Last week I listed six classic songwriters who changed my life. But it’s not just the old faithfuls who have had such a profound effect on me – there are just as many contemporary songwriters whose songs have done the same. Here are the top six (in no particular order, except for the first one!):

1. Jon Foreman
I’ve gone into more detail in a previous post as to how and why Jon Foreman’s have changed me, both as a songwriter and as a person. I could probably write an entire book detailing the many reasons why I love his songs, but suffice it to say that his words turned my world upside down and made me completely reevaluate my life, and I’m forever grateful.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SgnMDXMjYHM

2. Josh Garrels
He reaffirmed my belief that you can create a successful career in music without being signed to a major record label, as long as you’re prepared to work really, really hard. His generosity in regularly giving away his music for free opened my eyes to the value of making a gift of your gift. Artistically speaking, his music has inspired me to push more boundaries and venture a little further left of centre.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NsCmeKC_dV4

3. John Mayer
His music reminds me that all three aspects of my craft (songwriting, singing and playing an instrument) are important and that none of these components should be neglected. He is such a master of all three that he continually inspires me to work harder at all these elements. His songs are filled with amazing imagery and clever storytelling, and I’ve learned so much about songwriting through listening to him.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aojTGWAqUIQ

4. JJ Heller
If ever I need a good cry, JJ’s songs are my go-to. They are written and performed with such heartfelt sincerity that I usually tear up pretty quickly when listening to them! Her music gave me the confidence to continue writing from the heart and stop worrying about whether my songs were upbeat or radio-friendly enough. She is living proof that honesty still has an audience.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8jilr8qsYU

5. Nerina Pallot
When I was younger, I thought the guitar was a man’s instrument. I viewed it as being inherently masculine and believed that it didn’t “suit” girls. This probably had something to do with the fact that my father was (is) a professional guitarist, so my main reference point for what constitutes a guitar player was the dominant male figure in my life. Anyway, when I was 13 and discovered Nerina, I came to the realization that it was not only okay for girls to play the guitar, but it was pretty much the coolest thing ever. I never looked back.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BM82uuiYvXs

6. Tina Dico
I got into Tina’s music when I was just getting serious about songwriting and guitar playing. Her songs were some of the first that I became reasonably proficient at playing and singing at the same time, and learning how to play “Room with a View” was an education in finger picking. She also taught me that you don’t have to be a soprano to be a great female vocalist (credit also goes to Karen Carpenter – hurrah for contraltos!).

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnMQnQACvPE

Photo courtesy of Cuan Korsten.

There’s a reason why art is so compelling – it’s because it has the power to change lives. Great art can completely change your outlook by offering a new perspective. The art of songwriting is no exception. Here (in no particular order) are six classic songwriters who have changed my life:

1. James Taylor
He showed me that it’s possible to write profound and introspective songs without throwing a pity party. Watching his live show in 2007 was one of the most amazing musical experiences of my life. He also helped me find a husband – when Cuan first told me how much he loved James Taylor, I took it as a sign that we were meant to be!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXmgkvIgc0w

2. Bob Dylan
An obvious one, I know. I don’t know many songwriters who haven’t been deeply affected by him in some way. Dylan opened my eyes to a whole new way of telling stories through songs. He caused me to reevaluate everything I thought I knew about putting words together. He inspired me to push boundaries and gave me the courage to allow words be the focus of my songs.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7qQ6_RV4VQ

3. Jeff Buckley
When I was a teenager, I was so obsessively passionate about Jeff Buckley’s music that my friends teased me mercilessly. It was my own fault really – I was fairly incapable of letting a conversation go by without bringing him up. From Jeff I learned the importance of delivery when it comes to conveying the message of your song. He also showed me that it’s okay to explore different genres – a great song is a great song, no matter the style or the era in which it was birthed. Additionally, he taught me that it’s good to be innovative, and to create music that you love regardless of whether or not it’s congruent with what’s popular or current.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MMXjunSx80

4. Jackson Browne
Jackson Browne is the king of clever, relatable and passionate songs that awaken the romantic in me. He reminded me that heart-wrenching love songs are timeless, and that some songs just need piano.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEzZ8hSZU0k

5. Nick Drake
From Nick I learned to not make fame the objective. If you allow the goal to simply be making beautiful music, you will save yourself a lot of heartache and disappointment. He also taught me that shrouding your story in metaphor and mystery can be totally amazing, if it’s done with continuity and mastery.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6zCmCIsoAE

6. Joni Mitchell
Where to begin? She taught me that the best songs are born when one has the courage to explore the deepest recesses of the human soul. That you can be a total introvert and still be an engaging performer. And that if you ever have the opportunity to have James Taylor play guitar on your songs, you should definitely take it.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2L7iCOpRDjM

Are there any songwriters who have changed your life? Share your experiences in the comments section below!

Photo courtesy of Bertrand Bosrédon on Flickr.