Well, hello....

I was messing around on the internet and in my google searches, I came across something that I wrote nearly a year ago. The excerpt at the end of this blog is an overview of my thoughts on the process of songwriting -- I posted it on the Go Girls Music Magazine's website. Funny thing is, I mentioned the fact that I would be attending Berklee College of Music....and....well, here I am!
Anyway.... I hope everyone is doing well. My spring break was wonderfully reviving! I knew that I missed the greenery in CA, but I didn't know just how much until I got home. Last Saturday morning, I walked out onto my balcony and was welcomed immediately by wonderful familiarities: the sound of the southern CA birds chirping, the slight breeze, the sun kissing my skin, the stillness of my neighborhood (a stark contrast to my city studio apartment), and the scents from plants and trees I grew up climbing and running through. Ahhh.... yes. So THAT is what it feels like to REALLY take in a deep breath!!?? I'm definitely a fan of deep breathing, but with the pressure and stress that I put myself under, those kinds of luxuries don't come often enough. I missed my family, home, friends, sun, trees, and dog. :-) Sometimes it takes a conscious effort to slow down a bit to realize what is most important to you. My brother keeps making me prouder and prouder -- his band, The Lotus Disposition, played at the Whisky for the 2nd time! Ahh...I'm such a proud sister!

Anyhow....here's the excerpt I was talking about. You might note that I was an insomniac (apparently) last July, too..... Posting something at nearly 5 am? Brie, Brie, Brie... (she says shaking her head):

Re: Help with lyrics
« Reply #6 on: Jul 16th, 2003, 04:59am »
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Hello All!
I am so happy that we have this resource to come to! I've been impressed with every single response I've read on the subject of songwriting -- why? -- because in my opinion, there is no wrong way to write a song as long as it's coming from your internal self.
I've used a few different methods. The journal idea is fantastic for one major reason -- you will never capture your deepest emotions better than when you write while you are still feeling that pain, joy, anger, fear, hopelessness, or confusion, etc. The material you write when you are in the midst of those times will be the rishest in emotion and soulful honesty. That way, you can go back, as many of you have already mentioned, and pick out things that catch your eye. Also, re-reading these entries is a really good way to travel back in time if you are writing the song after the fact. Re-experiencing it through your own words will make writing the song much easier and more realistic.
I write more lyrics than I do actual music simply because it's what I'm fastest at (and I love clever and artistic writing). I'm going to be transfering to Berklee College of Music this fall where I'll gain more ability to notate at the same rate as melody/harmony ideas race through my head. It can drive you nuts. If this is a problem for any of you, then be sure to carry a small tape recorder with you at all times. Sometimes you'll get a random melody stuck in your head out of nowhere, and you'll want to record it right then and there. That way you won't forget it. I think we can all agree that one of the worst feelings in the world is to forget a song idea that could have been fantastic had you written it down or recorded it. Keep small scraps of paper and a pen/pencil with you everywhere you go. I've had times where I had to jot down phrasing ideas while waiting for a red traffic light to turn green.
As far as the order goes, sometimes I come up with lyrics and music separately, but most times, they seem to come to me as one combined sound. The sound of the chords and feel of the music usually take my soul down the right path and I just start singing what I feel.
After all, Ella Fitzgerald did say, "I sing what I feel."