Sodajerker On Songwriting Episode 2 - Todd Rundgren
Nov 25, 2011
Join Todd Rundgren, the iconic singer-songwriter and producer, as he shares insights from his extensive career. He talks about how necessity sparked his songwriting with Nazz, revealing the story behind his hit 'Hello, It's Me.' Todd describes his influences, from Laura Nyro to the Beatles, and how he quickly wrote 'I Saw the Light.' He also discusses his creative process, including the importance of harmonies in 'Can We Still Be Friends.' Plus, get his take on modern songwriting and the joy of working on theatrical projects.
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Songwriting Began From Necessity
- Todd says writing was a necessity after forming his band the Nazz, not an innate ability.
- He wrote "Hello, It's Me" as his very first song and it stood out against the band's usual style.
Harmonic Crushes Shaped His Ballads
- Todd credits a musical crush and influences like Burt Bacharach and the Beach Boys for shaping his lush ballad style.
- He used harmonic tricks and thick vocal harmonies to evolve the Nazz sound into his solo work.
A 20-Minute Song Sparked Reinvention
- Todd recalls finishing "I Saw the Light" in about 20 minutes and realizing he'd found a songwriting formula.
- That quick finish prompted him to rethink formulaic writing and led to more experimental structures on A Wizard, a True Star.