My name is Rosalind Winton and I’m a poet and song lyricist. I’ve been writing all my life. In November 2023, my dream of writing lyrics for an album came true. It’s called ANOTHER DIRECTION. It took three years to complete and was a colossal task, but finally releasing it was an amazing feeling.
I get asked a lot. “What comes first, the lyric, or the music?” My very short answer is “both”.
For the album, five of the twelve songs were ideas and melodies that my collaborator, A.J. Clarke gave me. I then wrote lyrics appropriate to the titles he gave me and fit them in to his melodies. Another six were lyrics I already had that A.J. put music to. One of them we wrote together at the same time.
Some of the music and all the vocals were recorded in A.J.s home studio. Some of it was recorded in a cabin on a ship, because A.J. works as an entertainer on the cruise ships and was away for months on end.
I have produced my own songs and I love being in the recording studio. Watching and listening to talented vocalists and musicians record my songs is always an incredible experience. Sharing that with collaborators makes it even more special.
Writing lyrics and poetry is much like writing anything else. I always say creating anything is 10% inspiration, 90% rewrites. That is certainly true with the album. Sometimes it took days, sometimes weeks and pages and pages of notes to get just one line right.
By the same token A.J. had trouble with some of the music for the songs.
One of the songs was almost going to be taken off the album, because it was the most difficult for A.J. to get right. He persevered and did it in the end. Ironically, it happens to be the song that sounds the simplest on the album.
Writing my poetry and lyrics is a passion.
I love listening to music. The music from the 70s and early 80s was incredible. I listened to the radio all the time and played an eclectic collection of records. Everything from Tom Jones, Motown, disco and everything in between.
I discovered Barry Manilow in the early 80s and listening to his songs made me realize that was how I wanted to write my lyrics. They had to tell a story, they had to mean something. I still adhere to that now and every song on the album does that.
The power of creativity never ceases to amaze me, but you don't have to be an accomplished writer/author/poet to write.
Remember:
- Believe in yourself. Think of all the reasons why you should be doing what you love to do.
- Be grateful for every triumph, take that gratitude, take action and turn your mind to the positive. Talk about what you love to anyone who will listen and talk about it with enthusiasm and passion.
- It doesn't matter if people are being negative towards you, because it's not about what they think, it's about what YOU think. Doing what YOU love is what makes you unique. Take that leap of faith and go for it.
- If you come to an obstacle, think nothing of it. Obstacles are meant to be got around, not over and they are there to show you that perseverance, determination and knowing without any doubt that you can do it, is worth all the hard work. .
So, no matter what happens, take chances. They may be scary, but you have to try. Be aware of every opportunity that taps you on the shoulder, grab them and hold onto them as tightly as you can.
Follow your heart, follow your dream, it’s never too late, and no matter what happens... never, ever give up.
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ANOTHER DIRECTION
Music and vocals A.J. Clarke
Lyrics Rosalind Winton
Available as a digital download and physical CD. If you buy the CD you get an immediate free download.
There are snippets of the songs on the website for you to listen to.
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Thank you for sharing your experiences with us :)
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