Pungsnotded

(Ash and Erik, circa 1994)

Song Writing

This summer, KL had a great idea that we should write a song about our friend Erik. He passed away very suddenly a few years back. Erik was a huge part of our lives for many years, the wildest being our college years. He had so many great one liners, and a big personality so it seemed like the song would write itself. I mean, most days, this blog writes itself, so it should have been easier. Maybe not easier, maybe just quicker.

The most important part of song writing is sunglasses. You must wear them. Songwriting is a deeply emotional event, and you do not want people to know what you are really thinking. Allegories? Metaphors? Fuck that. Sunglasses.

The next important step in song writing is inspiration. Inspiration is easy. You just stick a Motley Crue mirror in your armpit. You can either time travel and win one at the county fair or you can get one on ebay. Your choice.

The last step in song writing is to know someone who knows how to play guitar. Someone needs to know what is happening. And know what chords are. And know when to yell, “one two three four one two three”. A husband works well in this instance.

Another option for song writing is a very serious business manager. I am not sure what all that entails, but we had Sarah. She proved a most worthy candidate. And she has a laptop computer. And dreadlocks. I think that more than qualifies her for the position.

We have paper and beer. We are ready. NO WE ARE NOT! KL, PUT YOUR SUNGLASSES ON!

Ah. Yes. Much better.

The songwriting situation got very serious very quickly. Phone calls were made, tweets were twittered and paper was flying.

We wrote the song, but my handwriting and codes were to hard for anyone to read so I had to type it. This is where your business manager comes in. Make sure you have one, so that they can dictate to you while you type. And get you cold beers from the fridge. Yay Sarah!

Sometimes tempers flared.

And flared. Artistic differences. Sometimes people were rushing my typing job. Typing is underappreciated and hard work.

Sometimes typing gives you a headache. You must persevere.

When you are done, you can rest your head on your beer and relax. Job well done! Maybe next summer we can write the music.

Here are some pictures of our inspiration, Erik. RIP, buddy, wish we were all still drinking 40′s in Carbondale, bar hopping up and down the strip!