After many years involved in music both writing and performing songs, Tyler Earle is now hoping to forge a career for himself as a songwriter/producer. He talks exclusively to Suite101 about songwriting and how his own projects are going so far.
Suite: Do you think anyone can write a song?
Earle: "That’s a tough one, I reckon everyone has a song in them somewhere; it's just about being able to express it in the right way."
Suite: What would you say are the essential tools of the trade?
Earle: "Creativity! Determination! Talent! Also some of the best songwriters in the world don't play instruments so don't get bogged down trying to learn, but it will help you on your way. Learning the guitar opened a lot more creativity for me, it's very different to writing songs with the piano. You need a very thick skin too. I've had so many conflicting responses to my songs. You just have to believe in yourself."
Suite: How would you describe song writing and production to someone?
Earle: "Song writing is the actual song, the lyrics and top melody. The production is all the parts around the main song, the instruments that build up the whole finished product. I always think that you know you've got a great song if it doesn't rely on the production to make it good. It should sound good stripped down when it's just acoustic guitar and voice for example."
Suite: Do you prefer one over the other?
Earle: "I think they both go hand in hand. I enjoy writing the song, but then I also enjoy building it up and having fun with the production- adding other little touches."
Suite: Was song writing a natural progression after learning the piano/keyboard?
Earle: "I think so. I was always interested in melody and how songs were put together, plus all the classical pieces and scales got a bit too much for me. I wanted to branch out and discover other sounds and instruments."
Suite: Has it helped having been in the industry as a performer before launching in to song writing/production?
Earle: "On the contacts side I'd say yes. Being in a band for 4 years beforehand, I've built up a good list of contacts to bombard with my songs. I wouldn't say that it would help with my creativity though, that just comes from another dimension."
Suite: How would you describe your musical style and influences?
Earle: "I listen to all types of music, everything, and draw inspiration from that. I'll come up with a musical phrase that sounds familiar, then I'll realise further down the line that it's from some classical piece or some obscure music I'd heard. I think it limits you when you say you're only interested in a particular style. If you want to be a songwriter you need to be ready for anything."
Tyler is receieving strong interest from publishers, with one of his compositions appearing on Actor/Singer Leon Lopez's debut album in 2008. Those wishing to pursue a career in songwriting can find help and support from books, such as those below;
- The Craft and Business of Songwriting by John Braheny.
- How To Write a Hit Song: The Complete Guide to Writing and Marketing Chart-topping Lyrics and Music by Molly Ann Leikin.
For help with business matters, contact professional industry organisations like The Performing Rights Society or Musicians Union in the United Kingdom.
Lauren John - Lauren is a freelance writer from Chelmsford in Essex. She has been writing professionally since graduating from University with a Higher ...
