Bones

Bones are what hold us together. Bones are also the core of good rock & roll music.

Every kind of writing, art, and music has its bones, the core structure that keeps it from falling apart. Bones might include a primitive beat, a sketch, a pentatonic scale, or a simple sentence. They’re simply the basic building blocks needed to make something.

Don’t mistake formula for bones.

I’ve been known to rail against formulaic art and writing. Rail I will. Bones and formula are two distinct things. Bones are the basics, the building blocks, the primitive qualities to any type of work. Formulas are preset rules and templates in which we can organize the bones. Formula gives way to mediocracy.

This website is based on formula. Most popular music is based on formula. Sometimes, we need to adhere to formula to make our work make sense. I might argue that the most admirable goal of the true artist is to do away with formula as much as possible and get back to the bones of it all. – dse

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Author: Dan Steven Erickson

Dan Steven Erickson is a great undiscovered American songwriter.