Run by the good folks at FAWM (February Album Writing Month), the premise of the challenge is really simple: Write 50 songs in the 90 days starting July 4th until October 1st. It’s a simple concept but incredibly hard to achieve.

According to the 50/90 challenge website the challenge is:

“… (a) club. Each summer, 50/90 forges a collaborative community where musicians of all walks and skill levels write a slew of new music material in only three months. That’s roughly one tune every other day. Participants are a mix of music professionals, students, homemakers, and folks who work day-jobs but rock nightclubs”.

Sounds great!

I tried it last year and failed miserably (well, that’s how I saw it) but hey, that’s the great thing about the 50/90 community. It’s a community where everyone helps each other, where there’s no failure, just a lot of fun, networking and good songwriting.

Doing the 50/90 challenge last year really showed me that I had very little control over my inner critic and my need for absolute perfectionism. This realization caused a great deal of initial sadness which caused me to question whether I should continue with this songwriting blog.

I was thinking to myself things like: “How can I write a blog about writing songs when I find it hard to write songs myself?”

Thankfully I got over myself very, very quickly.

I’m going to participate in the 50/90 challenge this year but this time I’m going to not take it so seriously and just have fun with it. If I write 50 songs in 90 days then great, if not then at least I’m writing, which is something I really love doing.

Give the 50/90 challenge a go and see what happens. It maybe the kick in the pants that you’ve been looking for.

Until next time, happy writing,

Corey Stewart
Singer/Songwriter/Musician

MySpace | Facebook | Twitter

Keywords: 50/90, fawm, songwriting, songwriter, writing songs, songwriting tip, songwriting blog, songwriting help, songwriting zen, sonwriting idea, corey stewart

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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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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 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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Songwriting association SCALA (Songwriters, Composers & Lyricists Association) have been running something called the “Join Us” songwriting sessions since March 2004 in which I’ve had the pleasure of hosting a few times.

Essentially, a guest speaker would take the first hour on a specific topic and the second hour would be an informal songwriters circle.

For 2009 there is going to be a change in format for the “Join Us” sessions. The change of format will go like this… (taken from the SCALA group email)

SCALA’s “Join Us” Songwriters Workshops kick off for 2009 on Tuesday April 21 at The Joiners Arms.

The two-hour sessions, starting at 7.30pm, will run in a slightly different format this year.

The first hour will feature some in-depth discussion around two or three pre-selected songs, each of which will be performed on the night by the songwriter. The songwriter should be able to introduce their song in terms of its motivation, as well as its lyrical and chordal structure.

If the songwriter is seeking further assistance with the song, they will explain what they are looking for from the discussion eg appropriate chords/melody for a missing bridge, improving the contrast between verse and chorus, suggestions for lyrics. The work must be significant in terms of its level of completion.

Artists wishing to present a song need to register their interest in doing so with the evening’s organiser before the start of the session, preferably by email in the period between “Join Us” sessions. Each song is to be presented and discussed by the evening’s group for about 20 minutes. This is a great opportunity for all concerned to really get involved in the craft of songwriting.

The second hour will take the form of a “Songwriters’ Circle”, where each person who is willing presents a song for immediate comment before moving on to the next person in the group. This can either be a completed song or a work in progress needing some assistance.

This will allow all attendees to showcase a song in a supportive environment and get some constructive feedback.

Performers wishing to perform a song and have it discussed in the first hour on April 21 need to contact David Robinson (joinus@bleakumbrella.com) as soon as possible.  Selected songwriters will be notified and confirmed in the week before the session.

So if you’re a songwriter living in Adelaide and you’re wanting some feedback on your songs then come along to the revamped SCALA “Join Us” Songwriting Workshops. The first one is starting on Tuesday April 21st at The Joiners Arms Hotel (9 Manton Street, Hindmarsh).

I’ll be there

Until next time, happy writing

Corey Stewart
Singer/Songwriter/Musician

Find me on Twitter, Facebook, MySpace

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

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If there ever was a song that makes me want to do the same thing it would be “Falling Slowly”.

I fell in love this song the first time I ever heard it. From the tinkling acoustic guitar motif introduction through to the impassioned extended climax plus the gorgeous harmonies in-between the listener becomes intimately involved in the sexual tension between the two main characters.

Simply perfect. Enjoy…

Falling Slowly – Glen Hansard & Marketa Irglova

I don’t know you
But I want you
All the more for that
Words fall through me
And always fool me
And I can’t react
And games that never amount
To more than they’re meant
Will play themselves out

Take this sinking boat and point it home
We’ve still got time
Raise your hopeful voice you have a choice
You’ll make it now

Falling slowly, eyes that know me
And I can’t go back
Moods that take me and erase me
And I’m painted black
You have suffered enough
And warred with yourself
It’s time that you won

Take this sinking boat and point it home
We’ve still got time
Raise your hopeful voice you had a choice
You’ve made it now

Falling slowly sing your melody
I’ll sing along

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

Until next time, happy writing,

Corey Stewart
Singer/Songwriter/Musician

Keywords: glen hansard, marketa irglova, once, the frames, songwriting, songwriter, songwriting tip, songwriting help, songwriting idea, songwriting zen, songwriting resource, 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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