I've been writing lyrics for over fifty years now. For almost that long I've been seeking out music writers to give my words the wings of song. Throughout the years I have diligently practiced my craft; most years I wrote down many ideas and at least one lyric. Often I wrote from five to twenty lyrics. Completed songs were harder to come by, but I pursued that as well. In 2008, in partnership with Gilbert Sanchez, I released a CD of twelve songs. I also pursued the business side of music with minimal success. The CD sold less than fifty copies. In 2015/2016 something changed. I began writing more than I ever had before in my life. In 2016 I completed fifty-seven lyrics. Eighty-seven lyrics was the total for 2017. So far in 2018 I've completed one hundred and ten lyrics. In June of 2016 I began a rigorous search for people to work with. It was slow going for quite a while, but in early 2017 things began to move. In 2018 I created a website that contains all my currently available lyrics. Also in 2018 I started to put the pieces of my music business machine together. I started distributing songs based on my lyrics through Bandcamp and Distrokid. I signed up with the Standing 'O' Project, SongTrust, reacquainted myself with BMI, and am now researching avenues for licensing. The reason I'm here is to rejuvenate old connections and make new ones. With over 250 lyrics seeking their musical wings I need all the help I can get. I also want to find artists and bands interested in covering the songs I've already had a part in writing. I covet covers. Looking forward to expanding my network.
On the listening side I'm always interested in hearing how others express themselves, and where their talent takes them. It can open up vistas I would never have imagined by myself. On the creative side I've always looking for ways to speak, and connect, with the hearts of others. It gives me a sense of our common humanity in all our various aspects.
To keep writing until I die or the inspiration goes away. Whichever comes first.
I would give teeth to the proclamation that we are all created equal. We do, after all, share this world... kings don't have any divine rights... and billionaires should live like all of the rest of us. The concept money is a con job.
Rhapsody In Blue
Bob Dylan, Beatles, The Band, Keith Reid, John Lennon, Pete Seeger, Moody Blues, B.B. King, Rodney Crowell, Kris Kristofferson, Frank Zappa, and many others.
The need to speak to the world.
We need to make this world work for regular people. Be kind to each other.
I only do this as a poet. I feel that I'm sharing my heart with others.
Confusing. We're trying to figure out how to improve our lot.
I think it has the makings of being a great platform. It's now at the toddler stage.
The cacophony.
Some. Listen to local artists.
Persistence.
Okay. I've got one. Grant Peeples.