In this www.artistshous... clip, Dennis DeYoung, former songwriter/lead singer for the rock group Styx, talks about his songwriting process and how he finds inspiration.
Everything that man just said is Dead On Balls Accurate. Yes, there are those of us who write the lyric first, because everyone's creative process is different- But what he said about realizing when you are creating crap is a lesson in humility that MANY of todays amateur writers need to learn. This man knows songwriting. BRAVO Mr. Deyoung.
This man is a Genius. Todays technology geatest use is allowing individuals like Dennis share his talent. Putting smiles on our face while we are tapping are feet to his great songs
I bought new set of keys last yr & told the salesman "I know there's some good songs in here..." I've been writing with these thoughts in mind since. It's been such a pleasure to go thru the process, with mediocre songs in the dozens and those rare good ideas. Feeling inspired all the while by Dennis' words, they've been a friend to me, a cherished teacher. I smile to think of the masterpieces Dennis wrought - elated, it couldn't happen to a finer man, my respect for him & his music is endless.
That man can write a fuckin song. When I think of my first love of Styx music,...it was his voice,...his songs that made me love it. That band had foolish egos,....even Tommy shaw,......to think they were better then the master Dennis Deyoung & that they didnt need him.
He's right -- you do have to just sit down and pound at the piano until something good falls out, but that means that a whooooole lot of crap's going to fall out first, and you'd better be able to sift the good stuff out of the crap. And if you turn up a good idea, you'd better be able to hold on and work with it without getting psyched out. If it were easy, we'd all do it.
Self-honesty: admit when your songs are bad, admit when they are good. It isn't about praise or admonishment, only truth. A beautiful thing as it no longer matters what the world thinks or whether they are even listening, because you know you have done well. Those who live for empty praise and money cannot know the satisfaction of knowing when they have done well.
@happygleason Artists House Music is a non-profit website which exists only to educate the musician and entreprenuer through videos, blog and articles.
is there any interview footage of dennis, tommy and jy altogether discussing the songwriting process on all their greatest hits? i'd love how they came up with their songs, especially on their concept albums.
Chuck Panozzo left on his own. He tried to tour with the band but it was too exhausting for him. He's fortunately kept his health up and plays with them on occasion.
Wise. Anything I have that is special is only one section...or focus on an element in the music that I think is cool but somehow don't have perception for everything else...
@dcs002 Even though the result is my original composition, sometimes I feel guilty for taking credit. A director once asked me for a song in the bosanova style. I listened to his favorite bosanova singer, Astrud Gilberto, and after a while, like a flash of lightning I heard her singing this song he wanted in my head! My worst music always comes when I try to force it. But plays come with deadlines, and if the characters haven't sung to me and we open next Friday, they get Desert Moon!
@buzzclick500 (2 months later) I compose for community theater. Some of my stuff has obviously been crap (my Desert Moon was a score for Henry V), but the best stuff I've written actually was the wake-up-and-write-it-in-10-minutes variety. My method is to listen, away from any instruments. I listen in my head to how a character, or someone really good in the style, would do this song. I imagine their version, and when it happens it's a rush to get it written down before I forget it all.
@buzzclick500 I agree with you 100%. I love the music Dennis has made...with his solo exception. Rock on! People are people, we're all fallible, & Dennis has way more to his credit than to his detriment, musically speaking. It's just that Desert Moon was so horrible... But as a rocker, I still love him!
You want him to take you through the basic mechanics of writing a song? Why not go take a course at a community college. That's the right venue for such a thing. The most important point of what he was saying is the "just do it" attitude that any creative person has to cultivate. Paul Simon, for example, will record EVERY idea he has on tape. Only *after* they are down does he decide whether the idea is any good. Every song you write will make the next one a little better. Practice!
All this wisdom from the guy who laid the Desert Moon turd! . Sorry Dennis, I had to. I was seriously disappointed by that one. But your work with Styx, extraordinary! One of my all time favorite bands!
Everything that man just said is Dead On Balls Accurate. Yes, there are those of us who write the lyric first, because everyone's creative process is different- But what he said about realizing when you are creating crap is a lesson in humility that MANY of todays amateur writers need to learn. This man knows songwriting. BRAVO Mr. Deyoung.
This man is a Genius. Todays technology geatest use is allowing individuals like Dennis share his talent. Putting smiles on our face while we are tapping are feet to his great songs
As a singer/pianist/songwriter myself I have always really respected Dennis's amazing talents! Nice to get a little insight from the man!
I watch this video ones a day. He not only can write quality songs. Hes a good teacher and communicator.
