in this series, i ask other songwriters about their quest for inspiration and how they tackle the day-to-day tasks of writing quality, engaging songs. behind every good song is a hard-worker. i want to know how songwriters work and how they fill their well so it never goes dry.
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Bailey Cooke is an folk-pop singer-songwriter based in Brooklyn. She is an ace banjo player (like could win a competition) and has written old time folk tunes that could have passed for field recordings. But in the last year she’s started writing music with an amazing new sound, reminiscent of Aimee Mann’s Lost in Space but with Bailey’s stunning soprano. Listen to her very catchy new single “When You’re Gone” below. Bailey shares a bit about her quest for inspiration. (I think I have found a kindred spirit.)
1. What is your typical work day?
Well I usually wake up and roll into our living room space in out tiny Brooklyn apartment. Make a double shot latte with almond milk with my Nespresso machine (that thing has changed my life!) and then watch the news, email, catch up on things. I usually then go to the gym; run for a while then go to Yoga. After i’m awake I usually ride my bike over to our studio in Greenpoint and play some music. Although my upright grand is at our apartment so often times I’ll stay home and play music.
2. What tools do you use to keep you organized and productive?
3. Do you have any habits, exercises or activities that jumpstart your creativity?
I think just being intentional is important to me. I don’t have a big ritual, but I do think mentally setting aside time or scheduling creative time is important. Helps you zone out and think about nothing else. Also, like I said in the first question, exercise is a huge part of writing for me. Clearing my mind with running or yoga sets my intention for the day. If I don’t work out first thing in the AM I usually won’t have as good of a day.
4. Are there any specific (or favorite) books, films, lectures, etc. that have impacted your creative process?
Definitely. I’m a huge fan of early 20th century Southern literature. Flannery O’Connor, Erskine Caldwell, Faulkner, and many more. But I also find a lot of inspiration in reading poetry. E.E Cummings and Wendell Berry get my thoughts flowing as well. Sometimes I’ll write a short story or some poetry and then free write right after, get my brain thinking about things I usually don’t think about. Lately specific books that have inspired me have been: “Lost in the Cosmos” Walker Percy and “Just kids” Patti Smith.
5. Where do you get your best work done?
Usually in the living room or our studio
6. How do you combat writer’s block?
I’m probably a bad influence on this subject. I tend of just shut down for a while until things flow again. However, I will sometimes jump start writing by drinking. Ha always a great way to help say what you mean. Also I find that I write better material when I start playing my old songs, or other people songs for a few hours before I begin writing new material. Sometimes it can be hard to just sit down and have something creative come out.
7. Who is your songwriting hero?
Definitely Elliott Smith. He’s probably my favorite artist of all time. If I could end my life being just a quarter of the writer he is… I’d die happy.
8. Do you have any advice to offer a new songwriter?
Write every single day. Whether you want to or not. A great way to start your day, (and I wish I’d do this everyday) is picking a random noun and just writing about it for 30 minutes when you wake up. Helps get a good stream of consciousness going. Also I’d tell a new songwriter to being intentional and be aware of typical writing, or writing that appears to come to easy. Try to say something that no one else has ever said before.
