I'm on tour with The Darkness right now - if you fancy coming to see us live you can get tickets here. We are doing TWO shows in London in Decemeber!! www.thedarknesslive.com/tour-dates/
During my high school years I'd write "throw away" songs as a form of practice, maybe wound up with less than 10 keepers but I'd force two songs out a day sometimes, constructing track lists for my imaginary albums, rewriting the piss out of each song etc. They would almost always be weak lyrically but some melodies and song structures really had potential for being great. Now being 28 (10 yrs removed from musical ambition) I can barely remember what they sound like anymore which is a huge regret of mine. If you have the ambition, definitely tap into it and don't let the years fly by and don't burn yourself out with pressure!
Mate - you realise Justin Hawkins was 28 when the Darkness released Permission To Land? You’re still a youngster amigo. Brian Johnson was 32 when Back In Black came out. Keep writing!!
I was right there with you until you said "don't write one to impress your spouse". I mean, technically, she wasn't my spouse yet, but that was definitely songwriting effort well spent!
well it's better than pulling a Fleetwood Mac and have your husband playing "you make loving fun" thinking it's about him...but it's really about the guy you were having an affair with..lol
I tried writing songs when I was learning guitar as a teenager and wrote a great sounding intro , played it for my dad and he said 'great, you've just written Hotel California' I didn't even know it! I thought it was a sign of my untapped brilliance but I must have just overheard my dad playing it on his guitar as a child :D
This next one came to me in a dream. A story that was whispered to my soul in the dead of night, about a god forsaken place called the Motel Catalonia... _On a far distant byway..._
Every five years or so, I write the riff to "Going the distance" by Cake. I used to have to scratch my head for a few minutes to work out why it sounds familiar, but now I'm 40 I realise within a few seconds.
When I was in high school I wrote a song that my band really liked and we opened every show we did with it and we were a cover band. Well we all remained friends and we reunited to jam one night, 20 years later, and I realized halfway through the song that it was WASP’s Blind in Texas backwards… yeah I’m j-hawks age-ish lol
The beauty of what we have now is the ability to hear our favourite rocker just talk about their perspective about something they care without having to go through a medium with filters (editors, producers, etc.) I'm happy that I found this channel and thank you Justin for doing this 🤟 Big fan from Malaysia here 🇲🇾
Wow, you never rest Justin!! Last night's show was amazing at Liverpool. We stayed at the Liner Hotel 2 streets away and we could hear your 3pm soundcheck from our room!!! You must be exhausted after the concert (we are, and we were only watching) and yet you still find the time and energy to do these videos. Thank you and congratulations on the No1 slot with Motorheart. See you next time!!!! 🎸
This is timely for me as I'm trying to write a song about a friend who has passed (he was a Christian and had great faith in his future). He died during this past covid period. The melody, chords etc are coming from the ether, it's from the heart....I need to get me guitar out! Tony
Hey Justin, very informative insight into the thought process and muse. Regarding your point on plagiarism, I was wondering what your thoughts are on parodies, and sampling - the development of hip hop culture relied heavily on unauthorised use of samples and interpolations from existing media
For parody it's fine. But hip hop has always walked that line and many times has overstepped. In the end he's right, it's all about intention. I simply can't stand going to gym and hearing a dance version of a song that adjust exists. It's a soul sucking listening experience.
Personally, I think sampling's a great thing, when done right. Like Justin said, if you're going to write a song, you must have a good intention behind it, and that extends to the use of sampling. Also, if you're going to sample something, you should have permission, and give credit where it's due. I think if an artist is using a sample to experiment with it, like Bon Iver's use of "33 "GOD"" and "10 d E A T h b R E a s T ⚄ ⚄", and not trying to capitalise on an artists popularity, that's perfectly fine. The issue is when someone, Vanilla Ice, illegally uses a sample, then lies about it. Although, I must say, if someone does give credit and receive permission, it doesn't mean it's a good sample. It depends how it's used. As with the examples mentioned before, they use a lot of new material, and alter the sound of the sampled parts, so that you could distinguish the original from the sampled version. If that makes sense.
I used to think blunt thievery about hip hop, untill I heard James Brown thanking the branch for keeping the musical inheritance alive. I then realized mostly thanks to hip hop/rap , I had gained familiarities to many of my still most favorite artists within genres of underground (and else would have been forgotten) funk and soul artists. I have a thing for the talented amature. Those charming golden years before they are worn too smooth by too much "knowledge" and routines. I would never have gotten to know their tracks without. I figure paying credited hommage is one thing. Reproduct something with slight variations and call it ones own, is another.
Speaking as a hip hop artist, I can make original beats but nothing beats the uniqueness and originality of flipping a sample. There definitely are those kind of samples that some might just rip an entire chorus with little variation like ex: lucid dreams by juice wrld. I love the song, but it’s not an original melody, which is fine, sting takes most of the royalties of it anyway. For songs I sample, often times the band members are dead, on top of not even being published(on streaming services), and the way that I “flip” or chop a sample almost always makes it unrecognizable, and entirely unique- like the sample becomes an instrument itself that I layer with my own instrument/devices. If there was ever a moment that an artist wants royalties or credit from a sample, by all means they can have it all. But for my standard, that’s if they or anybody else can tell if it’s their song or not. It’s unlikely. I like the saying “good artists borrow, great artists steal” -albeit I’d never claim something I didn’t make, but I sure as hell will steal ideas to make my music better. We don’t learn how to be musicians without first learning what other musicians do, and replicating it.
Wow. This channel is a goldmine I just stumbled upon… Such a knowledgeable dude, so many knowledge bombs and inspirations. Thanks for these deep insights!
I enjoyed this one. I love words, it is a great solace to me - to put my feelings on paper and sometimes, after an especially rough day (or great day, for that matter), I jerk awake in the middle of the night, grab my notebook and it all just pours out from pen to paper. "From the ether." Sadly, while I am a voracious fan of music, I haven't a musical bone in my body...*that* is why I enjoy your band so very much. Your incredibly clever way with words, your humor, and your vast and varied feelings absolutely fascinate me. I look forward to your albums for the whole experience...but I'd be lying if I didn't say I read the lyrics with just as much glee and anticipation. 😉🤣
Hey, every Elton John needs their Bernie Taupin. You just got to find the right person who can put a melody (or notes if you can hum the melody) behind someone else’s words. They’re out there lyricless yearning for words like yours. Go find them!
