Many people believe that music transcends words. What is sometimes overlooked, however, is the reverse, i.e. how lyrics can make a song sparkle in a way that a simple melody cannot. In the case of singer-songwriter Brock Zeman this is definitely the case.
During a concert a few weeks ago in Wakefield, QC I had the pleasure of seeing Zeman open for Lindsay Ferguson. (His next show is this coming Saturday, June 13 at the House of Targ).
Listening to his impressive songs – and there were many – I felt like I was “reading” a wonderful collection of short stories with my ears. (Click here for a sample of his work). The narrative flow of his lyrics captivated me, while his guitar playing was first rate.
Now, my companion at the show did not share my view. While praising Zeman’s stellar musicianship – a feeling that I second – she argued that the intricate stories behind many of his songs undermined the beautiful and catchy melodies. I respectfully disagreed.
This discussion on Zeman’s music, however, got me thinking about how he creates his songs. So in an email interview, I asked him how decides when to use complex narratives in his lyrics, and when to use a more traditional melody/chorus approach.
“I try to stay away from traditional whenever possible,” replies Zeman, who was born in Carleton Place but now lives in Lanark, about an hour southwest of Ottawa. “You can drink that well dry. For the last few years my kick has been getting out of my comfort zone and really striving to make something different and new.”
Having fallen in love with his song writing – I have been listening to a couple of his albums regularly over the past few weeks – I would agree that Zeman’s work is original. His tunes are not your standard musical fare, but rather intriguing audio stories with a rich narrative flow.
“The narrative style comes from a need to slap the listener in the face with a story or a point of view. The words are the most important part of what I do,” says Zeman, who has released 11 albums to date.
“They don’t come from a need to be famous or celebrated. They come from a simple need to create. . . . I always know I’m doing a good job when someone comes up to me after a show and says ‘I can see what you’re singing.’ That’s the connection I’m after.”
Zeman tells me that he is planning on putting out album number 12 as a concept record about a carnival. In my mind’s eye I can already imagine a musical work filled with great stories about jugglers, clowns, lion tamers and trapeze artists.
In the meantime, I look forward to his show this coming weekend.
Brock Zeman plays the House of Targ on Saturday, June 13. Doors open at 9 pm, while showtime is 10 pm. Cover is $5 before 10 pm and $7 afterwards. Regular collaborators Blair Hogan (guitar) and Dylan Roberts (drums) will be joining Zeman.
