Neil Diamond: “Performing is the easiest part of what I do, and songwriting is the hardest.”
I saw Neil Diamond on American Idol recently. Yes I watch american Idol. I like to see if the judges and I agree. I find I agree with Simon a lot. I read this quote today and it really struck me. I’ve performed a lot in the last several years and written less than ever. Performing is an art in itself which I can and will go on about, but sometimes I get out of the habit of songwriting. Why is it that the things we love the most, that can give us joy, that express some wonderful piece of us, are so easy to not do?
Sometimes writing does feel hard, but that’s just the noise in my head. It’s that noise that gets in the way of the words. Sometimes the first step is to just get quiet. Be available for something to come.
I’ll be recording a new record in July, so I’m thinking about writing right now. I’ve been going through old songs, both finished and not, looking for gold. I found a thing or 2. I’ll be creating a few demos in the coming weeks and I’ll post something. And I’ll be writing.
Speaking of posts, if you go to www.hi-iqmusic.com you’ll find 2 live performances from my studio in Austin. we’ll be launching more fun stuff on hi-iq soon, so stay tuned for that. One of the songs here is “Houston” which I wrote several years ago in Nashville. The other is “18 Days of Rain” written by Liz rose and my good friend and Walt Wilkins. I’ve been proudly sharing stages with Walt Wilkins and the Mystiqueros for 2 years now and when it comes to the art of songwriting, Walt is up there with the best.
So, what’s the point? Well, I think agree with Neil. At least today. I guess It makes me feel better that Neil has to work at it too. And now it’s time to get to work. I’ll share whatever songs and insights come along the way. And I’ll think of Neil Diamond on American Idol. A lifetime. A legacy of music. He was poised. Peaceful and gracious. I can only hope to be that cool one day.
Tags: 3 Comments
3 responses so far ↓
OK I am hearing you on that noise “in my head” that’s in the way. Tell me how to “get quiet”
re Neil Diamond, almost unknown to this generation. Its great to see him introduced to that audience.
re Simon Cowell, I am often called “Simon Cowell” mostly as a criticism but I say “If I like everything, then what good is my opinion”
PEACE
Oh man, the noise the noise. How do you get quiet?
There’s many different methods. Meditation is always good. There’s a technique called EFT, (emotional freedom technique). Google it. Or check out my friends Bob Doyle at http://www.boundlessliving.com and Joe Vitale at http://www.mrfire.com
They are both masters of quieting the noise. Keep checking my posts cause I’ll talk about this more and thanks for asking.
Thanks Bill,
I did all three. Then Signed up. Downloaded some very helpful information.