Songwriting Books

Subject: Songwriting Books
From: GUEST,Tunesmith
Date: 12 Oct 09 - 04:49 PM

There are lots of books out there on songwriting, but they are nearly all designed for creating pop/rock hits. Are there any books about writing songs of a folkie nature? Indeed, has any notable folkie songwriter written a book wherein they discuss their approach to songwriting?

Subject: RE: Songwriting Books
From: lompocan
Date: 12 Oct 09 - 05:25 PM

Try this:
Songwriting and the Creative Process: Suggestions and Starting Points for Songwriters by Steve Gillette (Paperback - Jul 1, 1995)

http://www.amazon.com/Songwriting-Creative-Process-Suggestions-Songwriters/dp/1881322033/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1255382394&sr=8-1

Subject: RE: Songwriting Books
From: BobKnight
Date: 12 Oct 09 - 07:52 PM

Not a book, but Tom Bliss had a section on his website about songwriting, which was also published in The Living Tradition magazine.

Subject: RE: Songwriting Books
From: GUEST,synbyn no cookie
Date: 13 Oct 09 - 06:23 AM

Yes, the Tom Bliss site is highly recommended

Subject: RE: Songwriting Books
From: GUEST,Tunesmith
Date: 13 Oct 09 - 07:59 AM

Thanks for those replies. I had forgotten about the Steve Gillette's book. Talking of Steve, it makes you realise how difficult it is to write a really good song, that has real lasting power, when you consider that Steve has been writing songs for probably nearly 50 years but, apart from Darcy Farrow ( which he co-wrote), how many other songs, of true lasting value, has he produced? I'm not trying to critcise Steve here as I'm a big fan, and seeing him the UK a fews back was a great experience, but when a really talented chap like Steve can't produce a string of songs of lasting value it really highlights the challenges faced by aspiring songwriters.

Subject: RE: Songwriting Books
From: Mr Red
Date: 13 Oct 09 - 12:51 PM

WebMail me from cresby.com mine is better as a CD, but paper is available, it has an ISBN. Or PM me here if you have membership.

The Creative Wordsmith's Toolkit.

I wrote the book for lyrics and stories etc. It does not cover the music per se but - being a collection of ideas rather than a tutor, it serves all aspects to some degree.
But to be honest the creative process proceeds in an unstructured way anyway, so tricks and wheezes help a lot. And you don't use all avenues in my experience, but it is nice to see a few you hadn't appreciated or thought of.

Love to hear from you.

Subject: RE: Songwriting Books
From: PHJim
Date: 14 Oct 09 - 12:04 PM

Check out Bob Snyder's book "On Songwriting":
http://www.gaspereau.com/1554470129.shtml