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By Steve Perrett
1.How did you first get into writing songs?
I have been singing for as long as I can remember. In the late-90's, I relocated to Nashville to pursue a career as a vocalist. Through my interactions with local songwriters, aspiring artists, studio musicians, and record company representatives, during my 2 ½ year stay, I truly gained an appreciation for the multi-faceted craft of songwriting, and the songwriter's ever-important role in the industry. When I returned to California to be closer to my family, I started hitting the books to further my knowledge of music theory and began studying guitar and piano. Songwriting was just sort of a natural, next step in my musical journey.
2.Do you play an instrument as well as sing?
I play enough guitar and piano to facilitate my writing. And, while I do some basic tracking for my copyright roughs, these days I am of the mind to leave the final tracking to some truly great musicians that I've had the pleasure to work with. This allows me to focus on my songwriting and the overall production of the demos.
I usually write with my guitar, simply because it is more portable and gives me the freedom to write anywhere I want. However, I do enjoy sitting at the piano to try out new things and to further my knowledge of music composition.
3.Tell us about you as a songwriter ... do you write alone, with others, etc.
I typically write alone. Though, that doesn't necessarily mean that I'm opposed to collaborating with others.
I always enjoy meeting fellow songwriters and learning about their approach to the craft. I've had the fortune to meet, and become friends with, songwriters whose work I enjoy immensely; even if it is stylistically quite different from mine. In the process, I have come to appreciate the vast variation in songwriting styles and methods.
4.Does songwriting come easy to you? Or is it a difficult process?
You always hear about the hits that were written top-to-bottom in 15 minutes. Well, that hasn't happened to me - the hit part anyway ;-) As a full-time songwriter, I force myself to set goals, such as writing 20 songs per year. Some days are more productive than others. Some days, I might only jot down some ideas and observations. On a good day, I might wrap up the lyrics and arrangement for two songs I have in progress.
In a way, songwriting does come easy because I enjoy it so much. On the other hand, a great deal of work goes into the process before I feel a song is complete enough to finance the production of a demo.
5.Do you start with a finished product in mind or just let it morph as you go?
I feel my writing skills are continually maturing. I'm sure my initial songs were just written from the heart, with only a passing knowledge of basic song structure. As part of honing my songwriting skills for the Pop market, I am definitely more in tune these days with various song elements, such as a catchy melody, a strong hook, song structure and length, etc. Though, I can't say that I always have the finished product in mind, I can say that I am more conscientious of the song traits that are of interest to my target audience.
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6.Where does your inspiration come from? Who inspires you the most?
My inspirations definitely come from my personal experiences and the experiences of those around me. My spouse, relatives, friends, passers-by on the street, etc. I am constantly inspired by the actions and reactions of others.
7.Do you record in a studio? Or do you use a home based setup?
I have done some work in professional studios in the past, though I am currently working out of my own project studio.
8.Do you go out and play live or are you just recording?
I am mainly writing, recording, and marketing my material in an effort to build out my song catalog. I really enjoy playing out, though it seems more and more difficult to devote the time it requires.
9.Do you have plans to release a CD?
No. I am currently focused on marketing my material to artists.
10.Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?
My 5 year goal is to have 100 songs, casted for specific artists, in my publishing catalog.
11.What is your ultimate goal with your music?
Ultimately, I would like to experience some type of success (monetary or otherwise) from my music. If only, to give me the opportunity to do more of the same. Though, success will not deter me from doing what I love.
12.When recording, what gear do you use? What is your favorite piece of gear?
My husband/engineer! In terms of gear, here's what I know...we use Cubase. I am actually fairly proficient with it. I am the assistant engineer, after all! And, a bunch of other stuff.
Favorite gear? My new AKG K271 headphones for tracking vocals.
13.Is there anything else you want to share with Songstuff visitors?
Thank you, Songstuff, for welcoming me into your community. I appreciate being able to share my thoughts on songwriting with others who share the same passion.
If I have anything to add, I guess it would be that I've always heard you should never be driven to make music solely to make money - you should do it for the love. The reality is that sometimes the business side of songwriting is just that - business. Being a songwriter means wearing many different hats (producer, arranger, musician, publisher, plugger, etc.) Some of those jobs are not as fun as others, but the personal satisfaction of creating a song, in its entirety, makes it all worth it for me.
Melissa Kaye
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About Steve Perrett
A Songstuff staff member for sveral years, Steve plays guitar, writes songs and records his own material.
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