Author Archives: Mali Korsten

I’m pretty excited about this week’s inspiring artist. Gareth Asch is the lead songwriter and frontman of my favourite South African band, K, Ray and the Bird. We’ve been privileged to play many gigs with them, and even more privileged to have become great friends with them. When we go to Cape Town, they’re the first people we call. I never get tired of their music, and each live show brings a different element of the band’s collective character to the forefront.

Having chatted a lot to Gareth about songwriting over the past few years (and having listened to a lot of his songs), I’ve been continually impressed by his songwriting ethic. I’ve never known anyone to write so many songs!

Oh, and he’s one of the most hilarious people I know. Case in point:

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IO708538_2I

If you haven’t yet heard K, Ray and the Bird’s music, please take a listen using any of the audio tracks/videos embedded in this post, or click on any of the links at the bottom of the page for more info on the band.

Name: Gareth Asch
Band: K, Ray and The Bird
Albums titles to date: Waiting for harmony (2009); Rhymes in the attic (2011)
Release date of next record: Hopefully 2014
Favourite songwriter: Billy Joel
Instruments: Guitar and mouth organ

Describe your music in five words or less:
Quirky, harmony, deep, fun, chordie.

How old were you when you first started writing songs?
7 or 8 years old. My first song was called “Someone’s Got a Crush on Me”.

How has your songwriting changed and developed over the years?
Yes. A big step was when I started playing guitar at the age of 15/16 years old. Before that I used to write and perform rap songs from the age of 13 – 15. Then I developed progressively by playing alot in churches, playing in 5 bands and writing lots of songs and many genres too. It also helps to immerse yourself in lots of music by listening to many different artists to let yourself be inspired with regards to song writing.

What’s the one song you wish you’d written?
For the longest time (Billy Joel); Objects in the review mirror (may appear closer than they are) (Meat Loaf); Off he goes (Pearl Jam); Blue (The Jawhawks); Prayer (Petra); Somebody to love (Queen). Could not mention one, sorry.

Approximately how many songs have you written, in total?
300/400 (though I recently read that you shouldn’t do a stock take).

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TIRrJ4bk-IY

(Note from Mali: This video was shot in our old living room!)

What’s your favourite of all the songs you’ve written, and why?
“His Love is All You Need” – I remember loving the song when I wrote it in 2004 as it was inspired by real life circumstances and the song really took on a life of its own. I could not stop singing it in the shower and playing percussion on my torso at the same time. It has an old school swing groove, it is very uncool, but I just love it. I love that it is inspired by a friend, then it references Hannah (in the Bible) and then even indirectly references Jesus too. Oopsy, I think I gave the whole plot away.

Which five artists/bands have had the biggest influence on your music?
The Jayhawks, Radiohead, Cat Stevens, The Beatles, The Avett Brothers. (P.S. This was hard as I could easily think of 15 artists.)

Complete this sentence: Music is… beautiful, educational and cathartic.

What challenges (if any) have you faced in reconciling your faith in Christ with your passion for songwriting? How have you overcome these challenges?
The challenge for me is to know when to mention your faith and when to let a song leave a question in the air. I would like people to see our whole body of work and see that our faith in Jesus is there; it is just not apparent in every song individually. And I am comfortable with that. I am a Christian who loves to write songs. It overflows through most of the songs and sometimes it doesn’t in some songs. People might have a problem with that, but I think it is very normal. We want to play all types of venues without being labelled as a “CHURCH ONLY” band. The verse I think of is that we should be as “shrewd as serpants” (what Jesus said when He sent out the 72 followers.) Music can subtly refer to the gospel and sometimes be used as a carrot to an event where the full gospel is being preached. I love the fact that God allows me to express myself and uses my music in different ways. The challenge for me is that my songs don’t become too self-indulgent and about ME ME ME. I like to think every single song of ours has a Biblical reference somewhere. I also believe you can teach wonderful Biblical truth through music that can enrich people in many ways.

What’s been the most memorable or exciting moment of your music career to date?
The gig (our first CD launch) when I realised it was possible for listeners to enjoy and appreciate what K, Ray and The Bird do. Up until then, it was mainly friends and family support and I wasn’t sure if what we did could be attractive to people. It was a big personal breakthrough and very encouraging to know that we could find a market that liked what we do.

Finally, what advice would you give to any aspiring songwriters/musicians reading this?
Write loads (the more the better); work with the best (sub-standard passion/talent will slow you down); Enter lots of competitions and take every possible opportunity; Gig a lot and get a manager (the last 2 tips I got from Elton’s John).

Click here to listen to clips of all the songs from “Rhymes in the Attic”!

