I always keep a notepad by my bed and in my car – tattered, liquid-stained pages that hold my best ideas.  When inspiration hits me upside the head, whether it’s a stray lyric like: “with Big Ben I stand and watch, as time spins without thought” or a melody I hum into my phone, I jot it down immediately. Otherwise, it’s gone forever – I’ve learned that the hard way.  For years, this has been my ritual.

Once I have a complete lyric sheet, it’s time to bring in the musicians.  Since I don’t play an instrument myself, I rely on talented guitarists, pianists, or producers to translate the sound in my head.  This collaboration is a back-and-forth dance – rewrites are common as we shape the melody and chords together. Sometimes a musician plays something unexpected, and it’s like the song finds a new soul.

When the lyrics and music finally click, we head to the mixing board.  This is where I add the final touches – tweaking vocals, balancing the instruments, or layering in subtle effects to set the mood.  At this point, the song is ready to share.  I hope it resonates with you as much as the process did with me.