An effective and inspiring guide to songwriting by prolific, iconic
singer-songwriter Dar Williams.
How to Write a Song That Matters is an invaluable guide to writing
music by a woman who knows how to do it and do it well: iconic
singer-songwriter, Dar Williams. For years now, Williams has led
songwriting retreats for musicians, from beginners to professionals, in
which she elevates the process of songwriting over the assessment of the
product. This book makes those intimate experiences accessible for
songwriters across the globe, gifting them with the insight Williams has
gleaned from her decades of experience. First, it encourages songwriters
to find something that inspires them and then to follow that
inspiration, letting the clues of those first few notes or lines lead
their narrative. Soon, the initial rhythms, the unique sounds of the
melody, and/or specific vocabulary emerge, giving birth to a "voice" or
a "world" that the song can exist in. As the writer proceeds, Williams
encourages them to ask themselves: "Where did I go? Where did I REALLY
go? What happened? What REALLY happened? What am I bringing back?"
There are many other songwriting guides that hint to the reader that
writing a "hit song" may be on the horizon if only the reader correctly
follows the guide or program. In this book, however, Williams shows
readers how to tap into their OWN creative process, using their psyches,
their unique life experiences, and their muses to write the songs that
they are meant to write. By focusing on the process of creating a song
that matters, as opposed to producing a well-constructed "widget from a
song factory," songwriters will be able to establish their own voice and
use it to make meaningful music.
Perfect for music lovers of all sorts who want to write songs, How to
Write a Song That Matters is a one-of-a-kind-book that readers will
turn to for guidance time and time again.