Justin, probably you don't read the messages, but i wanted to say thank you. I'm fighting a Battle with big personal problems and listening to you talking about music with this passion helps me a lot, maybe more than anything else. I don't know why, It's difficult to explain with rationality, maybe It's Just because we share this passion about these 6 strings. Thank you Justin, being helpful for a human being It's very rock'n'roll
That's a really interesting discussion about plagiarism and general writing approach to songs, I have to ask, do you feel the same way about artists who initially subconsciously homage other bands due to growing up with them, only to embrace it and make it more forefront in the song? I only ask as we recently put out an Xmas song that began life as a love song and has ended up without knowledge sounding more and more like The Darkness. We went from sub consciously doing it to eventually saying "oh well in for a penny in for pound" but It always felt like it was where the song was meant to go, we 100% did all listen back after finally finishing recording it to say "oh shit people are gonna think this is the Darkness"
Love this video. I always hated the fact the so many of the musicians I’ve met say stuff like, “I want to start a band that sounds like “X” band”, or “I want this song to sound like “X”song.” I think it’s perfectly okay to riff off of other peoples ideas and songs, or to start a “vibe” or “feel” of a song, but it needs to become something original onto itself. 90% of songs you write will be shit or just boring, but that’s why you should always write as much as you can(without forcing it), and eventually you’ll get there. Just know when to let the bad ones go if you just don’t feel it. Save it for later, or trash it. It’s okay to force finishing a song, or the production/technical aspects, but you can’t force the original inspiration for it. It needs to be something you actually feel and can relate to. You can always refine it later. You can place it into a story, but the original theme/inspiration needs to be something you actually feel.
Agreed! It starts with a great idea or a great phrase, then gets filled in by technical bits to bring it together. I've just started writing writing songs (barely good enough on guitar to strum them), and I have found inspiration from. Previous songs, and one really difficult thing to do n is pay homage to a song without sounding like a ripoff of it.
@@stevescuba1978 yes, it’s a very difficult thing at first for sure. When I first started writing it took me years before I ever was satisfied that I had something I was proud of or that wasn’t a ripoff of something else. I think the failures of me trying to sound like some one else and not succeeding actually led to me creating a more original sound. It takes time. Technical skill isn’t everything, it all comes with time. A good song can be two chords and still be wonderful. Just write as much as you can, record it, listen to it, and then keep writing. Make an album just for you. Make 10. Lol. Then eventually you will stumble upon a song you write where you just want to keep hearing it, and working it out over and over again until you finally made something that works. If you realize this early, you’ll get there quicker, but also don’t rush it.
@@magicmark3309 thank you for the encouragement! I love writing these songs, and two of them are actually quite good (even my wife admitted it). I actually was inspired by the song, Have You Ever Seen the Rain (CCR), but wrote a song about my recent experience meeting God (won't get too sappy). I rewrote the line to something like, "can't wait to see his reign" Anyhow. I WANT the song to sound enough like the original to be recognized for the influence it had, but want my song to be unique. I started it quite well, but every time I get the music close enough to recognize it, it just feels like a copy. I'll get there, but it would be easier (maybe) if I had more skill with my guitar, because I think that is the limitation holding back my idea. My other songs are completely from the ether with no other influence than a great theme in my head, so they were actually easy to write. Now, I am working out solos and a bass line for them.
@@magicmark3309 and...I really annoyed my wife with the first song I wrote. I told her one morning that I had a great song idea, so I wanted to write it. A couple hours later, I was playing the nearly finished song, and she was in tears. She's like, "I didn't even know you could write songs!" I told her, "me either".
I joined this channel only tonight, when the thumbnail to his 'This is Rock??' video was in YT's recommendations and looked interesting enough to click on - and then I realised only a few moments into the video he actually was the dude from The Darkness! 😄👍
I loved your 'The Power of Love' reference Justin. All three of those songs are great and very different and I especially enjoyed that you know that there are only three songs with that title. Love your work...as always. BTW...I hope your family and the rest of the band are well and enjoying life to the fullest.
Thank you, this is the best episode so far. I think that it is unusual to restrict art within barriers and boundaries that obscure vision from various horizons and proclivities, but it is good to refine capabilities in addition to complying with the work ethics of each profession which is something we miss so much nowadays. I feel that songwriting is the most sensitive task in the music-making process. Lennon-McCartney songwriting partnership succeeded to deliver such a profound issue with such fluent lyrics when they wrote Eleanor Rigby. Pink Floyd tended to preciosity but it only got them more authentic and made their records more like epics, High Hopes is an excellent example. Freddie Mercury embraced an imaginary world full of fairy tales and poetized two of the most underrated legendary pieces of music: (The Fairy Feller's Master-Stroke, My Fairy King). Rock and Roll is the most organized music genre because I see that everyone is influenced by everyone and all of the colleagues profess the credits of each others, I remember when I listened for the first time to I Believe in a Thing Called Love I was like: "Wait a minute, there was a similar riff by AC/DC?", same story when I heard Christmas Time (Don't Let the Bells End), my brain was full of Brian May Somebody to Love's solo. Anyways, tons of respect for you Justin, as usual.
I think it is generally unusual to restrict art within barriers and boundaries but I think at certain points in the process it can help. Like if you have a melody and you're not sure how to progress it you may be helpful to place it in a structure like Sonata form or variations on a theme and work within those boundaries and rules etc to help you to progress the melody. But I think that should generally come after as tools that have been learned by great artists of the past to get your music to where your vision of the music should be and it should be used in a way that's not too constricting.
Im one of those natural songwriters you talked about. Ever since i was a little kid, ive just had to. Its my only way to get how i feel out of myself. I cant explain it, its just something I have to do, and I would love more than anything to make a living through music. My problem is that I have no idea on earth how to go about selling songs. Not a clue. Ive written my own stuff and performed, but where im at, its extremely difficult to get a band together who will actually rehearse and go out, and ever since I got these brain injuries from football, i could have sung the song 10000 times, and i might be in the middle of that song and my mind will just go absolutely blank, and its almost like im unconscious for a few seconds. I can keep playing the rythym, but the lyrics will be gone. So at the moment, songwriting is probably my best chance at making a living in music. I just have no idea how to go about it, and im afraid if i dont at least attempt to do something soon, im going to lose my songwriting ability. When you aren't sharing your music with anyone, the universe wont give you those songs that are meant to be. Its too much of a waste. So if you have any tips or ideas to share, they would be very much appreciated.
I love writing about man vs nature and ancient Gods perspective on man. My favorite part of making a song is when I take all the different part of the music and lyrics and have it culminate. Gives me goosebumps every time. I am beginning to understand why making music can be soulful and fulfilling experience.
Nice one Justin you make ,many very valid points in this video. Totally agree that you should just be true to yourself, and whatever comes out so be it! I also think that it's OK to borrow from other artists, but not to brazenly steal! I'm currently fishing for songs, I've caught a few tiddlers, but I'm just waiting for that whopper to come swimming by! Saw you in St Davids Hall in Cardiff a few years ago, credit where it's due you guys were AWESOME! Especially enjoyed the part of the gig where you climbed up the stack onto the balcony and played your parts from there! Wish I had that sort of energy! Good luck with the current tour! 😍🤩🙏🎸
That analogy of carrying a evaporating raindrop through a desert is so accurate. There's been so many times I've sat down to play guitar and a great riff happens. And I'm like "I better remember that"... and then 3 days later it's gone.