You can keep in touch with Gareth at the following places:
Official Website
Twitter
Facebook
Youtube
iTunes

Are you an independent musician/songwriter who would like to be featured as an inspiring artist? Email me on bookings@malikorsten.com with a link to somewhere that I can stream your music!

I met Glen Hartmann and his girlfriend/manager/bandmate Kelly at last year’s Barleycorn Songwriter’s Competition, where I was asked back to play a short set whilst the judges deliberated. We (myself and the band) had planned to play a cover of Coldplay’s “Yellow” as part of the set. When it was Glen’s turn to play, he announced that for his warm-up song he would be playing a cover of a song by (you guessed it) Coldplay! And can you guess which Coldplay song he played? Yep, the very same one that graced our original set-list! The band and I had a little laugh at the unlikely coincidence, and promptly dropped the song form our set.

As Glen sang the song, it became clear to me that he loved it for the same reason I do. You see, whenever I hear or play “Yellow”, I can’t help but relate it back to Jesus. I’m fairly sure it wasn’t Chis Martin’s intention, but lines like, “Look at the stars, look how they shine for you,” and, “Your skin, oh yeah your skin and bones, turn into something beautiful,” seem to point straight to Christ, and the ironic beauty of His death on the cross. When Glen sang the song, he changed the line “You know I love you so,” to, “Lord, I love You so”. I was pretty excited to discover that I wasn’t the only one to have made that link!

After the warm-up song, he played an original song, which intriguingly comprised vocal harmonies, samples, a guitar and a kick-drum. It was a unique live performance, and it made me want to hear more (when I got back to Knysna I promptly visited his SoundCloud profile and did exactly that). I have a huge amount of respect for DIY musicians, and Glen certainly seems to be one of them.

Anyway, that’s enough from me – over to Glen, for a sneak peak into the creative mind of another great, independent songwriter!

Name: Glen Hartmann
Albums titles to date: For the Hurricane Chaser (EP)
Release date of next record: TBA
Favourite songwriter: Brian and Jenn Johnson are a great songwriting couple
Instruments: In my live performance I play acoustic guitar, kick drum and flute.

Describe your music in five words or less:
Acoustic, synth, folk, atmospheric, harmonies.

How old were you when you first started writing songs?
I wrote my first song when I was 16.

How has your songwriting changed and developed over the years?
I have moved from writing about shallow things like girls and other typical “teenager” things to writing much more metaphorical songs with deeper meanings. I really love being descriptive.

What’s the one song you wish you’d written?
“Us” by Regina Spektor – she incorporates great lyrical talent with very intriguing and inspiring melodies that are not the standard ideas of what melodies might be.

Approximately how many songs have you written, in total?
With the project that I’m working on now, I’ve written 12 songs and I’m working on a few more. But I’ve got books full of songs, some unfinished, I can’t even count them.

What’s your favourite of all the songs you’ve written, and why?
I like each of my songs for different reasons because I like to emphasize a different element in each. Harmonies: In “Home, I saw” I used harmonies to create a full sound. Lyrically: While writing “Mysterious Deep” I experimented with a lot of metaphors and imagery. Instrumentally: One of my newest songs was written with a big focus on instrumentalism, with intricate acoustic guitar melodies and riffs and I even incorporated the flute into this song! I haven’t named it yet!

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

Which five artists/bands have had the biggest influence on your music?

Coldplay: Their songwriting as a whole, despite being mainstream, provides a full product. They bring together their melodies, lyrics and instruments really well.

Bon Iver: The way he approaches his vocals is very different. This inspires me to be different in the way I do things, especially vocally.

Circa Survive: The frontman has such a unique vocal character which brings a completely different element to the music. That reminds me of the importance of the unique character that all instruments bring to a song within the whole songwriting process. This inspired me to be very intentional with the way I write something, because I know that writing a song in a particular way, in any element, can affect the way it sounds and completely change the feel of the song.

Two Door Cinema Club: I was inspired by this band to incorporate synth sounds into normal folk songs and synth elements into an acoustic songwriting process.

Freelance Whales: The way they use harmonies to fill out a song and not just as an add on.

Complete this sentence: Music is… a conduit for communicating and connecting on a deeper level.

What’s been the most memorable or exciting moment of your music career to date?
The last few weeks have been very memorable in terms of radio and TV exposure as well as playing some really big shows and getting a lot of positive feedback from the crowd.

What challenges (if any) have you faced when it comes to reconciling your faith in Christ with a career in music? How have you dealt with these challenges?
It has been a challenge to learn how to reflect Him in a true and effective way to those who are hearing my music. I have allowed Him to permeate as inspiration for the songs that I write in a way that He shines through and is instantly recognizable and in a way that people can relate.

