Calgary Songwriter.com

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PAUL BEZOOYEN

"Since my early teens, music and song writing have been essential in my personal life. Songwriting was an avenue for self expression and I could get lost for hours in the process of crafting a song. This hobby was always overshadowed by the financial security of the "Day Job". For many years the very thing that satisfied me most was relegated to my "spare time". It was at Songwriter’s Mic Contest in 2004 organized by Calgary Songwriter.com that I had an epiphany of sorts. I was impressed and inspired by some of the performers. They helped me realized that in order to excel in the craft of writing and performing it requires full time commitment and dedication. So, slowly but surely I took steps to change course. This new course has produced 2 CD's, a move to Vancouver Island where there is a vibrant songwriting community, and a flood of exciting new projects. Although there is so much to learn about the business, I'm realizing that the most important element is still the spirit of the music."

*Tell us a story behind one of your songs*

"High Flying High" came from one of those "Ah Ha" moments in life where you look back and realize something important about who you were and how you've changed. This song reflects on how self absorbed I was as a teenager, oblivious to the lives of people around me. As I got older it was interesting to observe this in other teens and young adults and so, the song was written to acknowledge this phase of our lives, but that it warns of the importance of growing beyond that self centered way of being.

*What do you listen to when you are at home?*

Bruce Cockburn, Joni Mitchel, Keb Mo, Michael Waters, Windham Hill samplers, Molly Johnson, Loreena McKennet, Jesse Cook...

*Who or what has influenced your writing significantly?*

When I was first learning guitar in the early '70s, a friend introduced me to Bruce Cockburn's music. There was something there that connected with the core of me. You can't explain it but all of us who have listened to music that really moves us knows what I mean. Since then, many other artists have reinforced the notion that the power of music and lyrics is in how it moves us emotionally. It can draw out tears of joy or sorrow, make us dance, inspire us to action or simply just make us feel good.

*What highlight in your songwriting/performing could you share with us*

The highlight of songwriting for me is the moment you share a new song with your musical collaborators. That's where the magic really happens. Just seeing where other people will take the song is fantastic.

*What have you learned that you could pass on about songwriting/performing experience?
Two things: First, find the balance between isolation and exposure to what others are doing. Although we can find inspiration and growth by being exposed to all sorts of amazing work, you still need to avoid becoming a clone. Everyone will need to find their own way to do this. for me, it has been helpful to form a philosophy and system of beliefs about the process of writing. For me, it involves being as open and empty as possible and then listening to where the musical and lyrical ideas lead. Starting with a preconceived idea or theme may work but you'll find yourself forcing things to fit.
The second thing is to practice, practice practice... and play the stuff that pushes you beyond your comfort zone. There are many great songwriters but they've gotten stuck in 2 or 3 predictable rhythms and song structures. For example : look at all the different incarnations of Joni Mitchel.

*Any tips or advice you could give to songwriters?*

Don't define who you are by the success or failure of a music "career". Go to MySpace and CBC Radio 3 and look at the thousands of songwriters who are wanting attention. We can't buy into the mainstream media's definition of great music and great performers. All that is the commercial side of music. At the end of the day, it can't be about the performer. It has to be about the song. Today, long after Bethooven and John Lennon have left us, their music is being played in symphony halls and living rooms all over the world. Why ? because the music moves us regardless of who is playing it.

*What plans or goals do you have for the next year?*

Confession: I'm a really crappy performer so this year I've got to push myself to get out of the studio and play. I'll be busking every chance I get and playing at open stages as often as possible. I'm also working on the new CD "Travellers" to be released later this year. Another instrumental CD is also in the works.

*Where can we buy your CD?*

My CD's are freely available to everyone who wants them. Visit my website for details. Just e-mail a request and I'll send them out. This approach stems from a belief that music is an essential part of our community. Music's roots lie in community and I don't want my music to become another commodity "for sale". I simply want to share my music. I like the concept of "Busking" because it allows people to leave donations as a way of saying "Thanks - I want to support what you are doing ".

Email: info@calgarysongwriter.com

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