Ah, well I think I should mention that it’s February. I love February, cause February means “FAWM”. And what is FAWM? FAWM is “February is Album Writing Month” which sounds very spooky and scary. It’s not really writing an “album” (although some do), it’s writing ‘an album’s worth’ of songs. Fourteen to be precise. Fourteen songs in 28 days is the goal.The first time I tried this, I think I managed about two songs in the month, lol. The next year, I wrote about 6 or 7, and then I felt… there’s no way I can write anything else. And then I managed to get to 11. And then I thought, very seriously, there’s nothing left. No ideas, no thoughts, nothing. Hopeless. But somehow I got to the end of the month and had 15 song ideas or instruments sketched out and posted on my FAWM page. If it hadn’t been for the challenge, I never would have tried to push against that block.
Not everything I write is earth shatteringly good either. And that’s kinda the point. A whole boatload of creative types collectively join in the madness known as FAWM and write songs about all manner of things. I find that community to be tremendously inspiring and fun. I go to look at what other people are coming up with, and I marvel at their unique perspective, their individual turn of phrase, the creative way they use voice, instrument, odd sounds, effects, etc when recording their worktapes.
As I go to bed today, Feb 3rd, I’ve completed two spooky instrumentals and one song. I have the lyrics and melody for another that I’ll record tomorrow. It’s funny cause before Feb 1st I felt very uninspired and wasn’t sure how I would fair as the month began. What changed? Maybe just jumping in the deep end with everyone else made it feel like fun. Or maybe I just pushed through that ‘no ideas’ block again. Thanks FAWM.
If you want to join in:
http://www.fawm.org
And my first track is here:
http://www.reverbnation.com/tunepak/2339403
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6 comments:
Okay, I'm up for a challenge... been procrastinating long enough. this just could be the thing to get me motivated! Thanks for the invitation.
Listened to your track and definitely "felt" something spooky. Good job-glad I didn't listen before going to bed!
I've seen FAWM somewhere before and now I know what it is. I'm heading over there. Thanks.
Cool!!! Leave a note on my page @ http://fawm.org/fawmers/vikkiflawith/ after you sign up :D
Oooh! This sounds fun. Can't wait to hear what else you come up with. Good luck with the rest!
I shall sit out this one. If I can finish the one short song I've been working on since the end of December by the end of February, I'll be happy. :)
Sometimes the most important step to writing brilliantly is to allow yourself to write badly. It's a great way to free yourself of writer's block. Just decide to write the worst thing you can think of.
And then keep writing and writing and writing. And at a separate time edit and hone and polish.
FAWM is a great exercise in just writing and writing. Brilliant!
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