Originally Posted by Michael Downing
First of all, asking if songwriting is dead on a songwriting website is a bit preposterous.

Second, this is a place for real people with real names to share ideas and build community. December Rock Star, I encourage you to not post anonymously.

And in the spirit of this thread (stating opinion as fact): songwriting craft is only a tool to create decent songs when inspiration alone won't carry the day. Some days we sit down to write because we want to write... some days because we have to write. We communicate ideas/sentiments/etc... in song, not how crafty our lyrics are. If they happen to be crafty, then more power to you. Crafty writing is a means to an end, not the end itself.

Does it matter if Yesterday or Fast Car are crafty? No. Their success and the mark they left on our musical heritage speak for themselves. They communicated to the world... and in the case of Yesterday, we are still talking about it some 50 years later.

Mike D.


Well I think you are correct, When I did post it, I didnt mean it as an attack on anyones pursuit of songwriting, as I still write myself. All it simply asked if songwrintg as a pure art is gone, seems to be. obviously songs are needed.

it's synonmous with asking if singing matters in todays music. I dont think anyone will stop singing or be offended, they would simply say what they hear.

or does being a great drummer matter anymore? Does anybody care about a great drummer? I dont think so being we have all kinds of drum software. But does that mean drumming should go away no?

I understand your point on craft in the end it dont matter, if success is the goal. if writing a great crafted song is the goal, thats a different thing.

If anyone wants to know me they can call me.

I dont know anybody here anyway. if its a problem for u I can post on songramp.

Im here to talk songwriting not start a tea club.

I gave my 411 to another site and was kick off anyway because one admin didnt like me. nobody stuck their neck out for me either, so it didnt really matter who i was, they werent friends.

Thanks for your thoughts.