Creative Crossroads with Lacie Carpenter and Birdie Morgan
As a songwriter, I have small goals that I set for myself that I rarely admit except to myself and husband. I am giving you a little secret as my faithful readership! One goal I have for myself is to learn how to play the fiddle. To some you might call it a violin, but if you come around small towns in Tennessee, it is a fiddle! There is something about the way those strings sing out that hits a chord in my soul and gives my goosebumps on my arms. Lacie Carpenter is one of the best violinists I have had the pleasure of performing with. That and her friendly personality make her a person you want to get to know while simultaneously feeling like you have known your whole life.
The opportunity to interview her is such an hour, and I decided to go back to the origin story of Lacie, the songwriter, and I am glad I did. "I saw Burt Bacharach when I was 9 years old. My mom always thought music, the arts in general, were vital in one's life. When I saw him-I yelled out, "I'm gonna be you when I grow up." Many years later, I had the beautiful opportunity to interview him for a book I co-wrote, "Profile of a Hit Songwriter." Burt remembered that little girl yelling those words out. I thought he was lying but no. He remembers the city, the place he stayed, how they messed up his breakfast order, etc. Such an incredible source of inspiration."
How ironic that the I asked Lacie to participate in this article because she inspired me, and the first question I ask her about her songwriting beginnings involves her inspiring her own inspiration. That's the beauty of artistry! You do what makes your soul sing and what is authentic to the gifts God provides, and you will touch others at any age. Where does inspiration come from for Lacie and her songwriting? "I truly believe that I'm just a vessel. Sometimes I'm inspired by a phrase, a dream, a person but mainly, my ideas come out of the blue. I love writing story songs that hold lots of emotion."
For me, I have my own writing playlist of songs that put me into the writing vibe. What artist influence Lacie Carpenter? "I have so many inspirations. Besides Burt Bacharach, I'd have to name a few-Travis Meadows, Carole King, Darrell Scott, Patty Griffin, and Chuck Cannon. I've learned the art of story building and melody making through their genius."
If you have heard Lacie out and about around town and are interested in learning her songwriting tips, look no further. Here are three tips and tricks according to the one and only Lacie Carpenter.
What comes first for you: The Lyric, The Melody, The Title, or The Feeling. "Typically, it's a feeling that leads to a lyric. More so than not, a basic melody comes with the lyric."
Do you have any songwriting rituals or habits that help you to create? "I try to write every day. It might be one sentence or part of a song, or just an idea. It doesn't matter if it's bad or good. It's writing. Those ideas can turn into something brilliant."
What's one practical songwriting exercise that anyone can try this week? "Write something every day. Write about water. What can it do? Think about everything water is and can be. Then go with the other elements. Give yourself 5 minutes. You can list, write a story, write how that element works in your life, etc."
Some songwriters do it for the infamous earworm that never goes away, but if you haven't caught on by now, Lacie Carpenter is more about how to inspire and impact the souls of others. When I asked her if there was a lyric that she wrote that sill gives her chills, she said, "If HE can make a blind man see, HE can make fine china outta me. Until then, I'll rely on grace to hold-this Paper Plate." From the song " Paper Plate" which I'll be releasing soon!" The title alone shows so much of Lacie's personality. When I asked her if she had ever written something that inspired herself or even shocked herself, she replied, "There Will Come a Day" cut by Billy Gaines. It was #1 for four weeks on the Euro and World Indie Charts a couple of years ago. I woke up at 4:30am with these lyrics flowing out of me. I had to google to see if someone else wrote it and I was just dreaming that I created something so beautiful. I sent it to my mom and friends to see if they had heard something similar or read a poem/lyrics that came close to what I had written. Again, I truly believe I'm just a vessel and those lyrics came from a source way beyond me. I say they came from God, but that's my opinion."
What's up next for Lacie Carpenter? "Party in the Cornfield" comes out July 10! I will have a few other songs coming out this year and next year as well. I am also a multi-instrumentalist. I've been nominated for violinist/fiddler of the year and best actress in a music video for the Josie Music Awards. I tour with The Wizards of Winter every year as their electric violinist/harmony vocalist. Starting to go on mini-tours focusing on my own personal music again starting in August of this year. I also perform with Scott Southworth and Honk Tonk Anonymous, and Cindy Alter and The Sirens. Instagram: @lacie_carpenter_music Facebook: Lacie Carpenter"
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