Originally Posted by Bill Robinson
I'm not sure I understand the attitude that if I don't know a particular song it makes me less of a writer or less informed about music.
Personally I don't listen to Pop or Rock or whatever it happens to be called in a particular decade.
The Alanis song is a typical example. More than likely I have heard the song but didn't really listen because that genre of music holds no appeal to me. I don't listen to it because I don't like it. Why would I listen?
I don't want to write it either.
I like oldies rock and roll and Country. That's what I listen to.


Sorry for coming in so late to this thread, but I saw this and I had to comment.

If you're having trouble writing the "new" country style, then I say write what you listen to and enjoy! There is still a market for some more traditional music, or at least modern music that sounds classic.

A lot of people haven't heard of them, but two of my favorite artists, Jens Lekman from Sweden and Findlay Brown from the UK, both create and perform songs that sound like they are from long ago. Sweeping strings, echoed vocals, harmonies.... And both of them have quite a following in their respective countries. I hear that Jens is pretty popular in Sweden with his style of music. And Findlay's music sounds like it could have sat very nicely on classic radio in the 60s next to Frank Sinatra.

Sondre Lerche from Norway is another example. He incorporates a lot of jazz and classic music influences in his music as well, and many of his songs sound classic even though they were written in the 2000s. And he is a major star in Norway!

What I'm saying is that you should write what you enjoy and like, because there WILL be people out there who will like it. If you're having trouble writing modern country, don't try to bang your head against a wall trying to write something you're having trouble with. Writing is supposed to be something enjoyable after all! smile

That's my two cents. smile