Rafael @rafaelcasi:
Hi, Alanis, I love you, how is the process of writing songs for you? Thanks.
Alanis:
i usually fill journals full of things i’d like to write about
they can be things i know i need to vent about, or stories, or an idea that i know i need to write about in order to gain clarity, knowing that songwriting is only cathartic (not healing in and of itself, more on this later…)
anything that wakes me up at night, or compels me to grab my journal
i used to only write longhand
but about 5 years ago i slowwwly started to use my laptop more when writing songs.
and now i split it 50-50 between handwriting (old school!) and typing.
(at first i felt the keys disconnected me from the content, but it has since shifted).
sometimes i have no idea what i want to write about, and i step back and let the music dictate what the story/conversation will be–the music will literally write the words as i come up with melodies.
and sometimes a song starts with one line, or a group of words that feel resonant, and that one line will kickstart the whole song
i find myself using both sides of my brain when i write.
they can help each other. if the right side (the side that has the music dictate the words) has had its’ moment and is taking a break,
i switch to the left side (the more cognitive part of my brain…the one that requires me to think back, and tell the story in a linear way, fill in any of the gaps in the story)
i jump between the music/melody and pin drop silence a lot when i write.
they both help the process along, depending upon each other.
when it is “music writing the words” the melodies will come out at the same time as the words, and it is a very stream of consciousness style.
as though i am having a musical conversation, usually one on one, with the person or persons the song is about.
when it is the story being told from a more detailed place, the words will dictate the melody.
(i am reminded of the line “can blindly continued fear-induced regurgitated life-denying tradition be overcome” in the song “these are the thoughts” on the mtv unplugged record. a daunting line to fit into music, but it worked!)
regardless of which part of the brain (and heart, soul, blood, sweat, tears n fears 
leads the way, it is usually an intensely focused Short amount of time.
usually a song is written within 20 minutes.
i find that if i need to drag out the process, the process is not fluid enough to be the kind of song i enjoy listening to
i love the combo: effort-full and engaged, but Fast!
i don’t believe in writer’s block.
i simply stop if it’s not coming….seeing it as a sign that i need to distract myself or focus on something else.
usually i need to go get a sandwich or relax with friends and take a break.
100 percent of the time, when i listen to that impulse to take a break, i come back fully inspired.
i also have to make sure i care deeply about the content, or there will not be enough fuel to have the song come through quickly.
in the end, the writing process requires me to be open minded, open hearted, fully engaged and awake, and to take on the role of being the humble scribe…taking dictation, and getting out of the way.
what that means is “no censoring, no editing, until later, if at all.”
i feel blessed that this art moves through me in the way it does
and while i rely on it, i don’t take it for granted
big hug x
alanis
That’s an excellent system for writing songs coming from an excellent songwriter. Your apprentices on “The Voice” will be learning from a True artist.
Thank You for answering Rafael’s question.
Au Revoir……….
Your answer was so complete, thanks Alanis…it is really an art to be a songwriter….and really you are the best for me!!!!
Hello Alanis, I was wondering how your son has played a role in any of your previous writing?
Hey Alanis, I can’t wait for some of your new music to debut, is there any chance that you will do meet n greets at your concerts or for any kind of contests? PLEASE
When i write, i think of my emptiness, this dark hole inside, that seems to pull my flesh and bones in, like it was trying to turn me inside out(i mean ‘outside in’ rsrsrsr), i try to scream this emptiness, like i was in front of God, i try to tell Him how i feel…
Amazing amazing!
the cathartic expression of the authentic self..or as I sometimes refer to it as the “sleeping storms”, you never know what you’re going to get…:)
Great answer!!!!!!!!!!
Hi Alanis, you´re so smart and you write with your soul and your essence. is for that you´re music is so important to me. Come back to Colombia Please.
nice thats real cool and insightful . i love your not holding back fearless fear rawness:)!
when i journal i find that im depressed a lot. i’ve been going through a lot but im a rezilient rooster. your gift and love is a great help and inviting and comforting. BRILLIANT!!!
i love you Alanis
I just got off work (driving a public bus and if I had some of those things going on like the letter up above the Accident 300 small incidents = 29 minor Accidents = 1 Major Accidents applies, I know because as far as I’m concerned I lived it for myself, overs the years not being aware of what I’m doing that is at the incident, tough enough as it is, everyone would agree) and this is just what I was going to blog here about. I have looked at the Craigs List a couple of times and I’m thinking why not offer my help with songs writting, as is? I sure somebody will get over me not have perfected any skill with a musical instrument or voice lessons. I’m 51 and I guess I’d be slow on the tours, if any or like a like the Commnity College ScreenWriter instructor said in class, it is real rare that writers meet the actors (male and female). I feel, I’m sorry I’m different and I know what to do with rejection, actually I do expect it because I refuse to tell anyone what’s on my mind, Capitolistic society, but I love life and I wish I wasn’t growing old. There could be my own reasons for not actually been consistant with excersize my whole life. BUT THIS IS WHAT I WANTED TO WRITE TO ALANIS. If there is an uptick or surge in creative song construction in spirit or soul (conscious and unconscious) I need to let BTO know somehow, acually internet is exteemly common now so I’m not so sure with this way, but why do it anyother way. (Bocman Turner Overdrive) That is because the Boulivard album reminds me of back in the 80′s that things are slowing down, for the good and it’s rather difficult at times building an album/cd that YOU and the Band knows will be a seller, unless everyone knows ahead the seriousness of ‘No this album might not be a real big seller but, I’m spending my time doing this and most of the time I am doing it because I like to do this.’ Then after BTO might be aware then comes Rush, but they might not care and don’t bother them. Well, that is what I wanted to write about. Have a Good Day!
Woops!
Just went thru Wikipedia and BTO has no Baulivard album. I could of swarn I had one which would be around 1983 or so. NOt the You Ain’t Seen Nuthin Yet album. I tried to checked some of the songs on Amazon but Freewheeling is I guess to far in the past to remember anything in the past.
Oh, well. On with the YOU in placing Stop Order in the market places on the internet with Risk Management in a Business Plan.
I am a student enrolled at Western Oregon University in the history of Rock. I would like to do an interview with you. I would love one on one. My life has emulated your music more than you know. I was born in 1958 but your early music and now has been a reflection on my life. Please give me the chance for an interview.
You are absolutely amazing. I’ve been your fan since I heard your ‘Ironic’and from what i just read of your process of writing your songs, im in love with ya hehe. I totally understand those experiences. You are one of the people, inspires me to make the ugliest things I face into something beautiful, MUSIC!! Thanks and God Bless!!