I bought new set of keys last yr & told the salesman "I know there's some good songs in here..." I've been writing with these thoughts in mind since. It's been such a pleasure to go thru the process, with mediocre songs in the dozens and those rare good ideas. Feeling inspired all the while by Dennis' words, they've been a friend to me, a cherished teacher. I smile to think of the masterpieces Dennis wrought - elated, it couldn't happen to a finer man, my respect for him & his music is endless.
MOST SONG WRITERS KNOW NOTHING NOW A DAYS! HE IS THE MASTER!
Dennis is the best...pure and simple. Thanks for the post.
Dennis is amazing! I miss you in Styx.
That man can write a fuckin song. When I think of my first love of Styx music,...it was his voice,...his songs that made me love it. That band had foolish egos,....even Tommy shaw,......to think they were better then the master Dennis Deyoung & that they didnt need him.
PURE GENIUS!
DENNIS IS THE MOST TALENTED, GIFTED AND HANDSOME MAN EVER!!
STILL GOT IT ALL AFTER ALL THESE YEARS!
this guy is speaking the words i've had in my head over the years, but never put them together. thank you.
I second that emotion. This guy is the master.
once a day! Will check it out. Thanks!
Love ya Dennis!
he sounds just like alan alda
This has been my Master Class.
He really is amazing!!
Rock On.
This is the most helpful info. I've found on songwriting.
You're The Voice Dennis.
He's right -- you do have to just sit down and pound at the piano until something good falls out, but that means that a whooooole lot of crap's going to fall out first, and you'd better be able to sift the good stuff out of the crap. And if you turn up a good idea, you'd better be able to hold on and work with it without getting psyched out. If it were easy, we'd all do it.
i can relate in every way :)
Styx made some classic tunes.
dennis was great i wish ghe was back in styx,,,,
Self-honesty: admit when your songs are bad, admit when they are good. It isn't about praise or admonishment, only truth. A beautiful thing as it no longer matters what the world thinks or whether they are even listening, because you know you have done well. Those who live for empty praise and money cannot know the satisfaction of knowing when they have done well.
@happygleason Artists House Music is a non-profit website which exists only to educate the musician and entreprenuer through videos, blog and articles.
is there any interview footage of dennis, tommy and jy altogether discussing the songwriting process on all their greatest hits? i'd love how they came up with their songs, especially on their concept albums.
yes
sounds like good advice
Chuck Panozzo left on his own. He tried to tour with the band but it was too exhausting for him. He's fortunately kept his health up and plays with them on occasion.
Wise. Anything I have that is special is only one section...or focus on an element in the music that I think is cool but somehow don't have perception for everything else...
As stiff as he is Styx is nothing without Dennis he built the band.
@dcs002 Even though the result is my original composition, sometimes I feel guilty for taking credit. A director once asked me for a song in the bosanova style. I listened to his favorite bosanova singer, Astrud Gilberto, and after a while, like a flash of lightning I heard her singing this song he wanted in my head! My worst music always comes when I try to force it. But plays come with deadlines, and if the characters haven't sung to me and we open next Friday, they get Desert Moon!
@buzzclick500 (2 months later) I compose for community theater. Some of my stuff has obviously been crap (my Desert Moon was a score for Henry V), but the best stuff I've written actually was the wake-up-and-write-it-in-10-minutes variety. My method is to listen, away from any instruments. I listen in my head to how a character, or someone really good in the style, would do this song. I imagine their version, and when it happens it's a rush to get it written down before I forget it all.
@buzzclick500 I agree with you 100%. I love the music Dennis has made...with his solo exception. Rock on!
People are people, we're all fallible, & Dennis has way more to his credit than to his detriment, musically speaking. It's just that Desert Moon was so horrible...
But as a rocker, I still love him!
You want him to take you through the basic mechanics of writing a song? Why not go take a course at a community college. That's the right venue for such a thing. The most important point of what he was saying is the "just do it" attitude that any creative person has to cultivate. Paul Simon, for example, will record EVERY idea he has on tape. Only *after* they are down does he decide whether the idea is any good. Every song you write will make the next one a little better. Practice!
Great Vid
I thought i was alone with song writing lol.
Then you weren't listening. He makes lots of good points about the creative process.
All this wisdom from the guy who laid the Desert Moon turd!
.
Sorry Dennis, I had to. I was seriously disappointed by that one. But your work with Styx, extraordinary! One of my all time favorite bands!
@1pick2sticks Alan Alda...or Barry Manilow?
check out my channel for more vids on chord progressions and melodies.
Hey Dennis....your concept albums like Mr.Roboto was the end for me listening to STYX.This was your mediocracy.
Harry Hathaway Mr Roboto is genius and opened the door to new generations of Styx fans.