There is a lot to be said for co-writing -- which is the de-facto standard for country music today. While I haven't officially co-written with anyone, I have gotten my songs or lyrics in front of people who had suggestions on different wording, arrangement, etc. Without a doubt, two (or more) heads are better than one.
On the other hand, I have read an interview with a Nashville studio owner who has the opinion that the co-writing ecosystem, for all it's benefits to artists and writers, has also had the unintended consequence of watering down individuality and creativity. It has leached out the distinctives of particular writers' styles and made for a cookie cutter approach to cranking out hits. I guess you might say it is the old art vs money issue revisited in yet another form or fashion.
Add to that an interview on GAC with Miranda Lambert. It was obvious -- and she so stated -- that the songs she was proudest of were the ones that were solo writes. They were truly "hers".
On the other hand, I have read an interview with a Nashville studio owner who has the opinion that the co-writing ecosystem, for all it's benefits to artists and writers, has also had the unintended consequence of watering down individuality and creativity. It has leached out the distinctives of particular writers' styles and made for a cookie cutter approach to cranking out hits. I guess you might say it is the old art vs money issue revisited in yet another form or fashion.
Add to that an interview on GAC with Miranda Lambert. It was obvious -- and she so stated -- that the songs she was proudest of were the ones that were solo writes. They were truly "hers".
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