For a long time I’ve been hiding behind other peoples work. I was the one behind the scenes turning their musical dreams into reality but now, I have really turned a corner in my own development and have realised that I have something worthwhile to give and I should do it under my own name.

It’s all about taking ownership of what I do.

This personal development has been the reason why I havent posted on this site for quite a while. I burnt myself out concentrating on being all things to all people without taking the time out for me and my art, my music, my creativity. Corey Stewart Online is now that outlet.

I still work as a professional musician, I still (attempt to) write songs but I’m much happier now with what I’m doing and where I’m at in life. I’m recording my first CD which is something I would not have contemplated even three months ago.

I think it’s about time I said it like it is. I am me and I’m proud of what I do. My journey starts now, I’ll see you all over at Corey Stewart Online.

Peace,

Corey

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In the song I try to conceptualize the feelings of nervousness and anxiety I was going through at the time.

Having your words and actions questioned by your partner all the time was not a pleasant situation to be in however, in saying that I’ve learned a lot about myself in the process.

Here is the song for your listening pleasure…

Shadows
©  C. Stewart 1999

It’s only one word
That’s all that I ask of you
I don’t ask for much
But it seems like that I’ve asked for the world

You say that it’s okay
And everythings forgiven now
But no matter what you say
It never fits with what’s in my mind

I’m walking away, walking in circles
Looking through windows
A prisoner of my own mind
Can’t you see the tears in my eyes?
I’m trapped in this lifetime, it’s never-ending
Due to my sorrow
Shadows and lifetimes
Can’t you see the tears in my eyes?

My smile has disappeared
It’s been replaced by all my fears
Fears I’d thought were gone
But now have come to haunt me again

I dare to say a word
Just in case you hear me wrong
It’s still the common thing
Even though we are apart

I’m walking away, walking in circles
Looking through windows
A prisoner of my own mind
Can’t you see the tears in my eyes?
I’m trapped in this lifetime, it’s never-ending
Due to my sorrow
Shadows and lifetimes
Can’t you see the tears in my eyes?

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

Of course, any comments or feedback is most welcomed.

Until next time, happy writing,

Corey Stewart
Singer/Songwriter/Musician

MySpace | Facebook | Twitter

Keywords: songwriting, songwriter, songwriting tip, songwriting help, songwriting idea, songwriting blog, corey stewart

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Apparently this song was written in about 15 minutes from start to finish, not a bad day at the office

I remember when I first heard this song saying to myself “this has got to be a hit” and sure enough, it was their only international hit.

What I love about this song is its simplicity, its tasty blend of shimmering 12 string guitar and mandolin and that 2 chord chorus.

Even though Under The Milky Way was written in 1988 it still seems relevant now in its production values and arrangement.

For me it’s a real joy to play. I hope that this song is a real joy to listen to. Unfortunately the original video of the song has been taken down from YouTube but I found the audio.

Enjoy…

Under The Milky Way – The Church

Sometimes when this place gets kind of empty,
Sound of their breath fades with the light.
I think about the loveless fascination,
Under the milky way tonight.

Lower the curtain down in Memphis,
Lower the curtain down all right.
I got no time for private consultation,
Under the milky way tonight.

Wish I knew what you were looking for.
Might have known what you would find.
Wish I knew what you were looking for.
Might have known what you would find.

And its something quite peculiar,
Something shimmering and white.
Leads you here despite your destination,
Under the milky way tonight

Chorus

Instrumental

And its something quite peculiar,
Something shimmering and white.
Leads you here despite your destination,
Under the milky way tonight

Chorus

Under the milky way tonight
Under the milky way tonight
Under the milky way tonight
Under the milky way tonight

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

Until next time, happy writing,

Corey Stewart
Singer/Songwriter/Musician

MySpace | Facebook | Twitter

Keywords: the church, steve kilbey, songwriting, songwriter, songwriting tip, songwriting idea, songwriting help, songwriting blog, songwriting zen, corey stewart

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The prize breakdown is as follows (all money in Australian Dollars):

• 1st Prize – $1500
• 2nd Prize – $1000
• 3rd Prize – $500
• 4th Prize – CMC Productions Workshop (Pat Pattison & Steve Seskin)

Entry fees (per song submitted) for the contest are:

• SSA Members – $20
• Associate Members – $30
• Non Members – $60

Further details regarding the SSA Top 10 Songwriting Contest can be found on the SSA MySpace Page.

Entries close on 31 July, 2009 but I’m not sure if the contest is open for Australian songwriters only so if you live outside of Australia and you’re interested in entering it would be best to check things out a bit more beforehand.

