Brian Fallon: Songwriting Not Exactly Easy for Him

from http://www.theoaklandpress.com/articles/2012/09/12/entertainment/doc504fb7c64f728989188189.txt

Brian Fallon has released four albums during the past five years with his band the Gaslight Anthem — including this year’s “Handwritten” — plus one with his side project, the Horrible Crowes.

But if that makes him seem prolific, Fallon says songwriting is not exactly easy for him.

“I don’t get hit with these lightning bolts of inspiration where you have to run and find paper. With me it’s more difficult,” says Fallon, 32, who launched the Gaslight Anthem during 2006 in New Jersey and has won the favor of, among others, Bruce Springsteen, who’s guested with the group and also featured Fallon on his 2010 DVD “London Calling Live in Hyde Park.”

Thanks for sharing, Bobby!

enola wrote:

Thanks for sharing, Bobby!

You're welcome

That was great. I love hearing peoples methods of writing. Thanks!

Thanks for posting. It always interests me how different artists write their lyrics; as someone who is trying to hone their own skills, it makes intersting reading to see how the best write theirs.

I find it interesting also how his system is a long arduous one, which may or may not turn into songs, but all his lyrics are so consistent.

Brian in 2012: “I don’t get hit with these lightning bolts of inspiration where you have to run and find paper. With me it’s more difficult.”

Brian in 2009: "Songwriting is one of those old school preacher things, I think. I feel like singers and preachers get smacked by some kinda crazy lightning right before they deliver; because I'm completely oblivious if you asked me how to write a song, it just happens, I can't take the credit for it, and then bang: hallelujah." (VoxAmps.com)

steady now steady now wrote:

Brian in 2012: “I don’t get hit with these lightning bolts of inspiration where you have to run and find paper. With me it’s more difficult.”

Brian in 2009: "Songwriting is one of those old school preacher things, I think. I feel like singers and preachers get smacked by some kinda crazy lightning right before they deliver; because I'm completely oblivious if you asked me how to write a song, it just happens, I can't take the credit for it, and then bang: hallelujah." (VoxAmps.com)

Yeah, that's kinda weird . Maybe it has changed within the last years..I mean, maybe in the first years of the bands' existence it felt really easy for him because there were soo many topics, which he -never wrote- but always wanted to write songs about and he was full of ideas/inspiration and everything. Now after he has always written a few dozens of songs (+ The Horrible Crowes' ) there might be the inspiration missing. Could be also connected to the growing expectations and the pressure of the listeners that in secret Brian is more worried if the songs are good enough (eventhough he said “For the first time, I’m not scared that people aren’t going to like this record… If you want to hang with us, you’ve got to grow with us. That’s the deal.” that a few months ago and even something similar to that in the interview). These are just assumptions now, but the partially new writing style could also play a role.

OMG Brian contradicted himself, alert the media, (this is meant jokingly not as a bitchy sarcastic comment)

Thomas you're probably right. I bet he's focusing more now on writing things that work well as a whole and getting to the point, etc. Basically like any writer who learns over time how to 'cut out the fat' so to speak. It's more work but it results in a more refined product. Which, you know, could be a good or bad thing. And yeah I mean I'm sure he's looking to write about different things. Considering he's writing again already I'd say it's not for lack of ideas but maybe "how do I take this idea to the next level". Natural talent/luck takes you only so far then comes hard work.

StitchesOnTheRadio wrote:

And yeah I mean I'm sure he's looking to write about different things. Considering he's writing again already I'd say it's not for lack of ideas but maybe "how do I take this idea to the next level". Natural talent/luck takes you only so far then comes hard work.

Yeah, that's what I tried to express, you're phrasing is what I was looking for, great ..sometimes my english is not enough to couch things..

I'm not surprised he's changed his answer to how he writes songs. 2009 was the answer of an eager-eyed young man thrilled to be in a band that was taking off. 2012 is the answer of a more jaded, cynical man who seems paranoid that fans will put him up on a pedestal.

In 2009 Brian was all, "woohoo! The magic of rock 'n' roll! The '59 Sound is a mythical rock 'n' roll place where Sam Cooke and Maria dance to Blue Note records!"

In 2012 Brian's now like, "Fuck you if you think I"m different than you. I'm not different. I am you. This is hard work and it's my job but I do it anyway."

JackStreetcar wrote:

I'm not surprised he's changed his answer to how he writes songs. 2009 was the answer of an eager-eyed young man thrilled to be in a band that was taking off. 2012 is the answer of a more jaded, cynical man who seems paranoid that fans will put him up on a pedestal.

In 2009 Brian was all, "woohoo! The magic of rock 'n' roll! The '59 Sound is a mythical rock 'n' roll place where Sam Cooke and Maria dance to Blue Note records!"

In 2012 Brian's now like, "Fuck you if you think I"m different than you. I'm not different. I am you. This is hard work and it's my job but I do it anyway."

well said my man, well said !