Overview

As Jeff Tweedy himself puts it, there are few creative acts more mysterious and magical than writing a song. But what if the goal wasn't so mysterious, and was actually achievable, and possible, for anyone who wants to add more magic and creativity in their life? That's something that anyone will be inspired to do after reading Jeff Tweedy's HOW TO WRITE ONE SONG. Why one song? Because the difference between one song and many songs isn't a cute semantic trick-it's an important distinction that can simplify a notoriously confusing art form. The idea of becoming a capital-S songwriter can seem daunting, but approached as as an isolated, self-contained event, guided by a master practitioner and teacher like Jeff, the mystery and fear subsides, and songwriting becomes an achievable, exciting pursuit. HOW TO WRITE ONE SONG is literally a step-by-step guide through Jeff's songwriting process, beginning with his inspiration (or lack of it, at times) and ending with a complete composition. Throughout it all, Jeff shares his reflections on the importance of finding lyrics in unexpected place, thinking about melody in a completely innovative way, and putting the two together to figure out when you're done. Overall, HOW TO WRITE ONE SONG illustrates the deep sense of wonder that remains at the heart of this curious, yet incredibly and fulfilling, artistic act, and will be the perfect gift for Jeff Tweedy's legions of fans.

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9780593183526

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Reviews

[How to Write One Song] is one part manual for composing a song, and one part philosophical inquiry into the human desire--the human need--to create. It's also an easy, delightful read. --Esquire.com [A] generous and thoughtful argument for carving time out for creativity. [Tweedy] attempts to demystify songwriting, offering both encouragement and practical tips that from anyone else might read as self-help. But instead, Tweedy strikes a tone that's more like that of an exuberant friend: You have to try this, man. And you'll want to. --Chicago Tribune How To Write One Song [is] a smart, funny, relentlessly practical guide to discovering the secret songwriter within. --GQ Frank, philosophical yet accessible. --People Jeff Tweedy is the perfect example of the consummate songwriter...Given his decades of success as an artist, the veteran musician has a lot of insight and advice to offer about writing a song. Offering tips and advice along the way, Tweedy guides readers on such things as starting a song and handling writer's block, a dreaded moment for any writer. --Forbes In this succinct guide, the Wilco (and before that, Uncle Tupelo) frontman walks you through pretty much every question you might have about writing a song of your own. From anxiety that you'll suck--you totally will, at first--to the fear of exposing your inner feelings--accept it, writing songs means getting vulnerable--Tweedy helps you get out of your head and in front of your notebook or voice recorder. We found ourselves highlighting and adding bookmarks. --Apple (Best Books of October) In four carefully crafted sections, renowned songwriter, musician, and performer Tweedy explains the mysteries of the 'ephemeral' process of a writing a song, from inspiration to process, suppressing one's annoying ego, and disappearing in the work .... Observing Tweedy's glowingly creative mind at work throughout this seriously fun book is truly illuminating. --Booklist

[How to Write One Song] is one part manual for composing a song, and one part philosophical inquiry into the human desire--the human need--to create. It's also an easy, delightful read. --Esquire.com [A] generous and thoughtful argument for carving time out for creativity. He attempts to demystify songwriting, offering both encouragement and practical tips that from anyone else might read as self-help. But instead, Tweedy strikes a tone that's more like that of an exuberant friend: You have to try this, man. And you'll want to. --Chicago Tribune How To Write One Song [is] a smart, funny, relentlessly practical guide to discovering the secret songwriter within. --GQ In this succinct guide, the Wilco (and before that, Uncle Tupelo) frontman walks you through pretty much every question you might have about writing a song of your own. From anxiety that you'll suck--you totally will, at first--to the fear of exposing your inner feelings--accept it, writing songs means getting vulnerable--Tweedy helps you get out of your head and in front of your notebook or voice recorder. We found ourselves highlighting and adding bookmarks. --Apple (Best Books of October) In four carefully crafted sections, renowned songwriter, musician, and performer Tweedy explains the mysteries of the 'ephemeral' process of a writing a song, from inspiration to process, suppressing one's annoying ego, and disappearing in the work .... Observing Tweedy's glowingly creative mind at work throughout this seriously fun book is truly illuminating. --Booklist

Author Information

As the founding member and leader of the American rock band Wilco, and before that the cofounder of the alt-country band Uncle Tupelo, Jeff Tweedy is one of contemporary American music's most accomplished songwriters, musicians, and performers. Since starting Wilco in 1994, Jeff has written original songs for ten Wilco albums as well as collaborations with Billy Bragg, Mavis Staples, and many others. He lives in Chicago with his family.

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