Questions + Answers

From Brenda F.

My son plays guitar (and other instruments) sings and writes songs. I love his songs.  All of them.  He is a storyteller.  But I’m his mother and I know I also need to likely give him some helpful critique. As a songwriter, in your early days, what was the nature of the feedback you found most useful? 

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Dear Brenda,

Thank you for this question.

I think the best feedback is what the audience says. Guy Clark reportedly said, “It’s not a song until you play it for people.”

I’m so glad you love all of your son’s songs. Everyone needs someone who loves everything they do no matter what. And indeed, all of your son’s songs may be great. You didn’t tell me how old he is, but if he is old enough and isn’t doing it already, maybe he could find an open mic night somewhere and try out some tunes in front of an audience. As technology-based as everything is, one thing we can’t experience at home is live performance. That exchange of energy cannot be replicated. And it cannot be faked.

An audience will give him the honest feedback he most likely needs.

As far as what sort of feedback I received, it was mostly industry-based at first. I was signed to a publishing deal when I was twenty-four years old. But I know it wasn’t because I was a brilliant songwriter, it was because I could sing, I was young and attractive, and I showed great promise as a writer. So that was a different thing entirely than what I think you’re talking about. Feel free to send a follow up if not, and leave questions in the comments.

It’s hard to say how people get heard these days. It’s open season, the wild wild west, as far as I can tell. You can make a record in your bedroom and make a lot of money if you get on the right playlist or have a large TicTok presence. No one really seems to know what will and won’t work. So I say, go for it. Make sure you own your work. Make sure you know where the money is going.

I love these conversations.

Y’all have a great weekend. And again, if there is more anyone wants to talk about, leave it in the comments and I’ll try to answer.

Love,

Allison