Good luck,

Until next time, happy writing,

Corey Stewart
Singer/Songwriter/Musician

MySpace | Facebook | Twitter

Keywords: songwriting contest, songwriting competition, songwriting, songwriter, songwriting tip, songwriting help, songwriting idea, songwriting blog, songwriting zen, corey stewart

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The sections on offer for this year are:

• Live
• Demo Open
• Demo Instrumental
• Studio Open
• Studio Instrumental
• Lyrics

As with previous years, winners of the Live and Demo sections will be able to record their winning song on the next SCALA CD, the Studio winners are automatically added (as their songs are of “broadcast quality” in the first place) and the winning lyricist gets a cash prize.

This year all winners will get FREE 12 Month (Silver) Membership with Song Central, an organization where songwriters can store, manage, develop and showcase their original songs/music to the music industry at large.

It sounds good to me

Entries close on Friday July 4th, 2009 and is open to any songwriter of any standard anywhere in the world. For more details go to the SCALA website.

For the last few years I’ve been honoured to be one of the judges for this wonderful competition. I hope to continue helping out SCALA again this year.

Until next time, happy writing,

Corey Stewart
Singer/Songwriter/Musician

Keywords: songwriting contest, songwriting competition, songwriting, songwriter, songwriting tip, songwriting idea, songwriting help, songwriting blog, songwriting zen, corey stewart

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The one thing that really stood out for me in his post was the following quote at the beginning of the last paragraph:

“My final piece of advice was to not consider the song finished, instead think of it as evolving.”

Wow! That line stood out for me because, for some of my songs I have an ongoing argument raging in my head regarding the its finished vs its evolving concept, so much so that at times it prevents me from getting on with the next songwriting idea because I get stuck on what I’ve already done.

Sometimes, we as songwriters tend to forget that our chosen craft shapes a product from a flexible, malleable and intangiable medium called music. A medium in which nothing is ever truly absolute.

A song I perform will sound different to the way another artist will perform it. Everything about our craft is subjective and based on interpretation of the songwriter, performer and the listener.

I remember (all those years ago) when I first started out writing songs and playing in bands I had to make sure everything was perfect. The songs had to be “just right” and the band had to wait for the “right time” before it started playing gigs.

I learnt pretty quickly (after being involved with a number of bands who formed and broke up without playing any gigs) that everything about the art of songwriting and the music business is constantly evolving.

As soon as you think you’ve “made it” or that you’ve “finished”, something else comes along that inspires you to change your mind.

The way I look at my songs changes all the time depending on my mood, health and state of being. No song performance I do ever sounds the same the only difference is how much energy I spend on each song.

I know songwriters who obsess over every song they write. They tend not to write too many new songs because they are trying to make their old songs sound perfect.

If you’re one of these songwriters then STOP! This obsession will only make you unhappy and artistically unfulfilled.

For me, some songs are more finished than others. These are the ones that I allow to evolve naturally, through performance or being inspired by the feedback of others. While others I’ll actively work on, re-writing bits here, changing arrangements there until they get to a stage where I feel “comfortable” with the song.

If you look at your songs as something that is evolving rather than something that needs to be finished, then perfection becomes irrelevant and believe me, letting go of perfection is one of the biggest weights an artist can relieve themselves of.

Until next time, happy writing,

Corey Stewart
Singer/Songwriter/Musician

Keywords: songwriting, songwriter, songwriting tip, songwriting help, songwriting idea, songwriting blog, songwriting zen, corey stewart

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The reasons for closing it down are twofold:

First of all, I didn’t have the time to devote to it anymore. For all of its good points, phpBB (the software I was using to produce the forum) gave me too much of a steep learning curve to tackle and besides, starting up a discussion forum is easier on something like Facebook.

Secondly, (and the most important reason) The forum has been over-ridden with SPAM to the point where the it has become unmanageable and because of phpBB’s steep learning curve I’ve been unable to control it.

For all the people who have registered and contributed I want to first of all thank you very much for the time you’ve put into your comments and discussions and at the same time I want to extend a sincere apology for not continuing on with it.

I do however, have a Songwriting Zen Facebook Page ready to go so I’ll be moving the forum there. Check out the page and become a fan.

Stay tuned for more information. I’ll let you all know when it’s ready to go. I’d love to pick up the songwriting discussions where we left off.

