Elvis Costello discusses the writing of his new album and reflects on collaborations with music legends. He shares stories behind hit songs like 'Oliver's Army' and 'Everyday I Write The Book'. The podcast explores the evolution of music industry, creating characters in songwriting, and depth of emotional music arrangements.
Elvis Costello's album 'Look Now' showcases his diverse musical styles and collaborative songwriting approach.
Costello emphasizes the importance of collaboration with his band and other musicians in crafting song arrangements.
Costello's songwriting process involves writing from varied perspectives, leaving room for interpretation, and incorporating chance elements.
Deep dives
Elvis Costello's Influential Career and Collaborations
Elvis Costello, a Grammy-winning and highly respected songwriter, has had a rich and diverse career in modern music. From his start in the New Wave era of the late 70s, he has explored various genres and collaborated with a wide range of acclaimed artists. His 30th studio album, 'Look Now', released in 2018, is a testament to his longevity and success in the music industry.
The Process of Creating 'Look Now'
Elvis Costello discusses the creative process behind his album 'Look Now'. He explains that the album allowed him to explore a range of sounds and instrumentation, drawing inspiration from classic pop music and using different musical styles to convey emotions and stories. Costello emphasizes the importance of collaboration with his band, The Imposters, and other musicians in crafting the arrangements and capturing the desired mood for each song on the album.
Reflections on Songwriting and Song Form
Elvis Costello reflects on his approach to songwriting and the significance of song form. He mentions the influence of his collaborations with songwriters like Carole King and Burt Bacharach on his own songwriting style. Costello also discusses how the form of a song can shape the emotional impact and narrative, citing examples like his song 'Shipbuilding' and the way it differs from more traditional song structures. He expresses an appreciation for the organic process of writing songs and the ability to create music that resonates with listeners.
Collaboration with Burt Bacharach
Elvis Costello talks about his collaboration with Burt Bacharach, starting with writing a song for an imaginary girl group and eventually working on the album 'Painted from Memory'. He discusses the unexpected opportunity to work with Bacharach and the influence of his pre-rock and roll songwriting background.
Writing Process and Song Meanings
Elvis Costello dives into his songwriting process, highlighting how he often writes from the perspective of fictional characters and alternates between male and female viewpoints within a song. He delves into the meaning behind specific songs, such as 'Underline' and 'All of Our Army', emphasizing the importance of leaving room for interpretation and allowing listeners to derive their own conclusions. He also discusses the influence of his collaborations with Alan Toussaint and the value of incorporating chance elements in songwriting.
The great Elvis Costello sits down with Simon and Brian in Liverpool for an in-depth conversation about the writing of his fantastic new album Look Now including modern classics like 'Under Lime', 'Burnt Sugar Is So Bitter' and 'Stripping Paper'. During the chat, Elvis also reflects on his collaborations with Carole King, Paul McCartney, Burt Bacharach and Allen Toussaint, and shares the stories behind songs like 'Oliver's Army', 'Shipbuilding', 'Everyday I Write The Book' and 'God Give Me Strength'.
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