Finally, what advice would you give to any aspiring songwriters/musicians reading this?
Write what is true/meaningful to you and be genuine in your music. People can see when someone is being genuine and that is one of the most valuable things.

Click here to download “The Hurricane Chaser” EP for FREE from NoiseTrade!

Keep in touch with Glen at the following places:
Official Website
Twitter
Facebook
Youtube
iTunes

For the chance to be featured as an inspiring artist, email me at blog@malikorsten.com with a link to somewhere I can stream your music! (Songwriters/original artists only.)

I “met” Ben Bitter on Twitter, over a year ago. I love meeting people who are as passionate about songwriting as I am, and Ben is one of those people. We’ve had many conversations about songwriting, and I think that his approach (as well as his songs themselves) are great. As such, I thought that you all might appreciate a little insight into his methods and general thoughts on the art of songwriting. So without further ado, it is my pleasure to share his interview with you!

Name: Benjamin Bitter
Albums titles to date: “It’s About Time”(OOP), “Grace In Your Face”, “Peace In The Storm”
Release date of next record: Roughly Spring 2014
Favourite songwriter: Dan Fogelberg/James Taylor (tie)
Instruments: Guitar, Piano, Bass, Drums, Harmonica, and a wee bit o’ woodwind

Describe your music in five words or less:
Insightful, mellow, Christian folk-rock (that’s a phrase).

How old were you when you first started writing songs?
As a pretender, 10. Seriously, 15. I’ve been able to write hooks since childhood. I remember that my mother had a word of the day calendar on her desk, and one of the words was “downtrodden”. I thought, “What a great word!” I incorporated it into a terrible song hook that went nowhere, obviously, but hey! I gave it a go! My first real song came after a breakup of a teenage romance (surprise, surprise, right?). I could always write poetry with relative ease, but I’d never really given songwriting a proper try. But when I tried, it came quite naturally! I have a tattoo on my left arm that features the opening measures of that first song to remind me that I am first a songwriter, and a musician second.

How has your songwriting changed and developed over the years?
My first songs were 3 chord ballads with very little lyrical intensity. I took so few chances in the early days of my song writing! But as you try one thing that works, you get bolder and more willing to experiment. I’ve managed over the years to learn the art of storytelling within a song. You don’t have to set Dickens to music necessarily, but one single idea in a song isn’t enough. I’ve also learned to care about the subject I’m writing about. If you’re indifferent to your subject matter, you write boring songs.

What’s the one song you wish you’d written?
“Can’t Fight This Feeling” by Kevin Cronin (R.E.O. Speedwagon). I believe this is one of the most finely crafted pop songs ever written. Everyone can relate to it, the melody is beautiful, and Kevin Cronin’s vocal on the original record is to me, stunning.

Approximately how many songs have you written, in total?
Oh, easily over a hundred. 125 if I count the ones that I won’t admit to!

What’s your favourite of all the songs you’ve written, and why? 
Definitely “My Something Better” from “Peace In the Storm”. For one thing, it was written in about 5 minutes! It was the greatest bit of improv I’ll ever manage. Everything just jelled. As for the real reason why, it deals with a subject I’ve been wrestling with my whole adult life, the idea of wanting my childhood back. I lost my father at a very early age, and ever since then I’ve been trying to recapture the relative innocence of my youth, with no real results but idolatry. Nothing but God fits into a God shaped hole, and once you come to that conclusion, you can really rest in the life God has provided you with. It was so extremely cathartic to write, and it’s quite catchy too!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pqzp1RPAWMc&feature=youtu.be

Which five artists/bands have had the biggest influence on your music?

1. Dan Fogelberg: His music can be overdramatic and ethereal, or it can be simple and down to Earth. He has an incredible lyrical sense, and he uses chord progressions I didn’t think were possible in Western Music. There are no words to describe what an influence he has been on me. 

2. James Taylor: His voice, his writing, the slickness of his personality, everything. I heard my first James Taylor record (“That’s Why I’m Here”) at the age of ten, and from there on I’ve been trying to do what he does. Failing miserably, but trying! And he DID give me some nice hammer-ons!
   

3. R.E.O. Speedwagon: Nothing fancy here, just straight forward Midwestern rock and roll. This band should really be at the top of the list though, because lead singer Kevin Cronin was a huge influence on my singing voice even today. The thing is, he has some very unique vocal ticks that I have picked up from singing along with their records all these years, and so many people tell me that my songs sound REO-ish. I take it as a compliment.

4. Harry Chapin: If any artist has taught me that great songs tell stories, it’s Harry Chapin. His voice wasn’t the greatest in history, but the songs he left us are amazing works of art.

5. Audrey Assad: Ever since I first heard her song, “Restless”, I have been striving to write prayer songs that are even in the same ballpark as hers. She sings like an angel, is an amazing pianist, and seems to be a nerd, which I love.

