Jedda Do
MEET THE SONGWRITER - 5 QUICK QUESTIONS:
Why do you write songs? (When/why did you start writing, what do you enjoy and what keeps you going?)
A: It's a compulsion. I've always been a writer and generally write when I have some emotional issue I'm trying to work though. I don't normally do it on purpose, so my songs don't have much of a structure and are usually pretty short. I also don't spend a lot of time editing them, which would make them more commercially viable. I would love to have more time to work on those skills - maybe when I retire. I'm not much of a musician, I picked up the ukulele about 10 years ago just so I can accompany myself when I sing.
How would you describe the emotional world or themes your songs tend to explore? (What is it that you would like people to learn, hear, feel or take from your songs?)
A: I would love to have a different song to cover every topic. I'm making a collection. I have a zombie song, an apocalypse song, a fireman song, an ocean song, a galaxy song, um.. Give me a challenge and we'll see. I write them mostly because it's fun and it helps me process things in my own life than to give anything to anyone else.
Which artists or songwriters have had the biggest influence on your musical journey?
A: Linda Perry, Joni Mitchell, Kate Miller-Heidke, Justin Hawkins, Randy Newman. I can't do this one, there are too many.
Describe your songwriting process. How does a song usually begin for you?
A: I usually get a phrase with a melody, which turns into a verse. Then if I'm feeling particularly inspired about something I get two verses and a chorus pretty quickly. Sometimes it takes a few days of running it over in my head. Then I have to agonise to get a third verse that makes sense, to make it long enough to be considered a song. The ones that just fall out of the air in a day or two are usually the best ones.
If you were to be stranded on a desert island and could only take two albums with you, what would they be?
A: The Beatles blue album, and permission to land by The Darkness. This week. That might change next week.