My approach to influences has been that its good to be very aware of who your influences are. Because obviously some part of you wants to make music that sounds like them, and makes you feel the way your favourite song/act made you feel, and so at some point you'll start using similar rhythms or chord progressions or intervals or whatnot. But if you know who it is, who you can make decisions like 'ok, now what would that writer NOT do at this point?' and then do that, turning left where they would have turned right. The danger comes when you think that you're totally creating new material out of whole cloth, because that stuff is always unconciously derivative. Anyway great vid a lot to think about.
tonight we experienced the mighty darkness.manchester academy. myself and son 15.enjoyed every minute.great songs old & new.great rendition of supersonic & the headstand leg claps on rufus 's drum riser was excellent. enjoy the rest of the tour & your Christmas. 💣💥❤👍
I write off of concepts. Once I have the concept, I imagine the world it takes place in and fashion the song similar to that of writing and directing a movie featuring that story. I use that as the framework and it typically guides me through the process.
I'm so glad I found this channel every vid just oozes with understanding and experience and knowledge just a real gem thank you for being honest Justin and keep up the great content.
So glad you mentioned Richard Thompson. I've been fortunate enough to have seen him live twice. Once with his electric trio and once solo acoustic. One of my favorite guitarists and songwriters. Uniquely excellent
I'd agree that the songs are out there in the aether and you kind of just become a conduit for it, idk if I'd say it just comes naturally, you need to work at it and follow those songs and become the conduit they need to unfold, it's hard work and takes dedication. You really need to have a good sense of what you like too, so that you can judge if you're on the right track or it's a dead end,having a good sense of what you like is like a compass.
Love the videos justin! Love hearing you talk about songwriting , it's great to hear anyone with a passion speak but you speak with a very reassuring confidence , love it.
this sermon, lecture, educational soiree or whatever the fuck you want to call it, is absolutely spot on, I concur completely, and feel inspired, my humble and sincere thanks.
Absolutely agree with writing from the heart. I’ve done nothing else for the last 25 years. I’ve released 7 albums of original material and 2 albums of covers. I’m 50 years old, mostly skint and still mostly undiscovered but… hopefully I’ve made a few people happy over the years along the way :)
Hi Justin - do you remember Juliette and AJ from Indy? Old friends of mine. AJ and I played music for ages. Great drummer. I actually turned them on to The Darkness ages ago. Anyhow, I barely write a complete song in one sitting. If that is one's goal, it will be a tortuous and time consuming endeavor. I have developed a method (not a formula) for composition that is much more efficient, and the first phase is: Ideas Phase: If I come up with a musical idea I dig - even just a part and regardless of where I am - I document it by recording it on my phone and upload it to Google Drive with a date and working title in the file name. I do the same with lyrical ideas. The technology makes it so easy to organize. Once I feel that I have a sufficient number of inspired ideas stored in reference demo format (~50 ideas), I go to the next phase: Arrangement/Construction Phase: I start combining ideas and coming up with a top line or motif over it. Lyrics are not important yet, but the phrasing tends to develop. I record reference demos and store them in the same fashion as Phase 1. Then, I move into: Demo/Recording Phase: When I begin the recording process, I go into with the idea that it could be the final draft that will be released to the public. This is when the arrangement, instrumentation, and lyrics are finalized. It is essential for any musician in this day and age to be able to work remotely. Technology has revolutionized the create process in that much of it can be done remotely by sending tracks back and forth with the people involved. Those involved are not on the clock or up each other's asses, so the results tend to be favorable. Sounds good, is good being the golden rule. Being an independent artist by choice, this method works really well for me. I have almost completed one album within a year, from scratch, using this method, and the second is mostly written. Loads of special guests from all over the world have recorded their parts remotely. I have never been so productive and pleased with the results as well. It all starts with ideas. They are the meat and taters of any creative endeavor. Sharing is caring. I would be interested in learning about how others make their sausage.
I really appreciate your candor on this topic and would love to see you do a Q&A on this topic. I struggle with song writing and its something I want to use as a vehicle for my expression. I've heard so many metaphors on how to write music/songs but I can never seem to do it myself. every time I play a note, I cant help but hear a song that burrows its way into my skull and it ruins my frame of reference for my own creativity. To be a bit Melodramatic , when I hear so many people say it comes from the heart, I cant help but to think I must be heartless because nothing ever manifests. How did you get started writing songs, and how has your process evolved over the years?
I've always been fascinated that so many of the greatest song writers have said that their greatest songs just came to them like they were just a conduit. They felt like they hadn't written them. McCartney has said this and some songs even came in dreams. I even saw an interview with Bob Dylan where he said this ability left him and now he has to try very hard to write songs. I'm not a person that believes in any sort of Pseudoscience but just the fact that so many of the greatest songwriters believe the songs appeared to them in this way is fascinating and that this was an ability that later left them. By the way, when you said 9 times out of 10 if you sit to write a song you won't do it. I remember McCartney saying every time he sat down with John in the early days, 100s of times they always produced at least one song. It makes you release just how incredible they were. When he said it I don't think the interviewer understood how incredible that fact was as he said nothing.
I thoroughly enjoyed this and love what you’re doing with your channel Justin. As a fellow songwriter, what you said about songs floating around in the ether really stood out to me. The songs are there! Try too hard to grab one and it’ll just float away… Keep doing what you’re doing man. I started my high school band when Permission to Land came out because it made such an impression on me. I started my big boy band after seeing you perform in Glasgow during the Tour De Prance because the whole time I was watching, you guys made me feel like there was nothing else in the world I was meant to do. The connection you have to music is utterly contagious and my band mates and I can’t wait to see you next week at Glasgow’s iconic Barrowlands!
Thanks Justin! I appreciate it! I liked what you said about not feeling obliged to be honest. I haven’t really tried writing a total fantasy song, sounds fun! I get into really avant stuff too, I like to get deep into that “but is it music” stuff sometimes which I think can take inspiration and lessons from traditional song writing.
I write from life experiences or as an outlet to let out emotions that I can't necessarily explain by any other means! Still learning every day. I dig your insight and your channel!!
Much of my early songwriting was really to include some new chord I had learned so I would learn it. I was also compelled to try to not make it suck with stupid or obvious rhymes.
Great advice. I wrote a song with a superhero title. It is very catchy but I never really had movies in mind. I just had a lot of creative fire blowing through me at the time. Maybe I will put it on UA-cam next year.
Wondrous words + marvellous melodies = the irresistible charm of the D + arkness. Eclectic, eccentric charm all their own. "I wish I was in heaven", "Deck Chair", "Wheels of the Machine", "Concrete" for example - already a catalogue deep in varieties of sounds and gems.
Goodness. Was well aware you are blazing talent with the Marshall stacks. My facial reconstruction bills have been considerable. (Though well worth it, even given American health care.) But discovering you are such a sublime wit? Sugary-bubble-sweet-refreshing delight! Oooh, a song idea just struck. Must run. Drinks after Webster Hall, darling...
Thank you so much for your wisdom, that bitch slap of positive energy was much needed, it's not always easy to understand how to keep that creative sacred fire burning those days...keep it up with the cool content, all hearts ⚔️
I like what you said about connecting with the air. Personally I have played when inspired and completely uninspired and had fantastic results. Somehow you have to disconnect to connect but I'm not fully there yet. P.S. I'll never forget you dropping from the ceiling with your guitar!
