on songwriting:
'Writing songs is a process of letting your own conscience run loose and then reigning it in.
You spew out a bunch of phrases and words, almost at random.
Then you have to be kind of schizophrenic about it and go, "Ok, let's shape this stuff up and make a song out of it. Make a verse here. Make this rhyme with the other one."
Pure emotion is sitting there like a blob and you have to whip it into shape.'
- David Byrne, March 1986 -Playboy
on producing:
'A producer partnership that succeeds is much like a process of being in a professional therapists office.
There's movement only when the atmosphere is set for the right exchange of trust.
You'll know when you've given out the right amount of trust when what you get back is a song that breaks through the barriers and shows a technical achievement as well.
Love comes first, then skill. much Love, my friend.'
-my comment for Kalu, march 2006
on publishing:
The academic world compells its PhDs to publish regularly and routinely. If you're prolific to your friends in your apartment (babbling songs daily), then publish via Myspace etc. to the world!! Dooo it nooowww!
on playing:
"Give it away". Yah, but! Pre-meditate! ALL of your role models did! The "discovered talent" story is a myth. One time out of ten it will be used for you- the other nine times, against you. Plan t-o-g-e-t-h-e-r with your id, egos, and super egos. Then with your bands ids, egos, and super-egos, lol.
Immerse yourself in your product!
If your progress has been stopped just once with an excuse of money, then make a job in music as fast as humanly possible! You must eat, sleep, and breath your art.
Start your own following, then you can cinch that major label deal with a take-it-or-leave-it attitude.
When you actualize your right to expand in influence, you should already be doing what an assortment of individualized coaches will be doing for you (a.k.a. "support") when major capital rolls in and YOU are accountable.
We are unique in our craft, yes, but there is also such a thing as "terminally unique". Don't burrow a hole into the ground for you or your band.
Help others get what they want and you will get yours!!
Every endeavour is more about people above anything else! Learn about people first and you will write the script only your own Heart knows! *Peace*