . Sometimes I get writters block though . And it can go on for months then suddnley a song will come out of nowhere .
Words are the most powerful force in the universe... spoken or sung - doesn't matter by who, when, how or why... except from the one that appreciates it and the one that shared it. Be kinder youtube comenters... It takes a lot to share anything from your heart.
If u just had 5 words to speak before your last breath - WHAT WOULD YOU SAY? REPLY 2 see posts @ Bonilou2u@gmail.com
Boni Lou, Founder, TakingCareOfPeople Bury me with my Guitar
most powerful force in the universe lol, cute assumptions
The world was created with the spoken word of God.... or was it all created with a big bang? What do you believe?
Words are powerful. And music transcends language.
Thanks! This was great and inspiring!
I find it sort of funny how "deep" and analytic some songwriters get. It's refreshing and cool to hear stories like this.
Wow, this was amazing. I can't believe there aren't any comments. Awesome job. Thank you for making it so others could see it!
This was suppppper inspirational I started writing 3 songs in the middle of this video!!!!
this is so inspiring. I love songwriting so much! I aspire to be one of greatest
Almost every time I hear this first progression ( I V vi IV ) in a song (especially with this rhythmic pattern) I can hear Bono singing "With or without you".
Or Sunday Bloody Sunday, or I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For, or Where The Streets Have No Name, et cetera. . .they're all variations on the same tune.
Open honest insight into the emotions feelings and thoughts which along with awesome talent creates the timeless songs
Nice little doco...we all have our own ways of harnessing the material that hangs around us every day but the most poignant line to me was " songs come on the days when you're sure.." this resonated with me...Cheers guys!
I recently wrote my first song. It's about the justice for Travis Alexander after his killer got life w/o parole. It was my way to saying to his family that they got more justice than meets the eye.
"Arizona Wind"Locked up in a cell, reading a book
is a small price to pay for the life that you took.
But the Arizona wind whispers his name in the air.
It won't let you forget the reason why you're there.
When the judge looked you in the eyes and said "life without parole"
You never felt so lonesome, deep down in your soul.
You danced with the devil, but now the piper must be paid
And you'll hear that Arizona wind until your dying day.
And the Arizona wind it reminds you every day
of the life you could've lived, of the life you threw away.
It reminds you in the evening when the desert sun goes down.
That you'll never leave that place till they lay your body down.
Living life behind bars is no kind of life to live.
But that's the price of your sin, the world cannot forgive.
And the Arizona wind whispers his name in the air.
It won't let you forget the reason why you're there.
The Arizona wind it reminds you every day
Of the life you could've lived, of the life you threw away.
It reminds you in the evening when the desert sun goes down.
That you'll never leave that place till they lay your body down.
And the sun comes up and the sun goes down,
Another day gets written down.
The days turn into months, then into years.
Doing life without parole in Perryville.
I love writing songs. You get better every time you try.
Wow, wonderful.
As a songwriter this was wonderful!!
the mishearing of lyrics and coming up with a song just like that girl
it happens with me all the time...this is such a helpful video
Thanks for sharing Cassidy:)
Good documentary for a novice. If you're just startin' out this has a lot of helpful methodology and perspective to soak in.
Thank you for sharing
This is a wonderful film
Thanks for checking it out! I appreciate it!
This was amazing, congrats:)
Man that song Steve wrote "rising like stones" , what a beauty, really really good. Fantastic vocal melody too. Sincerely, Carl.
I have written many songs but was lacking expertise playing guitar. Now I'm focusing on creating the music that was in my head. You have to know your instrument. So build on more than chords. Listening to songs that you like and learn the tricks to add embellishments.
Express feelings with words and music too.
Everything he said helped me so much, and everything she said annoyed the hell out of me.
couldn't agree more haha
me to
great documentary!!
I know that there have been a handful of critics towards this video over the past few years. However, I thoroughly enjoyed this! I've been starting to find different music documentaries and this definitely gave me a few ideas. I used to write quite a bit of poetry and I've always wanted to write a song, but haven't known how to go about it. Maybe this will help!
Thank you!
If you're writing poetry, then you are on your way lyrically. Learn some basic chords and song structure.
Nice documentary.. Pretty informative! Oh and Dem guitars..
The comment below this is totally not even worth acknowledging. Life boils down to kindness, compassion, respect, and perspective - none of which they seemed to offer in this moment. Having both a piano performance degree, and having taught Performing Arts for the last 16 years, I commend you on your video and will be showing it to students in my song-writing course this trimester. So, thank you.
It's funny cause I scrolled down to read the comments first, saw this, thought maybe you were right, and proceeded to watch the vid. But low and behold first fellow to pop on the screen is Steve Moakler, one of my favourite songwriters! Him, Ben Rector and Andrew Ripp are all doing quite well for themselves. Thought that was worth sharing.
Amazing how many sad songs on relationships are out there. Must be many broken hearts walking around.
I loved it :)
Great upload!
I wish I would have stayed in Nashville and pursued songwriting,.......I never got the chance....good luck u guys you sound pretty good to me..godbless tina
Beautiful
I'd love to have that Taylor!
The guys song "faint" something.. sounds like a song you'd hear on vampire diares, especially a few years ago
Very interesting and well done!
Great video. What I have always found interesting is that I've played with a few pros that play covers for 10-20 years and have never written a song. Song writing is a real talent. Love to see original music at open mic nights.
Good job Cassidy!!! Mahalo nui
loved it
Inspiration is what these guys are talking about and it's essential that songwriters have it and they are learning how to channel it. When I was C.E.O of V Ram discs I employed session musicians to cut the tracks for the artists. They could play anything from Beatles to Bach but very few of them could originate something from nothing--no inspiration! Ask them to do an arrangement on an existing song--no problem! My point here is you don't have to be a master of guitar or keyboard to write songs if you can be an originator--that's the most important thing a songwriters has--other people can help with getting the music and production right when you write something really good. And you will! just remember they sat the first 100 songs don't count! That's just practise!
roger bourne...agreed. I’ve noticed, for the most part, there are players and there are writers, which is fine, both groups need one another, but only a very talented few blur those lines.
Nashville ♥
I´m from Buenos Aires but i saw a movie... they record in Nashville ♥ and i dont´know but... who knows one day i´ll visit :D
Her Taylor is gorgeous..
Cool :) This really helped me! Thanks!! :)
I agree with Steve... some songs I've written just seem to rapidly take form and it feels like they are being written THROUGH you more than by you. Then there are those that develop over years and years
Very interesting video - tx !
I wrote the attatched song as a drummer. Chordify, surprisingly, posts a tutorial of our piano & guitar (even though we had no piano on the recording back in '77).
Please do more of these types of videos. I really enjoyed this!
Great vid
I definitely agree with the "discovering something" rather than creating something. That should be the goal of all art. That's why it confuses me when the girl says that doing a song in a single sitting cheapens it. Maybe she just hasn't had that experience yet. It's the most humbling and invigorating experience I've ever known. Currently FAWMing and there's no way I'd dream of taking on the challenge if I didn't believe in the winds of true inspiration.