Justin some reviews I’m crazy to hear: idles, I love them but they seem like the opposite of the darkness, so I’m curious on your take. Biffy Clyro, amazingly praise by “the critics”. And Pearl Jam, another lifetime favourite and also as different as it takes from the darkness
What a great analogy about writing songs…the butterfly net😎👍🎹🎸. Goodness knows where they come from……everyday things, man, I wrote one about pot noodle.
Hi Justin Could we have a video where you discuss how you wrote Get Your Hands Off My Woman? The origins, the lyrics, the riffs, the fact it was chosen as your debut single, the music video etc I'd love to hear everything there is to know about this song!
An analogy that I like better is "boxing the song out", as you go into the ring (the writing process) with nothing but your bare hands and you throw your punches at music itself. While you are getting an emotional beating, as you inevitably do (because that fight/process does makes you doubt yourself and your abilities) you are still able, if you persist, to punch bits out of the beast and turn those pieces into your well earned song. That is your reward until it is time to step into the ring again.
Best video I have ever seen. As a young songwriter (been doing it for just 2 years) I have probably written above 50 now this video has just motivated me even more and I thought I already had 100% motivation.
I think something Justin says about song writing is too hard line. Like stealing/borrowing/referencing other pieces of melody and rhythm. As long as it's old enough and you do something fun or creative to develope the thing
You can use other's music creatively, but then it's right to reference it and make sure the original songwriters are paid for it. You know somebody could be absolutely in love with the bassline from that INXS song and use it as a basis for a completely new and fresh song... and maybe in some breakdown in the middle breakout lyrics from the original and then go back into whatever they were doing. I do not believe songwriting is a rules game in the slightest. And I think the biggest issue with having rules is you have a thought that then whatever is in the ether has to filter through. I really believe the best method of songwriting is just having an incredibly open mind, enough to be silent enough to allow that stream in to your consciousness. I had it myself working on a house track... It was mid tempo acid house with african elements to it, and it sounded great. Then all of a sudden I had the lyrics from The Supremes - You Keep Me Hangin' On come through to me and I just couldn't get away from it from then on so it had to go on. And it did its job so well and I've been there to see it light up dancefloors and it just wouldn't have been that without it. But I wouldn't call it stealing at all.... It's just what that stream of songs wanted... and I listened and it's my most successful song. I'm not very successful by any means really lol... In a small scene I'm kind of known by a few heads. But yeah the track was credited to them, so it was technically a cover. I say fuck the rules man! I think every time we try to define things in life there'll always be a way to find issues with what we defined as truth. And what is truth anyway? Peace my my dude Justin. It's a joy watching your videos! One of the best concerts I ever attended was as a young teen in 2006 seeing the Darkness in Manchester. Balls to the wall rocking.... Absolutely fun show. Still stands in my memory as one of the most carefree and fun shows I'd been to. 😊
you knwo what woudl be awesome. If A lot of your Indie musicians followers sent some original music to you and hear you critique it. I would watch that all day long!
i truly believe that songs and ideas etc etc exist in the "space around us" and that we have an antenna of sorts.... and its just a matter of tuning into those frequencies... like dialing in a radio station id say about 70% of my songs dont come from actually sitting with an instrument... but by day dreaming, and just allowing my mind to tune into whatevers floating around out there... sometimes i actually think something else is just handing me songs
Totally random side note, my wife Sarah, works with another Sarah (both teachers). ‘Other Sarah’ moved here, to Canada from the UK and her father was also a teacher. Apparently he taught both you (Justin) and Dan back in the day. I was pretty amazed by that if indeed true, small world.
I like thinking of an art piece and an art style I like for e.g. impressionism Come up with a title Have a vibe from what you like about the title Come up with the structure of the piece Then harmony Then melody
The number of times advertisers choose obvious knock-off songs is frustrating. It makes it pretty clear that they either can’t get permission or won’t pay enough to use the famous song they want so they just look for the closest replica they can. There was a car ad a few years back that had such a similar song to a hit of the time that I suspected they actually commissioned it.
I hear what you’re saying here, couldn’t agree more about the plagiarism and in light of that I’ve written an amazing song called ‘I believe in a thing called hate’ which I perform with my band ‘the lightness’
Im glad im on the right track Im somewhere between trying to be a conduit for songs that come from nowhere to getting something off my chest or ill explode Being very picky and critical of my own music has helped me make something i can stand by Its gotta be my favorite new song or it just doesn’t matter to me
If you want to check out a songwriter check out the prolific John Prine, he sadly passed away due to covid in 2020, but what a guy ! Also Judee Sill who according to Andy Partridge wrote the best song ever in The Kiss, truly wonderful.
I went wild at their Liverpool concert last week, only one I’ve been to in a long while and this man’s band inspires so much energy in me ⚡️Not that I’m a musician or anything but these guys are modern rock gods to me, and to people worldwide
I'm on tour with The Darkness right now - if you fancy coming to see us live you can get tickets here. We are doing TWO shows in London in Decemeber!! www.thedarknesslive.com/tour-dates/
Cm6 Cm13
Could you please talk about how much music theory influences what you do? Thank you!
Australian tour?
@@michaelshannon9169 Music theory doesn't influence what he does, what he does influences music theory, which is the way it should be!
When are you guys coming to the US? I just noticed the little hawk in the corner.
During my high school years I'd write "throw away" songs as a form of practice, maybe wound up with less than 10 keepers but I'd force two songs out a day sometimes, constructing track lists for my imaginary albums, rewriting the piss out of each song etc. They would almost always be weak lyrically but some melodies and song structures really had potential for being great. Now being 28 (10 yrs removed from musical ambition) I can barely remember what they sound like anymore which is a huge regret of mine. If you have the ambition, definitely tap into it and don't let the years fly by and don't burn yourself out with pressure!
Great advice.
thats 100% why I got myself a digital audio workstation setup, I come up with tons of ideas but if I don't record it I WILL forget it.
@@ursula3438 thanks a lot for such great advice.
Mate - you realise Justin Hawkins was 28 when the Darkness released Permission To Land? You’re still a youngster amigo. Brian Johnson was 32 when Back In Black came out. Keep writing!!
I mean... You're 28. You're not exactly on your deathbed are you (hopefully)? You still got a brain and the same creativity you had 10 years ago.
I was right there with you until you said "don't write one to impress your spouse". I mean, technically, she wasn't my spouse yet, but that was definitely songwriting effort well spent!
well it's better than pulling a Fleetwood Mac and have your husband playing "you make loving fun" thinking it's about him...but it's really about the guy you were having an affair with..lol
@@JeremiahHartmanPhotography Rumours is by far the best break up album ever for that and many other songs! Lol
I tried writing songs when I was learning guitar as a teenager and wrote a great sounding intro , played it for my dad and he said 'great, you've just written Hotel California' I didn't even know it! I thought it was a sign of my untapped brilliance but I must have just overheard my dad playing it on his guitar as a child :D
This next one came to me in a dream. A story that was whispered to my soul in the dead of night, about a god forsaken place called the Motel Catalonia...
_On a far distant byway..._
Every five years or so, I write the riff to "Going the distance" by Cake. I used to have to scratch my head for a few minutes to work out why it sounds familiar, but now I'm 40 I realise within a few seconds.
