St Kilda – Song and a Chat

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Episode #108: St Kilda (Song starts at 7:42)

The Autumn weather has turned a little wintery here in Melbourne. I played 6 gigs in 7 days last week, which was pretty major after no gigs in 2 years, with the Covid lockdowns going on.

The last 2 gigs I played were over the weekend and that was when the wintery breeze got up. These were outdoor gigs, so it was a bit nippy in the outdoor seated area.

It reminded me of the time I was in St Kilda years ago, sitting in a bar after doing an acting and singing class. It was a cold, late Autumn rainy evening.

What did I do? Jumped on the tram & headed home. As the the tram rocked away in the night, I put pen to paper and wrote down the lyrics to the song featured on this episode.

There has never been a time where I have regretted having a go at writing some lyrics. Or poetry. Or music. Or painted a seascape or drawing a cartoon. I do a fair bit of that as well…you can check out my seascapes and cartoons here: www.petepascoe.com

I often start by writing down what is around me. So I observed the scene and made some mental notes…

Us songwriters are constantly aware of our surroundings. My life is my art. It’s a big commitment, I can tell you that.

Looking back, it’s turned out to be great way to archive experiences I’ve had, in a way where the memories are accessible for others to appreciate.

I do think being alive on planet earth is an amazing opportunity. Each day is a gift.

Sure I have my ups and downs – we all do, but being so far down the artists path, I’ve noticed that all the music and art helps me…. while I create it, I’m completely in the moment.

I don’t have time for all the little worries and concerns that can creep up on you over time when I’m doing art or music.

So for a good chunk of my woken hours, as I’m fully engaged in the arts, I’m in the moment.

And that’s where you need to be as a songwriter.

Just creating. Not judging – but definitely keeping an eye on what is coming through, editing as you go.

There’s are some funny anecdotes again this week – including the short time in my life when I became a thespian. I scored the lead in JC Superstar, back in the day…

Ok, join me me now in St Kilda, Melbourne.

As I sit at my piano and chat, I’ll tell you a few stories and along the way I’ll show you how the song came together.

The version of St Kilda on this episode was recorded by Pete Pascoe and The Patient Hum. It’s on the album ‘This World Offers You’. You can check it out on www.petepascoe.bandcamp.com

Enjoy.