King Edwards Park

Episode #66: King Edward's Park  ( Song starts at: 6.44 ) This song (# 380 ) reminds me of how it felt to be sitting in King Edwards Park all those years ago, back in New Plymouth, NZ.  I can recall the mood, the sounds of ' the ducks chattering in love', the sights ... just a few people strolling by, a monarch ( butterfly) floating by on the breeze... the most peaceful kind of scenes: late Autumn & the seasons seemed to have been paused. I was sitting on the old wooden park chair, writing the words that turned out to be the lyrics for this song.  It brought out some emotions as I listened back to this song. I starting thinking about how I moved to Melbourne ( from NZ). Looking back, There's been a lot of sacrifices I've made, to live this life as a songwriter.  I think, to a degree, it's necessary to really commit to an artist's path, to come up with art or music that is really ‘honest' You've got to live a little and 'find your voice' - the voice that is yours and yours only.  That's why my lyrics stand out to me. They ring true and I'm not trying to write like anyone else.  I feel the same about my music. To begin with, you start out by emulating the music and songwriters you admire. Then you sort of step out in faith and have a lash at writing something of your own. I think you get lucky initially, then you basically just work really, really hard at what you do, chipping away, being honest to yourself while playing and keeping all the theory in mind. Then one day you wake up and find you're consistently writing songs you really enjoy. And other people do too.  I love how you sort of get to dip into another world ( or different worlds ), constantly, as you close your eyes and wait for the next flash of inspiration to come through.  This is the way the words and the music comes through. Eg a monarch ( butterfly) floated by and I thought of a monarch as in a queen . So in the next line I cast myself as a jester - an entertainer- observing the day.  I really enjoy analysing the lyrics, recalling how they unfolded. I find it amazing how much I can recall.  For something different, as a songwriter, it can be a good idea to sort of not divulge everything -leave a sense of mystery. I did this in the bridge, talking about the night air so cool.... So join me today as I retrace the steps, looking at how the music & words came into being.  It really is all a bout the feeling . That's number one.  See if this song makes you feel anything in particular.... It's great fun to be a songwriter & It's nice to be sharing how I go about it.  You can check out the lyrics on my blog www.petepascoe.wordpress.com  Enjoy

Om Podcasten

Be entertained with a song and an extended chat, ranging from off the cuff banter/humour to life observations and song analysis. Welcome to Song and a Chat. This is the podcast where you'll have the pleasure of listening to a new song each week - plus, you'll get to step into the shoes of a songwriter : You'll hear about the background of the song, the inspiration, how/ why the song came into being.  After the song finishes, I'll go over the lyrics and finish each episode by looking at the song from a songwriting point of view. If you just want the song and no talk, the time where the song kicks in will be in the title of each episode. Hi, my name is Pete Pascoe. I am a performer and composer - I love lyrics and I love a melody. I play piano and sing. I have a number of albums to my name.  I have written over 800 songs. Of course, not all of these songs I written will make it onto an album. As a songwriter, the first step for a new song is ( or was ) to record a demo. Often you catch something unique in this demo - something that is often not replicated in the studio cut....a certain feeling.  If you're looking to be entertained, like listening to new songs and live recordings, I hope you'll enjoy what's on offer here. I have a stack of demos from which I'm sharing one on a weekly basis. Plus I relate anecdotes about my life as a piano man, from around the time each song was written. I treat each show as a mini intimate concert - with extended chat, which ranges from off the cuff banter/humour to life observations and analysis. The idea is : the song can be listened to for pleasure in its own right, or the listener may choose to also be entertained and informed by the story around the song.  I'm really enjoying recording these podcasts. Each week I look forward to getting behind the mic, setting aside my current musical and artistic projects and casting my mind back in time by focussing on a song I've composed. It's turning out to be a satisfying - and sometimes surprising - time of reflection and discovery for me.  The lyrics and the recordings take me straight back to when the song was written. Gain an insight into songwriting and listen to a series of snapshots of life of a songwriter / performer / artist.  It's a great way for me to archive a song and it's 'back story'. Music is to be shared. What point is there In having five songbooks and piles of demos gathering dust?  I welcome feedback - whether you're tuning in to enjoy music for music's sake, you enjoy finding out about the origins of songs, you're looking for tips on songwriting or perhaps you've got tips for me. Either way, I'll be learning plenty as I go along. Thanks for a having a read. Come on and join me for a listen.