#songwriting

#songwriting

Like some ancient astrologer connecting the stars into constellations to tell epic stories of grief and love, Adrienne Lenker traces her memories into songs that define the vast cosmology of Big Thief. Clothespins strewn on the floor commemorate a blossoming friendship, the kind that brings the warmth of your childhood home rushing back into your heart. The image of a lover drinking a beer in the yard evokes the yearning and resentment you feel for someone who loves you carelessly.

Having made two albums with a chamber vibe, I was thinking, Where do I go from here? I started hearing your Suedes and Saint Etiennes, and Blur were referencing stuff from the 60s and 70s too. I could see the way the wind was blowing. That sounds quite knowing, but I already loved John Barry, the Kinks, Adam Faith and, of course, Scott Walker. I'd come up with a very eurocentric chord sequence, not the type you get in rock'n'roll, almost slightly Pet Shop Boys.

Not all the politicking on Gung Ho landed right Stange Messengers is unbearably clumsy but Glitter in Their Eyes' plea for a younger generation not to get hooked on materialism is impressively punchy and potent, abetted by the presence on guitar of her old sparring partner, Television's Tom Verlaine. Like its predecessor, Gone Again, Peace and Noise was an album awash with loss and mourning.

Yet, before greeting his highly appreciative audience - and delivering an amazing 2-hour-plus show of some of the best music in rock 'n' roll history at the 2025 BottleRock Napa Valley - the legendary guitarist for The Doors would sit down backstage with me for an exclusive interview. It was an absolute honor for this massive Doors fan to chat with the 79-year-old Los Angeles native, who is one of rock's finest guitarists and arguably an even better songwriter.

(Fatherhood) changes everything, the lens you see every bit of life through just changes and priorities shift," Nick Jonas said. "As a songwriter and as an artist, I think you just look at the world very differently and we've been fortunate enough to be able to tell some of our stories about our journey as fathers and husbands.

Paul Simon's "The Afterlife" presents an amusing vision of heaven, likening it to waiting in line at the DMV and suggests pickup lines fail even past life.

Matt Berninger praised Taylor Swift as one of the best lyricists of her generation, highlighting how her songs create a deep connection with listeners.

Amunaso reflects on her recording process, emphasising the importance of creating a space to fully embrace the emotions stirred by her music. "I love to record vocals at home. It's where I can take my time and truly connect with what I'm feeling," she explains.

"A breakup or an abandonment of any kind means your life no longer has anything to do with theirs. Their successes don't mean you're losing, and their failures don't mean you're winning."

Springsteen's latest release, "Blind Spot," is the first song from the previously shelved "Streets of Philadelphia Sessions," showcasing his unique musical experimentation.

Campbell reflects on how a simple four-track recording at home – created just for fun – laid the foundation for 'Refugee.' The music flowed naturally from his love for Albert King's guitar sound.