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 GEARED is enlightened by SALLY SELTMANN, the APRA Song Of The Year nominee, and the pen behind FEIST's super-catchy 1234.
New Buffalo, AKA Sally Seltmann, has been writing songs for a long time. The last two years have been particularly fruitful however, with her much acclaimed sophomore record, Somewhere, Anywhere, resulting in sold out shows across the country. Now 1234 – a song Seltmann gave to Canadian singer and friend, Leslie Feist – has been nominated for Grammy and Brit awards, as well as featuring in iPod and eBay advertising campaigns. Oh, and it's up for APRA Song Of The Year...
Tell me about the process of writing your APRA nominated song.
My friend had just told me that she was leaving her partner. Following this, I literally walked into my house, sat at the piano, and wrote 1234 in about 20 minutes. The melody and the lyrics came together at the same time. This happens to me occasionally, and it feels good, because I'm just going with my subconscious, and not over analysing anything that I'm doing. I then gave the song to Feist, wondering whether she might like to use it. She started playing it live, and then recorded it for her album The Reminder. During this stage she asked is she could change some of the lyrics. I was happy for her to make the changes, and liked the lyrics she added.
What are your favourite songs to perform?
I love playing my song Misery and Mountains, Arrows and Bows. I feel like it's a really honest account of a certain time in my life. I love the chords, I love the melody, and I love the lyrics. It's a relatively demanding song about desire and longing, human frailty and hope, which are all subjects I often write about.
Who are some songwriters you admire?
Prince, Carol King, Jack White, Dolly Parton, Bob Dylan, Jon Brion, Leonard Cohen, Frida Hyvonen, Rufus Wainwright, Laura Nyro,
Top 5 songs of all time? (or for today at least)
Like a Rolling Stone – Bob Dylan, You're So Vain – Carly Simon, The Lady with The Braid – Dory Previn, God Only Knows – The Beach Boys, Heart Beats – The Knife.
In your opinion, what makes a great song?
A memorable, catchy melody and subject matter that nearly everyone can relate to, but with lyrics that are unique and imaginative, without being too clever and wordy. Either that, or a song where the production is completely new and original and the sounds and melody are strong enough to carry themselves with few or no lyrics at all.
What’s your advice for aspiring songwriters?
Read books, watch films, look at art, listen to people talk about who they are and how they perceive things, and listen to lots of different styles of music.
The Song Of The Year will be announced Monday June 16, at the 2008 APRA Music Awards.
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