Maybe it's as simple as writing a song with the understanding that you may be the only one who ever hears it. You write it because you must. Because at some point it stopped being your choice whether to write it or not. You're a songwriter, full stop.
That’s it man. I’ve never paid attention to the charts. Ever. I listen to what I like, and I find new music on a large number of ways. Great songs never stopped being written. The place they started popping up changed, and without a pop radio station, most people had no way to know. I’ve recommended this to you before. But look up Nathaniel Rateliff. Look up Matt Nathanson. Look up Dead South.
Thanks man, I know the first two but haven’t heard of Dead South, I will have to check them out. And you’re so right about that Jack. Great songs are always being written. And that’s inspiring to me.
Sorry for this double tap, but yes. Since the first year of existence, the music industry has had numerous genius level songwriters. Every single year. The thing is that sometimes they’re all in genres that don’t get much radio play. You’ve gotta be willing to drift around, even into genres you might not like very much normally.
That’s my goal too, but occasionally you’ve gotta explore. Let me know if you like Dead South and Devil Makes Three. There’s 4-5 other sorta adjacent artists I can pass on to you. Both bands are undeniably cream of the crop talent. Both do very fun songs. And they’re best live. On YouTube. The House of Blues ‘Jam in the Van,” channel features some the best artists like this. Slightly off listening beats, doing amazing stuff.
There’s been a fairly recent resurgence in Americana and Alt-Country, with several serious artists, but also with a couple of incredible groups that treat bluegrass with satire. The Dead South and The Devil Makes Three. Use YouTube. Watch the live videos. The studio tracks don’t feel satirical, lol.
The Dead South’s “Banjo Odyssey” has been featured on soundtracks for several movies and tv shows.
Glad you enjoyed it. Devil Makes Three oftrn blow me away with wit, talent, and speed. Heres a list to look at the next time youre trying to find great songs. You probably know a few already. 👊🏼👊🏼
That song I truly believe can be life changing. Despite his own voiced doubts on its originality, it certainly is. Most people are blown away by Ren’s talent. It’s a generational thing. The lyrics are so quick, back and forth, his guitar work never slips, and his movements are perfectly timed. I doubt there are more than a handful of people alive capable of a performance like that.
I hear you Matt. Being swallowed up in and bathed by all the noise for so long, it's well worth reminding ourselves that, as you say, it's always about the song. There's no better feeling for a songwriter who remains focused, dedicated to finding that "line" or word in a song that enhances it even if you do lose sleep. Eventually you can take a moment to smile as though your lap was full of ripe plums:) You have to appreciate (as hard as that may be sometimes, or a lot of times) the process itself. This is one thing you do have control over. And it's the one thing that really matters in the end.
Maybe it's as simple as writing a song with the understanding that you may be the only one who ever hears it. You write it because you must. Because at some point it stopped being your choice whether to write it or not. You're a songwriter, full stop.
yes, I love that and it’s exactly how I feel. thank you.
That’s it man. I’ve never paid attention to the charts. Ever. I listen to what I like, and I find new music on a large number of ways. Great songs never stopped being written. The place they started popping up changed, and without a pop radio station, most people had no way to know. I’ve recommended this to you before. But look up Nathaniel Rateliff. Look up Matt Nathanson. Look up Dead South.
Thanks man, I know the first two but haven’t heard of Dead South, I will have to check them out. And you’re so right about that Jack. Great songs are always being written. And that’s inspiring to me.
Sorry for this double tap, but yes. Since the first year of existence, the music industry has had numerous genius level songwriters. Every single year. The thing is that sometimes they’re all in genres that don’t get much radio play. You’ve gotta be willing to drift around, even into genres you might not like very much normally.
yes I agree with you there, and that’s why i’ve always just listened to great music… not what’s popular at the moment. Thank you Jack.
That’s my goal too, but occasionally you’ve gotta explore. Let me know if you like Dead South and Devil Makes Three. There’s 4-5 other sorta adjacent artists I can pass on to you. Both bands are undeniably cream of the crop talent. Both do very fun songs. And they’re best live. On YouTube. The House of Blues ‘Jam in the Van,” channel features some the best artists like this. Slightly off listening beats, doing amazing stuff.
it’s always good to explore man and thank you for sending, good stuff for sure. feel free to send anything my way anytime!
There’s been a fairly recent resurgence in Americana and Alt-Country, with several serious artists, but also with a couple of incredible groups that treat bluegrass with satire. The Dead South and The Devil Makes Three. Use YouTube. Watch the live videos. The studio tracks don’t feel satirical, lol.
The Dead South’s “Banjo Odyssey” has been featured on soundtracks for several movies and tv shows.
okay awesome thank you man, I’m going to watch the live videos right now.
Lemme give you a link. This song is mind blowing. Every single line, it’s perfect. Filmed in a single take.
Run actually hit #1 in England with this first time he charted possibly the only time. He’s super sick. Autoimmune disease.
https://youtu.be/s_nc1IVoMxc?si=ZqXwjUj34R9loHDY
yeah man I remember when this first came out I definitely saw it… really great stuff.
Glad you enjoyed it. Devil Makes Three oftrn blow me away with wit, talent, and speed. Heres a list to look at the next time youre trying to find great songs. You probably know a few already. 👊🏼👊🏼
Trampled By Turtles
Jack Harlow
Dirty Heads
Dispatch
Alabama Shakes
Greta Van Fleet
The Black Keys
The Heavy
Lake Street Drive
Walk Off the Earth
Carbon Leaf
Great Big Sea
The Revivalists
Jesse Welles
That song I truly believe can be life changing. Despite his own voiced doubts on its originality, it certainly is. Most people are blown away by Ren’s talent. It’s a generational thing. The lyrics are so quick, back and forth, his guitar work never slips, and his movements are perfectly timed. I doubt there are more than a handful of people alive capable of a performance like that.
I hear you Matt. Being swallowed up in and bathed by all the noise for so long, it's well worth reminding ourselves that, as you say, it's always about the song. There's no better feeling for a songwriter who remains focused, dedicated to finding that "line" or word in a song that enhances it even if you do lose sleep. Eventually you can take a moment to smile as though your lap was full of ripe plums:) You have to appreciate (as hard as that may be sometimes, or a lot of times) the process itself. This is one thing you do have control over. And it's the one thing that really matters in the end.
Thank you for sharing, Matt.