Questions & Answers Session

Got a question for me? Send it in and I'll do my best to get an answer for you, I may even post it on the site, you never know how many other people are wondering the very same thing you are! :).

Tim, What methods do you use to write songs?
It varies, Sometimes (although very few) I’ll pick particular topics to write about, sometimes I play around with words and sounds to form ideas. At times I work on one song at a time until it's finished, while at other times I may work on several at a time. Many times songs are birthed while I’m in prayer, meditation, practicing, or even a mistake while playing can be the seed for a great idea.

Tim do you start with lyrics or melody first?
This is a tricky one, because I’ve used both methods!Some lyrics suggest a melody, and vice versa. Try experimenting with both also consider collaborating.

Tim what instrument do you use for songwriting?
For me personally, I just vibe better with the keys’, while there are several point of views on this issue. Some of my friends feel the best instruments are a pencil and paper. Others use the guitar or even drum machines to write with. Still others use sequencers and recording gear. Most people like to write with instruments that can produce chords, such as guitars or keyboards. However, you shouldn't feel as if you are limited only to those. Use whatever you feel comfortable with, keeping in mind that different situations will call for different instruments.

I'd like to write songs, but I don't play an instrument/don't sing. What can I do?
First let me just say that many people (including myself) who thought they couldn't sing or play improved greatly with practice. Like most things, it takes time, so don't expect results overnight. However, if things don't seem to be working out, there are some other alternatives: You can collaborate. Many songwriters have benefited from collaboration. Some of the most successful pieces I’ve written are results of collaborations.You can also take lessons. Check with your local music store or music school for teachers. There are also several teachers who participate in this and other music-related newsgroups.Some feel lessons enhance creativity, while some feel they destroy it. You need to evaluate whether or not your teacher is helping you realize your goals. (In some instances, you may need to figure out what your goals *are* first; not always an easy thing to do.) Once you establish your goals it will be easier to determine whether or not lessons are helping you reach your goals.

Tim, I heard you on the radio! How do you get your music played on the radio?
Good Question! The first time I heard one of my songs on the radio I was on my way to the store; Excited is an understatement! I sat in the parking lot until it was finished playing! This however was a direct result of a friend giving my CD to a radio personality and the rest is history! Generally speaking, to get your music played on the radio, the music or program directors of the stations you want your music to be played on need to approve it. So, it is a good idea to try to get to know music and program directors of radio stations to find out what their policies are for accepting music. Commercial stations tend to get their music directly from the labels or on compilations put out by large distributors. There are some commerical stations that are willing to accept music from small indie labels, but they tend to be in the minority. On rare occasions, commercial stations will accept tapes (DAT tapes are preferred since the audio quality is better). However, CDs are generally preferred. Noncommercial stations, and college stations in particular are generally more flexible about accepting new music, since they are not (usually) in the business of competing for listeners, so they are more free to present a diverse mix of music to their audiences. Many noncomms and college stations feature some sort of live showcase of new music, which is another opportunity for getting your music on the air. So, in general, the best thing to do is to get to know the music and program directors at the stations that you want your music to be played on. If possible, visit the stations to get an idea of how they're run.

Tim, who are some of the artist who influenced you to write music?
Thanks for asking this question, I've been influenced by so many great artist and people in my life and pray that I continue to meet many more! Some of my musical influences are (respectfully); Kevin Bond, Joe Sample, Kevin Toney, Phil Davis, Bobby Lyle, Bob James, Brian Jackson, Paul Brown, Chick Corea, Bobby Sparks, Fred Hammond, Thomas Whitfield, The Winans, Walter Hawkins, Ben Tankard, Allen & Allen, Stevie Wonder, Wayman Tysdale, Patrice Rushen, Jeff Lorber, Alex Bugnon, Brian Simpson, T. Monk, Quincy Jones, Will Downing, Dawkins & Dawkins, James Hall, Joyce Cooling, Rick Braun, Chris Botti, Mike Phillips, Sundra Manning, Jannette Harris, Lynette 'Hammond Gal' Williams, Rachel White, Norman Brown, Michael McDonald, Tonex, Kirk Franklin, Twinkie Clark, Melvin Crispell, Marcus Miller, Chaka Kahn, Prince, Loose Ends, Earth Wind & Fire, Coltrane, Grover Washington Jr., Kirk Whalum, Boney James, Roy Ayers, Ramsey Lewis... There are many more who continue to influence me in one way or another to this day.