Songwriter Spotlight – Joe Murphy

Joe Murphy As mentioned in my last post I’m organizing a series of gigs called the Sunday Singer Songwriter Showcase at the Daniel O’Connell Hotel (165 Tynte Street, North Adelaide).

It kicks off on Sunday, July 27th from 7pm, and the first songwriter to be playing with me at S4 is Joe Murphy.

As well as being a songwriter about town and guitarist for local band Twelve Dollar Monkey he also runs an Open Mic at the Lord Melbourne Hotel on Thursdays.

It’s safe to say that Joe is a very busy boy indeed. He did however, take some time out of his busy life to participate in Songwriters Spotlight.

****************************************

1. Name:
Joe Murphy

2. URL:
http://www.myspace.com/joemurphy1603

3. Main genre:
Acoustic blues and roots music

4. Years writing:
Ten

5. Words or music first:
I started out writing words first and then music but Ive turned full circle. For me the words have to fit to the music. The other way round is too hit and miss!

6. Why do you write:
It’s the true test of musical ability.

7. How do you write:
I mess around with some guitar licks until something happens that I like. I play it until it’s smooth then merge the ideas together. Then myself or my beautiful partner Susana will write some words.

8. What inspires you:
I have never really gone in for the inspiration thing! I find music comes in waves for a while, one day you can have it and then its gone for a bit. I just write as much as possible in those times.

9. Most important aspect of songwriting:
Hooks both musically and lyrically.

10. Advice for beginners:
Listen to all different styles and learn to complete and format songs.

11. Songwriting goals:
To write songs that are varied but have a consistent style.

12. Anything else to add:
Write as much as possible. It’s the best way to get better and a whole lot of fun!

****************************************

I found it interesting what Joe said about music coming to him in waves and that he saw his job as a songwriter as being able to ride that wave for as long as possible.

If you want to hear some of Joe beautiful music go and see him at the first Sunday Singer Songwriter Showcase at the Daniel O’Connell Hotel on Sunday, July 27 from 7pm.

I’ll be doing a set of songs as well and best of all, entry is FREE!

If you can’t make it go to Joe Murphy’s MySpace Page and stay tuned for some possible video.

Until next time, happy writing,

Corey Stewart
Singer/Songwriter/Musician

Keywords: joe murphy, open mic, songwriting, songwriter, songwriting tip, songwriting idea, songwriting help, songwriting blog, corey stewart

Be Sociable, Share!