Yesterdays Race

Episode #107: Yesterday’s Race    (Song starts 2:48) Hi there. This is the podcast where you can sit back, be entertained and informed and - learn a little about the art of songwriting.  I make a point of saying I'm not here to tell you how to write a song- but I am going to share how I write a song. I think it's important to keep an eye on your surroundings. Relaxing, subdued lighting, maybe ‘shining up’ your creative space is a good idea. I have a collection of all sorts of knick- knacks in my studio. Bits of driftwood, ceramic flying pigs & art on the walls. The thing that brings the room together is: all these odds and ends and art all speak to me emotionally. So therefore, if I'm sitting in an environment like that, there's a good chance that my mood is going to be affected by some of my surroundings... Creative and relaxed. It's a great combination, in fact, I'd say these two elements are crucial when it comes to trying to come up with something that’s original. Yesterday's Race is song #611. I enjoyed singing this song at a gig this week. It's a relatively brief understated sort of song with a big message.  I wrote it - and I deliver it -  in an understated manner. Sometimes quietly spoken words can be more effective than raising your voice. In fact most often, I think. On that note, this song sort of paints a picture of hope. The lyrics ‘tell it like it is’, the state of the world, the fact that we need to change.  Back in my 20s I read a book that crystallised for me the thought that if change is to take place - real change - it'll have to come from the young people coming through. And we'll have to educate them early on before on repeated patterns take a hold.  These days, I’m enjoying teaching young people how to play the piano. I've been doing that for about 19 years now. I'm working away on producing educational video courses and ebooks on piano, composition, (and seascape painting and cartooning by the way). So in my own quiet way, I'm bringing a lot of music and art into the world. And I'm well on my way to sharing my creative processes.  Along the way, I'm trying to do my bit to make the world a better (more peaceful) place. I'm really pleased with the way this podcast has developed.  I hope you enjoy this gentle episode.  My blog that in mention is www.petepascoe.wordpress.com .  I have 13 albums streaming now including www.petepascoe.bandcamp.com.  Yesterday's Race is from the piano vocal album The Long Haul.