Yesterdays Race

Episode #107: Yesterday’s Race    (Song starts 2:48) Hi there. This is the podcast where you can sit back, be entertained and informed and - learn a little about the art of songwriting.  I make a point of saying I'm not here to tell you how to write a song- but I am going to share how I write a song. I think it's important to keep an eye on your surroundings. Relaxing, subdued lighting, maybe ‘shining up’ your creative space is a good idea. I have a collection of all sorts of knick- knacks in my studio. Bits of driftwood, ceramic flying pigs & art on the walls. The thing that brings the room together is: all these odds and ends and art all speak to me emotionally. So therefore, if I'm sitting in an environment like that, there's a good chance that my mood is going to be affected by some of my surroundings... Creative and relaxed. It's a great combination, in fact, I'd say these two elements are crucial when it comes to trying to come up with something that’s original. Yesterday's Race is song #611. I enjoyed singing this song at a gig this week. It's a relatively brief understated sort of song with a big message.  I wrote it - and I deliver it -  in an understated manner. Sometimes quietly spoken words can be more effective than raising your voice. In fact most often, I think. On that note, this song sort of paints a picture of hope. The lyrics ‘tell it like it is’, the state of the world, the fact that we need to change.  Back in my 20s I read a book that crystallised for me the thought that if change is to take place - real change - it'll have to come from the young people coming through. And we'll have to educate them early on before on repeated patterns take a hold.  These days, I’m enjoying teaching young people how to play the piano. I've been doing that for about 19 years now. I'm working away on producing educational video courses and ebooks on piano, composition, (and seascape painting and cartooning by the way). So in my own quiet way, I'm bringing a lot of music and art into the world. And I'm well on my way to sharing my creative processes.  Along the way, I'm trying to do my bit to make the world a better (more peaceful) place. I'm really pleased with the way this podcast has developed.  I hope you enjoy this gentle episode.  My blog that in mention is www.petepascoe.wordpress.com .  I have 13 albums streaming now including www.petepascoe.bandcamp.com.  Yesterday's Race is from the piano vocal album The Long Haul. 

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.