Sometimes when we’re performing I might say, in an attempt to be humorous, “The next song is an original, not our original, but an original nonetheless.” There are people who are only interested in groups that produce original songs. These folks can be rather insistent on their preference. There are others who get bored pretty quickly if they don’t recognize what you are playing. “Play something that we know and can dance to,” they might say.

There is a good reason to play covers. Cover songs have been around for a long time, and the ones that survive usually have some merit. Audiences already know how the song is supposed to feel. Audience members also know some, if not all of the words, even if they don’t understand each word that you say; they already know the message. Often audience members will sing along with songs they know. The songs are like old friends with whom they have relationships.

Original songs are different. You often get one and only one chance to connect with an audience through an original song. If the tune sounds like everything else…zzzzz. If it sounds too unfamiliar, people will be scared away. If the words cannot be clearly understood, no one will “catch” the message of the song, nor remember the song. If there is no “hook,” people may talk about the singer, but they will never reference the song. On the other hand, an original song provides a window into the soul of the writer, a window into the souls of the performers. Sometimes I hear an original song and then I want to know that performer better. At that point, I know we share something in common – a feeling, a sensibility.

Original songs also present a risk for the writer/performer. If someone rejects a cover, then we conclude that they just don’t know good music. However, if someone rejects an original, we feel personally invalidated in some way. To some degree, an original song is an extension of ourselves – maybe not our best self, maybe not our most attractive self, but hopefully an extension of our most honest self. It can be dangerous to read too much into our interpretation of an original song, but it would be a mistake to think that the writer/performer is not represented there.

As some of you know, Patty and I are working on our first original CD as Sound Traveler. While I composed the music and lyrics on these, Patty’s seminal influence is felt on each line, each selection, and each bit of musical expression. Her trumpet, in particular, defines several of the songs while her bass and vocal interpretations color many of the pieces. More importantly, her artistic judgment and suggestions are evidenced everywhere in the project. But of greatest significance to me is her desire to help me to bring these songs to life. She believes, and that matters. – Bob Tatum

Sound Traveler will participate in the Spring Frolic in Barberville this weekend. We will have two shows and conduct a workshop as well. We are already beginning to prepare for our summer tour in North Carolina and Tennessee this coming June and July. We hope to have our new CD ready for release this summer. We’re working in that direction.

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8 Comments to “SongTravelin’: 04.14.11 – So You’re Recording a CD of Original Songs?”

• April 14, 2011 at 8:28 am
  Laurence says:

  I don’t really care if a song is original or not. If I like it, I like it. If not, forget it. I really don’t spend very much time thinking about the writer or performer.
• April 14, 2011 at 9:49 am
  Kay says:

  ooooooo!!! New Music! Can’t wait.
• April 14, 2011 at 11:34 am
  Art says:

  Having known Patty for a few years now I know that her influence is going to be strong and persistent and that if you don’t listen to her suggestions the first time she will find a way to make her influence felt. Her “sparky/bulldog” handle doesn’t come without reason. )
• April 14, 2011 at 12:13 pm
  Bob says:

  Art speaks truth.
• April 14, 2011 at 1:24 pm
  Patty says:

  Art, were you sitting in our living room last night and somehow I didn’t see you? Oh, my goodness!! Yeah, we were having yet another “creative business meeting” as we work to solidify the vision of the project.

  We’re working on track 11 at the moment…our designer is working on the visuals…we took photos over Spring Break that might end up in the package somewhere…the demo is in my car’s CD player as we speak…we talk about it much of the time. And yes, for those of you who are still keeping track, I still have a full-time day job. It’s overwhelming at times, but it’s also exciting to watch this thing come to life. Kay, I can’t wait, either!

  And Bob, thanks for the kind words of validation. I’m glad you think I’m all that ’cause it makes up for the times when I don’t have enough faith in myself.
• April 14, 2011 at 4:22 pm
  Jean Anne says:

  I Believe!
• April 14, 2011 at 5:10 pm
  Bob says:

  I think that should earn you a gold star and a smiley face. By the way, it’s very good to hear from you. It won’t be long before Patty and I are back in the High Country for a little while.
• April 15, 2011 at 7:28 am
  Jayne says:

  I truly appreciate your work. Great post.