Edie Brickell, a Texas-rooted musician known for co-writing hit 'What I Am,' joins her Heavy MakeUp collaborators CJ Camerieri and Trever Hagen. They discuss their improvisational creative process, revealing how over 100 song ideas transformed into their new album, 'Here It Comes.' The trio emphasizes the joy found in spontaneous jams and the balance of structured forms with creative freedom. They also explore the fusion of electronic sounds with warm vocals and reminisce about their musical roots, highlighting the emotional connection that drives their artistry.
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Quick takeaways
The collaborative improvisational process among Edie Brickell, CJ Camerieri, and Trever Hagen resulted in over 100 spontaneous song ideas in just 13 days.
The use of electronic instruments balanced with Edie's warm vocals created a rich audio experience, merging technology with organic sound.
Edie Brickell's ability to improvise lyrics and develop character-driven narratives added depth and emotional resonance to their songs.
Deep dives
Improvisation as a Songwriting Technique
The collaborative process of creating music involved three artists working together in an improvisational setting. They began by setting up their instruments and spontaneously jamming, leading to the creation of over 100 song ideas in just 13 days. This collaborative approach allowed them to explore different musical ideas without the confines of planned structures, resulting in a collection of songs that naturally evolved. By focusing on song form during their improvisation, they created a unique blend of structured yet innovative music that maintained an organic feel.
The Role of Electronic Instruments
The use of electronic instruments played a significant role in shaping the sound of their album while preserving a warm quality through Edie's vocals. The musicians highlighted the importance of blending different textures, using electronic sounds as a melodic foundation rather than cold, lifeless beats. This approach allowed the voice to remain front and center, creating a contrast between the technological elements and the warmth of human emotion. By running some sounds through old equipment, they further blended the electronic with the organic, resulting in a richer audio experience.
The Freedom of Improvised Lyrics
Edie Brickell embraced the freedom of improvising lyrics during the recording sessions, drawing upon her instinctual ability to create melodies on the spot. She recounted how the natural flow of inspiration allowed for on-the-fly storytelling, which opened a space for unexpected creativity. This process encouraged vulnerability, as she felt safe expressing herself without the constraints of pre-written lyrics, often producing profound moments that resonated within the collaborative dynamic. The spontaneity added an authentic layer to the music that could not be replicated through traditional songwriting methods.
The Impact of Trust in Collaboration
Mutual trust among the musicians was essential for fostering an effective creative environment. Each artist relied on the others' instincts and musicality to build upon their ideas, creating a space where everyone felt valued and inspired. Edie's trust in her collaborators allowed her to fully engage with the improvisational process, leading to spontaneous moments of brilliance. This collective confidence in one another's abilities solidified their collaborative dynamic and ultimately shaped the album's success.
Character Development in Songwriting
Character development emerged as a pivotal aspect of the songwriting process, with Edie Brickell utilizing her improv skills to create relatable narratives. While singing, she effortlessly established characters that went beyond her personal experiences, inviting listeners into vivid stories. This approach gave the songs depth and made them resonate on different emotional levels, showcasing her ability to craft engaging narratives without premeditated structure. The combination of spontaneous lyricism and character-driven storytelling gave the album a unique and compelling essence.
True to her Texas roots, Edie Brickell can seemingly find a song anywhere—including out of thin air. Here It Comes is the new album from Edie and her collaborators, CJ Camerieri and Trever Hagen who are known as Heavy MakeUp.
Heavy MakeUp is, of course, only the latest musical iteration for Edie who’s found herself ever evolving over her career. From her first hit with the New Bohemians, co-writing their massive 1988 single “What I Am,” she’s never stopped looking for songs. She even spent the better part of a decade writing and performing with Steve Martin on their very own musical—Bright Star—that ran on Broadway in 2016.
On today’s episode, Bruce Headlam talks with Edie, CJ and Trever about the origins of Heavy MakeUp and the recording of their new album. We'll also hear a short performance demonstrating the unique improvisational nature of their work.
You can hear a playlist of some of our favorite Heavy MakeUp & Edie Brickell songs HERE.