Christopher Castle- INTERVIEW

Email Christopher at: cc060369@aol.com

IB: How do you approach songwriting and What influences you? Do you have a visual image in your mind as the song is composed, or does that come afterwards as a result of the song?

I find that nearly anything can inspire a song. Sometimes it is sparked off by a visual image and other times it's a phrase from a television programme that hits a truth about life. Generally I fit a story round the image or sometimes the story comes as a result of that image.
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IB: What's your philosophy on music today?

I'm open minded about music and I believe whatever genre you're from, if you incorporate feelings and passion into your music then it's generally appreciated. People are starting to appreciate vocalists a lot more these days. Perhaps as a backlash against the manufactured pop stars where the lyrics hooked the person to buy the music.
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IB: Tell us about you, when did you begin writing songs ?

I've always been a writer. I've struggled with various different genres. But when I was out of work I took some time to scribble down what I thought was heart felt poetry. As a result I submitted the lyrics to a website and somebody was interested. Sadly, the song never got produced because the person retired to fish by the sea. But it gave me hope.
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IB: What's your long-term goals?

I'd like to write a hit record. I'm toying with the idea of taking singing lessons and performing. But I'd prefer to stay in the folk song arena, cause becoming a popstar seems to a attract an awful lot of unwanted attention.
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IB: How did you get into music/songwriting?

I think I've answered this question above. It was sort of by accident. But people I've written lyrics for, are already familiar with the business and have taught me various traits in the business.
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IB: What other artists/songwriters do you admire? And inspired you the most early on?

I admire the drive of Madonna. But more recently I've loved the reflectiveness of Aimee Mann.
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IB: What do you want out of life?

A comfortable lifestyle doing a job I love. Creative control over my work. I'd like to touch people with my work.
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IB: What is the most important lesson you think you have learned so far?

How much previous singers and entertainers have affected the current industry. There are various formulas followed in songwriting and these have been dictated by what's gone before and what's been successful.
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In a warm happy place. (...could be title of my next song).
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IB: How many of your songs are 'instant' songs and how many are channelled?

Generally the ideas are instant and then the words come together. For example, I looked out of my window and saw a high rise building. I thought what would I do if I saw somebody about to jump. Hence, 'I'm afraid he'll jump' , was born.
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IB: Is There antyhing else you would like to add?

Thanks for the chance to give you some insights into my work. It's made me feel more credible in my trade. If I make a hit record I'll buy you all a pint.

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INDIEBYTE'S FEATURED INTERVIEW WITH CHRISTOPHER!

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