How to Write One Song
Book description
A ROUGH TRADE and PITCHORK BOOK OF THE YEAR
'A guide to rediscovering the joys of creating that we all felt as children.'
NEW YORK TIMES
One of the century's most feted singer-songwriters, Wilco's Jeff Tweedy, digs deep into his own creative process to share his unique perspective about song-writing…
Why read it?
3 authors picked How to Write One Song as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?
Wilco frontman Jeff Tweedy really, really wants everyone to write a song, and I find it terribly endearing.
I picked up his handbook amid a COVID-era creative block, and with Jeff as my songwriting sherpa, I was eventually able to drop some baggage and make my way up. I had already known that music would pay me back for the effort, but Jeff (I think he’d want me to call him Jeff) patiently walks through directly applicable strategies such as word-laddering, stealing, and the Dadaist cut-up technique for lyric writing.
His encouraging nudge made it easier to leave self-judgment and…
From Rich's list on books by musicians, for musicians.
Unless you plan on exclusively being a cover group, you're going to have to come up with your own songs eventually. Their quality, or lack thereof, will absolutely make or break your band. Jeff Tweedy of Wilco and Uncle Tupelo fame discusses the process of writing a song from beginning to end.
The route he takes leans more philosophical than towards the nitty-gritty details of music theory. He encourages you to be less self-critical, illustrates how to draw inspiration from personal experiences, and notes the importance of infusing your everyday life with creativity. One of my own book's main characters…
From R. P.'s list on for starting your own band.
This is not just a book for songwriters. This is a book for anyone who has ever created – or anyone who has ever dreamed of creating – any piece of art. I don’t care if you’re a writer, actor, dancer, painter, architect, or weekend crafter, this book will inspire you to approach your art in new, creative ways. Whenever I’m feeling stuck or down on my own creative output, I return to this book to find new gems in its prose to inspire me. Tweedy’s love for what he does is contagious, but it’s his embracing of the mystery…
From Stephanie's list on helping you get in touch with your inner artist.
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