We recently caught up with 2013 Early Bird finalist Justina Shandler about what it is like to be a songwriter, her experience in past songwriting competitions, and much more….check out the full interview below!
1. Your songs have been described as the music baby of Regina Spektor and Billy Joel. How much of an influence do those artists have on your writing process? Do you strive to craft songs that reflect their style?
Truthfully I didn’t even know who Regina Spektor was until multiple people told me my voice sounded like hers. Now, I’m a huge fan, and I think it’s more than just our voices that are similar. We both tend to write very specifically. We like combining leaping melodies with succinct, staccato-like melodies. Regina is a cute and quirky gal (like me), but her music can be very complex and meaningful. As for Billy, I grew up listening to him. I have always been in awe of his catchy and accessible yet intensely complicated pop music. To me, he is God. So, although I strive for my own unique sound, if I ever sound a little bit like Billy Joel, I jump up and down with glee.
2. You have participated and succeeded in a few songwriting competitions in the past….what is it that draws you to these competitions? What are you most excited about with the NewSong Contest?
To be perfectly honest, I really just submit songs to any contest that seems legit. I have had the honor of placing in some songwriting contests (Indie International Songwriting Contest, UK Songwriting Contest, Song Door International, etc), but NewSong has been the first competition to offer me exactly what I’m looking for in a contest.
I am a writer first and foremost- so there are a number of things about this contest that I find incredibly appealing. First, the finalists who perform at Lincoln center are judged solely on their writing and performing abilities. We are allowed to have one accompanist, but performing solo is preferred. When I heard this, I flipped out! So many contests say they are just judging you on the song, but production quality and arrangement always plays a major factor. With NewSong, I know that my little song baby does not need fancy lights, production, or arrangements in order to wow the judges. It seems like a very fair, loving, contest.
3. As a multi-instrumentalist, do you have a preference on the instrument you use in your songwriting process?
I just really write most of my songs on piano. The only time I opt for guitar is when I feel like the song needs the rhythm to drive. I can’t mimic the sound of a strumming guitar on the piano. Otherwise, I have a lot more freedom on the piano since it’s my primary instrument. I feel like that is not a very interesting answer…
4. An integral part of this competition and to songwriting in general are lyrics….how important are lyrics to you? do you have an all time favorite lyric or lyricist?
Lyrics are number one for me. It is one thing to hear a song and tap your foot and dig the groove, but it is a completely different thing to hear lyrics you connect with. It is about depth for me. I want people to enjoy the sound of my music, but it is more important for them to hear and understand the words. I have been working a lot on the clarity of my lyrics when I perform. I make a concerted effort to emphasize the important words and really tell the story. Sometimes, when I practice, I read my lyrics aloud. That way, when I sing them, I communicate the words more conversationally. I try to think of my songs as a form of communication, as well as entertainment.
I admire a lot of lyricists, namely Leonard Cohen and Bob Dylan. Listening to songs with amazing lyrics always inspires me. However, I don’t ever feel like I am copying a particular lyric writing style. I love poetic lyrics full of imagery, but my own style tends to be more conversational.
5. Do you have any advice/comments for aspiring songwriters?
Be honest, know at least five chords, and avoid clichés at any cost. Invent your own cliché. Invent your own word, or concept. It may not be a radio hit, but people will remember a song written about an alcoholic that gets eaten by stray dogs over a song that says hold me tight all night, baby. Combine honesty and accessibility; find a balance of personal details and universal issues. Say something that people care about.
The only thing in life that is entirely bad is writers block. Everything else can have a good song written about it. I came up with this idea (although I’m sure I’m not the first person to think of this) while getting through a breakup. I was heartbroken and wrote a great song. At that moment I realized that even if I was at a funeral, I could write a great song about that. If I got attacked by a bear (and lived), I could write a hit song about it. But the worst possible thing for a songwriter is definitely writers’ block. If you are able to write about everything you see and feel, it should be much easier to pull yourself out of a bad place. Songwriting can keep your confidence up, and sometimes keep you afloat!