6. Honourable mention goes to you and Cuan. I have learned a great deal from you guys, and your music makes me want to up my game! (Note from Mali: Aw, how sweet! Thank you!)

Complete this sentence: Music is… necessary to life.

What’s been the most memorable or exciting moment of your music career to date?
I have toured extensively, opened for big name acts, and recorded quite a bit. I think the most memorable moment was when I opened the shipping crate, and saw the first ever copy of “Grace In Your Face”. Everything I’d ever released up to that point was underground inferior stuff. Holding this CD in my hands validated my career. I looked at it and thought “This is it. I am now a recording artist.” And when I first held “Peace In The Storm”, same thing. It’s just an unbelievable feeling. 

Finally, what advice would you give to any aspiring songwriters/musicians reading this? 

1. Don’t settle for mediocrity! Anyone can rhyme “June” with “spoon”, but you don’t have to settle for it. In my book, rhythm is far more important than rhyme, and effectively communicating the point of your song is also more important than rhyme. I like to look at rhyme like a happy accident. If it happens, it happens!

2. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do it. This is a total cliché, but it’s absolutely true. Even when you are all alone, you can still make music. With the exception of a violin solo on one song, my latest record “Peace In The Storm” was written, performed, and produced entirely by myself!

3. DO NOT COMPROMISE! Your art is yours. It is your statement, your heart, your emotion. Don’t let the promise of a gig, a contract or even money cause you to sacrifice your artistic integrity. Have fun, kids!

Click here to download some of Ben’s songs for free!

Keep in touch with Ben at the following places:
Official Website
Twitter
Facebook
iTunes

 

I met Matt Roux when I took part in the Barleycorn Songwriters’ Competition in 2011. He was the previous year’s winner, and as such he kept us all entertained while the judges deliberated. I was extremely grateful to have great music to focus on – I think I’d have been a nervous wreck if it hadn’t been for the welcome distraction!

Matt’s music combines groove-based guitar riffs with intriguing lyrics and powerful vocals. It’s a privilege to have been able to interview him, and to share that interview with you all today. Be sure to take a listen to Matt’s music and download his album, Square One, for free on Soundcloud!

Name: Matt Roux
Albums to date: Square One
Release date of next record: Unknown
Favourite songwriter: John Mayer
Instrument: Guitar

Describe your music in five words or less:
Lyrically strong and richly melodic.

How old were you when you first started writing songs?
I wrote my first song at 21.

How has your songwriting changed and developed over the years?
I’ve had three distinct periods of writing. In my early twenties I was writing but I had no rich pool of experiences or observations to write anything meaningful – what I mean is that I’d pretty much just been focused on my studies, I had seen little of the real world. Then the second period was in 2009 when I was 33. This was the period in which I wrote the 10 songs that eventually appeared on Square One. And they’re observational songs (i.e. most events happened to others not me) but they’re from a decade of really living and watching the world around me. I’ m now in the third distinct period in which the songs I’m writing have two differences to what I wrote before: (1) they’re not afraid to be about things other than relationships, e.g. work (2) I’ve performed so much in the past 4 years and I now really know how to write songs that will also have the rhythmic hooks to keep people interested in a live performance.

What’s the one song you wish you’d written?
“No Such Thing” by John Mayer.

Approximately how many songs have you written, in total?
25 (10 of which appear on Square One). So there are 15 waiting to appear on some kind of follow up album!

What’s your favourite of all the songs you’ve written, and why?
Square One (title track of the album). It combines a compelling lyric with a really rhythmic beat that is great for live performances.

Which five artists/bands have had the biggest influence on your music?
Love this question, and the answer is in this very specific order chronologically:

1. The Beatles (early teens)
2. Dave Matthews (early twenties)
3. John Mayer (late twenties)
4. Jason Mraz (thirties)
5. Jack Johnson (thirties)

Complete this sentence: Music is… a two-way sport. 

What’s been the most memorable or exciting moment of your music career to date?
Everything has been brilliant but I have two that stand out:

1. Winning the Barleycorn Songwriter’s Competition – I will never forget that evening
2. Completely transcending performance-wise at The Stoep and Swing a few weeks back. My connection with the audience was magical.

Finally, what advice would you give to any aspiring songwriters/musicians reading this?
It’s all about the song. If you’re going to reach the goal you want to achieve (and that’s highly personal to you), then it will be achieved because you knuckled down and wrote the best song(s) you could.

Click here to download the entire “Square One” album for FREE on Soundcloud.
Click here for a free booklet of the lyrics and chords of all the songs on “Square One”

Keep in touch with Matt at the following places:
Official Website
Twitter
Facebook
Youtube
Soundcloud