Words & Music Nick Tann

I normally write songs based on my own experiences or I just make it up!

My starting point with the majority of my compositions is the guitar, strumming or picking at random chords. From there I flesh the thing out, adding a choruses,  verses etc. When the musical side of the song is complete, THEN I start on the words. I start with a phrase then work on the “back story” ie what is this song about?

Once I have that then the rest just falls into place. It’s often this back story that gives me the most problems but once I have that then I’m pretty much 80% of the way there.

 

Here are a few examples

How Do You Sleep

A stripped down acoustic track telling the story of unrequited teenage passion. One of my greatest influences has been Elvis Costello and this song, above all others, illustrates this. That’s a fancy way of saying that the music may resemble one of my favourite songs of his….I may also have used a chunk of the actual tune for effect. It just fitted the mood…..your honour…

Recorded live at Livingston Studios as part of The Vinyl Project

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Don’t Make Me Wait

Not a love song, “McGurk” wouldn’t leave despite my pleading…

Recorded live at Livingston Studios as part of The Vinyl Project

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One Night Stand

The title tells the tail…

Recorded live at Livingston Studios as part of The Vinyl Project

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How Can It Be Wrong

This is a track I wrote a few years ago. It tells of Jules and Craig who had to meet after dark.

Recorded at home all instruments and vocals Nick Tann.

Words and music Nick Tann

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Life is a River

Written in conjunction with Paul Harris who was just entering a Buddhist monastery at the time. Paul came up with the first verse, I thought it to be sliughtly autobiographical so I carried on in the same vein Again recorded at home all parts played by me except the piano part played by my wife.

Words and music Nick Tann

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That Woman

Likened to a cross between Led Zeppelin track and a country classic. It’s just a dirty “Country” tune. You can work out what it’s about.

Recorded at home all instruments and vocals Nick Tann.

Words and music Nick Tann

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Dave

A tribute to a good friend Dave Miles. A list song in answer to one of Dave’s songs ” Travelsick Blues” Recorded at home all instruments and vocals Nick Tann.

Words and music Nick Tann

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People People was a band that I wrote and performed with. Below are a few of the tracks I wrote and arranged.

You Changed – Main vocal Gemma Carroll

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Jackie Who – Main Vocal Nick Tann

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