Not bad though. You must have a great ear, as well as a cool dad!
When I was in high school I wrote a song that my band really liked and we opened every show we did with it and we were a cover band. Well we all remained friends and we reunited to jam one night, 20 years later, and I realized halfway through the song that it was WASP’s Blind in Texas backwards… yeah I’m j-hawks age-ish lol
@gingerninja79🤣🤣 a compliment to Don Felder
The beauty of what we have now is the ability to hear our favourite rocker just talk about their perspective about something they care without having to go through a medium with filters (editors, producers, etc.)
I'm happy that I found this channel and thank you Justin for doing this 🤟 Big fan from Malaysia here 🇲🇾
Wow, you never rest Justin!! Last night's show was amazing at Liverpool. We stayed at the Liner Hotel 2 streets away and we could hear your 3pm soundcheck from our room!!! You must be exhausted after the concert (we are, and we were only watching) and yet you still find the time and energy to do these videos. Thank you and congratulations on the No1 slot with Motorheart. See you next time!!!! 🎸
Yes! Would love to hear your thoughts on Richard Thompson, a strangely undervalued songwriter (in my view) and stellar guitarist.
This is timely for me as I'm trying to write a song about a friend who has passed (he was a Christian and had great faith in his future). He died during this past covid period. The melody, chords etc are coming from the ether, it's from the heart....I need to get me guitar out!
Tony
Hey Justin, very informative insight into the thought process and muse. Regarding your point on plagiarism, I was wondering what your thoughts are on parodies, and sampling - the development of hip hop culture relied heavily on unauthorised use of samples and interpolations from existing media
For parody it's fine. But hip hop has always walked that line and many times has overstepped.
In the end he's right, it's all about intention. I simply can't stand going to gym and hearing a dance version of a song that adjust exists. It's a soul sucking listening experience.
Personally, I think sampling's a great thing, when done right. Like Justin said, if you're going to write a song, you must have a good intention behind it, and that extends to the use of sampling. Also, if you're going to sample something, you should have permission, and give credit where it's due. I think if an artist is using a sample to experiment with it, like Bon Iver's use of "33 "GOD"" and "10 d E A T h b R E a s T ⚄ ⚄", and not trying to capitalise on an artists popularity, that's perfectly fine. The issue is when someone, Vanilla Ice, illegally uses a sample, then lies about it.
Although, I must say, if someone does give credit and receive permission, it doesn't mean it's a good sample. It depends how it's used. As with the examples mentioned before, they use a lot of new material, and alter the sound of the sampled parts, so that you could distinguish the original from the sampled version. If that makes sense.
I used to think blunt thievery about hip hop, untill I heard James Brown thanking the branch for keeping the musical inheritance alive. I then realized mostly thanks to hip hop/rap , I had gained familiarities to many of my still most favorite artists within genres of underground (and else would have been forgotten) funk and soul artists.
I have a thing for the talented amature. Those charming golden years before they are worn too smooth by too much "knowledge" and routines. I would never have gotten to know their tracks without.
I figure paying credited hommage is one thing. Reproduct something with slight variations and call it ones own, is another.
Speaking as a hip hop artist, I can make original beats but nothing beats the uniqueness and originality of flipping a sample. There definitely are those kind of samples that some might just rip an entire chorus with little variation like ex: lucid dreams by juice wrld. I love the song, but it’s not an original melody, which is fine, sting takes most of the royalties of it anyway. For songs I sample, often times the band members are dead, on top of not even being published(on streaming services), and the way that I “flip” or chop a sample almost always makes it unrecognizable, and entirely unique- like the sample becomes an instrument itself that I layer with my own instrument/devices.
If there was ever a moment that an artist wants royalties or credit from a sample, by all means they can have it all. But for my standard, that’s if they or anybody else can tell if it’s their song or not. It’s unlikely.
I like the saying “good artists borrow, great artists steal” -albeit I’d never claim something I didn’t make, but I sure as hell will steal ideas to make my music better.
We don’t learn how to be musicians without first learning what other musicians do, and replicating it.
@@chiefblanko Nah. You do it because you know people will recognize it....talent.
I just watched Peter Jacksons Beatles film. Wow. Watching them come up with such iconic tunes was absolutely amazing
Only just found the channel. So happy! Great to see you sir!
Wow. This channel is a goldmine I just stumbled upon… Such a knowledgeable dude, so many knowledge bombs and inspirations. Thanks for these deep insights!
I enjoyed this one. I love words, it is a great solace to me - to put my feelings on paper and sometimes, after an especially rough day (or great day, for that matter), I jerk awake in the middle of the night, grab my notebook and it all just pours out from pen to paper. "From the ether." Sadly, while I am a voracious fan of music, I haven't a musical bone in my body...*that* is why I enjoy your band so very much. Your incredibly clever way with words, your humor, and your vast and varied feelings absolutely fascinate me. I look forward to your albums for the whole experience...but I'd be lying if I didn't say I read the lyrics with just as much glee and anticipation. 😉🤣
Hey, every Elton John needs their Bernie Taupin. You just got to find the right person who can put a melody (or notes if you can hum the melody) behind someone else’s words. They’re out there lyricless yearning for words like yours. Go find them!
@@queenhenryviii 🖤wise words.
Justin, probably you don't read the messages, but i wanted to say thank you. I'm fighting a Battle with big personal problems and listening to you talking about music with this passion helps me a lot, maybe more than anything else. I don't know why, It's difficult to explain with rationality, maybe It's Just because we share this passion about these 6 strings. Thank you Justin, being helpful for a human being It's very rock'n'roll
That's a really interesting discussion about plagiarism and general writing approach to songs, I have to ask, do you feel the same way about artists who initially subconsciously homage other bands due to growing up with them, only to embrace it and make it more forefront in the song? I only ask as we recently put out an Xmas song that began life as a love song and has ended up without knowledge sounding more and more like The Darkness. We went from sub consciously doing it to eventually saying "oh well in for a penny in for pound" but It always felt like it was where the song was meant to go, we 100% did all listen back after finally finishing recording it to say "oh shit people are gonna think this is the Darkness"
I love the honesty of this channel. Bravo sir!
Song rabbits. Love you Justin! 👊 p.s. thanks for the shout out in your first stream.
Thank you Justin, for validating me. I have written many songs down the years and never made a penny 😆
... nor sought to.
Justin's convinced me! " The Power Of My Love Fire" will be my next song.
Love this video. I always hated the fact the so many of the musicians I’ve met say stuff like, “I want to start a band that sounds like “X” band”, or “I want this song to sound like “X”song.”
I think it’s perfectly okay to riff off of other peoples ideas and songs, or to start a “vibe” or “feel” of a song, but it needs to become something original onto itself.
90% of songs you write will be shit or just boring, but that’s why you should always write as much as you can(without forcing it), and eventually you’ll get there. Just know when to let the bad ones go if you just don’t feel it. Save it for later, or trash it.
It’s okay to force finishing a song, or the production/technical aspects, but you can’t force the original inspiration for it. It needs to be something you actually feel and can relate to. You can always refine it later. You can place it into a story, but the original theme/inspiration needs to be something you actually feel.
