OT - is songwriting easier for the young ?

[classicstyxfan]

Just an observation, why is it that new music from many of the heroes of the classic rock era such a sloooooooooooooooooooooooooow process ? many of the artists of this genre were cranking out new albums/CD's on an annual basis, sometimes even faster then that, and it was someof the best music of a generation.

In another thread, I read Chicago is releasing their 1st CD of original new material in 15 years.........

1 CD of new material from Styx in the 21st century

and Dennis ? 4 new songs...counting the Xmas one.

Pink Floyd did 2 CD's after 1982

and I could go on.

Is songwriting creativity available in finite/limited amounts ?
Do rock and rollers get fat and happy, thus stifling their creativity ?
do they lose the drive needed ?

Just curious what others think on this topic.

[sadie65]

Just an observation, why is it that new music from many of the heroes of the classic rock era such a sloooooooooooooooooooooooooow process ? many of the artists of this genre were cranking out new albums/CD's on an annual basis, sometimes even faster then that, and it was someof the best music of a generation.

Perhaps it has something to do with where they are in their lives now. Back in their respective heydays...much was still new...they had people and fans clamoring to hear what they had to say...musically speaking...they had not yet necessarily found the world to be less or more than what they hoped for.

1 CD of new material from Styx in the 21st century

I would think that just as we all do as we age, they perhaps are not as "needy" to prove themselves. There is probably some level of comfort in being able to look back at your professional success which may make you less inclined to push an envelope. A been there, done that kind of mentality. I'd think much of the writing they do now...is for themselves. Just my opinion.

and Dennis ? 4 new songs...counting the Xmas one.

Actually...it's 5...but who's counting

Is songwriting creativity available in finite/limited amounts ?
Do rock and rollers get fat and happy, thus stifling their creativity ?
do they lose the drive needed ?

I also think they find themselves believeing that they must limit themselves to what their fans mandated they liked from them. Which would probably stifle a little their creative process. I don't think it's necessarily a fat, dumb, and happy kind of thing so much as acceptance that the time for them to be heard with new material is over...so there is less push to do it. I still think they write it...but much of it will never get heard.

Just my .02

Just curious what others think on this topic.

[styxfanNH]

I would also add that recording contracts and the promotional support probably has something to do with it.

We all know that right now, and I suppose always, that the record company's push today's music, rather than that of older groups with few exceptions (U2 being one) so the ability to get a groups music out is a bit harder.

You also have to remember that albums of the 70's and 80's were about 25 minute or less. Today we consider an album under 50 minutes a lack of creativity, when in reality it is almost a double album of years ago.

[bugsymalone]

Sadie, NH and you, too, Classic have pretty well answered the original questions you posed, Classic.

I DO think your creative juices slow down a bit as you age. It is natural. Mind you, I don't think they dry up, just take a different course in the work that is ultimately produced.

There are writers, poets and songwriters who have produced original and compelling work late in their lives.

I do think the market for "new" music from "old" performers is in much less demand. So most do not have an outlet for their new material even if they have reams of it in a vault at home.

Note, hugely popular singer Barry Manilow has a number one album of....not new stuff. REALLY old stuff, from the 50's. I would guess an album of new material from him would not have even cracked the top 100.

Current Styx fans and Dennis fans would snap up new recorded material, I am certain, but a broader public acceptance likely would not be there.

My .02.

Bugsy