Due to the coronavirus pandemic affecting the university’s ability to deliver the usual course, my songwriting journey this semester consisted primarily of individual exploration, so my journals will be an honest reflection on how I grew as a musician and a writer based on the lessons I learnt from the songs I fell in love with in the first half of 2020.
On the Thursday of Week 1, I went to American art pop artist Weyes Blood’s concert at the Adelaide Festival Centre. Her rich textural approach, delicate yet poignant voice, and innovative chord usage were all very impressive, but what made the biggest impression on me was how impactful the drummer was in his playing without being needlessly theatrical or stealing the limelight. While most of the songs were mid-tempo or slower, his reserved manner still retained rhythmic interest – then when called upon to contribute to the bombast during the chaotic breakdown of “Movies”, he did so with aplomb. His styling has definitely influenced my attitude to drumming vis-a-vis effectively accompanying a band.
Each week, I will nominate the song that has the most impact on me, and I’m going to give it the highly original title of Song Of The Week. This week it’s “Everyday” by Weyes Blood – the themes of needing love to dissuade your own inner doubt spoke to me. My favourite part is this lyrical section:
“The other night, I was at a party
Someone sincerely looked at me
Said, ‘Is this the end of all monogamy?’
I said, “Not today. Then again, you might be right…
Then again, sleep the night…”1
1Weyes Blood. “Everyday”. Titanic Rising. Sub Pop, 2019.
Jachin's Songwriting and Performance Journal 