Welcome back to the KRB weekly blog. This week’s topic is on our writing process and the history of how our songs came to be. While I could keep this short and simply say “I write chords and they play along”, that would be lying. The truth of our writing process is far more complex. Yes, it can be said of a few of our songs that I write the chords and Mike plays along to the groove Wayne sets. But the majority of our catalog has come together in a far more interesting way. So, in the immortal words of Rogers and Hammerstein, “Lets start at the very beginning.” 

The first song I wrote was on my tenth grade social studies notebook. At 7 in the morning on an overly large window sill from the 3rd floor, I looked at a completely soaked baseball field and began writing. I had always heard stories of songwriters keeping a notebook with them at all times, even at a bedside table in case inspiration struck. I didn’t do that. Cue my social studies notebook. Sometimes, my process begins with a single moment of inspiration, usually at a most inopportune time. Sometimes, I force myself to set some time aside, brainstorm ideas, and run with them. Inspiration for lyrics is a frequent prayer as the music comes far easier than words. However, music comes with an added requirement for the created chord progression. The parts being played say just as much if not more than the lyrics. A story can be told through music alone. Stories have been told through the world’s most famous symphonies. Orchestral compositions from the founders of western music have conjured far greater emotion than many  of today’s artists. With every part, the meaning of the song can be found or lost. In writing our songs, I do not take that power lightly. The wrong chord change or misplaced bass line can instantly distract the listener. When I introduce a new song, it starts with a chord sheet and possible groove and bass lines. A first run through confirms the skeleton of the song or the need for a drawing board. And sometimes, our songs are a true group effort from every member. Trusting in each other’s expertise, we have had some of our best hours searching for exactly what the song needs. Listening to each part and letting each part be revealed by the song creates a comprehensive story for both music and lyrics. 

Then there are moments when the song doesn’t want to unveil itself. For a few songs in our repertoire, the parts were not easily located. Only through trial and error and constantly questioning the song were the proper notes made apparent. Like the fourth movement of Beethoven’s ninth symphony, we tried part after part, line after line, groove after groove, only to have the song shake its head in disapproval. But in listening closer, and keeping an open mind for all possibilities, sometimes the correct part is the product of fortunate mistake. A slipped fret or stick placement have produced some of our favorite musical moments. An interesting parallel from the world of music as with life, keeping an open mind and being present in life can bring the perfect mistake to its fullest fruition. People often speak about being in the right place at the right time as lucky. But it is extremely difficult to be lucky and absent at the same time. If life has not revealed itself, keep asking, keep trying new things, and keep listening. And when life doesn’t give up its secrets, stay present and place weight on the fortunate mistakes.