Agreed! It starts with a great idea or a great phrase, then gets filled in by technical bits to bring it together.
I've just started writing writing songs (barely good enough on guitar to strum them), and I have found inspiration from. Previous songs, and one really difficult thing to do n is pay homage to a song without sounding like a ripoff of it.
@@stevescuba1978 yes, it’s a very difficult thing at first for sure. When I first started writing it took me years before I ever was satisfied that I had something I was proud of or that wasn’t a ripoff of something else. I think the failures of me trying to sound like some one else and not succeeding actually led to me creating a more original sound. It takes time. Technical skill isn’t everything, it all comes with time. A good song can be two chords and still be wonderful.
Just write as much as you can, record it, listen to it, and then keep writing. Make an album just for you. Make 10. Lol. Then eventually you will stumble upon a song you write where you just want to keep hearing it, and working it out over and over again until you finally made something that works. If you realize this early, you’ll get there quicker, but also don’t rush it.
@@magicmark3309 thank you for the encouragement! I love writing these songs, and two of them are actually quite good (even my wife admitted it).
I actually was inspired by the song, Have You Ever Seen the Rain (CCR), but wrote a song about my recent experience meeting God (won't get too sappy). I rewrote the line to something like, "can't wait to see his reign"
Anyhow. I WANT the song to sound enough like the original to be recognized for the influence it had, but want my song to be unique. I started it quite well, but every time I get the music close enough to recognize it, it just feels like a copy.
I'll get there, but it would be easier (maybe) if I had more skill with my guitar, because I think that is the limitation holding back my idea.
My other songs are completely from the ether with no other influence than a great theme in my head, so they were actually easy to write. Now, I am working out solos and a bass line for them.
@@magicmark3309 and...I really annoyed my wife with the first song I wrote. I told her one morning that I had a great song idea, so I wanted to write it. A couple hours later, I was playing the nearly finished song, and she was in tears. She's like, "I didn't even know you could write songs!"
I told her, "me either".
@@stevescuba1978 reminds me of how "Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now" was inspired by "Heaven Knows I'm Missing Him Now"
Love your videos, love Motorheart and can't wait to see you in Boston, MA this Spring.
Couldn’t agree more. You’re an inspiration. 🕺
Absolutely LOVE this content, so inspiring and sincere. Bravo Lord Hawkins!!
I joined this channel only tonight, when the thumbnail to his 'This is Rock??' video was in YT's recommendations and looked interesting enough to click on - and then I realised only a few moments into the video he actually was the dude from The Darkness! 😄👍
Hahaha this is so much fun, thanks for being you, dear Justin
Listening to someone talk with passion about their craft is a privilege and I could listen to you all day. Thank you Sir 😊
Absolutely. Well said!
I loved your 'The Power of Love' reference Justin. All three of those songs are great and very different and I especially enjoyed that you know that there are only three songs with that title. Love your work...as always. BTW...I hope your family and the rest of the band are well and enjoying life to the fullest.
Thank you, this is the best episode so far.
I think that it is unusual to restrict art within barriers and boundaries that obscure vision from various horizons and proclivities, but it is good to refine capabilities in addition to complying with the work ethics of each profession which is something we miss so much nowadays.
I feel that songwriting is the most sensitive task in the music-making process. Lennon-McCartney songwriting partnership succeeded to deliver such a profound issue with such fluent lyrics when they wrote Eleanor Rigby. Pink Floyd tended to preciosity but it only got them more authentic and made their records more like epics, High Hopes is an excellent example. Freddie Mercury embraced an imaginary world full of fairy tales and poetized two of the most underrated legendary pieces of music: (The Fairy Feller's Master-Stroke, My Fairy King).
Rock and Roll is the most organized music genre because I see that everyone is influenced by everyone and all of the colleagues profess the credits of each others, I remember when I listened for the first time to I Believe in a Thing Called Love I was like: "Wait a minute, there was a similar riff by AC/DC?", same story when I heard Christmas Time (Don't Let the Bells End), my brain was full of Brian May Somebody to Love's solo.
Anyways, tons of respect for you Justin, as usual.
I think it is generally unusual to restrict art within barriers and boundaries but I think at certain points in the process it can help.
Like if you have a melody and you're not sure how to progress it you may be helpful to place it in a structure like Sonata form or variations on a theme and work within those boundaries and rules etc to help you to progress the melody. But I think that should generally come after as tools that have been learned by great artists of the past to get your music to where your vision of the music should be and it should be used in a way that's not too constricting.
Im one of those natural songwriters you talked about. Ever since i was a little kid, ive just had to. Its my only way to get how i feel out of myself. I cant explain it, its just something I have to do, and I would love more than anything to make a living through music. My problem is that I have no idea on earth how to go about selling songs. Not a clue. Ive written my own stuff and performed, but where im at, its extremely difficult to get a band together who will actually rehearse and go out, and ever since I got these brain injuries from football, i could have sung the song 10000 times, and i might be in the middle of that song and my mind will just go absolutely blank, and its almost like im unconscious for a few seconds. I can keep playing the rythym, but the lyrics will be gone. So at the moment, songwriting is probably my best chance at making a living in music. I just have no idea how to go about it, and im afraid if i dont at least attempt to do something soon, im going to lose my songwriting ability. When you aren't sharing your music with anyone, the universe wont give you those songs that are meant to be. Its too much of a waste. So if you have any tips or ideas to share, they would be very much appreciated.
Quickly becoming my favourite YT channel Justin! Keep up these videos you are definitely onto something!
I love writing about man vs nature and ancient Gods perspective on man.
My favorite part of making a song is when I take all the different part of the music and lyrics and have it culminate.
Gives me goosebumps every time.
I am beginning to understand why making music can be soulful and fulfilling experience.
Justin, I'm thrilled you gave Ron Sexsmith a shout out. He's great and unfortunately a bit overlooked.
Your description of different so I am writing process is as abstract as it is accurate. I’ve always found it to be a pretty elusive affair.
Nice one Justin you make ,many very valid points in this video. Totally agree that you should just be true to yourself, and whatever comes out so be it! I also think that it's OK to borrow from other artists, but not to brazenly steal! I'm currently fishing for songs, I've caught a few tiddlers, but I'm just waiting for that whopper to come swimming by! Saw you in St Davids Hall in Cardiff a few years ago, credit where it's due you guys were AWESOME! Especially enjoyed the part of the gig where you climbed up the stack onto the balcony and played your parts from there! Wish I had that sort of energy! Good luck with the current tour! 😍🤩🙏🎸
That analogy of carrying a evaporating raindrop through a desert is so accurate. There's been so many times I've sat down to play guitar and a great riff happens. And I'm like "I better remember that"... and then 3 days later it's gone.
My approach to influences has been that its good to be very aware of who your influences are. Because obviously some part of you wants to make music that sounds like them, and makes you feel the way your favourite song/act made you feel, and so at some point you'll start using similar rhythms or chord progressions or intervals or whatnot. But if you know who it is, who you can make decisions like 'ok, now what would that writer NOT do at this point?' and then do that, turning left where they would have turned right.