Until next time, happy writing,

Corey Stewart
Singer/Songwriter/Musician

Keywords: songwriting, songwriter, songwriting forum, songwriting tip, songwriting idea, songwriting help, songwriting resource, songwriting blog, corey stewart

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The music we played wasn’t the acoustic singer/songwriter stuff that you can listen to on my Music page however, this song demonstrates how one idea and a bassline can be transformed into something special with the right players at your disposal.

And I must say, I’ve been very fortunate to have played with some really talented players. The kind of players that you learn things from every time you jam with them.

Orangutang existed between 2004-2006 and was comprised of:

• CS – Bass, Vocals
• Ross Neilsen – Guitar
• Leo Auri – Keys
• Jarrad Payne – Drums

Honey Child
(C.Stewart) © 2005

You are the one that makes my heartbeat race
You make my mind go all over the place
You are the one that makes my life complete
I love you baby from your head to your feet
I’m mesmerized by your eyes of blue
You know that I’ll do anything for you
I like the way you look I like your style
You got a body that just drives me wild

You’re my honey child
Honey Child
You’re my honey child
Honey Child

I feel obliged to absolutely say
I think about each and every day
And every time you come home at night
I wanna be there just to treat you right
I’m a better man for being with you
You give me all the strength to do what I do
How many times can I show you my love?
I wanna let you know that once is never enough

Chorus

Instrumental

One and one is two I know
The good and bad go with the flow
My life is yours and yours is mine
Together ’till the end of time
One and one is two I know
The good and bad go with the flow
My life is yours and yours is mine
Together ’till the end of time

Chorus

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

Have a listen, give feedback if you so desire, let me know what you think but most importantly… Enjoy!

Until next time, happy writing

Corey Stewart
Singer/Songwriter/Musician

Keywords: songwriting, songwriter, songwriting tip, songwriting idea, songwriting help, songwriting resource, songwriting blog, songwriting zen, corey stewart

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Well, I’ve been going through my songwriting archives and old demo recordings and I’ve found some songs to put up on Songwriting Zen. This is the first of many.

The song is called “Billboard Angel” and I wrote it with a good friend of mine Jeff Smith. The song focuses on a guy in love with a woman on a billboard and his struggles with his emotional connection to her.

This song is a great example of collaboration at work. I came up with the musical idea and a bit of a melody but the “guy falling in love with a billboard angel” was Jeff all over.

Even though we wrote it in 2002 it’s still one of my favourite songs to play live.

Enjoy…

Billboard Angel
(C.Stewart/J. Smith) © 2002

I always look to you when I’m feeling down
And you’re eyes follow mine as I move through town
It’s hard not to notice when your thirty foot high
It doesn’t worry me if you’re selling a lie

Some people think that you have the answer
To every single need
Others say that you’re an intrusion
But they don’t understand, can’t you see

You’re a particular kind of lady
Who’s not at all afraid to show her wares
To anyone who is passing
A user-friendly product with drams to share

I feel like that I know all about you
I read it in the papers and magazines
Of your holidays in Majorca
I see it so clearly in my sleep

When I’m home at the end of the day
And the lights go out at night
I caress the very thought of you
I know it sounds wrong but it feels so right

Chorus

You overlook this city, like an angel
I know you’re watching over me
One day I’ll reach the stars, and touch you on the way
I like to think its destiny

I wonder how long you’ll be up there
Before you’re replaced by another girl
I know I can’t buy what I’m feeling
Even with all the money in the world

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

Feel free to critique, give feedback or post comments.

Until next time, happy writing,

Corey Stewart
Singer/Songwriter/Musician

Keywords: songwriting, songwriter, songwriting tip, songwriting idea, songwriting help, songwriting resource, songwriting blog, songwriting zen, corey stewart

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I just wanted to let you all know that the 29th Australian Songwriting Contest 2009 run by the Australian Songwriters Association (ASA) is in full swing. Entries for this songwriting competition (the longest running in Australia) close April 30th.

You can enter your songs in one of two ways:

• Manually by downloading an entry form (with terms and conditions included) HERE
• Online by using SonicBids

Prizes include:

• Songwriter Of The Year – $3000 Cash
• Rudy Brandsma Award – Maton Acoustic Guitar
• PPCA Award – $400 Cash
• Contest Category Winners – FREE SongCentral Memberships

Entry is open to all Australian residents however the ASA have included an international section for songwriters outside Australia. For more information go to the ASA Website.

Give it a go, what have you got to lose?

Until next time, happy writing,

Corey Stewart
Singer/Songwriter/Musician

PS: I’m not joking here

Keywords: songwriting contest, songwriting competition, songwriting, songwriter, australia, songwriting zen, songwriting tip, songwriting idea, songwriting help, songwriting resource, corey stewart

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