Fill the Well with HEIDI FEEK

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.

…

Today we hear from HEIDI FEEK, a country singer/songwriter from Nashville who grew up with music in her ears. Her dad, Rory Feek has been pedalling songs to the country big-timers for 30 years, and Heidi has definitely picked up a few things from her dad. This year Heidi joined her parents (Joey+Rory) on the road singing backup and writing songs with them. What a life! Heidi is releasing The Only, her stunning debut full length next year. Heidi writes timeless pop-country songs that the mainstream will love, showing off her classic honey-toned alto. Her backing band is straight out of a modern (and sexy) spaghetti western. And, have you seen her? She’s obviously the ingenue. Get a sneak peek of The Only at her website! Click through for her fantastic interview on her songwriting process!

photo by melissa madison fuller

1. What is your typical work day? 

At this point in my life, there is no typical work day. I juggle between a few jobs, and travel a lot, so writing happens if and when it can. I strive for having a routine when it comes to my creative process, but I’m just not there yet.

2. What tools do you use to keep you organized and productive? (Do you have a favorite notebook/pen?

I inherited a system when I write songs from my father. I always write in a notebook. I use the left sheet for the building of the song (possible lines, rhymes, huge black marks crossing out unused lines, chord progressions…etc.) When the song is finished, I write it out very nicely in my Lord of the Rings handwriting, on the right sheet along with the cowriter’s names if there are any, and the title. It’s so nice to look back and see the process and the finished product along side each other. Some pages have crazy black marks and lines writing up the side of the page, while other’s only difference is the quality of the handwriting. I prefer seeing my process on paper, rather than on my computer.

3. Do you have any habits, exercises or activities that jumpstart your creativity? 

I like to read, watch movies, and listen to great songs. I think the more you take in, the more you will put out. Maybe this is just an excuse for me to watch Grey’s Anatomy and listen to Willie Nelson records all day, but with all the drama and hard rhymes, I’ve gotta be learning something, right?

4. Are there any specific books, films, lectures, etc. that have impacted your creative process?

I adore this lecture. It doesn’t matter if you’re into her writing…she says some amazing things that really pump me up as an artist. The way I think about my creative genius and where my work comes from is very different after watching this.

I also love the book ‘Letters to a Young Poet’ by Rainer Maria Rilke. I think every creative person should read this if your art is more than a hobby. I’ve read it many times and am currently reading it again. It is a compilation of letters and advice sent from a published poet to an aspiring poet. This is part of an excerpt I’ve read over and over:

‘You ask whether your verses are good. You ask me. You have asked others before. You send them to magazines. You compare them with other poems, and you are disturbed when certain editors reject your efforts. Now (since you have allowed me to advise you) I beg you to give up all that. You are looking outward, and that above all you should not do now. nobody can counsel and help you, nobody. There is only one single way. Go into yourself. Search for the reason that bids you to write; find out whether it is spreading out its roots in the deepest places of your heart, acknowledge to yourself whether you would have to die if it were denied you to write. This above all-ask yourself in the stillest hour of your night: must I write? Delve into yourself for a deep answer. And if this should be affirmative, if you may meet this earnest question with a  strong and simple “I must,” then build your life according to this necessity.’

5. Where do you get your best work done?

My husband bought me a beautiful desk to write on that I love so much. I always start there, then somehow, always manage to end up on the floor. On a huge floral rug I’ve had in all my bedrooms since middle school. It’s where I first taught myself to play guitar, and where I still write most everything. I’ll probably continue to do that as long as it will hold me, my guitar, and my hot tea spills.

6. How do you combat writer’s block?

I do something else…completely unrelated to writing…and try not to worry about it. I give myself such a hard time most of the time, so I try not to beat myself up about it. It always comes in waves. I’ll go 3 months without writing a song, then I’ll write 4 in 2 days.

7. Who is your songwriting hero?

First, my father, who has taught me most everything I know, and I still continue to learn from. He has instilled the love and passion for creating great songs.  Also Willie Nelson is a genius.  His songs are simple and so brilliant. I literally cannot get enough Willie Nelson. If I can write a song half as good as one of his songs, I’m doing pretty good.

8. Do you have any advice to offer a new songwriter? 

Don’t ever stop learning. No matter where you are in your career/art, you will never know all there is to know. No matter how far along or how far away from success you are, there will always be someone that’s better than you. Don’t write them off or judge them if they’re music is different than yours…learn something from them. It’s never too late to better yourself or your music.