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It’s been replaced by all my fears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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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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