The danger comes when you think that you're totally creating new material out of whole cloth, because that stuff is always unconciously derivative.
Anyway great vid a lot to think about.
tonight we experienced the mighty darkness.manchester academy. myself and son 15.enjoyed every minute.great songs old & new.great rendition of supersonic & the headstand leg claps on rufus 's drum riser was excellent. enjoy the rest of the tour & your Christmas. 💣💥❤👍
Love the stairway to Hawkins Rides Again!
Unexpected subject, Cool video & nothing but truth.
I write off of concepts. Once I have the concept, I imagine the world it takes place in and fashion the song similar to that of writing and directing a movie featuring that story. I use that as the framework and it typically guides me through the process.
I'm so glad I found this channel every vid just oozes with understanding and experience and knowledge just a real gem thank you for being honest Justin and keep up the great content.
So glad you mentioned Richard Thompson. I've been fortunate enough to have seen him live twice. Once with his electric trio and once solo acoustic. One of my favorite guitarists and songwriters. Uniquely excellent
Such a great site. Keep it up J.
Note book. Time signature. Chord progression with lyrics. Record immediately capturing vibe. I used to run 3 hour tapes !
I've loved your attitude from the start, these comments cement my feelings...Any thoughts on The Beatles 'Get Back' docu Justin?
I'd agree that the songs are out there in the aether and you kind of just become a conduit for it, idk if I'd say it just comes naturally, you need to work at it and follow those songs and become the conduit they need to unfold, it's hard work and takes dedication. You really need to have a good sense of what you like too, so that you can judge if you're on the right track or it's a dead end,having a good sense of what you like is like a compass.
Love the videos justin! Love hearing you talk about songwriting , it's great to hear anyone with a passion speak but you speak with a very reassuring confidence , love it.
Must be honest, not the darkness biggest fan. But I'm definitely drawn to you. I've liked and subscribed ☺ enjoying you chats/rants. Love the honestly
Your videos are amazing!
Thank you! Amazingly stated. Songwriting and music is so subjective but I think you've really hit some core truths here despite that.
this sermon, lecture, educational soiree or whatever the fuck you want to call it, is absolutely spot on, I concur completely, and feel inspired, my humble and sincere thanks.
Absolutely agree with writing from the heart. I’ve done nothing else for the last 25 years. I’ve released 7 albums of original material and 2 albums of covers. I’m 50 years old, mostly skint and still mostly undiscovered but… hopefully I’ve made a few people happy over the years along the way :)
Hi Justin - do you remember Juliette and AJ from Indy? Old friends of mine. AJ and I played music for ages. Great drummer. I actually turned them on to The Darkness ages ago.
Anyhow, I barely write a complete song in one sitting. If that is one's goal, it will be a tortuous and time consuming endeavor. I have developed a method (not a formula) for composition that is much more efficient, and the first phase is:
Ideas Phase: If I come up with a musical idea I dig - even just a part and regardless of where I am - I document it by recording it on my phone and upload it to Google Drive with a date and working title in the file name. I do the same with lyrical ideas.
The technology makes it so easy to organize. Once I feel that I have a sufficient number of inspired ideas stored in reference demo format (~50 ideas), I go to the next phase:
Arrangement/Construction Phase: I start combining ideas and coming up with a top line or motif over it. Lyrics are not important yet, but the phrasing tends to develop. I record reference demos and store them in the same fashion as Phase 1.
Then, I move into:
Demo/Recording Phase: When I begin the recording process, I go into with the idea that it could be the final draft that will be released to the public. This is when the arrangement, instrumentation, and lyrics are finalized.
It is essential for any musician in this day and age to be able to work remotely. Technology has revolutionized the create process in that much of it can be done remotely by sending tracks back and forth with the people involved. Those involved are not on the clock or up each other's asses, so the results tend to be favorable. Sounds good, is good being the golden rule.
Being an independent artist by choice, this method works really well for me. I have almost completed one album within a year, from scratch, using this method, and the second is mostly written. Loads of special guests from all over the world have recorded their parts remotely. I have never been so productive and pleased with the results as well.
It all starts with ideas. They are the meat and taters of any creative endeavor.
Sharing is caring. I would be interested in learning about how others make their sausage.
100 years of content to look forward to guys... Happy days!!
I really appreciate your candor on this topic and would love to see you do a Q&A on this topic.
I struggle with song writing and its something I want to use as a vehicle for my expression. I've heard so many metaphors on how to write music/songs but I can never seem to do it myself. every time I play a note, I cant help but hear a song that burrows its way into my skull and it ruins my frame of reference for my own creativity. To be a bit Melodramatic , when I hear so many people say it comes from the heart, I cant help but to think I must be heartless because nothing ever manifests.
How did you get started writing songs, and how has your process evolved over the years?
I've always been fascinated that so many of the greatest song writers have said that their greatest songs just came to them like they were just a conduit. They felt like they hadn't written them. McCartney has said this and some songs even came in dreams. I even saw an interview with Bob Dylan where he said this ability left him and now he has to try very hard to write songs. I'm not a person that believes in any sort of Pseudoscience but just the fact that so many of the greatest songwriters believe the songs appeared to them in this way is fascinating and that this was an ability that later left them.
By the way, when you said 9 times out of 10 if you sit to write a song you won't do it. I remember McCartney saying every time he sat down with John in the early days, 100s of times they always produced at least one song. It makes you release just how incredible they were. When he said it I don't think the interviewer understood how incredible that fact was as he said nothing.
Justin, I believe you're one of the nicest guy in music I've ever seen. I guess I could spend an afternoon talking with you over tea.
Great advice and awesome to see you doing vids!
I thoroughly enjoyed this and love what you’re doing with your channel Justin.
As a fellow songwriter, what you said about songs floating around in the ether really stood out to me. The songs are there! Try too hard to grab one and it’ll just float away…
Keep doing what you’re doing man. I started my high school band when Permission to Land came out because it made such an impression on me.
I started my big boy band after seeing you perform in Glasgow during the Tour De Prance because the whole time I was watching, you guys made me feel like there was nothing else in the world I was meant to do. The connection you have to music is utterly contagious and my band mates and I can’t wait to see you next week at Glasgow’s iconic Barrowlands!
Can't wait to see the Richard Thompson video!
Thanks Justin! I appreciate it! I liked what you said about not feeling obliged to be honest. I haven’t really tried writing a total fantasy song, sounds fun! I get into really avant stuff too, I like to get deep into that “but is it music” stuff sometimes which I think can take inspiration and lessons from traditional song writing.
I write from life experiences or as an outlet to let out emotions that I can't necessarily explain by any other means! Still learning every day. I dig your insight and your channel!!
Much of my early songwriting was really to include some new chord I had learned so I would learn it. I was also compelled to try to not make it suck with stupid or obvious rhymes.
Justin, I always dug The Darkness, Your videos here are the icing on the cake. Many, many thanks for your insights and honesty.
Great listening to you talk about your craft. In a rather Russel Brand esque , eloquent fashion. Great to hear insights .
Great advice. I wrote a song with a superhero title. It is very catchy but I never really had movies in mind. I just had a lot of creative fire blowing through me at the time. Maybe I will put it on UA-cam next year.
