Songwriting with Herkedal
What has it been like teaching community college students?
Øystein says teaching folk high school students songwriting has been totally top! - I think it is very exciting to be able to take part in the beginning of the career and creative process of young budding musicians. They were very reflectiveand I was left with lots of new inspiration and music enjoyment.
Philipp Schirmer (studying music production) participated in the course and also took part Øystein Herkedal on one of the songs he was doing. He has this to say about the course:
How have it been these days?
- I think it's awesome that the school hires artists for teaching. You get an insight into what it's like to make a living from music, both in terms of artistic expression, but also in economic terms. I think one of the most important things I learned with this workshop is that one simply has to be open to every idea one gets, and not analyze them right away. A good example of that was when we would write down thoughts or everything that comes up, without thinking too much about it, (let it flow).
What was it like working with Øystein Herkedal in the studio?
- I think it was very educational to work in the studio with Øystein. That's when you really find out about all the short cutsa and the knowledge sits, because things go really fast. Another thing was that we worked in realtime, that is, we did not plan a composition, but gradually moved forward by trial and error. Again without being too self-critical in the process itself.
When it comes to songwriting, Øystein Herkedal believes it's about finding your own way to create and work.
Can everyone learn to make music?
- Anyone can learn to make music if the interest is there, I am absolutely convinced of that. There are so many ways to createAnd there really is no facet. That's the funniest thing I think. Whether you play an instrument, sing or work in logic/program, you can find your own way of making music. It's not just for vocalists!
How to write a good song?
- To write a good song, I think it's important to know what to say with the song. Why am I writing this song? Who could it matter to? What do I want to say? If you have a clear idea about this, I think anything can happen! Of course, there is no facet here either, but the fact that you like what you do and find it funny is fundamental, I think.
How do you work when you write your own music?
- When I write music myself, I ask myself these questions. Does the music or song I write have a purpose? And if so, it's worth working on. I am also very melody focused so I often start with chords and melody, and then work out a text from the title and concept I have decided in advance. In addition, I am fortunate to work with very good musicians, producers and songwriters, so often I bring my ideas to them before it becomes a finished song.
You just released a new song. How did it come to be?
- It's true that I just released new music — and it's really fun after two years without a release. “Coffee In The Morning” joined the studio together as a co-producer Benjamin Pinkus. We originally wrote it as a ballad, but later it was further developed to sound the way it does today. I also worked on it at home at the piano. In particular, the chorus was changed. When we had a clear vision for the song, we invited my band into the studio to play on it. I'm really glad we did, because I think it makes the sound more vivid.
What are the plans going forward?
In the future, I will be releasing a lot of new music — ten songs before the summer actually! These are to be played live on tour april in 2026 — real stasis!
Then all we have to do is wish Øystein good luck with new music and the spring tour!
Thanks for the chat and thanks for visiting!
If you want to watch movies with Øystein på Toppen, follow the link here.
