getting into character: misfits, lowlifes and dreamers
AIMS
- Explore using characterisation as a songwriting and lyric writing technique
- How does adopting a character influence songwriting?
- Techniques for creating darker atmosphere and mood
on your pad write down one example of a song written 'in character'
- What does writing in character enable you to do?
- How could writing in character influence your musical choices?
- What are the advantages/disadvantages?
- Listen to Bruce Springsteen, 'State Trooper' and follow the lyrics
- Who is the character?
- What is the story?
- How does the tonatilty and structure reflect the characters experience?
Listen to the track below individually then then in groups discuss:
- The structure
- The tonality
- Does the form of the song suit the subject matter?
- Individually listen to sections of the songs below and follow the lyrics
- Try and work out who the characters are and what their story is
- Compare with the previous examples. How is the tonality/structure different?
- Discuss your findings in a group
songwriting challenge: wirtie lyrics/song elements 'in character
- If you were stuck for ideas, how could you choose a character?
- OPTIONS:
- Just Lyrics
- Words and music
- Just music