Wondrous words + marvellous melodies = the irresistible charm of the D + arkness. Eclectic, eccentric charm all their own. "I wish I was in heaven", "Deck Chair", "Wheels of the Machine", "Concrete" for example - already a catalogue deep in varieties of sounds and gems.
It would be really cool if you reacted to the lemon twigs they are recent but they have a modernized vintage sound which is really cool
Adore your channel, your content resonates with me so much. Keep it up, Jussy!
Goodness.
Was well aware you are blazing talent with the Marshall stacks. My facial reconstruction bills have been considerable. (Though well worth it, even given American health care.)
But discovering you are such a sublime wit?
Sugary-bubble-sweet-refreshing delight!
Oooh, a song idea just struck. Must run. Drinks after Webster Hall, darling...
Thank you so much for your wisdom, that bitch slap of positive energy was much needed, it's not always easy to understand how to keep that creative sacred fire burning those days...keep it up with the cool content, all hearts ⚔️
I love you, man!
I like what you said about connecting with the air. Personally I have played when inspired and completely uninspired and had fantastic results. Somehow you have to disconnect to connect but I'm not fully there yet. P.S. I'll never forget you dropping from the ceiling with your guitar!
Justin some reviews I’m crazy to hear: idles, I love them but they seem like the opposite of the darkness, so I’m curious on your take. Biffy Clyro, amazingly praise by “the critics”. And Pearl Jam, another lifetime favourite and also as different as it takes from the darkness
You did Idles!! Thank you!
"there's something in the air and you need to be in tune with it.."
Wise words spanning all aspects of life..
insightful video. thanks a lot for the wisdom!
What a great analogy about writing songs…the butterfly net😎👍🎹🎸.
Goodness knows where they come from……everyday things, man, I wrote one about pot noodle.
Good advice. Looking forward to Bristol on Tuesday night.
I bloody love Ron Sexsmith! I met him once, he's a lovely fella too. Right on Justin Hawkins!!
Hi Justin
Could we have a video where you discuss how you wrote Get Your Hands Off My Woman?
The origins, the lyrics, the riffs, the fact it was chosen as your debut single, the music video etc I'd love to hear everything there is to know about this song!
Shed 7 put out going for gold during an Olympics year,blur did it really could happen when Camelot launched the lottery,really like this mate,thanks👏
What comes from the heart goes to the heart.
Great slogan!
@@JustinHawkinsRidesAgain'Tis. It's also a good gauge of fraud writers, something sings dissonant.
ua-cam.com/video/hIRDFYttpaE/v-deo.html
An analogy that I like better is "boxing the song out", as you go into the ring (the writing process) with nothing but your bare hands and you throw your punches at music itself. While you are getting an emotional beating, as you inevitably do (because that fight/process does makes you doubt yourself and your abilities) you are still able, if you persist, to punch bits out of the beast and turn those pieces into your well earned song. That is your reward until it is time to step into the ring again.
Best one yet. Thanks.
Well done - great channel!!!!
Love the honest insights
Something in the Air. You reminded me of Thunderclap Newman, great song.
You're great Justin Hawkins
Best video I have ever seen. As a young songwriter (been doing it for just 2 years) I have probably written above 50 now this video has just motivated me even more and I thought I already had 100% motivation.
Turn that motivation up to eleventy
I think something Justin says about song writing is too hard line. Like stealing/borrowing/referencing other pieces of melody and rhythm. As long as it's old enough and you do something fun or creative to develope the thing
You can use other's music creatively, but then it's right to reference it and make sure the original songwriters are paid for it. You know somebody could be absolutely in love with the bassline from that INXS song and use it as a basis for a completely new and fresh song... and maybe in some breakdown in the middle breakout lyrics from the original and then go back into whatever they were doing. I do not believe songwriting is a rules game in the slightest. And I think the biggest issue with having rules is you have a thought that then whatever is in the ether has to filter through. I really believe the best method of songwriting is just having an incredibly open mind, enough to be silent enough to allow that stream in to your consciousness.
I had it myself working on a house track... It was mid tempo acid house with african elements to it, and it sounded great. Then all of a sudden I had the lyrics from The Supremes - You Keep Me Hangin' On come through to me and I just couldn't get away from it from then on so it had to go on. And it did its job so well and I've been there to see it light up dancefloors and it just wouldn't have been that without it. But I wouldn't call it stealing at all.... It's just what that stream of songs wanted... and I listened and it's my most successful song. I'm not very successful by any means really lol... In a small scene I'm kind of known by a few heads. But yeah the track was credited to them, so it was technically a cover.
I say fuck the rules man! I think every time we try to define things in life there'll always be a way to find issues with what we defined as truth. And what is truth anyway?
Peace my my dude Justin. It's a joy watching your videos! One of the best concerts I ever attended was as a young teen in 2006 seeing the Darkness in Manchester. Balls to the wall rocking.... Absolutely fun show. Still stands in my memory as one of the most carefree and fun shows I'd been to. 😊
Love your long locks!
you knwo what woudl be awesome. If A lot of your Indie musicians followers sent some original music to you and hear you critique it. I would watch that all day long!
i truly believe that songs and ideas etc etc exist in the "space around us"
and that we have an antenna of sorts.... and its just a matter of tuning into those frequencies... like dialing in a radio station
id say about 70% of my songs dont come from actually sitting with an instrument...
but by day dreaming, and just allowing my mind to tune into whatevers floating around out there...
sometimes i actually think something else is just handing me songs
Totally random side note, my wife Sarah, works with another Sarah (both teachers). ‘Other Sarah’ moved here, to Canada from the UK and her father was also a teacher. Apparently he taught both you (Justin) and Dan back in the day. I was pretty amazed by that if indeed true, small world.
I like thinking of an art piece and an art style I like for e.g. impressionism
Come up with a title
Have a vibe from what you like about the title
Come up with the structure of the piece
Then harmony
Then melody
The point you made about how inspiration should be through osmosis was incredible in my opinion.
The number of times advertisers choose obvious knock-off songs is frustrating. It makes it pretty clear that they either can’t get permission or won’t pay enough to use the famous song they want so they just look for the closest replica they can. There was a car ad a few years back that had such a similar song to a hit of the time that I suspected they actually commissioned it.
I hear what you’re saying here, couldn’t agree more about the plagiarism and in light of that I’ve written an amazing song called ‘I believe in a thing called hate’ which I perform with my band ‘the lightness’
Im glad im on the right track
Im somewhere between trying to be a conduit for songs that come from nowhere to getting something off my chest or ill explode
Being very picky and critical of my own music has helped me make something i can stand by
Its gotta be my favorite new song or it just doesn’t matter to me
If you want to check out a songwriter check out the prolific John Prine, he sadly passed away due to covid in 2020, but what a guy ! Also Judee Sill who according to Andy Partridge wrote the best song ever in The Kiss, truly wonderful.
This channels really growing on me
I went wild at their Liverpool concert last week, only one I’ve been to in a long while and this man’s band inspires so much energy in me ⚡️Not that I’m a musician or anything but these guys are modern rock gods to me, and to people worldwide