Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Joe Frey on April 29, 2012 at 8:40pm

some of my early work/poetry can easily be arranged for music. In fact, I have at least one or two of my poems that are now converted into an actual song. It was fun to hear it in its final form once it was re-vamped a bit and the chorus was spruced up a bit, more to the 'voice' of the band who performed it.

I'd like to have a colaboration with a photographer with poems and photos as a book. I'd also like to work more with putting some of my poems to music again.

How about you Haseena?

Permalink Reply by Haseena Patel on April 30, 2012 at 1:00pm

The idea about collaborating with a photographer is awesome!  Some time ago I was watching The Voice (I love reality TV where you can watch real, live people experiencing personal growth, going after their dreams and then achieving them) and I was inspired to write a song.  I hummed the tune I had in my head and wrote some lyrics to go with it.  Of course, I don't have any experience in this field and don't know if my lyrics are good or if they sound sappy - but I do have the feeling that the lyrics do have some very bright moments!  Wish I knew a musician who could try the song out for me! 

There is something magical about the performing arts which we writers don't have in our process.  I love being a writer, but with the performing arts, as with the sports field, when you touch people with your music, you are there to see their reactions first hand.  That must be an incredible feeling! 

Permalink Reply by Joe Frey on May 1, 2012 at 9:31am

I've done a few projects (individually) with photos and poems together and I think it works well. One of my poems is in a calendar (2009) and another one is online somewhere, I forget the whereabouts. You're right, something about the performing arts that intrigues me too. I think it might be the way you are able to see reactions first-hand I agree.

Having done poetry readings in schools, I have come close to the performing arts. I saw a few snippets of Charles Bukowski's poetry readings and I saw the documentary "Born Into This"; he may not be the most formal, professional poet, but he sure did get out there, the exposure he needed, he got! That was a performance.

Permalink Reply by John Ray on April 29, 2012 at 9:31pm

Uh, sit down with a guitar and start.  That's one way.  I've done it, the results never made me any money, but it is one way and you can do it now and it doesn't cost much.

Permalink Reply by Haseena Patel on April 30, 2012 at 1:03pm

This is true, John.  Of course, I'm very rusty at guitar...perhaps I should try it with the piano.  But I wouldn't know if I'm any good at it because I don't really know the standard that's expected.  If I was good at writing song lyrics, I would definitely continue since there are musicians starting out who find it difficult to write their own songs.  

Permalink Reply by John Ray on April 30, 2012 at 3:16pm

Sure with piano.  Don't worry about any standard, just do you like it?  Its your song to your poem.  You can always try getting someone to help you later, but first try it yourself.  What's to lose?

Permalink Reply by Margaret Sue Turner Wright on April 30, 2012 at 12:32am

Yes Haseena, writing music is something my husband and I have done for years just for fun, and we always made up the lyrics as well as the melodies. Our 21 year old  son is doing this now and learned everything we could teach him on the guitar and now we can barely keep up with him.The lyrics seem to come thru with the song though I have written poems and later put them to music on the guitar.

Permalink Reply by Haseena Patel on April 30, 2012 at 1:04pm

That's wonderful, Margaret!!  Especially that you, your husband and your son have something in common that you all enjoy!

Permalink Reply by Ronald R. Hanna on April 30, 2012 at 1:05pm

Written songs but mostly like poetry.  When I did songs (not for airing) I usually had something specific to say to a specific (read YOUNG) listener.  Never did anything with the songs, but published book of poetry.

Permalink Reply by jeff herman on April 30, 2012 at 5:37pm

I compose and sing songs all the time. Just ask my dogs; or my wife who generally covers her ears until I stop. I find it very relaxing. I remember the good ones. But writing them down feels like losing that sense of freedom. Besides, none of them should ever leave my house. 

Permalink Reply by jeff herman on May 2, 2012 at 11:54am

Poems without music are like a man without a woman. In houses of worship, watch the difference between mere recitation and liberal chanting. 

Permalink Reply by Haseena Patel on May 3, 2012 at 3:15pm

Interesting perspective, Jeff...

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