Paul Wrock
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Paul Wrock

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Songwriting Series Part I: What Is Songwriting?

written by paulwrock April 2, 2018

Hey Y’all,

I wanted to start this series on songwriting by asking the question “what is songwriting?” I think it is an important place to our discussion on the subject. The dictionary defines songwriting as “the activity or process of writing popular songs or the music for them.” But I think for each of us, we know that we need a deeper definition.

At the most fundamental level, I believe songwriting is the sonic expression of the soul. It is an intentional arrangement of notes, chords, and lyrics that reflect the deepest realities of the heart. Songwriting is the craft that endears audiences to artists, presents a medium for philosophical, spiritual, and social conversations, and helps people contextualize their own stories either through the process of writing songs or by listening to them. In the end, we write our songs, but our songs also write us.

Songwriting looks different in every genre of music. Different songwriters have different creative processes. Songs have different purposes, even songs on the same record. In my next post, I will look at the significance of songs, and why writing great songs matter. For now, let me say that these components are framed from the perspective of a Country Music songwriter, so please keep that in mind.

First, the best songs will come from experience. There is a saying in Nashville that you write about what you know. Typically, the best works of art will come from a place of genuine inspiration. So songwriting is taking inspiration, and realizing it in a musical context.

Second, songs are stories that resonate with people. In music, the quality of an instrument is judged by how well it resonates, and the same is true of songs. The best songs resonate with people in a way that words alone never could. So songwriting is taking ideas presenting them in a way that resonates with others.

Finally, songs are how we interpret the world. This applies to both to those who write songs, and those who listen to them. For those of us who write about the experiences that shape us, songwriting provides a way for us to organize our life narratives in a meaningful way. For those of us who listen to songs, we are able to contextualize our experience through the thoughts, words, and sounds of another person. So songwriting is organizing life events in a meaningful way.

I know this has been a bit more academic, but I wanted us to have a clear understanding of what songwriting is. This is in no way an exhaustive definition, but I do think it provides a framework to start with. I can’t wait to continue this discussion in following posts. Until then, I would love to hear your thought on the subject. So, what is your definition songwriting? Why is it important to you? What would you add to this list?

Thanks,

Paul

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When The Journey Becomes The Destination
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Songwriting Series Part II: The Significance of Songs

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Paul Wrock

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    Paul Wrock

    About ME

    Hey Y’all,

    My name is Paul, and thank you for checking out my website. I believe we all have a story worth telling, and this website represents my attempt to empower people to engage with the narratives they want to tell, in a powerful way.
    I hope we ultimately get to know each other from the songs writes, blogs I post, and the conversations we have, but here is a little bit about me. I am 27 years old, I live in Nashville, TN, and I love the power that music and stories hold in shaping how we live and think. I spent 10 years working in politics, I then we to work in the Christian non-profit world, and now I write music in Nashville. More than ever, I believe this world needs songs that express meaning, truth, and hope.
    God has put each of us here to change the world. I believe that we tend to experience the world with a soundtrack, and I want to write songs that help contextualize life and all the emotions that come with it. Country Music is an inherently relatable genre and gives us all the opportunity to discuss every conceivable experience in an honest way.
    I believe we all share many of the same experiences, and because of that as I tell my story in songs, I hope you find your story as well. The best songs are the ones where you feel understood, known, and you know you’re not the only person who has experienced how you feel. Our shared beliefs, passions, and desires lead to us having a shared story. That is what I hope to express in my music. This website will be a place for you to engage with my songs, and hopefully, a place for you to engage with something that relates to you as well.
    The next component will be content that will either be used for speaking or writing. In this case, I will be writing blog posts that offer my thoughts one different a variety of subjects from faith to current events. I hope that my unique perspective offers you not only insight into how a songwriter interprets life, but also the chance to wrestle with these ideas and contribute your thoughts as well.
    Finally, I would love for this website to be a place for us to connect and me to be able to help you find a way to help you tell you or your organization’s story. From messaging to building online platforms, I believe you have a story worth telling, and I would love to help you tell it. Whether you’re the president of a company looking to engage your customers or an artist looking to build a fanbase, I would love to talk have a conversation with you about who you are, why you’re here, and how I can help you achieve your dreams.
    Thanks again for reading this. I can’t wait to get to know you more. Sign up for my weekly newsletter, find me on social media, message me on Facebook, Instagram, or email me here, and let’s be friends.

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