Hi David,

A couple of things come to mind. Of course vocalist like any other craftsperson can get lazy about their work but I think in many cases they just don't know any better.

The deeper I get into songwriting the more I understand how truly complex it is. I would guess some really memorable songs came about by accident but the vast majority were well thought out. That could mean considerable experimentation or a high degree of technical skill as a songwriter.

It is a little difficult to have a conversation about these issues in writing. It would be much less trouble if we were setting side by side in front of the piano or guitars.

At some level the choice of what notes to sing becomes personal preference and as this is art and as such should not have to many boundaries. People play minor seconds now days. That is a pretty irritating sound to me but others like it. There is no accounting for such likes and dislikes.

It is obvious that any note chromatically can be played/sung. This is not about being right or wrong but if the vocalist sustains a C# over a C major chord it will sound discordant as hell.

Melody can function melodically, rhythmically, and harmonically all at the same time. Getting all that well done takes a lot of skill and plane old hard work.

I think your comment about developing the melody first is a good idea.

I will be ever so glad when this pandemic is over as I am truly tired of working musically alone.

Billy

“Amazing! I’ll be working with Jaco Pastorius, Charlie Parker, Art Tatum, and Buddy Rich, and you’re telling me it’s not that great of a gig?
“Well…” Saint Peter, hesitated, “God’s got this girlfriend who thinks she can sing…”