Songwriters’ Secrets With Tim Chaisson

1.The First Song I Wrote

The fiddle was my first instrument and a bit awkward to write on, but I do remember actually doing it when I was about 11. I certainly had a crush at the time that most of my songs were directed at, but none of them really stuck. Now that I think of it, I also don’t really remember the melody. Must’ve been a hit!

2.The Last Song I Released

I just released a brand new album Lost In Light on ABC/Universal in Australia a few weeks ago. ’Tis the reason I’m here touring your beautiful country. The first single is called ‘Crushed’ – I never thought I’d write a song called ‘Crushed’ but it just couldn’t be anything else. It was produced by Bill Reynolds of Band Of Horses – I’m pretty pumped about it, not gonna lie.

3.Songwriting Secrets

My songwriting continues to develop as I get older and learn more about life, struggle, love, how bizarre the world is, et cetera. I do a lot of co-writing these days – writing with people you respect and trust is key. Sometimes what I think is not a good idea can turn into a great song. A little wine never hurt either.

4.The Song That MakesMe Proud

A song on my last record that seemed to get the most profile was ‘The Healing’. It’s a sad one but it came from an honest place and seemed to hit home with a lot of people. It wasn’t released as a single (nor was it ever written to be) but I’ve gotten a flurry of messages from people who really absorbed it – it affected them enough to send me a note, I guess!

5.The Song That Changed My Life

‘Fire And Rain’ by James Taylor. I remember him being on Oprah (I had one channel growing up and it was on every day when I got home from school) and he sang it… For some reason I remember loving it, not even knowing the meaning behind the song. To this day, Sweet Baby James is still one of my favourite records of all time – so many good songs.