Graham Reid | | 2 min read
Every year many of the students in Auckland University's popular music course enter a Songwriter of the Year competition in which they perform their original songs backed by a professional band (and often with some fellow students pitching in).
This year's final was at the Raye Freedman Arts Centre on Thursday Sept 20 and Elsewhere thought we should throw the same questionnaire at the students as we did with the Apra Silver Scroll nominees (see here). Of course many of these students hadn't recorded their music (yet) so we can't post a track.
Here is Stevii Hill whose sound has been described as 'delicate and dreamy'. Her music provides an emotional outlet as her lyrics tiptoe around her personal experiences. When she is performing she brings a confident stage presence with which she captures her audience(check her facebook page here)
The first song which really affected you was . . .
First song I remember falling in love with was Rain by Dragon, I would sing that chorus out as loud as I could, made me feel all good inside.
Your first (possibly embarrassing) role models in music were . . .
Shania Twain, S-Club ,Venga Boys … etc (typical 90's girl)
The one songwriter you will always listen to, even if they disappointed you previously, is?
Julia Deans
As songwriters: Lennon-McCartney or Jagger-Richards; kd lang or Katy Perry; Madonna or Michael Jackson; Prince or Pink?
Lennon-McCartney! Katy Perry! Michael Jackson! Pink!
The three songs (yours, or by others) you would love everyone to hear because they are well crafted are . . .
The Bad In Each Other- Feist; Cameo Lover- Kimbra; The Shape You're In- Catherine Feeny
Melody first? Words or phrase first? Simultaneous?
A bit of everything… I usually get a line of lyric or a guitar riff to get me started and the rest is history.
The best book on music or musicians you have read is . . .
Ozzy Osbourne's Autobiography. I couldn't put it down, it was so damn hilarious!
If you could co-write with anyone it would be . . .
Feist!
The three songs you'd insist anybody listen to because they might understand your songwriting style better are . . .
So hard to choose! But these artists represent different aspects of my songwriting... Blowing in the Wind - Bob Dylan; Always On This Line - Sarah Blasko; Fall at Your Feet - Crowded House
The last CD or vinyl album you bought was . . . (And your most recent downloads include . . .)
Feist- Metals was the last CD I bought… Purity Ring- Shrines
One song, royalties for life, never have to work again. The song by anyone, yourself included, which wouldn't embarrass you would be . . .
Hmmm… Imagine- John Lennon
One line (or couplet) from a song -- yours or someone else's -- which you think is just a stone cold winner is . . .
"crossed wire and foiled ire is the house that we live in, oh so anesthetized, we don't feel the cold begin" - Julia Deans. Such a feat to use the word anesthetized!
Songwriting: what's the ratio of inspiration/perspiration?
60 Inspiration: 40 Perspiration. Definitely need the inspiration…puts the magic into the song and gets the ball rolling, but i think the editing process is really important too.
Ever had a song come to you fully-formed like it dropped into your lap?
Yes! I heard it in my head, lyrics and all, as if i'd just heard it on the radio. Ran to my guitar and then it appeared. Also, sometimes I get so carried away that a song forms without me remembering writing it.
And finally, in the nature of press conferences in Japan, “Can you tell me please why this is your best song ever?”
This is my best song ever because it will make you swoon!
To read the responses of other finalists in this competition go here.
To book tickets for the final: phone: 09 361 1000 or 0508 iTICKET If you are calling from outside of Auckland. Service fees may apply.
Concession may be claimed on production of suitable ID. $15 full price / $10 concessions / $5 school students
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