St Kilda

Episode #108: St Kilda  (Song starts at 7:42) The Autumn weather has turned a little wintery here in Melbourne. I played 6 gigs in 7 days last week, which was pretty major after no gigs in 2 years, with the Covid lockdowns going on.  The last 2 gigs I played were over the weekend and that was when the wintery breeze got up. These were outdoor gigs, so it was a bit nippy in the outdoor seated area.  It reminded me of the time I was in St Kilda years ago, sitting in a bar after doing an acting and singing class. It was a cold, late Autumn rainy evening. What did I do? Jumped on the tram & headed home. As the the tram rocked away in the night, I put pen to paper and wrote down the lyrics to the song featured on this episode. There has never been a time where I have regretted having a go at writing some lyrics. Or poetry. Or music. Or painted a seascape or drawing a cartoon. I do a fair bit of that as well...you can check out my seascapes and cartoons here: www.petepascoe.com I often start by writing down what is around me. So I observed the scene and made some mental notes... Us songwriters are constantly aware of our surroundings. My life is my art. It's a big commitment, I can tell you that.  Looking back, it's turned out to be great way to archive experiences I've had, in a way where the memories are accessible for others to appreciate.  I do think being alive on planet earth is an amazing opportunity. Each day is a gift.  Sure I have my ups and downs - we all do, but being so far down the artists path, I've noticed that all the music and art helps me.... while I create it, I'm completely in the moment.  I don't have time for all the little worries and concerns that can creep up on you over time when I'm doing art or music. So for a good chunk of my woken hours, as I'm fully engaged in the arts, I'm in the moment.  And that's where you need to be as a songwriter.  Just creating. Not judging - but definitely keeping an eye on what is coming through, editing as you go. There's are some funny anecdotes again this week - including the short time in my life when I became a thespian. I scored the lead in JC Superstar, back in the day... Ok, join me me now in St Kilda, Melbourne.  As I sit at my piano and chat, I'll tell you a few stories and along the way I'll show you how the song came together. The version of St Kilda on this episode was recorded by Pete Pascoe and The Patient Hum. It's on the album 'This World Offers You'.  You can check it out on www.petepascoe.bandcamp.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.